Morning Fog

Jennifer Cudmore Prof. L. Gertsma English Composition 1 6 September, 2012 â€Å"Morning Fog† I often wonder how many opportunities I’ve let slip by throughout my life. Countless colorful sunsets, too many moons rising into the night sky to even count, or even something as simple as a glance in the mirror at my own reflection. Far too many times I have been too busy or too tired to stop and notice what I’m missing. On one particular morning a few days ago, I awoke to the piercing sound of my alarm blaring in my ear.Even though the piece of technology had merely sprouted legs of its own to bury itself under my pillow, I could still hear it as clear as a bull horn through my sleepiness. I managed to groggily press the correct button on the flat piece of glass that was the surface of my cell phone. There’s two buttons to choose from and if I’m not careful, I would find myself pressing the button that would allow me to drift off to the land of odd happen ings, to unicorns and fairy dust, and to the place where time seems to stand still.Often times, when this unfortunate mishap has occurred, I would wake in such frenzy that I could feel the labored breaths as they attempted to escape from my lungs. My heart was beating in such a fashion as to erupt straight through my chest. Luckily this was not one of those days and I began to untangle myself from the covers that so gently held me throughout the night. The temperature change was abrupt and waves began to rush over my skin like lake water lapping the rocks of a shoreline. My long, cold fingers reached through the darkness toward the switch on the wall.My eyes quickly clenched shut as if anticipating the searing pain that was about to commence once the switch was turned. With a loud click, electricity rushed the filament of the crystal globe and exceptionally bright light stretched through every corner of my room that was just as dark as dirty oil a moment ago. Making the unbearable a ttempt to adjust to the sudden change from darkness to light, my eyes began to blink repeatedly and tears formed at the corners of each eye. With each blink, it became apparent very quickly that contacts would not be an option today.I could almost hear the pleading of each eye screaming out to me saying, â€Å"Please go back to bed! We’re not ready yet! † With the moon still hanging high outside my window, I turn to my closet. I remember thinking to myself that the moon looked particularly bright this morning and perhaps that was the first sign that I was looking a little closer at what I was doing than I usually did. I quickly chose my outfit for the day and began down the hallway towards the steps. The potent aroma of coffee hit my senses as my feet landed on the fourth step from the top of the narrow stairwell.My â€Å"lifeline† is what I officially dubbed this miracle liquid for no matter how many hours of sleep I had shorted myself the night before, coffee had always helped me push through. I made my way down the remainder of the steps and into the coffee scented kitchen where I find a mug to place sugar and creamer in. I managed to pour a cupful without spilling even a drop of the precious, blistering hot liquid. Even with the first few sips of the coffee within the cup, I start to feel my body slowly awaken from the sudden surge of caffeine and I push forward.With a quick glance at the clock on the wall, I make the decision that there is no time for a piece of toast or bowl of cereal. Almost as if hearing my thoughts, an animal like growling emanated from my stomach in an attempt to change my mind. The plea was quickly ignored and I walked past the refrigerator door. A mental note formed in my mind of yet another missed opportunity, as I walked past my father who was so intently focused on the plate of breakfast sitting in front of him.With cup in hand I enter the bathroom, where I finish getting ready for the day. With a quick glan ce around, as if taking a mental inventory of what would be needed, a hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste quickly make their way to the countertop, lining up like patrons at a checkout in a supermarket. It wasn’t until my hair was done and teeth were brushed that I made the connection. How many years had I gotten myself up? How many times had I dressed myself and how many cups of coffee had it taken to get me going in the morning?I had come to the shocking realization that in the past 15 minutes of my 32 years I managed to get myself ready in the presence of 3 different mirrors in 3 separate places of my house but not once did I take the time to gaze into one. I had looked long enough to guarantee that every hair was in its place and that every pearly white tooth got its own little one on one with the toothbrush but not once did I truly look at the reflection that was quietly standing there staring back at me.I stopped and forced myself to truly look and realized that the re flection was the same with the exception of a few extra lines, or that the shine of my hair wasn’t quite as luminescent as it once was. However, when I actually looked into my eyes it came quite apparent that the many years of broken hearts, lost loves, and life experiences had changed them in such a way that it was almost unrecognizable. There was pain there, yet an even stronger wisdom irradiated brighter than the moon or the sun combined. Sometimes, all it takes is a little time to really appreciate who you are and what you have accomplished in your life.

