Westboro Baptist Church

Table of Contents Introduction Activities of the Westboro Baptist Church Controversy in relation to the 1st Amendment Conclusion Works Cited Introduction Westboro Baptist Church is an independent Baptist church found to the west of Topeka approximately three miles from Kansas State Capitol in the United States of America. It is led by Fred Phelps and its membership is mainly derived from his family. This essay seeks to discuss the problems that are caused by the church.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Westboro Baptist Church specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It will discuss by giving examples why everyone hates them, what makes it controversial, why having them continue what they are doing is a problem, their activities in relation to 1st amendment and how offensive it is within the setup of the society. Activities of the Westboro Baptist Church The church is known for its disorderly conducts and taking an ext reme position against gay marriage. It is particularly hated for its persistent habit of carrying out protests in public places such as churches, schools, and funerals for prominent people and American soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The group has also conducted protests outside the United States, including Sweden and an unsuccessful attempt to enter into Britain. However, they managed to enter Canada in August 2008 against the authority’s wishes and protested at the funeral of a young man who was a victim of a cruel murder on a passenger bus. The group’s extremist activities are a threat to the society. Their unfair targeting of some churches such Catholic, Lutheran and schools that they believe to be lenient towards homosexuality only continues to draw condemnation directed at them. This Church does not respect the rights of other religious groups such as the Jewish and Muslim community. In fact, they have recently begun mailing a powerful anti-Semitic DVD t o Jewish organizations and their leaders. They also attacked President Obama in the DVD depicting him as an anti-Christ. Such moves are not only disrespectful but are also misguided as they have created tension between its members and those of other churches. The church is also known for its abnormally strong stance against homosexuality. They often hold anti-gay protests and picket the funerals of gay victims of murder or deaths resulting from AIDS related complications. They once picketed a local appliance store selling Swedish vacuum cleaners which they accused of being sympathetic of gays. They also threatened to picket the production of a play based on the murder of young man known as Mathew Shepherd who was killed by two men because of his sexual orientation.Advertising Looking for essay on ethics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More These activities are a disruption of people’s private businesses and lives and are no t acceptable in any civilized society. Their protests towards fallen heroes such as soldiers killed in Iraq and celebrities such as Michael Jackson and Ronnie James Dio, among others, make them a public enemy. They are also an enemy of the state because they occasionally picket federal courthouses that they deem to be partisan in legitimizing gay marriages. This amounts to interference with the state judicial system. The group is never sympathetic or sensitive and their careless utterances to bereaved families shows that they do not value human lives and are not keen in promoting a sense of unity in the society (Fitzgerald, par. 2). For instance, their criticism of the family members of an 11- year boy who died of brain tumor that they did not teach him to â€Å"obey God† caused great distress to the family within a few hours of the boy’s death. The group’s activities are controversial since their intentions cannot be clearly visualized and comprehended. While t hey claim to be Christians, their actions do not concur with the Christian teachings of preaching peace and forgiveness. For example, the harsh words they utter aimed at grieved families and their violent demonstrations are not Christian. Controversy in relation to the 1st Amendment The activities of Westboro Baptist Church contravene the constitution of the United States of America under the bill of rights as contained in the First Amendment. This law guarantees freedom of religion and right to peaceful assembly. The perennial action by the Westboro church members of attacking other Christian churches and religious organizations such as Muslim and Jews is a breach of other citizens’ right to exercise their freedom. The operation of picketing public gatherings such as funerals is also a violation of people’s right to peaceful assembly. This law therefore gives the government an open opportunity to take action against any mischievous activities of the church against mem bers of the public without fear or favor. It also guarantees citizens protection against organizations with wrong motives, such as those that purport to be the official government religion, that is, it separates state from religion. Conclusion The group’s belief that they are the perfect church and their constant criticism of other religious faiths is seriously offensive to other people and is likely to cause disharmony amongst citizens from different religious background.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Westboro Baptist Church specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Furthermore, their interference in other people’s private lives is equally offensive and therefore it is important that this group be monitored closely. It is also imperative that the government respects the constitution and treat all religions equally and in doing so protect the public from dangers imposed by the Westboro Baptist Church amon g other churches or organizations with similar motives. Works Cited Fitzgerald, Walter. â€Å"Interview with Westboro Baptist Church: Hate in the Name of God.† Digital Journal, June 16, 2010. Web. http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/293364 This essay on Westboro Baptist Church was written and submitted by user LordTyger to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The True Meaning of Debate free essay sample

