Judicial Philosophy and Myth-Making in Judge Alito’s Confirmation

After the disappointing resignation of Harriet Miers, one of President Bush’s Supreme Court nominations, the President chose Judge Samuel Alito on October 31, 2005. The selection was met by effusive praise from inside the Republican Party and wary criticism by the Democrats. Conservatives identified two qualities in Alito that they felt Miers had lacked. He…

Pharmaceutical Companies: The American Way

My topic is pharmaceutical companies and the role they play in the lives of everyday Americans, the economy, and the government. I believe that pharmaceutical companies have become quite corrupt over the years and that they lie, cheat, and do whatever they can to turn a profit and make their companies and the industry as…

Failure of the Taisho Democracy

Taisho Democracy, the period in Japan’s rule between Hibiya Riot of 1905 and the Mukden Incident of 1931, was a time of idealism for the Japanese petty bourgeoisie class and working classes, who found themselves increasingly able to participate in national policy debate. Many historians debate whether this period was a success or a failure…

What is the role of Public Diplomacy to U.S. Foreign Policy?

“There are but two powers in the world, the sword and the mind. In the long run the sword is always beaten by the mind.” – Napolean Bonaparte Sun-Tzu, Napolean Bonaparte, Winston Churchill and Dwight Eisenhower are but a few of the legendary military strategists who continue to fascinate the political and military leaders of…

Should gay marriage be recognized?

Do you believe that in this day and age, all Americans have the same rights, protections, benefits, and opportunities to succeed in life and undeniable freedoms express themselves how they so choose? Do you believe that everyone should have these rights? Most people answer these questions with an undeniable “yes.” That is, until the dividing issue of weather or not to allow gay marriage is asked.

Determinism and Libertarianism

The ideas of determinism and libertarianism conflict in regards to the nature of free will. Free will can be loosely defined as the idea that human beings are in control of their destinies. They have the freedom to choose from options, make a decision, and act. The predicament of free will stems from the ability to assign cause and effect to all of the natural world. Believing in free will has the consequence of humans taking responsibility for their own actions. They may be blamed, praised, congratulated or condemned for what they have done. Free will suggests moral responsibility.