Process Flow Diagrams Essay

1. Consider the Custom Molds, Inc. case on pages 125-127 of the text. Prepare a process flow diagram of the Mold Fabrication process and the Parts Manufacturing process, showing how they are linked. We will discuss this flowchart in class on March 29. 2. Founded in 1966, DAV is one of the world’s largest insurance companies with locations in 32 countries. Given the description below, flowchart the New Policy Set-up process as it existed in 1996. Individual customers who wanted to set-up a new policy would visit one of DAV’s eighty branch offices or make contact with an agent. They would then fill out an application and sometimes attach a check. The branch office then sent the application package through company mail to the VEG division in Hamburg. In addition, a customer might also fill out the application at home and send it directly to a number of DAV locations, which would then transfer it to the Hamburg operation. Once received, VEG separated the various parts of the application, then scanned it and digitized it. The electronic image was then retrieved from a server and delivered to an associate’s desktop client computer. The associate was responsible for entering the information on the form into the appropriate database. If the information supplied on the application was complete, a confirmation notice was automatically printed and sent to the customer. If the information was incomplete, then another associate, trained to deal with customers on the phone, would call the customer to obtain the additional information. If the customer noticed something wrong on the confirmation notice she received, she would either call a toll-free number or send in a letter describing the problem. The Customer Problem Resolution division dealt with problems arising at this point. An updated confirmation notice was sent to  the customer. If the information was correct, the application transaction was complete. 3. Prepare a process flow diagram of the field service division process at DMI, as described below. Start from the point where a call is received to the point where a technician finishes the job. DMI was a multi-billion dollar company that manufactured and distributed a wide variety of electronic, photographic, and reprographic equipment used in many engineering and medical system applications. The Field Service Division employed 550 field service technicians who performed maintenance and warranty repairs on the equipment sold by DMI. Customers would call DMI’s National Service Center (NSC), which received about 3,500 calls per day. The NSC staffed about 40 call-takers. A typical incoming service call was received at the NSC and routed to one of the call-takers who entered information about the machine, caller’s name, type of problem, etc. into DMI’s mainframe computer. In some cases, the call-taker attempted to help the customer fix the problem. However, call-takers were currently only able to avoid about 10% of the incoming emergency maintenance service calls. If the service call could not be avoided, the call-taker usually stated the following script, â€Å"Depending upon the availability of our technicians, you should expect to see a technician sometime between now and (now + X).† (â€Å"X† was the target response time based on the model number and the zone.) This information was given to the customer because many customers wanted to know when a tech would arrive on site. Call-takers entered service call information on DMI’s computer system, which then sent the information electronically to the regional dispatch center assigned to that customer location. (DMI had five regional dispatch centers with a total of about 24 dispatchers.) Service call information was printed on a small card at the dispatch center. About every hour, cards were ripped off the printer and given to the dispatcher assigned to that customer location. The dispatcher placed each card on a magnetic  board under the name of a tech that the dispatcher believed would be the most likely candidate for the service call – given the location of the machine, the current location of the tech, and the tech’s training profile. After completing a service call, techs called the dispatcher in the regional dispatch center, cleared the call, and received a new call assigned by the dispatcher. After getting the service call from a dispatcher, a tech called the customer to give an expected time of arrival, drove to the customer site, diagnosed the problem, repaired the machine if parts were available in the van, and then phoned the dispatcher for the next call. Sometimes techs did not have the right parts for a repair. When this happened, the tech informed the NSC and the part was express mailed to the customer; the repair was done the next morning.

