Influence of National Culture on Accounting MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Influence of National Culture on Accounting Conservatism. Answer: Introduction: The international accounting system is dynamic and in so doing presents various challenges among the persons undertaking the financial responsibilities for different firms. Accounting remains essential in organizations for the sole purpose of communicating an organizations financial position to the investors, managers, the government, and fiscal institutions. In this case, it provides a particular set of principles and rules guiding the content of the financial statement. Eventually, accounting leads to the reality of consistent reporting of the financial position of a firms asset which expresses the health status of a company. While global accounting may be viewed as an easy task, it comes with a set of challenges to the financial individuals and the organizations as well due to several factors involved in its practice. It is evident that the present world is changing the face of doing business and thus makes the world better by initiating a competition among the financial firms. The accounting professionals in global businesses are not left out in the change that prompts the professionals to reorganize themselves towards adopting strategies in modern accounting (Radebaugh, Gray, and Black 2006). The global world makes things easier by creating a uniform financial system and internationally accepted standards in conducting business. However, the adherence to the international standards remains a challenge due to the differing legislations that affect the financial operations of a firm. Traditional Accounting Standards Historically, different countries have been using their accounting standards which make it hard to compare and contrast companies operating in various nations. Therefore, individuals might be reluctant to adhere to the international standards as the local policies support the existence of the traditional accounting procedures. According to Hail, Leuz, and Wysocki, (2010), the dependence on the local procedures and policies in accounting presents a challenge to the international accounting practices for various logistical and financial issues. In this case, the existence of the traditional procedures impedes the commitment to change and adoption to the international standards of accounting. Adhering to the international standards presents a set of challenges to the accounting professionals. First is the challenge based on the issue of incentives where there exist several factors that might encourage incentives to the individuals while others are discouraging the same throughout organizations. Different nations present differing incentives to the accounting professional which affects the operational of accounting professionals in the global businesses (Kaplan, Atkinson and Morris, 1998). While some countries through incentives may encourage acts of accounting, others without the incentives impede serious accounting practices which lead to challenges to their international accounting. On the other hand, countries have a differing commitment to the adoption of the international accounting standards. Governments enact regulations to the financial institutions which differ from nations to nations. The difference in the regulatory authorities might either encourage or discourage the existence of a proper adoption of the internationally accepted accounting practices (Camfferman and Zeff, 2015). Countries that block transparency in financial practices make international accounting a nightmare due to the policies that prevent the professionals from carrying out their tasks smoothly (Saunders and Cornett, 2014). Therefore, the differences in legislations matter in the existence of international accounting. Cultures existing in different nations determine the perception and commitment to the international standards of accounting. While it might be easy to adopt international standards in some countries, others may exhibit resistance leading to difficulties in practicing the same. Therefore, businesses working in the global space face problems as the accounting practices on the international standards cannot exist, thus impeding uniformity in the financial institutions working (Camfferman and Zeff, 2015). The lack of a uniform culture serves as a challenge to the international accounting practices and formulas. The difference in culture leads to the implementation of accounting practices in different formats which limit the capability of investors making comparison to other nations thus leading to the lack of faith in the local practice. As a result, investors might fear setting up businesses in such locations. Poor Translation and Interpretation While international laws on accounting practice might be uniform, the issue of translation of the policies in the effective working might differ, thus presenting challenges to the respective organizations involved in global businesses. Lack of knowledge and proper education on accounting procedures among professionals might lead to diverse means of interpretation thus leading to different results and practices by individuals (Albu, Albu, and Alexander 2014). The case presents challenges for the international firms which seek to have a uniform set of practices across their businesses. Consequently, companies that fail to meet the international standards of accounting may hinder the existence of the policies thus presenting different results that ought to match for global businesses (Bebbington, Unerman and O'Dwyer, 2014). For instance, the presence of different translations of the