ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Poverty and treating the poor have always been a matter of concern starting from biblical times and up to today. They are the contributing sources of a broader challenge – building up a welfare society. Helping the poor has always been an obligation of the wealthiest – those who had real power in their hands enough to make other members of a community pay taxes that would be redirected to solving the problem of poverty. As time passes, the problem becomes even more significant. Current changes in the global economic environment led to the deterioration of socio-economic stability thus adding to the challenge of overcoming the issue of poorness. That is why it is vital to provide insight into the history of this social welfare problem to find a solution to the headache the United States is facing today. Back to the Roots The New World, especially if compared to the Old, at the dawn of its history has not experienced the lack of natural resources. Together with a sparse population settling new lands and liberal policies for land management, the problem of widespread destitution of the European countries was not familiar to this part of the world. That said, unemployment has never been a real challenge here. Nevertheless, unemployment is not the only source of poverty, and the New World was hardly the land of wealth and prosperity. Thinking of the people who were sent to settle these territories answer all questions that might arise in one’s head. Those who arrived to settle the colonies were primarily vagrants, convicts, political prisoners, orphans, and other undesirable social groups and unemployed people, and they were poor. A couple of wealthy land proprietors and tax-dodgers could not weigh down the balance in the situation towards the nation’s prosperity, as it was their wealth that bothered them (Trattner, 1999). At this point in history, poverty and hardships were imported from the Old World to New and raised the necessity to design and adopt permanent poor relief policies similar to those established by the 1601 English Poor Law. Most colonies were self-governed by colonial assemblies that quickly decreed that those who cannot take care of themselves are the responsibility of local taxpayers. This practice was adopted in the Plymouth Colony in 1642. Virginia followed this tendency in 1646, Connecticut in 1673, Massachusetts in 1692. Other colonies were in keeping with the tendency and adopted similar policies later. That said, the seventeenth century has become the point in American history at which poverty was determined as a social welfare problem. By the beginning of the eighteenth century, those who held authority in their hands were obliged to conduct regular surveys aimed at determining those who needed a loc
Alex Malouf’s article on dos and don’ts on defamation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is very informative. It specifically points out the inherent weaknesses in the UAE’s defamation law. Even though I support the clause that forbids individuals from taking other people’s photos without their consent, all other clauses on defamation are somewhat retrogressive in the 21 st century. The clause that criminalises verbal abuses or gestures even in the absence of a witness is in bad taste. Conventionally, suspects should remain innocent until proven guilty through the due process of the law, which demands proof beyond any reasonable doubt before convicting anyone. Unfortunately, the defamation laws in the UAE are one-sided, as they favour the accuser. For instance, the burden of proof is solely the work of the accused, as one has to prove that the allegations levelled against him/her are false. Sadly, truth is not a guarantee that the accused will be vindicated. Similarly, the defamation law impede the gains of social media as all Internet platforms are considered as public forums and so one can be sued for posting anything that borders on defamation. The defamation law should be amended to accommodate the diversity of the UAE. The case of the Canadian woman defaming the Jumeirah International Kindergarten raises two critical questions concerning defamation in Dubai. The first question touches on whether the Canadian woman committed defamation by fabricating the incidence. The second question explores whether the Canadian woman would have committed defamation by sending emails to other parents with kids in the kindergarten if the incidence were true. In the first case, the Canadian woman is guilty of defamation and the Dubai Court of Misdemeanours acted appropriately by charging her with defamation because she fabricated the story. Her intentions were malicious, hence criminal because she sought to cause harm to the kindergarten. In the second case, the accused would still be guilty as the right channel of handing such an incidence is to report to the police for them to take the appropriate actions within the stipulations of the law. As stipulated in the defamation law, truth alone is not a guaranteed defence in a court of law if the content can potentiall
