First Class

Jessica Hughes

September 24, 1997

Theme #1

A Revolutionized Society

The United States' democratic system embraces its numerous obligations in a manner which promotes a comfortable and effective society in which the citizens may embark on everyday life knowing that the government is continually engrossed in performi ng its duties to protect and support the rights of the people. Although suicide is illegal, the government must recognize the trauma of those who are terminally ill in order to maintain a fair and equal democracy. By weighing these ideas and recognizing the dignity of an individual along with the law, government attempts to provide a suitable life for all. Through combined efforts of freedom of expression and censorship, liberty is maintained, because both the speaker's and the listener's rights are re spected. The government recognizes that all human life is precious; and, therefore it does its best to enable each individual the ability to gain their desired position in life throug the help of social services. A position not necessarily of vast wealt h, but one in which a person may feel content and gratified. Jefferson envisioned such cases as above long before they were contemplated; it is through the Declaration of Independence in 1776, he reflected his strong, intellectual beliefs (Jeffers on 615). Of the most important part of Jefferson's philosophy is the following quote:

All men are created equal, they are endowed by their creator with certain

unalienable rights; among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of

happiness. To secure these rights governments are instituted, deriving

their powers from the consent of the governed. Whenever any form of

government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people

to alter it. (616)

In accordance with the remainder of the Declaration of Independence, this statement has been the basis of both human rights and overall justice in American democracy. Because there is a partnership between the government and the people in the U nited States, society has improved in every aspect. The government recognizes and embraces responsibility, knowing that the citizens may control their own lives without harming others. Likewise, individuals are given the ability and courage to pursue a joyful life. Hence, people are free to express themselves with all intention towars respecting individual freedom of others. Jefferson's philosophical view is a valued concept imperative to the freedom of each American citizen. Because the government h as created such a stable democratic system for the people, Americans have found a better understanding of self-worth, an enhanced sense of communication and a will to pursue a meaningful life.

Throughout the ever engulfing world, there is nothing more precious than life itself. Therefore, the government and all the people must work together in order to achieve a sufficient means of living. When considering the case of euthanasia, for i nstance, the government must not only regard the law but must also respect the people and their rights. Recent research shows that, suicide is currently banned in almost all of the states of America, yet the constitutionality of the issue has been debate d for centuries and is still in the process (Sandel 27). In the aspect of health care, the government recognizes its responsibility to provide ill patients with a means of being cured. However, there is a limit to how far a doctor can treat a patient. A medium must be met in order to conform to the prerogatives of dying people as well as to protect abuses of vulnerable people (Steinfel 27A). If a patient is terminally ill, they would not wish to suffer physically as well as mentally, knowing they are on the verge of death. Nevertheless, the government recognized the personal dignity of an individual. As so adequately stated by Sandel, "The best lives are led by those who see themselves not as participants in a drama larger than themselves but a s authors of the drama itself" (27). Portrayed by this statement, is the idea that each person should have the ability to live their own life instead of being ruled by others in order to feel a sense of self-worth. According to the first amendment of the Constitution, each and every citizen is basically given the right to control his/her own life (Howard). However, this justification is not in effect if, in the process, the individual would inflict harm on others. Although the government realizes committing suicide by any means is illegal, people should not have to inevitabley suffer needless pain. Due to the complexity of this topic, society is faced with a very vital ordeal. However, there could be a simple solution. Already in effect, are s everal means of ending one's life by means other than natural: abortion, capital punishment and the death penalty. Because moral and ethical reasons defend euthanasia, society should have even more reason to support it. Even though there is no definite resolution, the rights of life are maintained throughout the issue of euthanasia from various points of view.

Freedom from external rule, confinement, captivity, freedom to do or say and freedoms of several other concepts, are all adequate expressions of liberty. However, freedom also has its limitations; it may not interfere with other privileges or righ ts. In order to maintain Jefferson' s philosophy on liberty, a compromise must be made between freedom of expression and censorship. Although people are promised by the Constitution a right to freedom of expression, there are certain boundaries which ar e never to be crossed. It is the responsibility of the government to preserve the law while supporting the people; for the U.S. democracy is run by consent of the people. A prime example of this controversial issue, is the system of television ratings. Television violence, talk shows, and obscene films are questioned to be improper for the average television station; such viewing disrupts one's intellectual stability. Inadvertantly, censorship may or may not contradict the law and the rights of the pe ople. In order to achieve a fair and equal democracy, the government supports not only the speaker's rights but the listener's rights as well. Each individual possesses the right to freely express his/her own problems, ideas, thoughts, and emotions in a complementary fashion. However, each individual also holds the right to be addressed in an appropriate manner. Valenti proclaims it best when he states, "All of us ought to be working together to nourish a renaissance of civility and a redemption of acceptable social behavior" (22). Because many citizens of the United States have been following Valenti's advice, the country became a better place--a society refreshed with courtesy and favorable activity where the rights of all are respected. Freedom of expression is a vital part of the world. Without dialogue, people would not be able to communicate; thereofre, the availability to exchange intellectual conversation is absent. Dialogue, in all essence, is the most essential aspect society p ossesses. Solving problems and reaching decisions is the result of the ability to communicate. "Only where free discussion is permitted can the people expect to reach sound conclusions in regard to issues of importance," Thomas stated (155). With this idea, Thomas recapitulated the essence of dialogue and such freedoms as Jefferson proclaimed.