policies might affect the accounting operations of a firm like coca-cola which needs a uniform working gl obally thus leading to non-compliance issues. Eventually, the fact presents a financial challenge to the professional accounting body. Moreover, the issue of education affects the functioning and interpretation of the international accounting procedures and practices. The education standards in some countries do not conform to the international standards and as such differ in the dispensation of knowledge. The differences give rise to challenges that hinder the implementation of international practices at the domestic level (Deegan 2013). The differences affect the local performance in line with the international standards at this moment leading to a stampede to international firms operating the local levels which demand uniform accounting practices among their franchises. Besides, the international accounting policies and practices have a high frequency of changing that presents complexity to the international accounting. While some countries, through their policies might be quick to adopt the changes, others might be slow to incorporate the same at the domestic level (Guthrie and Parker 2014). The lack of will or technology to embrace the fast pace of change leads to challenges in practicing the latest demands of accounting. As a result, individuals with businesses on the global market might fail to have the different businesses in selected countries accounting in line with the provisions of the international markets. The international standards of accounting may be substantial to businesses but expensive to implement thus presenting implementation challenges. The medium sized entities and accounting firms who lack the resources and personnel to adopt the international policies and procedures may fail to utilize the provision. Consequently, such companies opt to remain glued to the traditional practices which fail to demonstrate the nature of the global accounting practices (McFarlin and Sweeney 2014). The different standards may affect the uniform expectations on international firms operating in such a local environment with poor resources towards international accounting practices. Most countries face difficulties in the adoption of the international standards and accreditation. Limited accessibility to the standards matching international business presents a barrier towards international convergence (Kanagaretnam, Lim, and Lobo 2013). Some countries, especially in the developing nations might cite the high fees charged for accreditation as factors impeding their ability to obtain international financial certification for local accounting firms. Individual Restrictions At personal levels, the rapid changes in the accounting field through technology and global trends calls for accountants to adjust their positions towards the adoption of the international standards and practices. Accounting firms with professionals with limited levels of education hinder the implementation and adherence to the international standards (Solas and Ayhan 2016). Lack of knowledge may lead to adherence to local and traditional practices of accounting that differ from the international standards. As a result, the lack of knowledge on the use of technology in implementing financial obligations may lead to non-uniform results which make interpretation and comparison difficulties among global firms. Consequently, the situation presents challenges to the international accounting. On the other hand, global accounting calls for proper communication skills as a requisite factor among the accounting professionals. As such, it affects the act of presenting and defending views on accounting orally and in written using the technological means. The ability to communicate and display negotiation skills in common languages promotes uniform accountability (Alzeban and Gwilliam 2014). However, the present market does not guarantee a high market for individuals with such skills which hinder the implementation of the international standards. At the same time, the inability to utilize the latest technology in accounting presents a challenge to the accounting field. Accountants need to communicate more efficiently at the local and the international levels with their counterparts to find out the latest trends and practices in accounting. The revolution in technology does not impede communication but on the contrary presents chances for enhanced communication with the global accountant where such alliances might lead to proper practices (Fernandez-Feijoo, Romero, and Ruiz 2014). While one business in a nation may use a particular technology conforming to the latest technology, another company similar in nature, but working in a developing nation may fail to replicate the same. The situation presents a challenge to uniformity in a business where investors cannot compare the overall performance of a business to another in the same region. Personal Adaptability to International Standards Flexibility of individuals to international standards presents a challenge to the accounting world. While a country may fail to observe and implement the international practices, individuals through technology can be able to conform to the same and remain in line with the latest trends in global accounting. In this case, people are tasked with the responsibility of participating in knowledge acquisition activities to gain the requisite skills to international accounting. Technology gives accountants the ability to learn several practices which can be learned on the internet as opposed to the local level that might fail to cultivate the standards used locally (Florou, Kosi, and Pope, 2017). The ability gives accountant an upper hand in understanding the international practices and using them in their daily operations. However, the ability to do so depends on a personal commitment to the profession. The lack of adaptability and willingness to overcome the local practices not conforming to the international standards presents a challenge to global accounting. The differences in ethical considerations and practices based on the culture of nations acts as a challenge to international accounting. International accounting expects individuals to use globally accepted ethical guidelines which might differ from the local considerations thus present challenges to the case (Yarahmadi and Bohloli, 2015). As such, the ethical issues in accounting affect the practices initiated by accountants in their local levels. The fact remains a hindrance on international businesses that expect their accountants to behave in a similar manner when it comes to financial information disclosure. Failure to adhere to the international ethics in accounting results in severe damage to reputation should a companys accounting sector act contrary to the provisions in the international front (Florou, Kosi, and Pope, 2017). Ethical guidelines ought to be incorporated during training which can be done in-house or through educational institutions to align firms with the inter national policies and standards. The presence or absence of technology in different nations present different challenges to the global accounting world. While the countries in the developed countries might have access to technology and use it in accounting, others in the developing nation might fail to enjoy the same privilege due to the absence of technology or the necessary expertise to utilize the same in accounting. The difference in technology might impede the use of accounting software across nations thereby creating non-uniform accounting practices (Deegan 2013). As a result, firms working on the international front may fail to have the ability to compare the financial performances of businesses existing in divergent markets. Accounting calls for transparency in the financial dealings that have to be left open at all times to scrutiny by the respective firms. However, the challenge presents difficulty to such transparency needed for improved operations and increased investment. Conclusion The present world is changing at a faster pace which offers a set of challenges to the global accounting world. While some nations may be quick and willing to adapt to the latest trends in accounting, others may fail to demonstrate a similar commitment due to several issues. At the same time, individuals in the accounting profession matter in their willingness and ability to utilize technology to allow the current practices to prevail. Therefore, the differences present challenges to the global accounting that ought to be uniform across nations to guarantee the spread of international business. As such, there is a need for a change of policies and individual commitment to use of technology towards exercising a uniform accounting practice for transparency and financial reasons. Reference List Albu, C.N., Albu, N. and Alexander, D., 2014. When global accounting standards meet the local contextInsights from an emerging economy.Critical Perspectives on Accounting,25(6), pp.489-510. Alzeban, A. and Gwilliam, D., 2014. Factors affecting the internal audit effectiveness: A survey of the Saudi public sector.Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation,23(2), pp.74-86. Bebbington, J., Unerman, J. and O'Dwyer, B., 2014.Sustainability accounting and accountability. Routledge. Camfferman, K. and Zeff, S.A., 2015.Aiming for global accounting standards. Oxford University Press, USA. Deegan, C., 2013.Financial accounting theory. McGraw-Hill Education Australia. Fernandez-Feijoo, B., Romero, S. and Ruiz, S., 2014. Commitment to corporate social responsibility measured through global reporting initiative reporting: Factors affecting the behavior of companies.Journal of Cleaner Production,81, pp.244-254. Florou, A., Kosi, U. and Pope, P.F., 2017. Are international accounting standards more credit relevant than domestic standards?.Accounting and Business Research,47(1), pp.1-29. Guthrie, J. and D. Parker, L., 2014. The global accounting academic: what counts!.Accounting, Auditing Accountability Journal,27(1), pp.2-14. Hail, L., Leuz, C. and Wysocki, P., 2010. Global accounting convergence and the potential adoption of IFRS by the US (Part II): Political factors and future scenarios for US accounting standards.Accounting Horizons,24(4), pp.567-588. Kanagaretnam, K., Lim, C.Y. and Lobo, G.J., 2013. Influence of national culture on accounting conservatism and risk-taking in the banking industry.The Accounting Review,89(3), pp.1115-1149. Kaplan, R.S., Atkinson, A.A. and Morris, D.J., 1998.Advanced management accounting(Vol. 3). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. McFarlin, D. and Sweeney, P.D., 2014.International Management: Strategic Opportunities Cultural Challenges. Routledge. Radebaugh, L.H., Gray, S.J. and Black, E.L., 2006.International accounting and multinational enterprises. New York, NY: John Wiley Sons. Saunders, A. and Cornett, M.M., 2014.Financial institutions management. McGraw-Hill Education,. Solas, C. and Ayhan, S., 2016. The historical evolution of accounting in China: the effects of culture.De Computis-Revista Espaola de Historia de la Contabilidad,4(7), pp.146-173. Yarahmadi, H. and Bohloli, A., 2015. Ethics in Accounting.International Journal of Accounting and Financial Reporting,5(1), pp.356-360.

