Poll Tax Definition and Importance

Community Charge / Poll Tax Definition and Importance The Community Charge (Poll Tax) was a new system of taxation introduced in Scotland in 1989 and England and Wales in 1990 by the then ruling Conservative government. The Community Charge replaced the Rates, a system of tax where a certain amount was charged by the local council depending on the rental value of a house - with a flat rate charge paid by every adult, earning the nickname Poll Tax as a result. The value of the charge was set by the local authority and was intended, as was the Rates, to fund each local council’s provision of the infrastructure and services needed by each community. Reaction to the Poll Tax The tax proved deeply unpopular: while students and the unemployed only had to pay a small percentage, large families using a relatively small house saw their charges go up considerably, and the tax was thus accused of saving the rich money and moving the expenses onto the poor. As the actual cost of the tax varied by council – they could set their own levels – some areas ended up charging a great deal more; councils were also accused of using the new tax to try and obtain more money by charging more; both caused further upset. There was a widespread outcry over the tax and opposition groups formed; some advocated a refusal to pay, and in some areas, large quantities of people didn’t. At one point the situation turned violent: a major march in London in 1990 turned into a riot, with 340 arrested and 45 policemen injured, the worst riots in London for over a century. There were other disturbances elsewhere in the country. Consequences of the Poll Tax Margaret Thatcher, the Prime Minister of the period, had personally identified herself with the Poll Tax and was determined it should remain. She was already far from a popular figure, having exhausted the bounce from the Falklands War, attacked trade unions and other aspects of Britain associated with the labour movement, and pushed on a transformation from a manufacturing society into one of service industry (and, if accusations are true, from community values to cold consumerism). The communitys disdain was directed at her and her government, undermining her position and giving not just other parties a chance to attack her, but her colleagues in her Conservative Party. In late 1990 she was challenged for the leadership of the party (and thus the nation) by Michael Heseltine; although she defeated him, she had not won enough votes to stop a second round and she resigned, fatally undermined by the tax. Her successor, John Major, became Prime Minister, withdrew the Community Charge and replaced it with a system similar to the Rates, once more based on a house’s value. He was able to win the next election. Over twenty-five years later, the Poll Tax is still a source of anger for many people in Britain, taking its place in the bile that makes Margaret Thatcher the most divisive Britain of the twentieth century. It has to be considered a massive mistake.

Gendered Pronouns and the Singular “They” - Proofread My Paper

Gendered Pronouns and the Singular â€Å"They† - Proofread My Paper Gendered Pronouns and the Singular â€Å"They† To refer to a man in the third person, we say â€Å"he.† To refer to a woman, we say â€Å"she.† But if we don’t want to specify the gender of someone in the third person, English comes up short. Our pronouns are increasingly inadequate. This is because there is no singular gender neutral pronoun. In academic writing, this can be problematic, so what should you do if you want to avoid using gendered pronouns in a paper? Why Are Gendered Pronouns a Problem? If we’re discussing a specific person whose gender is known, using â€Å"he† or â€Å"she† isn’t an issue. For example, if writing about Napoleon, it would be reasonable to discuss â€Å"his† funny hat. It is a very silly hat.(Photo: Thomas Quine/flickr) However, in academic writing we often refer to people in the abstract using non-gendered terms like â€Å"someone†. It’s difficult to know which pronouns to use with gender-neutral words like this, since both â€Å"he†/†his† and â€Å"she†/†her† imply a particular gender. Traditionally, academic writing has used â€Å"he† and â€Å"his† far more in these situations (this linguistic bias is even reflected in the U.S. Constitution, which states than â€Å"All men are created equal†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ). As such, it was common to see phrases like: When someone makes a decision, he weighs up various possibilities. But social changes mean that most people are now uncomfortable with excluding all non-males from academic discourse. So what are the alternatives? â€Å"He or She† One option is alternating between â€Å"he† and â€Å"she† in a document, or you can use â€Å"he or she†: When someone makes a decision, he or she weighs up various possibilities. However, this can make the phrasing of sentences seem awkward. Some style guides, such as APA style, also discourage alternating between â€Å"he† and â€Å"she.† The Impersonal â€Å"One† or â€Å"You† Another possibility is using the impersonal pronoun â€Å"one† in place of gendered pronouns: When one makes a decision, one weighs up various possibilities. This is fairly common in British English, but in the U.S. it sounds pretty old-fashioned, so the second person â€Å"you† is favored instead: When you make a decision, you weigh up various possibilities. But this can sound informal or too conversational, as if you’re addressing the reader directly. Rephrasing the Sentence If none of the above are suitable, it might be a good idea to rephrase the sentence in a way that avoids using a gendered pronoun. For example, we could write: When making a decision, it is necessary to weigh up various possibilities. This is often the best choice as long as it doesn’t lead to sentences becoming too complicated. The Singular â€Å"They† Finally, an increasingly popular option is using the gender-neutral second-person pronoun â€Å"they† to refer to a single person of unknown gender. This avoids gendered language: When someone makes a decision, they weigh up various possibilities. However, some consider this informal or ungrammatical, since it involves using a plural verb (â€Å"weigh†) in combination with a singular subject (â€Å"someone†). The key thing is therefore to check your style guide and pick what works best for you.