Without doubt, each and every living thing on the face of the earth, should have the right to enjoy life. Whether one is wealthy, healthy, poor or diseased, the government recognizes its responsibility to provide service, enabling each individual to reach their desired position in society. The homeless, for instance, are in much need of help to regain their integrity. According to Peter Marin, homeless do sometimes choose to remian in such a depraved environment with hopes of gaining a better pl ace in the community (297). He also points out homeless can be separated into two groups: the unlucky ones who become victims by some unfortunate occurrence; and the ones who choose to be homeless (300). Despite the situation, the government still ackn owledges responsibility to appease the people. Social sercices, an organization to enhance human welfare, is aided by the government in efforts to fultill various obligations in society (Colson 161). An example of the agency is to provide shelters or ho mes for the homeless. Unfortunately, though, there are not enough buildings, enough beds and enough food to be spread equally among all of these people. Though the government allots a certain amount of currency to organization to utilize, many of the sh elters have certain policies and regulations which limit the time an individual can occupy a space (Marin 303). Hopefully, restraints of the shelters would provide enough time and opportunity for a person to develop a secure lifestyle, without becoming d ependent on the government. The government can only do so much to help each and every individual in society; however, it does perform to its utmost ability. A very adequate theory to surviving in any society is stated in the Bible: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (6 Luke 31). Furthermore, Jefferson's philosophy prevails due to the idea of reciprocity towards not only the government but the people of the community, making the environment of America a happy place.

In conclusion, the importance of euthanasia, freedom of expression and social sercices upon the American society is due to the achievement of the three liberties. Whether a person chooses to live or wishes to die, the government maintains responsi bility to uphold the laws against suicide yet also acknowledges one's dignity. American democracy recognizes not only the moral claim of the speaker but also the listener when dealing with freedom of expression. From the wealthy man in the mansion, to t he poor man in the box, the government fulfills its obligation by providing every citizen with a path into a joyful and successful life. Thomas Jefferson, although a man of the past, still has an effect upon today's society because of his phenomenal phil osophy on government. In reference to his idea of "the rights o life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," Jefferson proves to be correct as the concept applies to the American public's everyday lives (Thomas 22). "Government should mak e every man feel his own importance, should magnify him, should help him to appreciate his place in the world," Jefferson adequately stated (Thomas 110). This statement supports the basis of Jefferson's philosophy; a philosophy which flourishes thro ughout American democracy today and which maintains the most important aspects of life in a developing society--"the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" (Thomas 22). With these guaranteed liberties America has become an ideal society which fulfills its obligations and provides for its people. Because of the abundant government support, citizens have gained pride, joy, freedom, the essence of life, initiative and a sense of self-worth. The government has created a safe haven for all its people. Through support and reassurance, the government gives dignity back to each person, while each individual, in turn, takes that encouragement to improve their progressing and newly shaped lives.

Works Cited

Colson, Paul. Rev. of The Civil Rights of Homeless People: Law, Social Policy, and

Social Work Practice, by Madeleine R. Stoner. Social Service Review March 1997:

160-162.

The first part of this book focuses on efforts to help the homeless obtain services that

ordinary citizens receive. The document also elaborates on various legal and policy

issues such as the following: the right to shelter and emergency assistance, child welfare

and mental health. Also stated is the idea that people who are more likely to view their

profession as a calling, are much more interested in using the profession to change

society.

Good News Bible. New York: American Bible Society, 1979.

This sacred document is comprised of the Old and New Testaments. The moral and ethical

beliefs of Christians are outlined throughout this book.

Howard, Dick. "Bill of Rights." The Readers Companion to American History 1991: n. pg.

Mindscape Complete Reference Library. CD-ROM, Sept. 1997.