Strategy of General Electric & Apple-Free-Samples for Students

Question: Discuss about the Competitive Strategy of General Electric and Apple. Answer General Electric General Electric is the An American multinational company. It was established on 15 April 1892. The company deals in various products such as oil, gas, energy, water, aircraft engines, appliances, electrical distribution, electric motors, finance, health care, locomotives, weapons, wind turbines, lighting and software (GE 2017). The company is selected because it provides a great example of an excellent company. It is ranked in Fortune 500 countries of USA. In good as well as hard times the company did what others can only wish for. It always lies ahead in the game and sets targets for others to follow therefore it is one of the most admired and successful company. In the beginning, General Electric is only targeted at the business to business marketing for electric sector. The company grew so much because it diversified the product portfolio and designed various marketing campaigns. The theories that can be held responsible for the current market standing of the company are a theory of business transformation, the theory of intellectual leadership and stakeholder theory. Theory of business transformation means bring changes according to the dynamic environment needs i.e. adding and subtracting to the business portfolio to strengthen the competitive advantage (Elliot 2011). GE showed an example of a constantly evolving company. It has added various products to its product portfolio and eliminated various processes that became obsolete with the time. Today the company has almost 11 diverse product sectors. The company always has framed its culture in such a way that its employees act like entrepreneurs, they recognise the changing trends in the environment and come up with dynamic ideas to deal with the changes. The company has not only undergone product portfolio expansion it has undergone reorganisation and cultural transformation. People inside General electric have a healthy disrespect for history. They are flexible to change according to need and are not burdened by the past. The other theory is a theory of business transformation. Theory of intellectual leadership defines the types of leaders that aim to transform the society by proving the clear insights to the future. These leaders tend to change the behaviour of others by providing them with the view that how their idea can impact the future state or society (Nohria and Khurana 2010). General Electric has not only established intellectual leadership in the organisation it has managed it since hundred years. The company always focuses on developing managerial talent in the organisation. In the years 1980s and 1990s the company started focusing on leadership managem ent to develop the culture of global management. The other theory is stakeholder theory, this theory states that managers have the study to satisfy all the stakeholders of the company but this should be done within the legal political and ethical boundaries (Garvare and Johansson 2010). The company does every possible effort to serve all the stakeholders in a possible way. The company aims to satisfy its customers by providing them with the innovative and high- tech products. The company is has adopted the digital industrial strategy which will make it worlds largest digital industrial company. A concerted push was made by GE to ensure transparency for maximising shareholders interests. Apple Apple is an American multinational company. It was founded in 19776 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. The company deals in computer electronics, computer software and electronic services. Companys most trending products are iPhone, iPad and Mac book. Current CEO is Apple is Tim Cook (Apple 2017). Apple is worlds largest company of information technology and second largest mobile manufacturer. Apple is perceived as an excellent company in the industry because it has an established brand name. The company never fails to deliver innovatively and quality assured products to its customers. Therefore it is the market leader in the industry. Apple was recognised as worlds most valuable brand in Forbes article. The credit of Apple success is often given to its former CEO, Steve Jobs who brought it to this height. Apple always manages to be a step ahead in the completion and has always been in top position. The major theories and concepts that can be applied to the success of apple are innovation, strategic alliance and customer satisfaction. Theory of innovation is also known as diffusion of innovation theory. This theory explains how advancements gain traction and spread throughout the organisation over the time. This advancement can be new products, ideas or moves (Lundvall 2010). Apple has been in the spotlight for its innovative products. It offers a range of products that are dynamic and different. The company consistently keeps on changing the business plan and processes according to the environment. The company cultivates the culture of innovation and creativity in the organisation. The company always spends in res earch and development so that its team can come up with more innovative ideas. Apple always identified the next big thing and provided it to customers before the competitors. The next thing that helped Apple to attain current market position is a strategic appliance. A strategic alliance can be defined as partnering with the competitor (Teng 2007). The company at different times partnered with different competitors depending on the need. Apple entered into strategic alliance with Microsoft where Bill Gates invested $150,000,000 in the company. Apple also manufactured various mobile parts for its competitor Samsung. This reduced the threat of rivalries and helps the company to gain a competitive edge in the market. This is the witty technique used by the company to lie ahead of competitors. The next theory on which Apple works is the theory of customer satisfaction. According to this theory, the customer is the king of the market and companies must work to maximise customer benefit ( Oliver 2014). The company works in every possible way to maximise customer benefit. It provides the customer with a premium quality product which is an essential component for customer satisfaction. The customer realised that retail store was not able to provide best customer services, therefore, the company decided to open its own retail stores worldwide. It created simple and easy to use products for its customers. The company also handled customer complaints very effectively. Apple always provides a very quick response to customer service References Apple, 2017. Apple Site Map, viewed on 16 August 2017 from https://www.apple.com/sitemap/ Elliot, S., 2011. Transdisciplinary perspectives on environmental sustainability: a resource base and framework for IT-enabled business transformation.Mis quarterly,35(1), pp.197-236. Garvare, R. and Johansson, P., 2010. Management for sustainabilitya stakeholder theory.Total quality management,21(7), pp.737-744. General Electric, 2017. About us, viewed on 16 August 2017 from https://www.ge.com/about-us/building Lundvall, B.. ed., 2010.National systems of innovation: Toward a theory of innovation and interactive learning(Vol. 2). Anthem Press. Nohria, N. and Khurana, R. eds., 2010.Handbook of leadership theory and practice. Harvard Business Press. Oliver, R.L., 2014.Satisfaction: A behavioral perspective on the consumer. Routledge. Teng, B.S., 2007. Corporate entrepreneurship activities through strategic alliances: A Resource?Based Approach toward Competitive Advantage.Journal of Management Studies,44(1), pp.119-142.

