Should American Gun Laws Be Reformed Essay Example for Free

Should American Gun Laws Be Reformed Essay America is under ever mounting pressure to reform its gun laws. Overall, 337,960 gun related crimes and 31,000 firearms deaths a year results in America having the highest rate of firearm crime and death in the western world. America’s gun violence is so remarkably high for such a wealthy nation. Continuous mass shootings in schools and workplaces, most recent of which was the Sandy Hook school shooting on December 14 2012, means there is constant political debate over if/how the government should tackle gun violence. Many argue that there should be tighter checks on people purchasing guns, while the NRA and gun advocates claim that the Second Amendment guarantees each citizen an absolute right to â€Å"bear arms†. Aims 1. I aim to find out what the current law is on carrying a firearm in the USA. 2. I aim to compare gun laws and gun crime in the USA to countries with similar levels of gun ownership. 3. I aim to discuss if there are effective ways to reduce gun violence in the USA whilst retaining the right to bear arms. USA gun laws The Second Amendment is the part of the US Bill of Rights that protects the right of US citizens to keep and bear arms, it reads: â€Å"A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. (1791) Gun laws vary in the USA between different states. Stricter states like California require a Handgun Safety Certificate for handgun purchases, obtained by passing a written test; and short-barrelled shotguns and rifles are prohibited. By contrast, states like Arizona let any adult who is not a prohibited possessor openly carry a loaded firearm. â€Å"Self-defence† is a legitimate reason to carry a gun in public nationwide. All states have gun laws that are more relaxed than British law. Comparing Countries The US has the highest rates of gun ownership in the world, 88. 8 guns per 100 people (2007). The number two country, Yemen, has significantly fewer guns with 54. 8 guns per 100 people. This shows how separated the US is from the rest of the world in terms of gun ownership. It also makes it hard to directly compare the USA to a country with similar gun ownership rates. Finland compared to the USA Finland has the 4th highest firearm ownership worldwide; 45. 3 guns per 100 people, with only Switzerland (45. 7), Yemen (54. 8) and America (88. 8) with higher rates of gun ownership. However, where Finland differentiates itself from America (and Yemen) is that it has comparatively low levels of gun crimes and deaths. The small arms survey (2007) shows that 60% of murders in the USA are gun-related whilst in Finland only 19. % of murders involve a gun. Last year alone America suffered seven mass shootings; Finland, just one. Gun ownership in Finland is much more regulated than it is in the US. Firearms can only be obtained with an acquisition license, which can be applied for from the local police. Guns must be stored in a locked space or otherwise with vital parts removed and separated. They may be carried only when they are transported from their place of st orage to the place of use (eg: shooting range). Aside from police and military personnel, only security guards with closely defined working conditions, special training and a permit are allowed to carry a loaded gun in public places. Self-defence is not a valid reason to own a gun. The firearms certificate may be cancelled if a person has committed any crimes. Physical and mental problems or reckless behaviour are also valid grounds for cancelling the certificate. A major question is whether gun-control laws reduce crime. It would seem that Finland shows this to be true. Tighter gun control seemingly drastically reduces gun crime. Are restrictive gun laws the reason that Finland has a much lower rate of gun crime than the USA? Or are there other major factors? Israel compared to the USA Although Israel has seemingly very tight laws on firearm ownership, it is a country that is very heavily armed due to compulsory military service and armed security guards in every school and most workplaces; yet they rarely use their guns to shoot each other. Many men and women openly carry firearms while carrying out day-to-day activities in Israel, but non-political mass killings there are unheard of. In Israel guns for personal use are theoretically hard to legally obtain. Assault rifles are banned, registration is necessary, and a whole system of checks and requirements are in place to keep weapons out of the wrong hands. Yet, gaps in the system and non-thorough checks make it easy for nearly anyone to come up with a legal excuse to own a gun (even though not many do). Despite being in a constant cold war, only 58 Israelis were murdered by guns last year, compared with 10,728 Americans. Israel hasn’t even got a high percentage of gun related murders; 11. 7%. Lower than both Finland and the USA. This can’t be down to heavy gun restriction, because Israel is a country where everyone; not only knows how to use a gun effectively due to compulsory, excessive military training, but, every single citizen has almost immediate direct access to a gun. Surely, any Israeli intending to murder someone, would instinctively choose a gun as their weapon? So, why is it that, in one of the only countries in the world that makes it compulsory for every eighteen year old to spend 3 years learning how to shoot to kill, we see some of the lowest levels of gun crime worldwide? In Israel, guns are not toys to be used as displays, or for threatening suspicious people walking down the street. They are necessary security measures against terrorism for the public’s safety. When everyone has a gun, guns are no longer seen as talismans for the weak, frightened, and unstable, seeking a sense of security, but as killing machines that are to be handled with the utmost caution and care, used solely for serious protection. Can the USA reduce gun violence? Israel is a prime example of a society that has a large amount of armed civilians in public places, yet almost no gun crime. This is a direct result of its gun culture. Its attitude towards guns and the knowledge every adult holds; how to handle and use a gun correctly, translates to a very responsible society. A similar model can be seen in Finland. Responsible gun carrying adults, with appropriate knowledge, who understand the uses and dangers or guns, result in low levels of gun crime and a safer society. Similar attitudes towards guns can also be seen in Switzerland (also with compulsory military service. ), Sweden and Norway all of which are in the top 12 countries for gun ownership yet all have far lower rates of gun crime than the USA. Changing gun culture in the US would be a realistic place to start trying to reduce violence, even though it may be costly. This would be a legitimate and possibly more effective alternative to heavily decreasing the number of guns in public ownership. Conclusion To be sure, shooting rampages have occurred in the past years in Germany, Norway, Finland, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, but nowhere as costly or numerous as in the USA. This is largely down to America’s gun culture which needs to be changed if America wants to end mass shootings and decrease its gun crime. Following Israel’s example and educating gun owners about their rights and responsibilities, so as to create a culture of sensible and mindful gun ownership. If the US government were to spend money educating gun owners about the uses and dangers of guns (which they already do with gun carrying police officers), they would start to create a more stable society. America’s gun culture is what needs to change, not its ownership rates, if people want to own firearms and the government permits it; it’s the government’s responsibility to make sure the owner is capable of handling a gun safely, so that they don’t infringe on others citizen’s life. This solution would not mean a drastic reduction of citizens owning guns. Rather, it would encourage them to use them safely, with caution and respect. This has the direct intention of reducing accidental injuries and crime alike. Gun ownership isn’t the problem. People aiming guns at each other is. Guns don’t kill people, people kill people. America needs to change to attitudes of its people fast, before more of them die.