Statistical Forecasting in Business Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Statistical Forecasting in Business - Term Paper Example On the other hand, regression analysis in business forecasting answers the question â€Å"by how much†. In this regard, both simple and multiple regression analysis shows the relationship between the dependent variable against the independent variables (IV: within subject factors e.g. products differentiation, product prices etc.). A business normally comes up with a model based on its operations and then using the available historical data formulates a regression equation which can be used able to predict the future values. An example of a regression model is shown below;SV = ÃŽ ²0 + ÃŽ ²1P + ÃŽ ²2M+†¦+ ÃŽ ²nXi In this model, ÃŽ ²Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s are the coefficients of the various independent variables and which signifies the amount of dependent variable change (in this case sales volumes), either positive or negative, once one of the independent variable’s changes by a single unit. P, product differentiation, and M, market share, are examples of independent variables. ÃŽ ²n shows that the variables can be as many as possible depending on the business itself. According to Jain, C. L. (2000), business forecasting is normally completed through the application of data mining processes where models are used to predict future using existing/historical data from which business potential if projected based on different business activities as well as transactions. To Jain, the sole purpose of data mining is to establish the presence of predictive criteria which might be present if large volumes of historical data are used.

Portfolio management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Portfolio management - Research Paper Example This means that the investors incline towards investments which offer guaranteed returns at low risk. However, the ability to take higher calculated risk could produce higher returns for the investor. However, the returns are not guaranteed. For this reason, portfolio management attains significance (MAHAJAN, 2009). Portfolio management helps the investor to decide on the weight-age to be allocated to investments in a portfolio of stocks which would not only diversify the risk but at the same time would maximise the returns on investment. Considering the economy of Qatar, a portfolio management has been carried out taking two companies in the Qatar market into consideration. Qatar Economy and Financial sector: Growth of Qatari Market Qatar is the richest Muslim country in the world. Qatar is the leading producer of hydrocarbon and petroleum which makes the economy of Qatar largely dependent on oil and gas. The production of petroleum and hydrocarbon in Qatar contributes to more than 70% of the government’s revenue earnings. Also the amount of production of petroleum forms 60% of the country’s GDP. Nearly 85% of the income earned by Qatar from its exports is done by the country through the export of its petroleum. Qatar maintains a huge reserve of hydrocarbon and petroleum oil. ... Due to the rising global demand of oil in the nineties, the GDP of Qatar grew by a record figure of 94%. Qatar’s economy has been able to achieve an incredible growth rate of GDP to 19.9% in 2011. However, signs of slow down in Qatar’s economy were apparent as it was predicted to grow by 9.8% in 2012 and by 4.5% in 2013. The Qatari economy has seen its GDP grow triply to $173.3 billion from 2005 to 2011 which was reported by the (IMF) International Monetary Fund. Qatar is also looking to produce offshore petroleum and is aiming at diversification of its economy by looking at long term prospects of growth. In the coming years, Qatar’s economy would be slowing down due to the reduction in hydrocarbon reserves. The growth in economy in future would be supported by the non-hydrocarbon areas like petrochemical, construction and manufacturing sectors. Banking, insurance and financial services are prevalent in the financial industry of Qatar. The trading of stocks takes place at the Qatar Exchange and flow of information to the market is used by the investors which reflects the related public events of the past, the instantaneous updates of the present market and also contains a prediction of the related events of future. Comparison between two companies in Qatar stock market: QGMD and GWCS In order to choose between the investment options as a part of portfolio management involving two companies, a comparison between two stocks in the Qatar market has been given below. In order to maximize the return to the investor, the portfolio management provides a direction towards decision making in opting one investment over another or determining the weight-age which should be assigned to the investment options in order to

French Revolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

French Revolution - Essay Example External threats propelled the revolution profoundly. This made the French revolution become the most important event in modern history as it was more radical than either the Dutch or American Revolutions. This greatly affected the 19th century Europe and sparked a series of revolutions rallied that rallied behind nationalism and liberalism. The august 1789 saw the abolition of the feudal privileges that swept the entire property ownership system of feudalism and serfdom. The French philosopher; Rousseau Montesque wakened the people against the injustice the faced and inspired them to revolt. Most events happened during the revolution. This began with redefining the National Assembly from 1789-1791. Other great principles include the declaration of human rights, fraternity and equality. This was culminated by imprisonment of both king and queen, and their eventual assassination. The revolution overthrew corrupt and despotic rule allowing for moderate thoughts take over from orthodox. The feudalism and unlimited monarchy were overthrown. This reflected the powerlessness of the king and saluted the supremacy of the people who are ruled by the royal family (Frey and Marsha 32). The fall of Bastille propelled enthusiasm among people, with revolution spreading far and wide. The revolutionists targeted the feudal and burnt their records. The fourth August saw summoning of all feudal, where most of them shifted to the side of the revolutionists. Mot resolutions were on 4th August, before midnight, during which feudalism was destroyed. However, the king was unaware, but his brother tried to counter the revolution who attempted to insult the national flag. This triggered people to arrest the king and queen and took them to Paris under house arrest in Tulriz. Therefore, the revolution in 1789 required the establishment of equality among the property owners and abolishing of the privileges accorded to the nobles only. This propelled establishment of a constitutional government to control the property owners. Also, the revolution saw the abolishing of internal custom duties and promoted the establishment of a national market. The revolution encouraged abolishment of guild and restrictions on the government for entry into certain trade. This also ended the feudal tithes and dues levied on the agricultural property (Frey and Marsha 32). The declaration of human rights took place on 12th August 1789 and advocated for human rights and liberty. This advocated for freedom of speech and right to be protected. They acknowledged that the only king was God. They abolished inequality and promoted equality by abolishing all the rights of feudal and clergies, and very person had the right to work in any government or public sector. People were allowed right to vote where all people were equal before the law. This also aimed at preparing the laws concerning the welfare where people were supposed to participate either directly or indirectly. This restricted any unwarranted arrests. The revolution also saw the establishment of right to property. In this case, each person had the right to self protection and opposition to injustice. Land was to be distributed among the poor with equality production portion enhanced. This was mostly influenced by the American declaration of Human Rights. This marked the beginning of democratic public welfare system. Changes in clergy Under the established new government, the power of Roman Catholic Church was lessened. For instance, the powers of the

Context of care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Context of care - Essay Example According to the Institute of Medicine (2001, p. 1), quality â€Å"is the degree to which health services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge.† Buttel l et.al (2007, p. 62) further expanded on the definition of quality developed by the Institute of Medicine and arrived at â€Å"quality consists of the degree of desired health outcomes (quality principles), are consistent with current professional knowledge (professional practitioner skill), and meet the expectations of health users (the marketplace).† In this regard, the public has continued to become more and more aware of the role of quality in health care and even though the definition continues to remain the same, the level of quality awareness has significantly changed (Buttel l et.al (2007, p.62-63). Quality in a healthcare setting is therefore vital for the patient’s experience. In the recent past, the health outcomes for children and young people in the UK have been observed to be poor and many people around the world have attributed this to failures of care (Clements, 2013, p5). Fuller (2011, p. 4-6) observed that despite the major improvements achieved in reduction in the number of teenagers and involved in smoking and early pregnancies and prominent areas of special care, the deaths of children and young people of below 14 years in UK is larger than any other European country in both in Western and Northern Europe. Cheung (2012, p. 12) indicated that within the European healthcare setting, there are enormous and unexplained variations in almost all of healthcare aspects related to children and young people. In this case, the UK has been observed to be worse in children and young people care than all the other European nations and leading in aspects of childhood accidents, infant mortality,