Sample About Economic System

Sample About Economic SystemA sample about economic system written by students and professional is very helpful for them in taking admission for a place. This kind of essay for these subjects is also known as 'apolitical essay'. There are lots of examples available that can help you in this way. Here are some examples of good examples.I am writing this essay about the economic system of economy to boost my academic career. It is written to help me in making a career in any area of economics. I like to write so many essays as it will make me read things in depth. The topic can be any subject. Just write about whatever you want.This is one of the best essays sample for college essay. If you have a lot of trouble in spelling, you can use a spell checker. Simply type in the word you want the spelling to be corrected, press the button and then type the word.This is one of the most popular essay sample for college essay. It is about how some economic institutions are corrupt and call for p unishment for their wrong doing. A sample about economic system like this can really boost your academic career.The essay sample is about how much you will lose in a scholarship program if they go into bankruptcy. It is a great essay for scholarship student in financial need. It is also an essay about how we should pay the loan to the school.The theme of this topic is about how the importance of the growth and development of this world. The objective of this essay is to say how education is needed to make this world a better place. A perfect example for this topic can be found in the example about the economy. The focus of this essay can be finding out for this topic.The theme can be written about the high prices of food that is caused by the companies selling the food at extremely high prices. In this kind of essay, the keyword is action. This can boost your high school writing career.

Should Marijuana Be Legalized Essay Example

Should Marijuana Be Legalized ? Essay The opinion of Marijuana during the 70’s was much more definitive than it is today. Approval of Marijuana by 27 states, new medical studies, and its consequences on those convicted from use of the most common illicit drug in the world, is forcing the United States of America to rethink its stance on the matter. In general, the underlying argument about Marijuana in this country is: should Marijuana continue to be prohibited to citizens based on its health effects, medicinal values, and costs to the country? The reasons why this argument is so important are great. As previously stated, Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the world, and with millions of people using it regularly and almost 100 million that have ever used it in this country, the laws behind this drug hold great influence. It is because of this and the immergence of new evidence, that the justification behind prohibition of this drug is being rethought scientifically, socially, and economically. The use of Marijuana as both medicine and a recreational drug is being thoroughly questioned in the US. 7 states have Marijuana approved in some form, many of those for medical purposes however those users can still, and do get placed into prison by federal law. Currently, 830,00 people a year are in trouble with the law in regards to Marijuana and numbers seem to be on an uphill trend . Furthermore, the US invests 30 billion a year into the drug war, half of which is dedicated to Marijuana. Many are questioning its success all together. Both imprisonment and the war cost our country, and therefore our people, money. A change in laws is going to have a dramatic affect on America. We will write a custom essay sample on Should Marijuana Be Legalized ? specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Should Marijuana Be Legalized ? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Should Marijuana Be Legalized ? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Marijuana comes from the Cannabis Sativa plant. Its discovery could have been as early as 2700 BC in China. Despite the Cannabis Sativa plant producing Marijuana it also produces hemp, which is a very useful cash crop that can produce several textile materials. Aside from hemp, Marijuana was used in America up until 1937, when it was banned by 47 states as a result of increased usage due to the 1920 amendment that outlawed alcohol. People no longer having access to alcohol went elsewhere for a recreational substance. What causes the â€Å"buzz† users feel from Marijuana is a result of its entry into the bloodstream, and the binding of THC from Marijuana with brain receptors that cause the feelings of drowsiness, increased appetite, giddiness, hallucinations, and other effects. In 1965 President Johnson passed the drug abuse control amendment targeting all illicit drugs, and then in 1969 President Nixon declared an all out war on drugs and crime, giving birth to what would become the drug war we see today. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical Marijuana, setting off a significant trend through the country. Today Marijuana is classified as a schedule I drug alongside Heroin, Cocaine, and Morphine, (this classification has been unchanged since the 1960’s). It was classified as a schedule I drug despite the fact that it was recommended by the CSA (controlled substances act) task force to not place it in this class. While certain states in the US currently allow medical Marijuana use, the Federal Government claims that their law overrules state law and therefore users of the medical Marijuana can be prosecuted. Certain concepts need to be understood in order for the information presented to be interpreted properly. This argument covers legalization for medical and/or recreational use of Marijuana. This argument does not pertain to the legalization of all illegal drugs. This argument is not about Marijuana being healthy or good for anyone; however it is more focused towards its use in the medical field and