An Argument For Sustainable Agriculture Essay -- Farming Agricultural

An Argument For Sustainable Agriculture Introduction Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines stewardship as "the careful and responsible management of something entrusted in one's care" (Merriam-Webster, 2015). Sustainable agriculture is a method that does not deplete soil, water, air, wildlife or human community resources ("Community Alliance with," 1997). These two principles describe a type of farming that practices responsible management of the land in a way that does not deplete natural resources or the human community. We are living in a time when many environmental issues have come up due to such things as overpopulation, increased waste production, over consumption, depletion of natural resources and other activities that do not replenish the land. We must show great concern in dealing with these problems. Farming is clearly a key element in sustaining life as we know it, but it can also have devastating affects on the land. "Sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet present needs without compromising the abil ity of future generations to meet their own needs. Therefore, stewardship of both natural and human resources is of prime importance" (Feenstra). So, by managing resources under our care responsibly and practicing methods that do not deplete natural and human resources, we can meet current needs without compromising the needs of future generations. The idea of taking care of things for future generations is of prime importance in dealing with all issues that lead to compromising our environment. Farming is one activity that can lead to the depletion of soil, water, air, wildlife and quality of human community resources. Alternatives to conventional farming methods are present and do have th... ...pril 2015 http://www.cfarm.com/faq/whyorg.htm Community Alliance with Family Farmers. (1997). FAQ's About Sustainable Agriculture, Web 14 April 2015 www.caff.org/sustain/faq/ Engelken, R. (1983). The Art of Natural Farming and Gardening. Greeley, Iowa: Barington Hall Press. Feenstra, Gail. (No Date). What is Sustainable Agriculture? Web 14 April 2015 www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/sarep/concept.htm Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary. (2015). http://www.merriam-webster.com/ Organic Corn Hardier Than Conventional. (1995). Science News, 148, 255. Platt, LaVonne G. (Ed.). (1987). Hope For the Family. (1987). Newton, Kansas: Faith and Life Press. Pretty, Jules N. (1995). Regenerating Agriculture. Washington, D.C.: Joseph Henry Press. Whole Earth. (No Date). 10 Reasons to GO Organic. Web 14 April 2015 www.demon.co.Earthnet/org.10rea.html