RELIGION IN PROMETHEUS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

RELIGION IN PROMETHEUS - Essay Example We are then prompted to ask, what is the connection between science and religion? The key to Prometheus is the spoiler alert. In its proposition, the engineers with their religion of self-sacrifice are said to have seeded life on earth and elsewhere. Inferring from the film, the crucifixion of Jesus about 2000 years ago is said to have prompted a civil war among the engineers. The theme of the war was founded on the meaning of the Cross Event as practised on earth. Ridley Scotts Prometheus has become the most debated film of the summer. It is beautiful and significant and presents human questions that appear the most primary of the time (Hey, 2008). However, whether the questions are asked well in the film and if the responses given out of that are satisfactory is debatable. One of the most controversial and intriguing thematic concern of the films is the involvement of an overt discussion of faith and science. The character of Dr Elizabeth is a scientist whose father was a missionary in the Catholic Church. The controversy arises in her character. The argument is pegged on the fact that she maintains her religious faith despite her argument for the evidence that an alien ancient species had used genetic engineering to create humanity in its image. Instead of questioning the concept of a supernatural creator, Elizabeth shifts her belief to the credence of an intergalactic God who made the creator species. The 1968 ‘Chariots of the Gods book by Erich Daniken promotes the pseudoscience ‘ancient astronaut theory (Juhant & ZÃŒÅ'alec, 2011). It is quite interesting to imagine how the scientific community would react to Scotts move to embrace this approach. However, it would be more interesting to contemplate the reaction of the religious communities to its plotline. The belief in an external force that plays a role in the creation of humanity could be a concept that has the potential for both anger and delight among the religious groups. It should be

Justification program Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Justification program - Essay Example ven the most conscious commercial kitchen operations consider kitchen wastes as undesirable but inevitable part of the food expenditures that cost hospitals 4 to 8 percent in terms of food wastages (Chardoul & Coddington, 2012). In my investigation on the kitchen operations, I have noticed that nutrition and the presence of malnutrition are very vital in the overall treatment and care of our patients. However, I have observed that some food is not being eaten, that is, it is going to waste; as a result, it is not contributing to nutrition (Bauers, 2011). I think that all the food reduction measures especially the ones that affect the portion sizes, should be considered in consultation with the hospital nutritionists. I think inclusion of an effective Food Waste Program will be important in the kitchens, canteens and in the wards. After tracking down the sources of these organic wastes, I have noticed that most of them were emanating from pre and post consumer sources in the food areas. Note that some of these food wastes are in two categories: Non-perishable and unspoiled perishable foods (Perry, 2014). When serving, some patients may not report for meals and these foods are returned to the kitchen, but still considered as waste. As a result, managers start seeing volume of food waste generated and the costs to take the large bins away. I think that with the Food Waste Program, such wastage can be minimized by taking the food back to the kitchen. Nevertheless, I think I will like to make a distinction of the types of foods that can be taken back to the kitchen. Some types of food wastes have no value such as meat bones and onions. Conversely, there are those referred as valuable food wastes and I have observed that they are being generated both in service of the patients and at the canteens. For example, I h ave seen there are unserved food wastes, untouched food wastes and plate wastes. For the untouched food wastes, for example, comprise the plated food that has

Technology and Art Essay -- Computers Artists Essays

Technology and Art Many centuries ago, art was rendered inaccessible by the masses and was reserved for the few high society members who had the means of access to appreciate history in the making. Through the use of technology, art has been made hugely accessible by the ability to trade media forms, mainly through the Internet and other technological means. Much like the printing press was for literature with Gutenberg in 1445, technology has heightened art and moreover, the expression of it. Technology has enhanced art through the main use of graphics, both computer and animation, the communication of it, and musically it has enhanced the quality and distribution. It has launched us into the twenty-first century full steam and will continue to come up with new innovations and ideas to keep the momentum going for many years to come. Art has always been an expression guarded for the seemingly elite in classical history and this idea continued to survive throughout most of art history until the late 1800’s when finally, slowly, the barriers broke down and the masses were opened up to the various forms of expression. Although they were exposed to simple art forms, such as local works that were produced by seemingly grass-root artists or possibly the artworks displayed in the Catholic Cathedrals meant to add a meaning of sophistication and reverence to display Christ, this was mostly evident in the Medieval and possibly Gothic periods, while the Renaissance proved to be a cleansing period of the old and a new wind rushing through the stodgy halls of antiquity. But the catch about the Renaissance was that it was mainly present in a seemingly isolated and controlled environment, unlike the false pretense that ... ...seum technologies. Huws, Ursula "Nature, technology and art: the emergence of a new relationship?." Leonardo v. 33.no1 (2000): p. 33-40. Art Abstract. 4 Apr. 2002. Keyword: Art Technology. In this article, the author discusses about the technology and art’s new relationship. The article talks about artist who developed their style along with the development of technology and the opposite. However, little information was used for the write-up of the paper. Kerman, Staci "Building bridges between art and technology: rapid prototyping and manufacturing." Metalsmith v. 20.no3 (2000): p. 36-43. Art Abstract. 4 Apr. 2002. Keyword: Art Technology. In the article, author talks about her own experiment with new technologies for art. She talks about the benefits she gained from the new technology and development of her own ways of using the technology.