its health effects in comparison to already legal substances. A few terms presented in the argument need to be understood. Marijuana is created when the leaves and female flowers of the hemp plant are dried, and it is commonly used but not limited to use in cigarette form. THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary intoxicant of marijuana. Aside from the technical, there are a few legal terms as well. When the term decriminalization is used, what is proposed is the elimination of criminal penalties for marijuana, meaning that in most cases possession (with certain restrictions) would be treated as a civil offense and maximum charges could be a fine of a few hundred dollars. Decriminalization insures no prison time or creation of a criminal record. Marijuana legalization is simply the complete government authorization of the substance. The Drug War is the resulting conflict between law enforcement and those who deal in illegal drugs. There are three major topical issues in the argument over marijuana legalization. First, does possess medical value? Second, is Marijuana harmful enough to remain illegal and how does it compare to other legal illicit substances? And lastly, what is Marijuana’s effect on our nation and how would legalization change this? Of the three issues related to the Marijuana legalization debate, Marijuana and its medical use might be the most widely discussed of them all. Opponents of Medical Marijuana bring up any significant arguments as to why it should not be condoned. The American Medical Association in 2001 stated that Marijuana should remain a schedule 1 drug, primarily basing their decision on the fact that they do not believe it has any medical value and that it has â€Å"no accepted medical use† and possesses a â€Å"high potential for abuse†. The FDA has a specifi c process in which the joint medical and scientific communities conduct certain procedures to determine whether drugs can be considered safe and effective as medicine, and Marijuana has not been approved by this process. The government also insists that Marijuana supporters are using the medical Marijuana â€Å"angle† as a ploy to get the whole drug legalized for recreational use, a valid point that definitely stirs up some question. Also, the countries that permit the drug to be used medicinally have not produced conclusive research on Marijuana’s applications in medicine. Opponents also justify Marijuana’s prohibition with the decision that if the FDA hasn’t approved it, it must be too dangerous to use. They also emphasize the fact that they believe that Marinol, a synthetic form of THC, can be used as an alternative to Marijuana and makes the whole plant unnecessary. After all, certain studies did show that smoking five joints of Marijuana a week may be equivalent to smoking a full pack of cigarettes daily, in terms of the amount of cancer causing chemical Marijuana contains. Opponents against Marijuana legalization for all purposes believe that it is harmful to the users and therefore should remain illegal. One of the most famous points made by prohibitionists is that Marijuana is a gateway drug and leads to harder drugs. They also argue that Marijuana contains up to 25% of THC today, compared to a miniscule 3% in the 1960s. This clearly indicates an increased potency in the intoxicating chemical. It has been scientifically proven that THC is stored in body fat, so some believe that it is possible that regular smokers could have enough stored in their system to be â€Å"sedated† at all times. There was a test conducted by a Dr. Robert Heath on monkeys that revealed THC in Marijuana caused that serious brain damage. Opponents also claim that long-term use has shown changes in the brain similar to those seen from other drugs. Alterations in nerve cells have indicated an affect towards the subject’s motivation, which could possibly explain one of the commonly used arguments against Marijuana. The risk of heart attack also quadruples during the first hour smoking, and blood pressure also rises. Prohibitionists contend that smokers become more susceptible to respiratory illnesses, increased phlegm production, chest illnesses, lung infections and cancer of the head and neck. These prohibitionists also state that Marijuana smoke has 50-70 percent more carcinogens than tobacco smoke, making it possibly more harmful than cigarettes. They also claim that smoking reduces the immune system’s ability to fight disease. Another very important aspect of their argument is that despite Marijuana not following the characteristics of a substance that causes true addiction, there still has been signs of addictive potential for users. These include irritability and sleeplessness among others. One of the most overlooked issues in the legalization debate is the influence of Marijuana prohibition to our economy. The opponents of legalization justify the costs of prohibition with the main point that our society would be negatively affected if legalized. Firstly, they feel that if legalized the danger of Marijuana will be misinterpreted by the public and would ultimately increase the potential for abuse. They are also convinced that we would see a crime rate increase on a nation-wide scale if Marijuana was no longer prohibited and was allowed to the public. Prohibitionists also insist that a drug market would still exist for miners, and that decriminalization would increase the usage of the drug. If it will be allowed medically, they believe it would also be accepted recreationally on false grounds. In regards to Marijuana and its medical value, proponents of legalization believe that Marijuana meets the FDA criteria as a substance in which the benefits outweigh its risk. This is considered to be a guiding principle when the FDA makes a decision towards approving a substance for medicinal use. Three different US government studies have shown that Marijuana may have medical value. The most recent of these was a one million dollar study by the Institute of