One does not have to be overly smart to realize that a strong ideological connotation exists between the ideas, contained in Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s “Discourse on Inequality” and Thomas Cole’s artistic interpretation of this French philosopher’s concept of “paradise lost”, as seen in his paintings “The Savage State” and “The Arcadian or Pastoral State”. In his essay, Rousseau strived to expose people’s social inequality as the by-product of their existential sophistication, while suggesting that modern individual’s inability to attain a true happiness correspond to its life being subjected to numerous social rules and regulations that are artificial in their essence. According to Rousseau, people that lived during the course of Stone Age, were much happier, comparing to their civilized successors, simply because the existential passions of primitive savages were limited to self-preservation and feeling general empathy towards the others. In its turn, this allowed them to live in harmony with nature, without trying to impose their authority upon other people, as their foremost priority: “Man’s first feeling was that of his own existence, and his first care that of self-preservation. The produce of the earth furnished him with all he needed, and instinct told him how to use it” (Rousseau Part 2). In other words, even though he never suggested that modern people have to “return to the earth”, in order to be able to have their lives filled with the sense of purpose, Rousseau nevertheless implied it indirectly. Thus, Cole’s painting “The Savage State” can be thought of an artistic expression of this particular Rousseau’s idea. It depicts tiny figures of people, which seem to be living before the dawn of civilization (semi-naked, with bone-arrows in their hands), surrounded by the sheer immensity of nature. Whereas the upper left corner of this painting emanates peacefulness (sunset), the upper right corner of Cole’s masterpiece depicts the fast approach of a bad weather, which in its turn, explains why depicted people appear as being utterly worried. There is an unmistaken aura of structural wholesomeness about Cole’s painting – the way it portrays the expressions of nature leaves no doubt as to the fact that they directly affect “savages”, while leaving them with very little time to think of just about anything, except for seeking refuge from advancing weather. In its turn, this corresponds to Rousseau’s idea that only people, preoccupied with satisfying their immediate physical urges, can be truly happy, because such their activities are being perceived by them as “thing in itself”. This is the reason why even today, people who live in large cities, strive to get out into a countryside for a picnic, whenever is possible, because it is namely when they sit around the bon-fire, while waiting for the
The United States of America experienced a remarkable year of constructive politics in 1912. The year 1912 was an election year in America. Due to numerous changes in the American constitution, the election attracted four candidates to run for the top seat. Remarkably, this was an election where a third party participated in elections, besides the Republican and Democratic parties. The four candidates were William Howard Taft, running for a second term on a Republican ticket, Eugene Debs of Socialist Party, Theodore Roosevelt of Progressive Party, and Woodrow Wilson running on a Democratic ticket and later won in that election. Most historians remark the election of 1912 as a beacon of revolution in American politics. The emergence of Progressive Party under Roosevelt challenged the conversant, Republic and Democratic parties. In fact, the outcome of the elections indicated that, the Progressive Party garnered an outstanding percentage of both popular and electoral votes. Today, not even single third party is able to break this history. Of great importance in 1912 elections, was the hot debate on American fundamentals. (Davidson, DeLay, & Heyrman, 2008, PP.204-238). Progressive Party came into the limelight due to its candidate centered and unique governance forms-forms that later applied in American politics. The elections of 1912 focused on the combination of social and political reforms in anchoring American governance. The Progressive Party championed an era of progressivism to give Americans new aspirations and confidentialities. (Davidson et al., 2008, pp.242-283). Unlike other political parties, Theodore Roosevelt led progressive party rallied behind regulating federal powers, which had been monopolistic in the past regimes. Through the celebrated Progressive Party democratic policies, initiative, referendum and direct primary reforms took place to realize an expanded federal government that Americans enjoy today. The Progressive Party chose New Nationalism. Roosevelt depicted that new nationalism is meant to embrace “civil rights, exercise trade commissioning, and create new policies” so as to unite all Americans. Therefore, he urged for constitutional amendment to reflect this idea of ‘New Nationalism’. (The Claremont Institute, 2002, Para. 3-6). On American constitution, Roosevelt and Taft disagreed on judiciary rulings. William Taft believed in the current American constitution. Therefore, any constitutional amendment according to Taft will be popularity seeking and not serving Americans. It was William Taft’s role to defend the constitution as the sitting president. William Taft and Roosevelt had a debate where Taft noted, “Any amendment on the constitution would result in being an enemy of American people”. It is clear t