Howard gives a brief summary of the creation and history of the Bill of Rights. Most

useful in the article is the list of the actual first ten amendments.

Jefferson, Thomas. "The Declaration of Independence." Crossfire: An Argument Rhetoric and

Reader. Ed. Gary Goshgarian and Kathleen Krueger. New York: Longman, Inc. 1997.

614-620.

Highlights of Jefferson's life are stated in the beginning of the article. The fact that

Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence and the essence of the document are also

discussed.

Marin, Peter. "Helping and Hating the Homeless." Crossfire: An Argument Rhetoric and

Reader. Ed. Gary Goshgarian and Kathleen Krueger. New York: Longman, Inc.

1997. 297-307.

In this essay Marin points out what society owes to the homeless, and how the debt is to be

paid. Whether their transactions to the lower end of the community are voluntary or

accidental, Marin states that the citizens have a moral obligation to help the homeless people

survive and live.

Sandel, Michael J. "Last Rights." The New Republic 14 April 1997: 27.

Throughout this article Sandel focuses on the constitutionality of physician-assisted

suicide. Several moral philosophers portray their views on whether the government should

be neutral on the issue. Also stated, is the iea that individuals should live and die in a way that enables them to view their lives as their own creations.

Steinfels, Peter. "Beliefs." New York Times 8 Feb. 1997: A27.

Steinfels discusses how Professor Sandel's book, "Democracy's Discontent" distinguishes

between the views of freedom and politics that have informed the American tradition. In

Sandel's book, one of his views emphasizes the rights of citizens as free and autonomous

selves to choose their own values and purposes. Steinfels also states how the debate of

euthanasia will be one of the severest tests of the nation's capacity for democratic

self-government in coming years.

Thomas, Elbert D., Senator. Thomas Jefferson: World Citizen. New York: Modern Age Books,

1942.

Jeffersonian freedom is discussed in much detail throughout this document. As in the first

draft of the Declaration of Independence, it is portrayed how Jefferson reasoned from the

idea of equality to freedom. Discussed in this writing also, is Jefferson's idea for the

freedom of each person to go and come as he pleases as long as he does not infringe upon

the right of others to do the same.

Valenti, Jack. "One Small But Useful Step Forward: TV Program Ratings." Vital Speeches of

the Day 15 Oct. 1996: 21-22.

In his speech to the CBA (California Broadcasting Association) Valenti portrays how the

creation of a TV ratings system by the broadcast, cable and movie industry is beneficial.

he furthers his address commenting on the advantages the ratings system will have on the

parents and their children. Valenti points out that everyone ought to be working together

to nourish a renaissance of civility and a redemption of acceptable social behavior.

Acknowledgments

Several people deserve much recognition and gratitude in relation to my composing of this paper. First, I would like to thank the librarian staff at the Duquesne Library for providing me with the knowledge to research my topic. My grandfather is undo ubtedly entitled to an infinite amount of appreciation, for he furnished me with the the computer which I needed to type. Next, I would like to express my acknowledgement to Mr. Thomas A. Walsh for taking the time to proofread my essay and offer suggesti ons. Especially, I hold deep regard for my best friend and roommate, Robynn, who dedicated a sufficient amount of her time to proofread my paper and keep our room quiet while I worked.

Jessica Hughes

October 15, 1997

Theme #2

Knowledge: Key to Life and Prosperity

The quest for scientific wisdom does not progress too far; rather, it is merely at the origin of upgrading society. Because knowledge is a concept most important to the establishment of any society, it is the building block of the future. Without knowledge, there would be no means of advancement, for society would lack the potential to do so. In other words, human society is on the verge of experiencing, processing and making use of the vast amount of knowledge present and on the brink of exposu re. Dante Alighiere adequately states, "Consider your origin; you were not born to live like brutes, but to follow virtue and knowledge" (125:30). He is right, in his reasoning, for wisdom leads individuals to more productive and civilized liv es. Although intellect is helpful in improving one's status in society, everyone does not view rank as the sole purpose of expressing one's wisdom. Along with placement in society as an individual, the improvement of society as a whole is also considere d when making use of knowledge. Scientific comprehension is applied to several aspects of society, from the deep earth to the inevitable skies, in a suitable manner throughout the United States. It should be implemented in a way as to solve problems and enhance human existence both physically and mentally. In other words, knowledge preserves and enhances the idea of "the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness;" knowledge should lead each individual to a better life, provide grea ter liberty and forsee enhanced happiness. With their extensive knowledge, researchers are able to develop and improve medicines which will provide people with access to a better life. Because variou obstacles in life are logically observed and contempl ated, society is able to provide people with a sense of security and freedom by ensuring safety precautions. In analyzing animal behavior and interacting with various creatures, humans can gain a more fulfilling life of joy and bliss, knowing they have a companionship throughout time and are aided by animals in everyday occurrences. By utilizing knowledge to further societal issues such as improving medicine, advocating safety standards and interacting with animals, society is protected and the quality of life is upheld.