Outline the nature of audit planning and describe its principal Essay

Outline the nature of audit planning and describe its principal objectives, identifying issues that you consider to be relevant to the planning of the audit of FXT - Essay Example Planning in auditing the books of FXT International Limited will ensure that the auditing process produces the maximum out of the minimum. The various aspects of auditing the books of FXT International Limited include vouching, verification and valuation (Kumar and Sharma, 2005, p. 59). It is Abacus’ plan to conduct an effective audit through an efficient approach that will last the shortest possible time. The basis of the auditing plan is FXT International Limited’s line of business. FXT International Limited offers structured financial products as well as financial derivatives to institutional investors. Therefore, the basis of the auditing plan is the understanding of the financial and derivatives market. Abacus will perform tests of control and procedures to come up with reasonable conclusions that will assist in the formation of an opinion on the client’s financial statements (Kumar and Sharma, 2005, p. 72). The plan will be based on FXT International Limited’s accounting system policies and procedures that direct its internal control processes. Concisely, some of the factors that Abacus will consider when planning the audit include: 4. Knowledge of FXT International Limited business apart from the reporting requirements of financial services institutions. It is the most important factors that Abacus will consider when planning an audit. It is the most important factor because it will enable Abacus to identify the events, transactions and practices that may affect financial information. Auditors will derive such knowledge from areas such as: The article of association will give auditors ideas about FXT International Limited’s size and nature. Additionally, auditors from Abacus will acquaint themselves with the management of FXT International Limited’s business (Kumar and Sharma, 2005, p. 80). Accounting standards requires that listed companies publish audited books of account. The rationale is

Article summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Article summary - Essay Example The author argues that Moliere satirizes both the protagonist and the society that he is a part of, seeking to bring in an element of moderation in reform (Rudin, 309). According to Rudin, the argument that Rousseau put forward indicated the ineptness of the critique of the protagonist in so much so that he appeared to be, at the end, at one with very society that he was critiquing. Apart from this, he appeared to be, right from the beginning, a caricature of an extreme form of idealism that was the subject of the comedy that the audience is supposed to laugh at. The Comedy of Manners is something that he becomes a part of through the laughter that he evokes (Rudin, 311). There are however, according to Rudin, devices, in the form of characters and otherwise, that Moliere employs so as to make the play a critique of both the society and the protagonist. Through these devices, the author is able to propose a middle path that would lead to a society that could then probably not be as dishonest and materialistic as the one that the plays talks of. The foils in the play, Philinte and Eliante are two devices that the playwright uses for the purpose of showing how it is possible to lead a life that is not entirely at odds with the society but also in accordance with certain rules of it. Eliante leads a life that is unacceptable to the protagonist, Alceste. However, he is in love with her and this love reveals an opportunity for his moving back to the society (Rudin, 312). Rudin points to the fact that for different eras, the way Alceste is perceived has been different and for the people of Moliere’s era, he was looked upon as a funny caricature while he was looked at as a hero who fought against the entire world of vice, by the Romantics (like Rousseau). He advocates a mixed response that may be possible for contemporary critics and viewers of the