Medicine. Many claim that Marinol, a synthetic form of THC, abolishes the need for Marijuana to be used as medicine, but it has been shown that it is just not as effective as smoking. Furthermore, there are other chemicals in Marijuana that help patients in ways that Marinol cannot. Another problem with Marinol is that takes quite a long time to begin working, costs more than Marijuana, and leaves the patient intoxicated for much too long of a time span (about 8-12 hours). Marinol is ingested in pill form, but many that use Marijuana to suppress nausea and vomiting find hat swallowing pills are counter-productive to this problem. This is due to the fact that the pills get vomited out because they simply take too long to work, entirely defeating the purpose of taking the medicine. On top of this, proponents also argue that the US is becoming increasingly alone in Marijuana persecution. Currently the Netherlands regulates Marijuana; and Belgium embraces it as medicine and is also considering leg alization for recreational use as well. New Zealand and Australia are also following the trend and are considering it for medical use. Proponents also argue the issue of whether Marijuana is in fact harmful, or more harmful than the already illegal illicit substances such as alcohol or tobacco, quite fervently. They state that there is not one documented record of anyone ever dying from Marijuana consumption, while the same cannot be said for alcohol and tobacco. They also argue that Marijuana should not be classified as a schedule I drug alongside heroin and cocaine etc. because it is simply much more mild and less harmful of a drug, even less harmful than alcohol and tobacco. Supporters also emphasize that Marijuana does not damage the brain as many have claimed, it simply increases the activity of the brain related to alpha waves, which is what causes the relaxed, meditative, and creative states that make up the â€Å"high† feeling. Advocates of legalization claim that it is simply untrue that Marijuana is more potent now than it was, enforcing the fact that poor storage in evidence rooms during the 70s caused a decline in potency results on tests and that Marijuana is the same now as it was in the 70s. Proponents also combat the claims that Marijuana impairs memory by stating that the impairment only occurs while intoxicated, and that the studies related to this were misleading people into believing that damage was permanent when in fact it was temporary. Supporters admit that Marijuana contains 1,000 chemicals but negate those claims with the example that coffee contains 800 chemicals that scientists consider to be volatile and only 21 of the 800 have been tested on animals. Proponents also justify Marijuana’s harmlessness with the fact that it takes 40,000 times the amount needed for intoxication in order for someone to die from Marijuana, while it only takes 4-10 times the amount for one to consume a lethal dose of alcohol. There was also a commercial TV ad from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America that aired in the late 90s that was a â€Å"flat out lie. † When researchers complained about the validity of the ad that demonstrated how Marijuana flattens brain waves it got pulled from the air. Advocates of Marijuana legalization also insist that most of the arguments held against marijuana are those in regards to respiratory harm (comparable to cigarette smoking), and that they can be abolished by the many alternative methods for Marijuana use which include vaporization, or the consumption of cannabis in certain foods, to name a few. Many recognize Marijuana prohibition as a large burden to our economy, and proponents of legalization state that this burden would be removed if Marijuana was legalized and regulated by the government. According to many, America is waging a very expensive and seemingly ineffective war on drugs that is costing our nation 30 billion a year. Half of this cost goes towards the prohibition of Marijuana, so if legalized, Marijuana supporters deduce that we would reduce the cost of the drug war by roughly 50 percent. Proponents of legalization also emphasize that based on those statistics we would be spared 15 billion a year, which could be used more constructively. The drug war causes 830,000 arrests a year for Marijuana related charges, which is costly and is considered to be an unjust punishment by many. Proponents and economists both purpose that our economy could benefit from legalization (regulation), and commonly use Holland as an example. Holland earns 67. 5 million a year from Marijuana, most of which is locally grown, also providing hemp products that pump revenue into their economy. If the Government regulated and taxed Marijuana, similar numbers could be seen. Currently through taxation alone, tobacco and alcohol bring in 11. 4 million annually to the government, and Marijuana would be believed to show similar return. Proponents also argue that Marijuana prohibition is a burden not only to our economy, but also to our society, and that regulation of the substance could fix all of this. The arrests of 830,000 people a year ruin the lives for many, stamping them with criminal records that they forever carry with them. Because Marijuana contributes to half of the drug war, if legalized half the drug dealers would be out of work and as result our society can expect to see a 50% reduction in crime related to the drug war. Proponents insist that regulated substances would actually cause a decrease in use, as can be ascertained by the fact that only 4% of Holland’s population uses Marijuana, where 7% of our population is comprised of users. Not only does Holland have fewer users than America, but since Marijuana has been legalized, the usage of hard drugs have actually decreased amongst the people of the Dutch nation. And finally, studies are showing that treatment is shown to be seven times more cost effective than criminal interjection for drug matters. It is these crucial points that