Journey of Self-Discovery in Thomas Pynchons The Crying of Lot 49 Ess

Journey of Self-Discovery in Thomas Pynchons' The Crying of Lot 49 Â   Thomas Pynchons' The Crying of Lot 49 challenges the readers' perception of the world by enfolding his readers, through a variety of means, within the intricate workings of his narrative. It centers around would be heroine Oedipa Maas whose life is turned upside down when she discovers that she has been made executor of the estate of old flame and entrepreneur Pierce Inverarity. When she is imposed upon to travel to the fictional city of San Narcisco, where Inverarity is said to have numerous real estate holdings, in order to carry out her task, Oedipa stumbles upon a muted post horn; the first of many clues leading her deep into the impenetrable conspiracy surrounding Trystero, an underground postal system shrouded in mystery and intrigue; opening her eyes to an alternative way of life. This post modern work of literature infuses dark humor and irony instigating a metamorphosis of intellectually challenging material; subsequently luring us, his readers who have unknowingly become a part of the conspiracy, into the methodical chaos of The Crying of Lot 49. Well known for incorporating the basic ideas of philosophy and physics into all of his writings, Pynchon states that the "measure of the world is its entropy" (The Grim Phoenix, pg.2); an assertion that extends into the worlds he has created within the covers of his books. The structure of observation that Pynchon has constructed for the viewing of his creation has two distinct levels focused on those of his characters, particularly Oedipa Maas, who's world is restricted to the confines of the composition and also that of the reader who stands on the outside looking in; but who is also affected by (h... ... our inability to interact personally with the characters in the book, are bound to a bewildered cicerone who cannot see well enough to point us in the right direction. Although Oedipa never uncovers' the hidden truth as to whether or not there really exist a statewide conspiracy involving Trystero, in the end she gives herself over to the paranoia innate to never knowing for sure. Like the reader she has come to the conclusion that it would be a better practice to know that she's paranoid and accept it as a part of life in that society, then to deny its existence and live in doubt for the rest of her life. Choosing to embrace the new self she has unearthed in her journey, like the reader Oedipa is reintroduced to the world at large and with eyes wide open. Works Cited: Pynchon, Thomas. The Crying of Lot 49. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. 1965.