Turkey-country analysis Essay Example for Free

Turkey-country analysis Essay Turkey is a dynamic promising market due to its geographical and strategic importance. Further more, it has a complex of developed infrastructure and an internationally competitive work force. Its geographical closeness to the emerging energy generating states in the Caspian and Central Asia are other reasons that further elevate its stature economically. Turkey is trying to align its economic policy with the commercial policy measures of European Union and creating free trade zones, signing new Free Trade accords with prospective countries. In addition to implementing Common Customs Tariff, Turkey is further putting into practice the preferential trade regime especially with third world countries i.e. Islamic and Balkans. In order to fulfill the EU measures and to look after its commercial concerns, it is executing this Free Trade accords on priority basis. Until now Turkey concluded 19 preferential trade agreements but only 9 of these preferential agreements are in force: EFTA, Israel, Bulgaria, Romania, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina Palestine and Tunisia. This preferential trade regime was first put into practice by signing a Free Trade Agreement between Turkey and the EFTA States that was implemented in April 1992. After this Turkey reinforced its policy of preferential trade with European countries of non-EFTA members and signed FTAs with Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Poland Hungary, Estonia, Slovenia and Czech Republic. After their membership of European Union, these accords came to an end. So in this context, Turkey Located new preferential states and entered into accord with Israel, Romania and Bulgaria entered into force in May 1997, February 1998 and January 1999 respectively. Turkey has also created free trade zones. Turkish Free Zones are tax free zones. In order to lure the trade and investment, all the commercial and trade activities in these zones are tax-exempted. Furthermore, Free Zones earnings and revenues can be shifted to any country, without any official restraint or any prior permission and are not subject to any kind of taxes, duties and fees. Currencies used in the zone are convertible foreign currencies accepted by the Central Bank. Turkey is trying to integrate with international markets and enhancing the cooperation with trading partners worldwide. Despite various complexities and impediments, Turkey has almost achieved all goals in its global integration process started in 1980s. The stable liberalization of the economy and assimilation with the global economy begun by former President Ãâ€"zal has sustained itself without disruptions. Although it was full of vicissitudes but Turkeys trade sector manifest a mounting proportion of GDP, and foreign funds are a prime source of investment. [1] Despite economic catastrophe of mid-1994 such as the devaluation of the currency, bank failures, stock market crash, Turkey has been labeled a chief emerging market by the main international financial institutes. Turkey recognized its interest in closer multilateral cooperation with Islamic countries, particularly with rich Middle Eastern states and Turkeys augmented its presence in Middle Eastern markets and supplied supplementary sources of foreign direct investment and commercial financing. References Foreign Economic Relations Board ofTurkey. http://www.deik.org/ [1] For further details check Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK) website that is established with prime purpose is to pave the way for Turkey’s economic, commercial, industrial and financial relations with foreign.