Although one may proceed through life knowing only the bare minimum, one could lead a better, more productive life by exercising and receiving knowledge of its utmost potential. Knowledge provides both a sense of ability and a pathway to success f or each and every individual. Medicine, for instance, is a prime example of abundant scientific wisdom put to good use in everyday society. Even though medical insight is sufficient today, knowledge is advancing such research to great heights in produci ng new and improved drugs for the future. Abelson states, "The new era in medicine will not come immediately, but its foundation is being established now" (719). What he means is that time and great intelligence are presently being invested in medical research in order to produce the drugs the future needs. Vaccines for cancer, organ transplants and performance-enhancing bionic implants are only a few examples of future breakthroughs. Also increasing in availability, are medicines designed t o treat refractory diseases. Working to develop these and other new pharmaceuticals such as theraputic drugs, are biotechnology companies which will speed the approach of the new age in medicine (Abelson 719). However, before the drugs can become commer cially available, they must be tested by the Food and Drug Administration for efficiency and absence of harmful side effects (719). The vast knowledge and skills of biotechnology companies will help scientists improve their capability to produce better d rugs, therefore, providing society with access to betterment of life. Another example of how medical knowledge can upgrade one's life, is the new weight-loss drugs expected to be developed. Currently, two newfangled drugs, sibutramine and orlistat, are awaiting approval of the FDA ("More"). Within the next ten years, several other drugs are proposed to be effective, that will increase metabolism, stimulate the burning of stored body fat and decrease people's appetite for dietary fat ("Mo re"). The new medicines mentioned above are only a fraction of the numerous and various drugs soon to be developed with the aid of great knowledge and skills. Advantages such as these may lead individuals of varying problems and necessities to a mu ch better and healthier life. Once healthy, one can more easily interact and function in society and their chances to properly do so are much greater.

With the use of wisdom to overcome problems in society, one can find a greater sense of security. This security is, then, leading to a feeling of freedom and peace of mind, knowing that one can safely surpass any obstacle faced because it has been logically reasoned out. Impediments, as such, are stabilized by safety standards set for each and every entity. In order to establish and ensure a carefree and tranquil environment, safety must be the top priority. Security regulations are contrived t o prevent accidents, injuries and other unnecessary tragedies. By sustaining safety, people can enjoy themselves throughout everyday occurrences without petty worries. However, some safety features are not completely perfect. The automobile air bag sys tem, for instance, is a primary issue in the process of working out flaws. It is "a big surprise and a big disappointment," says John Grahm, director of the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis (Qtd. in Our News Services). Although air bags can sa ve lives, they can sitll cause serious injuries. The explosive force needed to inflate air bags, can put infants, childre and short adults at risk ("Air-bag" 21). Even though air bags have saved almost 1700 lives over the past ten years, they have also killed thirty-six children and twenty adults in low-speed crashes ("Air-bag" 21). However, by utilizing knowledge, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has developed and continually searches for ways to improve the air b ag system. Recently, the NHTSA has composed the idea of a system that can detect when a child is present and deactivate itself, and a development to make air bags deploy with less force (Ogintz 4). Individuals themselves can also ensure safety when usin g air bags: always use safety belts, move passenger seat back as far as it will go and keep driver's seat back as far as possible ("Air-bag" 21). The air-bag system and various other safety standards are regulated and enforced to prevent unnec essary tragedies and provide a sense of security and freedom. While there are still problems with many aspects, society learns from these mistakes and forms new approaches in order to provide people with a greater feeling of liberty. Through security, p eople are encouraged to interact more readily and to take advantage of safety in order to function freely. Because they are able to function in such a manner, they an make use of the vast wisdom interwoven through society and prosper from it.