Complexity of Construction Techniques and Typology

COMPLEXITY OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES AND TYPOLOGY The edifices have become more complex in the modern universe. This grade of complexness is a derived function of an iconic image or most significantly the intent it serves. Different typologies demand different attack in footings of construction and aesthetics, the latter being a major driving factor in modern edifices. Nowadays, many of them have high grades of electrical and mechanical installings, employ sophisticated construction systems and serve changing demands of several terminal users. This grade of complexness differs among laypersons, interior decorators, undertaking directors and building directors. Six cardinal steps of the complexness can be building construction and map, building methodological analysis, the urgency of the undertaking agenda, edifice size/ graduated table, geological conditions and neighbouring environment. Hence, the complexness of edifice undertakings is defined as a typical of edifice undertakings that are convoluted, multifaceted, and composed of m any interlinked parts. Though the complexness can’t be enumerated but taking different edifice typologies into consideration it can be viewed in signifier of proficient complexness of undertaking, sum of convergences and inter dependences in building phases, undertaking organisation, and capriciousness of work at site. The degree of complexness was non different in the common edifices of yesteryear. The nature and sum of hazard was mitigated by repeat of same edifice signifiers for different typologies with building procedure being same in footings of stuffs and techniques and the promotion in engineering was implemented in an incremental mode. The monumental graduated table of the Roman cathedrals, the pyramid, the Grecian temples and the mighty Taj Mahal underwent a complex process of building which evolved as a form with clip. For case, the steps for doing Taj Mahal stable on the Bankss of the Yamuna River the foundation was taken deep plenty to bear the colossal construction. Different typologies of the edifices demanded different graduated table but the nature of building technique was same unlike the present context where options for taking a edifice stuff and the manner are countless. Taking redevelopment of the old heritage edifices into context and besides taking into history the fact of t ransition taking to typology alteration in a child or major manner, the installing of service line and transforming the support system pose strong jobs. The installing of retrofit air conditioning in the edifices and risk-prediction upon refurbished activities are the jobs which are greater than the affected faced of the edifice. The shutting of the gap made for the natural airing to obtain an enclosed infinite further increase the complexnesss. The modern progresss in different typology whether a residential, an institutional or an industrial forced people to look at the construction in a different manner. The perceptual experience of modern edifices has changed over the span of last century. Construction techniques have drastically changed with the inclusion of modern comfortss which have become an inevitable demand. Electrification, air conditioning, composite buildings, drape walls, fire protection, structural damping, automatic controls, computing machine webs and high public presentation glazing are some of them. While choosing the support system and the stuffs the demand for them being taken into consideration is high. They may change for same edifice constituents of the different typologies. For case roofing system for a commercial built signifier varies from that of a residential to commercial and industrial built signifier. In footings of modern building four chief beginnings of complexness are as follows: Refined edifice constituents: For centuries, steel, concrete, wood have been used for centuries as a base stuff since ages. Fabrication of constituents from these stuffs has gone through infinite transmutations. Architecturally in complex edifices today, these stuffs are frequently required to presume 3-dimensional geometries that can non be adequately described with planar programs and subdivisions. In add-on, they need to run into structural and environmental public presentation. Criteria. Driven by the handiness of inexpensive computing machine power and by the pressing demand to conserve resources about any system can be automatically controlled from window blinds to electrical lighting. This system seems to simplify the building procedure but the complexness may non be altered wholly. With greater understanding come more specialisation and frequently more elaborate and complex ordinance. Virtually any signifier can be erected provided it can be made to stand up. The lone restraints on this are aesthetic in footings of beat and economic ( where the repeatability of elements can give important cost nest eggs in fiction ) . The three key quality demands are as follows: Glass has recently been established as a charming stuff since it provides transparence and flow. But, building and managing troubles make glass vulnerable stuff excessively. Initially glass was a symbol of these institutional edifices but in the modern universe glass has established itself as a major driving force in finding the destiny of construction. Glass now non merely is a facade covering component but besides has its varied usage. For case laminated glass is used in flooring every bit good, with the repairing techniques being farther composite in nature. Discoursing a national and an international illustration: I.M. Pei’s invention at the Louvere in Paris divides sentiment aggressively, but, it has decidedly improved things for visitants to this really busy museum who can line up under shadiness. This shadowing factor can be achieved by the agencies of Teflon or PVC awning for little infinites. This material choice would hold besides been based upon the strength of lumi nosity required in the needed infinite. So the graduated table affairs in footings of edifice stuffs and hence raises its complexness. Even for the residential infinites fanlights are most likely beginning of indirect visible radiation into the built signifier and associated with this are the installing and care factor which have to be taken attention of in big commercial infinites like promenades. In another illustration of national importance, Infosys block, Mysore designed by Hafiz contractor: jagged frontages and lopsided fragment manner aesthetics of the package development block. There are no concrete walls in the lift. Laminated glass, dual glazing and ceramic frit glass have been used to organize the outer tegument of this construction. Each lift of this edifice undertakings a alone face. The stairwaies inside are steel, maintaining with the image of the edifice. In such illustration of institutional edifices Prefabricated stuffs have been encouraged due to less handiness of building clip period and several other restraints. Commercial typologies avoid utilizing concrete due to several jobs in past like stain, grading, maddening, checking and curving. The clip factor of building with mention to these prefabricated elements has drastically reduced but at the same clip disadvantages of prefabrication includes: inflexibleness towards alteration in design, joinery and escape, higher initial building cost since, cost is an instrumental factor in make up one's minding the complexness of building and trappings for any typology of edifice. For illustration in instance of any industrial godown or warehouses for put ining a corrugated roofing of GI sheet structural frame work need non be aesthetically appealing but in instance of the same roofing at a resort the construction layout of trussing is taken into consideration in order to accomplish aesthetically sound system, which straight amplifies th e cost factor and farther complexness may increase in footings of silent person supports or laid out projections and pillars. Apart from general building format iconic formats are larger aesthetics concentric. This monumental graduated table can’t conceal the complexness associated with it ; its public presentation standards and long tally are an issue excessively. The Valencia Opera House designed by the Spanish designer Santiago Calatrava took 14 old ages for completion. The edifice described as â€Å"a blend of seagoing vas and spacecraft† or even â€Å"a elephantine warrior’s helmet† is a chef-d'oeuvre of modern architecture. The building required over 77,000m? of concrete, 275,000m? of Earth motion, 1,750 additive metres of hemorrhoids, 38,500m? of granite, 20,000m? of fractured ceramic tile mosaic, 3,360m? of glass, 20,000,000kg of structural corrugated steel and 10,000,000kg of structural steel. The roof or ‘feather plume ‘ is the most structurally dramatic item, 230m in length and dwelling of two ‘shells ‘ which embrace the edifice on the exterior. These are constructed of laminated steel with an approximative weight of 3,000t and feature delicate mosaic ceramic work on the exterior. This portion of the edifice comments the most complex in the full domain structurally. The order of impressiveness can’t be negotiated over the construction as the theatre has a metal shell that tends to clasp as it expands and contracts in Valencia’s day-to-day temperature extreme. Such complexnesss make the building procedure of such constructions on monolithic graduated table problematic. Another illustration of such typology of infinite which requires public engagement and graduated table, Guggenheim museum even the Ti sheets on the exterior facade can non conceal the structural uses of interior infinite. The complexness of insides of this Double tegument construction is apparent from the observation of the art critic Brian O’ Doherty who though being positive about the building’s attack criticizes the museum’s interior effects. In different aspects of the modern universe complexness of constructing building with regard to changing typology of built signifiers viz. institutional, residential and industrial majorly depends upon the its map, graduated table and aesthetics. Renovation of old built signifiers is enumerated among them and chiefly depends upon the services every bit good. Cost and lastingness are secondary factors that determine complexness of a construction to larger extent. Concrete and glass as a edifice stuff have garnered major grasp. Prefabrication highlights the clip facet of building procedure and besides has some disadvantages. Covering with the built signifier the complexness considerations or countries of concern should be taken into history. The demand and aesthetics being chief drive factor for choice of stuff and technique, the complexness of building techniques varies and besides depends upon physical constituents and context.