â€Å"Flight crew prepare for takeoff,† the captain of the plane announces over the loudspeaker. Here I am with my seat in the upright position. I am on a four hour flight to Dallas, Texas, en route to the national debate tournament. The Dallas Ten. That’s what they call us. After months of tryouts and practices, I am one of the elite ten debaters representing my school. Our megalomaniacal coach (his words, not mine), stands in front of me, screaming at my debate partner. As his words resonate through the cabin and saliva spatters everywhere, the flight attendant runs over and tries to calm him down. All I hope is that I am not the next target of my coach’s explosive temper. We land just as soon as I finish reviewing Michigan’s â€Å"Gates Counter-Plan.† The topic of the debate is: the U.S. federal government should substantially increase public health assistance to Sub-Saharan Africa. We will write a custom essay sample on The True Meaning of Debate or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Mr. Miles, who has not smiled since he was twelve years-old, has publicly embarrassed every debater on the plane, except for me. We are in the shuttle, on the way to the hotel, when my time comes. â€Å"MEDIOCRITY IS NOT AN OPTION!† he yells, when I don’t have the answer to his question. A wave of spit drenches those sitting in the rows behind me. I am embarrassed and defeated, as Mr. Miles singles me out in front of the team; I am also determined, now more than ever, to win this tournament. There are twenty minutes until our first round of debate. After the required handshakes and coin flip, it’s time to start the show. I whip out my perpetually-rehearsed 1AC speech and begin. â€Å"Contention 1 with regards to harms, Contention 2 with regards to inherency, Contention 3 with regards to topicality, Contention 4 with regards to solvency, and finally the affirmative plan.† One look at the expressions on my opponents’ faces and I know I have this in the bag. It’s an easy win, and I breeze through the next three rounds. Quarter final time. I present the affirmative case, and I’m on fire. However, upon cross examination, the negative team goes for a sneak-attack: the malficeian theory. The debate rages on and finally the decision is made—my winning streak is over. I sully out of the room with consternation on my face and knot in my stomach. I let down my school, my team, and above all—the coach. During the award ceremony, I receive a trophy for being in the top eight teams of the tournament. Mr. Miles approaches and beckons me into the hallway. I brace myself for the wave of ridicule and saliva. He takes the trophy out of my hand and takes a good, long look. Then he does something that he had never done before. He gives me a smile. â€Å"I’m pleased David,† he says. â€Å"I’m very pleased.† As the words come out of his mouth, a plethora of thoughts rush through me. And I have a moment of realization, an epiphany, if you will. I realize that I am not a debater for anyone or anything else. Not for Mr. Miles and not for a shiny statue. I debate because of all that I receive from the sport. I relish a chance to research a topic and all of its views. I embrace the teamwork that is essential for success. And I embrace the fact that the debate has done more for me than I have for it. The team has made me a proficient speaker and writer, one who can get his point across clearly, with just the right amount of words. Like in this case: 615 words, to be utterly exact.

Photography essays

Photography essays Photography is an art that took many years, and the efforts of many individuals to perfect. Many different people in many different fields contributed to this light writing. Chemists, artists, inventors, and engineers all lending a crafting hand to the art. Photography can be defined as the art of producing images of objects on photosensitive surfaces (Websters Dictionary, 364). It is both an art and a science. As an art it expresses personal vision, and as a science it relies on technology. A camera is a device that produces a two dimensional copy of a three dimensional scene. Throughout history, photography has greatly changed, as technology has revolutionized. The first camera, the Camera Obscura, was produced in Milan and Humaburg, Germany. It was produced by a mathematics professor in Milan and perfected by two inventors situated in Germany. An inventor born in Waterville, New York, introduced the first every esay to use camera, the Kodak Camera. He was living in Rochester when he created i Photography is an art that took many years, and the efforts of many individuals to perfect. Many different people in many different fields Photography is an art that took many years, and the efforts of many individuals to perfect. Many different people in many different fields contributed to this light writing. Chemists, artists, inventors, and engineers all lending a crafting hand to the art. Photography can be defined as the art of producing images of objects on photosensitive surfaces (Websters Dictionary, 364). It is both an art and a science. As an art it expresses personal vision, and as a science it relies on technology. A camera is a device that produces a two dimensional copy of a three dimensional scene. Throughout history, photography has greatly changed, as technology has revolutionized. The first camera, the Camera Obscura, was produced in Milan and Humaburg, Germany. ...