Employment Law Legal Process Paper Essay

To handle a complaint of discrimination effectively, an employer should have a basic understanding of the process and procedures used by the EEOC to enforce the federal laws that prohibit employment discrimination. By knowing in advance what to expect, an employer can best prepare its defense. EEOC ProcessAny individual who believes that his or her employment rights have been violated may file a charge of discrimination with EEOC. Charges may be filed by mail or in person at their nearest EEOC office. Once an employee or applicant files a charge, the EEOC then serves notice on the employer, usually by mail, that a charge has been filed against them. This notice normally includes a copy of the actual charge filed by the employee or applicant. All laws enforced by EEOC, except the Equal Pay Act, require filing a charge with EEOC before a private lawsuit may be filed in court. There are strict time limits within which charges must be filed. A charge must be filed with EEOC within 180 days from the date of the alleged violation, in order to protect the charging party’s rights. This 180-day filing deadline is extended to 300 days if the charge also is covered by a state or local anti-discrimination law (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). Employers must understand that the persons who evaluate and decide the outcome of employment discrimination cases (the EEOC investigator, federal or state judge, and/or jury) have keen senses of fairness and expect that employees will be treated in a fair manner. As a result, employers are exposed to substantial liability for any acts, including perceived acts, of discrimination in the workplace. Employers should take any charge of discrimination seriously and the employer must keep in mind that, at a minimum, it needs to have a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for taking the action in question. In addition, an employer’s response will be evaluated by persons who have a different perspective than the employer. What may appear to an employer, as a benign, routine employment action, can be perceived by a jury as the most pernicious, discriminatory deed. With this in mind, an employer should structure its response to show that its action was not only legal, but also fair (Bu reau of National Affairs, 2002). Resolving the Discrimination ChargeThe filing of the charge triggers an EEOC investigation into whether or not there is reasonable cause to believe that the employer did in fact illegally discriminate against an individual. An employer may be asked to submit a written statement of position to explain its version of events. At some point in the investigation, a fact-finding conference might be held (Bureau of National Affairs, 2002). Relatively informal, a fact-finding conference is attended by the charging party, respondent and necessary witnesses. No official record is made and witnesses are not placed under oath. Most employers bring counsel to the conference. After concluding its investigation, the EEOC makes a determination as to whether there is reasonable cause to believe that the alleged discrimination occurred. The investigation starts with a review of all documents in the employee’s personnel file, and should be expanded to include, among other things, a review of applicable company policies, at least one interview with potential witnesses, and a review of internal documents for any prior incidents similar to the action on which the complaint is based. The lack of effective anti-discrimination policies can be damaging to an employer’s case. On the other hand, a well-publicized, strictly enforced, non-discrimination policy can prove invaluable to an employer defending against a charge of discrimination. By reviewing its policies, an employer also may discover that the complaining employee did not follow proper company procedure in reporting the complaint. All of this information can be used by the employer in responding to the complaint. A reasonable cause determination indicates that â€Å"it is more likely than not† that illegal discrimination took place. A no reasonable cause determination means that the EEOC has not found sufficient evidence to support a finding of discrimination. While a â€Å"no cause† finding does not bar the complaining party from subsequently filing suit in state or federal court on the same claim, as a practical matter most employees do not pursue their claims after the EEOC issues a â€Å"no cause† finding. If the evidence establishes that discrimination has occurred, the employer  and the charging party will be informed of this in a letter of determination that explains the finding. EEOC will then attempt conciliation with the employer to develop a remedy for the discrimination (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). If the case is successfully conciliated, or if a case has earlier been successfully mediated or settled, neither EEOC nor the charging party may go to court unless the conciliation, mediation, or settlement agreement is not honored (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). If EEOC is unable to successfully conciliate the case, the agency will decide whether to bring suit in federal court. However, no statements made by any party during the conciliation process can be used in any subsequent lawsuit. If EEOC decides not to sue, it will issue a notice closing the case and giving the charging party 90 days in which to file a lawsuit on his or her own behalf (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). CONCLUSION Employees who believe that they have been discriminated against by an employer, an employment agency, or a labor union have the right to file a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Employer’s need to ensure that discriminatory practice or action, if it did occur, is stopped, and that it does not occur again. By properly handling the charge at its early stages, an employer can reduce significantly, or possibly eliminate the potential liability. The Bureau of National Affairs, 2002. Retrieved September 11, 2006, from http://www.bna.comU.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Retrieved September 11, 2006, from http://www.eeoc.gov