Abstract Sweet Berry Distiller was established in 1990 after its shareholders decided to transform it from a wines and spirits outlet. The company is located in Temple State, Arizona, and supplies distilled drinks within and outside this region. This company has a capital base of about $780,000 and more than 3000 permanent employees. The company supplies distilled alcohol to other regions, including Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, and Phoenix. Alcohol and other similar drinks have been licensed by the local and national government, and this means that the company does not violate the laws that govern ethical business practices. A major strength of this company is that it has vast experience in the wines and spirits industry, and this gives it an added advantage over its compatriots. The already established wines and spirits market is a major strength that boosts the profits of the company. However, people are conscious about their health, and this makes them avoid alcoholic drinks. Tougher legislation on the production, supply, and consumption of liquor threatens the future of this industry. However, the company has a bright future because of the numerous opportunities for growth offered by local markets. In addition, it has a robust, experienced, and dedicated staff that makes it stronger than its competitors. Background Sweet Berry Distiller started as a wines and spirits distributor with its primary outlet in Temple State, Arizona. The outlets were managed by a Harvard University graduate, Johnson Whites, who won the board’s approval to lead it for a renewable two-year term. He transformed and expanded the outlets from three small stalls to 12 shops. The company is owned by shareholders who were introduced to its management in 1987 when the company became public. Derrick Major and Simon Duke, together with their partners, started this venture in 1985. They borrowed loans from banks and used most of their savings to expand their operations from a street restaurant to a wines and spirits outlet. It expanded its operations due to the high profits generated and became a chain store in 1986. The quick growth was attributed to the experienced staff, employee motivation, and high demand for its products. In addition, the location of the business in a busy town in Arizona was a strategic advantage that attracted customers. Sweet Berry Distiller was established in 1990 as an upgrade of Sweet Drops Wines and Spirits Distributor. Duke passed away in 1992, and by this time, the business had an asset value of about $500,000. The company’s shares were already floating on the New York stock exchange market, and Major had no worries about its future. He decided to organize it and give more powers
Introduction Hinduism and Christianity are different religions, but they share some religious doctrines and beliefs, which are evident in the manner their respective followers worship. Apparently, Hindus and Christians have different worldviews of worship and the concept of God. While Hindus believe in polytheism, Christians believe in monotheism. The polytheism belief allows Hindus to worship many gods according to their cultural traditions. In contrast, monotheism allows Christians to believe in the trinity, which comprises God, Jesus, and Holy Ghost. Robinson (2004) asserts that the difference in the concept of God between Hinduism and Christianity is a factor that has made it difficult for the two religions to dialogue and share common beliefs. Hence, the nature of theism differentiates Christians from Hindus. Moreover, while Hindus believe in reincarnation of soul, Christians believe in the resurrection of the soul. Therefore, owing to fundamental differences that Hindus and Christians hold, there is a need to highlight doctrines that have some similarities. In this case, the essay compares and contrasts moksha and salvation, the two doctrines that are present in Hinduism and Christianity respectively. Comparisons Moksha and salvation are similar doctrines that are present in Hinduism and Christianity respectively. According to (Panneerselvam, 2005), in Hinduism, moksha is the liberation of a person from endless reincarnation through rebirth ( samsara ) and actions ( karma ). The fundamental doctrines of Hinduism dictate that one must undergo series reincarnations before attaining liberation of the soul. In this view, endless reincarnation and struggles for a better life are bondages that prevent humans from attaining the highest state of reality and spirituality. At the state of moksha , one escapes bondages of samsara and karma. Hence, Hindus achieve freedom of the soul from the bondages by aiming to reach a state of moksha. Similarly, Christian doctrines state that one can attain liberation through the process of salvation. The process of salvation entails liberation of the soul from the bondage of sin, which brings eternal death of the soul. Radmacher (2000) argues that salvation is the delivery of humans from the bondage of sin and provision of eternal life. Through salvation, humans are able to liberate their souls from the eternal condemnation due to sins. Thus, moksha and salvation are similar because they entail eternal liberation of human souls from different forms of bondage that prevent them from attaining reality and spirituality of life. Some similarities exist in the manner of attaining moksha and salvation. Both in Hinduism and Christianity, moksha and salvation have a component of good works. Hindus believe that