An Analytical Comparison Of Men s And Women s Literature

An Analytical Comparison of Men’s and Women’s Literature in Enlightenment-Era Britain Suppression of thought and action has always been a method for one people to govern over another. When we think of suppression we typically think of slavery; the physical governance of one group over another. However, throughout history, other forms of suppression have dominated cultures, such as that of inequality. An example of this in today’s world would be the job market for women. Though it has undoubtedly improved through the years, a man with equal credentials to that of a woman tends to obtain a job much more easily. This is a form of suppression through inequality by men upon women. If a woman cannot obtain a high-paying job equal or better to that of a man, she may need to be dependent on a man for financial means. Britain women during the beginning years of the Enlightenment period experienced suppression of their education. Literature of the 17th and 18th centuries i n Britain was characterized by raillery of both men towards women and, increasingly, women towards men fighting the educational suppression and inequality that would lead to modern feminism. Like all major movements, such as the civil rights movement of the 1960s, Feminism had its birth somewhere. Feminism began with women authors such as Mary Astell, Margaret Cavendish, Aphra Behn, and Mary Leapor (Sherman 2125). For one to understand why this movement began, one must understand the cultural context of the timeShow MoreRelatedThe Financial Strategies Of Women Owned Small Businesses1857 Words   |  8 PagesThe Financial Strategies of Women-Owned Small Businesses in Florida The accessibility of businesses through social media and the web have made it more accessible for many entrepreneurs to reach consumers worldwide and to conduct business with them. 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