Affirmative Action Essay Example for Free

Affirmative Action Essay Affirmative Action has remained one of the most controversial social issues of our time. Aggressive non-discrimination was the original intention, but it soon became clear that merely promising not to discriminate would have little effect on the racial bias in our society. My own opinion was first formed by my father and influenced by the conservative environment in which I lived. Since then, I have experienced a much broader view of American society. I have heard many different opinions on affirmative action from all aspects of our culture and I have changed my mind. The roots of affirmative action can be traced back to the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, where legislation redefined public and private behavior. The act states that to discriminate in private is legal, but anything regarding business or public discrimination is illegal (Affirmative 13). There are two instances when opposing affirmative action might seem the wrong thing to do. First, the nobility of the cause to help others. Second, affirmative action was a great starter for equality in the work place. The case against affirmative action ests heavily on myth and misunderstanding, and following illustrates that an absence of affirmative action in todays society will only reinforce racial injustice. Myth 1: The only way to create a color-blind society is to adopt color-blind policies. Although this statement sounds unthinkingly possible, the reality is that colorblind policies often put racial minorities at a disadvantage. For instance, color-blind seniority system tends to protect white workers against job layoffs, because senior employees are usually white (Ezorsky, 1991). Myth 2: Affirmative action has not succeeded in increasing female and minority representation. Several studies have documented important gains in racial and gender equality as a direct result of affirmative action (Bowen Bok, 1998; Murrell Jones, 1996). For example, affirmative action has helped five million minorities and six million whites and minority women to be promoted in the workplace. The effect of the affirmative action program previously documented show important gains in racial and gender equality according to, Roger Clegg of the Academic Search Premier. America is known as the land of opportunity. However, it became evident that opportunity was only available to white men. Later, laws were passed to ensure equal opportunity regardless of race, sex, and religion. These affirmative action laws were set in place by our government with the intent of correcting the social evil known as prejudice; but in doing so, they created a monster. Affirmative action has become an ineffective, outdated, and socially harmful policy that is weakening our great nation. Should Affirmative Action be mended or ended? Affirmative action is an attempt to correct unequal distribution of benefits (status, income and wealth, power and authority,) and burdens associated with ethnic and gender differences. When we become citizens of this nation, at birth or otherwise, we get a warranty. That warranty is supposed to be honored by every government franchise in every village and hamlet of this nation. It is non transferable, and it is good for the life of the vehicle. We are guaranteed the right to vote, the right to due process; the right to be free, not to be enslaved, as long as we conduct ourselves in accordance with the laws of our nation; and the right to equal treatment under the law, regardless of our race, color, sex, religion national origin. These are rights which attach to us as individuals, not as members of a group. Affirmative action has its roots in that passion for fairness. When President Lyndon Johnson explained affirmative action to the nation, it is significant that he said, You cant bring a man to the starting line who has been hobbled by chains and expect him to run the race competitively. Fairness dictated that the nation pursue affirmative action to compensate black Americans for the wrong that had been done. Affirmative action was a technique for jump-starting the process of integrating black Americans into the fabric of American society, for changing the culture of America from an exclusive society into an inclusive one. I will never abandon my faith that America can become Ronald Reagans shining city on the hill, a society in which a persons gender or race or ethnic background are irrelevant in the transactions of their government. Let us not mourn the death of affirmative action. Instead, let us proclaim our belief that the spirit of equal opportunity, which affirmative action engendered, has become a permanent fixture of Americas social, economic, and political landscape. Let us have faith in our own sense of fair play and keep affirmative action alive. Efficiency is important to the success of any machine, including economic machines. Affirmative action increases diversity, but it does so at a cost. The cost is that it promotes racism indirectly by focusing on differences. I have a better idea. The main goal behind affirmative action is to promote unity and efficiency. So the question is what is the best way to do that? One way, is to simply provide unity incentives. Instead of punishing qualified white males, we should instead provide incentives to white males to promote diversity and unity. The best way to do this is to use the tax system. Greater unity should mean lower taxes, meaning tax incentives to anyone who promotes unity. The more women you hire, the lower your taxes. The more minorities you hire, the lower your taxes. If your business is diverse according to guidelines, you should actually be able to earn money for promoting diversity and unity. Affirmative action is wrong; you should not punish qualified employees. You should instead reward shareholders, CEOs, and the corporation itself for doing what is rational, and in the best interest of the bottom line. So one replacement for affirmative action could be unity tax deductions. Another replacement for affirmative action could be unity credits, where individuals who choose to run their business or give to charities which promote unity, can actually receive credits for doing so and abolish affirmative action. That great American pastime—baseball—is a reminder of the intensity of our passion for fairness as we encourage the crowd to kill the umpire if he makes what we consider an unfair call. As we drive home at the end of the day, our hands gripping the steering wheel, our bumper kissing the one ahead, when to our right a vehicle speeds along the curb and merges ahead of us at the moment when an opening appears, our passion for fairness surfaces. The protrusion of one of our fingers signals our belief that one of the rules of fairness has been violated. In every sport I can think of—baseball, basketball, football, tennis—one is expected to play between the white lines. To do otherwise is unfair and carries a penalty. The problem with affirmative action is that it singles out a particular ethnic subsection of the lower class, while leaving many deserving people behind solely because of their heritage. Instead, this society should focus on raising the bar for all members of the lower and middle class who wish to educate themselves and better their economic, intellectual and cultural positions in life. We should do this by providing more lower class young adults of all colors and creeds with inexpensive higher education. I strongly believe that only when affirmative action is unnecessary and outmoded should we abolish it. We should not destroy our current solution without creating a newer, better one. In conclusion, affirmative action policies, as they exist right now, are ineffective, outdated, hypocritical, and harmful. On the other hand, affirmative action is the best thing since peanut butter, where all people of all race can enjoy a good sandwich. Though all of these may be argued well by both sides, this last point is indisputable. Affirmative Action, no matter how it is explained, rationalized, justified, or disguised, will still be the center of social issues in our time and the time to come.