Justice in William Shakespeares King Lear Essay - 1038 Words

Justice in William Shakespeares King Lear The question of the origin of true, virtuous, and impartial justice has plagued mankind over the millennia and continues to do so today. In Shakespeare’s King Lear two potential forms of justice predominate: human examination through trial and divine supernatural recourse. Both systems emerge fundamentally flawed in practice, however, and by the end of the play a world of unjust chaos reigns supreme. Over the course of three â€Å"trials,† Lear’s daughters competing for his love, the blinding of Gloucester by Cornwall and Regan, and Lear’s imagined cross-examination of Goneril and Regan, Shakespeare strikingly illustrates the concept that human justice is essentially blind and the maintenance†¦show more content†¦Nevertheless, Lear fails to heed Kent’s voice of reason and continues down the path of â€Å"hideous rashness† (1.1.67-69). Thus, through rewarding the flattery of his two dishonest serpents of daughters and the banishme nt of the virtuous Kent and Cordelia, Lear plainly demonstrates that just decisions are impossible when made through the cloudy lens of flawed human nature. In the trial and interrogation of the â€Å"filthy traitor† (3.7.39) Gloucester by the unscrupulous duo of Regan and Cornwall, the idea of the imperfection of human justice is further illustrated. Cornwall and Regan, led by their unbridled avarice and jealousy, come to the conclusion that Gloucester must have his eyes torn out for aiding the King without their consent and receiving a letter warning him of France’s impending invasion. Because Gloucester’s good and honest nature would not let him stand aside and watch â€Å"[Regan’s] cruel nails / Pluck out [Lear’s] poor old eyes, nor [Regan’s] fierce sister / In his anointed flesh stick boarish fangs (3.7.67-71), the superstitious old man is branded a traitor through a travesty of a legal process and forced to part with his dear eyesight. The fact that his prosecutors seem to believe in the sanctity of due process and fair justice only further highlights theShow MoreRelated Artistic Form in King Lear1240 Words   |  5 Pages King Lear has remained one of Shakespeare’s best works, and one of the best tragedies of all time, since the beginning of the 17th century; however, some early critics believe that certain elements of the story do not satisfy the criteria for a proper tragedy. The two plot elements under speculation are the subplot and the catastrophic ending. The primary focus of the story is set on the elderly King Lear, whose pride and greed blinds him, causing him to banish his only pure daughter, Cordelia,Read MoreKing Lear and the Genre of Tragedy Essay960 Words   |  4 Pagesof the hero. Written between 1604 and 1606, ‘King Lear’ falls into the genre of tragedy, depicting the destruction and downfall of the main character (Abrams). The play centres on Lear, an aging king who, in his retirement, decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters while retaining the title and privileges of being king. However, King Lear ’s actions lead to the destruction of his family, tearing up his kingdom and creating a war. ‘King Lear’ is a tragedy as it follows the codes and conventionsRead MoreKing Lear Character Development Essay1662 Words   |  7 PagesKing Lear is understandably one of William Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, it encompasses the journey through suffering and explores, in detail, the idea of justice. Each character in the play experience s one or the other throughout the progression of the plot, it is evident that through compositional features such as these, the play write is trying to convey this meaning. Through methods such as intense imagery, motifs, repetition of words and rhyming the play write has given intensity to certainRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Life And The Elizabethan Age Essay1474 Words   |  6 PagesWilliam Shakespeare was the great poet, actor, and playwright from the Elizabethan age. William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564 and woul d then die exactly fifty two years later. Throughout time, his plays have continued to grow in popularity and notoriety. Many of the saying first penned by William Shakespeare, we still use today. Such lines as; â€Å"As good luck would have it (The Merry Wives of Windsor), Dead as a doornail (2 Henry VI), Full circle (King Lear), and Milk of human kindness (Macbeth)†Read MoreWilliam Shakespeare s King Lear1480 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction William Shakespeare wrote the play of â€Å"King Lear† in 1986. This is a typical play of human coarseness and vengeance. The play challenges the audience through the contradiction of the goodness and primordial evil of a man. Many characters in this play demonstrate the tendencies of virtuous or vicious throughout the play. There are many themes in the play, but the most prevailing relates to the subject of justice. Shakespeare demonstrates this thematic deception of themes through instancesRead MoreEssay The Foolishness of Fools in Shakespeares King Lear1706 Words   |  7 PagesThe Foolishness of Fools in Shakespeares King Lear Shakespeares tragedy King Lear is comprised of many distinct themes. His contrasts of light and dark, good and evil, and his brilliant illustration of parallels between the foolishness of the plays characters and society allowed him to craft a masterpiece. Just as well, Shakespeares dynamic use of linguistic techniques such as pun and irony aid this illustration of the perfect microcosm, not only of 16th century Britain, but of all timesRead MoreOedipus As A Tragic Hero1445 Words   |  6 Pagesfulfilled. Consequently, due to the underlying corruption in Thebes, the people are perishing of a plague that will not cease until the man responsible for the death of the previous Theban King, King Laius, is identified and brought to justice. This urgency propels Oedipus to discover that his biological father is not the King of Corinth who raised him, rather Laius himself. This crisis is furthered by the reveal that not only did Oedipus assume Laius’ title, after he murdered him, the two men also shareRead MoreWhat Is Love, a Comparison of Love in Othello and King Lear1488 Words   |  6 Pagesepicenter for life, what is the point of living if there is no love, ironically love is the cause of many a down fall. William Shakespeare has single handedly captured and embraced this necessary feeling and has allowed us to view in on it through the characters in his two masterpieces, Othello and King Lear. Three different kinds of loves explored in both Othello and King Lear, sharing both similarities and differences are a love for a significant other, the love a father holds to his childrenRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s King Lear1470 Words   |  6 PagesShakespeare’s tragedies accentuate the qualities of human behavior and interactions with others when faced with adversity where the emotions of greed, ambition and madness are strongly expressed. Insight into the character’s psyche and moral values is explored to give understanding of the logic and r easoning behind the ways humans act. Harboring a universal and timeless quality, Shakespeare’s plays have the ability to exceed the restraints of the cultural values during the Elizabethan era, makingRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s King Lear922 Words   |  4 PagesInsanity occupies an essential place in William Shakespeare’s King Lear, and is associated with both disorder and hidden wisdom. As King Lear goes mad due to dementia, the turmoil in his mind mirrored the chaos that has descended upon his kingdom. He initiated the unnatural sequence of events when he proclaimed that he desires to relinquish his duties as a monarchy and conferring them onto his children. At the same time, Lear’s dementia provided him with important wisdom by reducing him to his bare