As the old proverb that has its roots in the Bible goes, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son” but a more conventional version known to us is as follows: “Spare the rod and spoil a child” (Proverbs 13: 24). Still, no matter how it may sound, the words do not change the main meaning of the proverb that supports and approves of corporal punishment of children for their benefit. Though many people disapprove of physical discipline as they tend to consider it inhumane, their position may be considered spineless in many cases and negative consequences may outnumber the positive ones. The main difference between discipline and child abuse lies in the motivation and main aim of these two kinds of treatments are sometimes mistakenly put on the same footing though they are not identical as discipline does a child nothing but good while child abuse is a detrimental treatment of a child that should be condemned. Thus, positive motivation and the ultimate aim of discipline completely differs it from negative motivation and egoistic aims of an offender in case of child abuse, while discipline may and should be kept, child abuse should be condemned. The first proof of the justice and reasonableness of discipline is that it is permitted by law to be considered to be the most authoritative source to consult. Gardner and Anderson state that “parents and other persons in loco parentis may use reasonable amounts of force in disciplining children” (123). If law is the source that helps to maintain order and peace in society and people apply laws when they need to resolve various conflicts, the permission of establishment of discipline with children can be treated as an authoritative one. Considering the issue of law, it is necessary to mention the state of affairs in Sweden that has laws prohibiting physical punishment as the tool for establishment of discipline. However, there is no difference between the USA and Sweden in “severe, or abusive, violence against children (National Research Council. Panel on Research on Child Abuse and Neglect 130). This fact proves that there is no ground to claim that physical discipline begets child abuse. Since the primary difference between discipline as positive means of upbringing and child abuse as negative practice is motivation, it is necessary to consider positive motivation of a parent who applies discipline in contrast to a parent who abuses a child out of some negative motivation. The parents who establish and maintain discipline have such intentions as to prepare a child for his/her future independent life and proper discipline instills adequate behavioral patterns of a child. Pickhardt states that if a child has outgrown corrective discipline, “he still needs your [parental] instruction” (262). Maintenance of discipline helps to teach a child how to make correct choices, how to tell right things from wrong things. Parents, who provide adequate discipline for a child, often use their per
Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) These are a set of rules which accountants must follow when preparing financial statements like balance sheets, cashflows statements, income statements, revenue recognition and measurements of shares for private companies and for publicly traded companies. These rules guide accountants in reporting and recording of any financial information. These sets of principles are useful to potential investors who want to make economic decisions about a company because they provide standardized financial statements These guidelines also ensure that data in the financial statements are not interfered with or manipulated by the accounting professionals for self-gain. Examples of these set of rules include monetary unit assumption, economic entity assumption, time period assumption, cost principle, matching principle, full disclosure principle among others. Commercial accounting This is a type of accounting system which is maintained by business organizations mainly to know the organization’s profit or loss and the financial position of that business or organization. This type of accounting can be prepared either in cash basis or in accrual basis without any restrictions. It is also maintained by adhering to the set of rules/principles of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). Accrual basis accounting In this type of accounting, revenue is recorded during the time it is earned not bearing in mind the time it is received. Expenses, on the other hand, are subtracted in the time they are incurred whether they have been paid for or not. In simpler terms, when one uses accrual basis accounting, he/she records income and expenses when they occur. Example: In a motor selling company, if you sell a vehicle worth $4500, revenue is recorded as soon as the sale is made regardless the time of receiving money. This kind of accounting is most used especially in those companies that never transact their businesses in cash. Cash basis accounting This is an accounting method whereby income and payments are recognized when physical cash is paid out or received. This is a method most used by small businesses or organizations which use cash transactions in their day to day running of their businesses. In cash basis accounting, the provisions for generally accepted accounting principles are not conformed hence it is not a good management tool. Example: in a car business, if you sell a vehicle worth $4500 under cash method, that amount cannot be recorded in books until the customer pays that money to you. The same is true with payments. Differences between cash basis accounting and accrual basis accounting Both bases of accounting have the differences as shown hereunder Accrual basis accounting                                                                                    Cash basis accounting                                                                                             This basis records income when i