drive the arguments of proponents. To summarize this entire debate the underlying views of both the proponents and opponents of these three issues involving the legalization of Marijuana must be restated. Opponents of the first issue, whether Marijuana has medical value or not, believe that it simply possesses no medical use and can be avoided with synthetic alternatives to the plant itself. They also believe that there is not enough research disproving their theory in order for them to reconsider its prohibition for medical use. Proponents, on the other hand, believe that there is conclusive research made by several studies proving that Marijuana can help the ill. They also believe that it meets the criteria necessary for it to be labeled as a â€Å"medicine. † Is Marijuana harmful enough to remain legal and how does it compare to the two recreational substances alcohol and tobacco? This is the second major issue, or question that needs to be answered. Opponents believe that Marijuana possesses enough threat to humans that it should remain illegal, while the supporters of legalization combat those claims with the presentation of more modern research and new discoveries that jeopardize its current status as a harmful, illegal drug. The third issue in this debate is, how would Marijuana legalization affect our nation? Opponents believed that society would be affected negatively and see increased crime rate, and drug use among other things. Proponents believed the opposite of this, using statistics and testimony to predict the positive outcome of legalization. Based on extensive researching and intense analysis of both sides of the argument, I believe without a doubt that there is no reason to keep imprisoning those who use Marijuana in our country. The fact is, that prohibitionists have an outdated ideology toward the matter, and what they believe is either based on false evidence from inferior scientific studies, or simply the result of nation-wide naivety that has rubbed off on them. As we progress and progress into the 21st century it is becoming clearer and clearer that Marijuana is just-as-if-not less harmful than alcohol and tobacco. The government funded studies and advertisements that reach the public eye is misleading and to blatant, more fictional than the comic strip on the back of the Daily Star. I cannot say why the government insists on driving this propaganda machine forward or turning the other cheek as more and more states by way of democracy decide to decriminalize Marijuana, but I can only speculate that it is because of a few key political figures that reap profits from the drug war and that half the DEA would have nothing to do. Science is proving Marijuana to be quite harmless, and if you ask anyone that has broken what is possibly the most ridiculous law of our time and has tried Marijuana, they would probably tell you that they agree. We need to leave be the people that would rather choose to sit down after work and smoke a joint than drink a bear. The drug war costs tens of billions, and is an absolutely cataclysmic failure. If legalized, our indebted economy would be spared millions, innocents would no longer be unjustly imprisoned, our crime would be reduced, and Marijuana would no longer be able to be obtained by innocent adolescents, instead by adults who have the right to choose for themselves whether they should use this nature-grown plant or not. Marijuana should be legalized for all purposes and anyone that semi-educated or possesses half a brain would probably agree with me. At the very least we need the poor, innocent patients, (most of which whom are elderly and terminally ill), to be able to take the medicine that provides them any amount of relief from both the physiological and psychological pain that they bear, without having to worry about the risk of possibly being arrested or imprisoned alongside murderers, rapists, and lunatics. These prohibitionist laws need to be changed before more people suffer from the consequences of this insanity.

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Comparing and Contrasting Yoder with Ginsburg essays Comparing and Contrasting Yoder with Ginsburg At face value, the cases of Yoder and Ginsburg appear quite different to me. After all, one deals with an Amish parent who took her children out of highschool for religious reasons and the other case deals with a Luncheonette owner who sold a 16 year old boy questionable materials. While each case deals on its own with differing state laws and statutes, they come together in the effort to answer the question; how much authority does the state possess over other peoples children? The decisions in Yoder and Ginsburg are quite conflicting. Regarding Yoder, the court decides that if your religion conflicts with your highschool, then you dont have to go. This generally puts religion before education. In Ginsburg the State comes out victorious and presents itself as the end all authority over what kind of material a child of 16 can see or read. This decision paints the state as having supreme authority over parents, yet in Yoder the parents are the authority over the State and the Board of Essentially in Yoder, the child is the victor in a sense. The state hands over its authority to the parents and loses the upper hand. In this case the child is the victor especially because she did not want to go to school. In the Ginsburg decision, a minor is deemed still a minor when it comes to obscenity, and the state holds on to their authority. The point is, that when we are dealing with something as important as school and something as nonconsequential as incredibly soft pornography, the court allows a child to not look at either at a book or a Playboy. It seems almost incredulous to me at least. I Can it be said, then, that religion comes first over education? Isnt our country founded on the separation of church and state? The Yoder decision clearly combines the ...

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