By interacting with animals and studying their behaviors, humans can both socially and intellectually flourish. Many animals, especially domesticated, provide society with companionship, which brings happiness and new improvements to make life mor e enjoyable. Through thorough observations, researchers gain the knowledge necessary to understand animals and apply such wisdom to betterment of society. New research on the sleeping patterns of the common household cat, for instance, is leading to the development of sleeping pills for humans. Because cats sleep excessively, they are a prime subject for the test. Adenosine, a chemical common in the brain of both people and cats, is traced during the sleeping cycle of the feline and considered the cau se of sleepiness Ozabarenko). "What is true for cats is likely to apply for most mammals including humans," says Dr. McCarley of Harvard Medical School (Qtd. in Zabarenko). Therefore, by analyzing the adenosine in cats, researchers have the po tential to create natural sleeping drugs for humans. Although this drug may only make a fraction of society happy by providing rest to those with sleeping disorger's, animals of other kinds also impact the people. Another example os such, is the guide d og for the blind. Before researchers used their knowledge to compose the idea of a guide dog, blind people were either locked up in a dark, lonely house or guided by a mindless stick. Now, the blind can go almost anywhere with the help of a strong, inte lligent and loving companion. Trainers are continually expanding on the jobs of guide dogs such as finding check out counters, crossing streets and other everyday occurrences necessary for an individual to lead a fulfilling and enjoyable life. By acknow ledging links between humans and animals, people can be happier knowing they have a lifelong companion and relieved because of the help of animals in everyday applications of life. Knowledge, such as this, provides a true sense of happiness enabling peop le to pursue their everyday lives to the fullest extent.

Other than life itself, knowledge is the most significant concept throughout society. Without knowledge, life would be worthless, for there would be no means of adequate judgment, development or any type of intellectual communication. Society as a whole, would be a vast group of unsophisticated, deprived Neanderthals, who are incapable of performing any valuable functions. Hence, the potential of society to progress would be absent. Nonetheless, because a sense of wisdom is possessed in America today, society is on the verge of expressing and making use of it to better life in general. The use of knowledge does not stretch to an extreme where it is overpowering; rather, such wisdom is only beginning to be utilized by people in various aspects of the comunity. While researchers, scientists and other prestigious individuals may use their intellect in order to be promoted in society, many also consider the improvement of society as a whole. Knowledge should be viewed from all angles of society and put into effect in a manner which will resolve problems, increase intellectual communication and enhance human existence physically and psychologically. Because knowledge is being used to promote a better life, provide greater liberty and increase ha ppiness through such issues as improving medicine in the future, advocating safety standards and interacting with animals, society is greatly enhanced in more ways than one. Because scientists and medical researchers process their abundant knowledge by i mproving medicines and creating new drugs, people can continue throughout each day living in a better and healthier life. Researchers concerned with the safety of the people utilize their knowledge to ensure safety and prevent unnecessary tragedies. Wit h such preventative measures, people can interact and function more freely by working together and building communication systems. By studying and interacting with animals, experts gain the knowledge to provide people with a more fulfilling life of enjoy ment. These people can gain both a lifelong companion and pursue a life once thought to be empty and hopeless. With the use of knowledge one can benefit by establishing a greater, more successful life and improving society. Each individual possesses kn owledge and, by utilizing such wisdom, they will prosper.

Works Cited

Abelson, Phillip H. "Pharmaceuticals Based on Biotechnology." Science 9 Aug. 1996: 719.

"Air-bag Safety: Will Rules Help?" Consumer Reports Apr. 1997: 21.

Alighieri, Dante. John Bartlett's Familiar Quotations. 16th ed. Ed. Justin Kaplan. Boston:

Little, Brown & Co., 1992.

"More, Better Medicines Coming Soon." USA Today 16 Apr. 1997.

Ogintz, Eileen. "Taking the Kids: Safe Car Rides...Without Complaints." Los Angeles Times 29

Dec. 1996: 4.

Our News Services, eds, "More Heat on Air Bags: Risks Too Great, Researchers Says."

The Atlanta Journal 17 Mar. 1997.

Zabarenko, Deborah. "Napping Cats Give Clue To What Makes People Sleep."

Reuters 22 May 1997.

Acknowledgment

Numerous individuals contributed to the development of this paper; and, therefore, each one deserves much recognition. First, I would like to thank my grandfather for his benevolence and loving heart in presenting me with a computer necessary to type this composition. Also in need of appreciation, is my dear friend Jeff, a student from Point Park University, who provided me with a quiet and comfortable environment to write a large amount of my essay. Next, I would like to acknowledge my dear friend and roommate, Robynn, for keeping our room a peaceful and satisfactory place to compose this paper. Mr. Thomas A. Walsh is entitled to an adequate amount of gratitude for proofreading this paper and rendering his suggestions for improvements. Last, but most importantly, I would like to show my appreciation to my mother, who always encourages me to proceed in times of doubt and offers her loving care.