Ethic Simulation Essay

This week I participated in two Ethic Game Simulations; The Mysterious Blogger and The Veiled ID. The Mysterious Blogger was about the leaking of confidential information by an employee and the actions of a second employee. The Veiled ID presented an issue that arises as the company tried to implement more strict security issues. The â€Å"Mysterious Blogger† had me playing the part of the Director of Information Technology for G-Bio Sports Company. During a routine check the department finds there is an employee that is posting blogs about the company and although 90% of the information is not confidential and questions safety this is a clear violation of the company policy. An anonymous email is also received by me this note indicates the name of the person posting the blogs. This information was obtained by hacking this person’s personal computer. My department was able to identify the name of both employees involved. There is an ethical issue on both cases one employee is violating the NDA policy and the other is violating the privacy of another employee. The action of both employees can cause major harm to the company. It is important to identify everyone that needs to be informed of the situation and decided the proper way to handle the situation. Both employees have been with the company for a while and are an asset to the company. Based on this information I do believe that both employees need to be discipline and made aware of the seriousness of their actions at the same time ensure safety concerns are address. My next step is to involve the proper stakeholders, our HR Director and our Legal Counsel they will help me validate my position and outline next steps. â€Å"The Veiled ID†, I play the part of the Associate Director of Operations. The  company has recently suffered a breach in security a former employee broke into a lab causing not only damage to the equipment but harmed another employee in the process. A new security system is being put in place to protect employees and our clients. Every employee will be required to carry a work Identification that will include a photograph without the ID they will not be allow in the building. Although the solution seems to very easy I did not take into consideration that some of our employees cannot be photograph due to religious beliefs. After, determining who will be affected by my decision and discussing the issue with a representative of our Human Resource Department, Training Manager and, other employees. We decided that the photo ID will still be require however, there will be some measures put in place to accommodate people with special needs. In conclusion, by utilizing the Rights and Responsibility Lens and the Baird Ethical model I was able to determine the best decision for each separate situation. The decision was the result of a serious of steps that help me first identify the issue, the people affected and the effect that my decision would have had in the community. Each steps helps you understand what is morally right and fair for the primary stakeholders and the community and how your decision making impacts others. Making sure that you understand everyone that will be affected either directly or indirectly is important prior to making your final decision. Doing the right thing is not just to following company procedure; it is also about protecting the shareholders interest and the interest of the company. In the case where the company’s policies were violated, the company must make a sound decision that that produces an outcome in the best interest of the company and its stakeholders. The ethical perspectives used to make the decisions during the simulation were based on options given in each scenario. In the simulation, you were to determine the best outcome for each scenario based upon the information given. Neither one of the scenarios had a right nor was wrong answer it just the best ethical decision you consider fair for all parties involved. The important part is to make sure that each situation it’s analyzed and all the components are taking into consideration prior of making your final decision. Reference Trevià ±o, L. K. & Nelson, K. A. (2011). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right (5th ed.).

The Abuse Of Alcohol On Purim Essay - 1695 Words

1 Introduction 1.1 Hypothesis The abuse of alcohol on Purim in South Africa results in a complacent attitude towards drinking in Jewish teenagers. 1.2 Aim To determine if: the abuse of alcohol on Purim in South Africa results in a complacent attitude towards drinking in Jewish teenagers. 1.3 Significance of research I am a Jewish boy, going to a Jewish school. In my 17 years of life, I have been exposed to many of my Rabbis, friend’s parents and youth councilors getting drunk on religious occasions, especially on Purim. This has seemed to have an effect on my peers who not only get drunk on religious occasions but take every opportunity they can to have a drink. For long it has bothered me if there is a correlation between the adult’s abuse of alcohol on Purim and the complacent attitude my friends have towards the seriousness of alcohol abuse. Purim is an annual Jewish festival which commemorates the savior of the Jewish people from the wicked decrees of the Secretary General of Persia, Haman, during the first exile. There are many commandments pertaining to the day, however, the focus for this research is the commandment found in the Talmud Bavli, tractate Megilla: â€Å"a man is commanded to get drunk (on Purim) until he does not know the difference between cursed is Haman and blessed is Mordecai†. Although there are some commentators who interpret this literally, most expound this to mean that you should drink more than you are used to and then sleep to fulfill the