Natasha David Bezmozgis on Dysfunctional Relationships Essays

Natasha David Bezmozgis on Dysfunctional Relationships Essays Natasha David Bezmozgis on Dysfunctional Relationships Natasha, a short story by David Bezmozgis, provides prime examples of dysfunctional relationships. The dysfunction could be seen in the very first deal that Berman and Rufus made together. Berman offered to run drug related errands for Rufus in exchange for free drugs and some money (88). When Berman introduced Natasha to Rufus as his little sister, it seemed to Berman that Rufus was paying extra attention to Natasha and disrespected Berman by saying that, With all due respect, Berman, you and her arent even the same species (91). This lead to the final betrayal, where Rufus takes Natasha into his service even though he knew the status of Natasha and Bermans relationship (100). This betrayal in their relationship marked the most significant twist in the story plot. Another one of the clearest examples of a dysfunctional relationship is the one between Fima and Zina. While living together, Zina made Fima sleep in the living room couch (98), a clear sign of a dysfunctional marriage. Zina also tries to suck the life out of Fima. This was foretold in the first few conversations between Berman and Natasha, I feel sorry for him. Shell ruin his life he groans like hes being killed and she screams like shes killing him (88) and prediction came true later on, You saw how she tried to ruin my life and your life and how she was killing your uncle (98). Furthermore, Zina took advantage of Fima by stealing his money, embarrassing and insulting him. No matter what she did, Fima never took up the courage to leave her (98). This relationship helped in enlarging the dysfunctionability between Zina and Natasha. The basis of the dysfunctional relationship between Zina and Natasha stemmed from early age where since the age of eight, [Natasha] had been on her own (Bezmozgis 93). Zina neglected her while she messed around with other men (93). This turned Natasha towards the porn industry at age twelve (93-94). Furthermore, Zina also actively hurts her daughter. When Natasha finds out that Zina is cheating on her husband, Zina does not admit it but instead lashes out at ther daughters involvement with Berman (95). Natasha retaliates by calling her mother, whom she avoids, a whore (88) and is so agitated that she attacks Zina with a break knife (94). One cannot imagine a more dysfunctional relationship than this.

Cemetery Research for Family History and Genealogy

Cemetery Research for Family History and Genealogy The practice of marking the final resting place of a loved one goes back thousands of years. The ancient pyramids are conceivably the greatest example, standing today as a reminder of the ancient Egyptian glorification of life after death. Roman catacombs, a subterranean burial place for early Christians, contained niches where the fully clothed bodies were placed and which were then sealed with a slab inscribed with the name of the deceased, date of death and a religious symbol. Many of the elaborate grave markers erected in the 19th and early 20th centuries were styled after the memorials of the ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilizations. Following the first World War, grave markers started to become smaller and less elaborate - plain crosses and simple, upright stone slabs decorated with carvings, symbols and epitaphs. Cemeteries are living lessons in history. People who buried their dead said much about themselves and the ones who had died. While not considered a primary information source, gravestones are an excellent source of dates, birthplaces, maiden names, spouses names and parents names. They can also provide evidence of military service, membership in a fraternal organization and religious affiliations. Why Visit Cemeteries? Why should you visit the cemetery if you already have a birth and death date for your ancestor? Because you never know what you may find. Nearby gravestones can lead you to other family members. Little grave markers can tell the story of children who died in infancy for whom no other records exist. Flowers left on a grave may lead you to living descendants. Other than a few records and documents and, perhaps, some family jewelry or heirlooms, your ancestors tombstone is the only physical evidence of the life they lived. There is nothing in your genealogical research that will connect you to your ancestor more than to stand in the one place on earth which contains their mortal remains and to see important pieces of their life carved into stone. It is an amazing, awe-inspiring experience. Next How to Locate a Cemetery The first step in cemetery research is the obvious one- to learn where your ancestor is buried. Death records will often contain this information, as will obituaries. Published cemetery surveys may list your ancestors. Check with family members and other relatives as well. They will often know of family burial locations or may be able to track down a mention on a mass or prayer card or in the family Bible. Funeral Home Religious Records Funeral homes and morticians can be great allies in helping you to locate cemetery records. Funeral home records may still exist which can contain a wealth of information, including the burial location. Funeral directors will have knowledge of most cemeteries in their area, and may also be able to point you to family members. If a funeral home is no longer in business, then check with other area funeral homes as they may know where the old records are located. If you know your ancestors religious affiliation you may want to try contacting the church in the area where your ancestor lived. Churches often maintain attached cemeteries and also keep records for their members who are buried elsewhere. Turn to the Locals The local genealogical or family history society is a good source for information on local cemeteries. These groups are continually working to preserve valuable cemetery information and may have compiled cemetery indexes or be able to provide clues to little known burial locations, especially family cemeteries. Old local histories can also prove useful in identifying former names and locations for cemeteries which have been moved. Cemeteries Online The Internet is fast becoming a valuable source for cemetery records as well. Many cemetery sites such as FindAGrave and BillionGraves, have online cemetery records, photos, or transcriptions, or use your favorite search engine to search for a specific cemetery. Special geographic place name search engines can also help to locate a cemetery, though the information available on the Internet varies widely by country. The U.S. Geographic Names Information Server, for example, allows you to narrow down your search by selecting cemetery as the feature type. Map Your Way to the Cemetery If you have narrowed down the area, but arent sure which cemetery may contain your ancestor, then maps, especially historical maps, can be of great assistance. Use land, tax or census records to help you pinpoint your ancestors land on a map. You will often find them buried in a nearby cemetery, or even in a family cemetery on their own property. Topographic maps or locality maps may show cemeteries, roads, houses and farms. Even little details such as elevation features can be useful as cemeteries were often erected on high ground. Next What to Take When You Visit the Cemetery When heading out to the cemetery for some tombstone research, a little advance planning can really help to make your visit a success. Best Time to Visit the Cemetery The best time to visit a cemetery is in the spring or fall - especially if it is one which is neglected and overgrown. Brush and grass will not be as high in the spring, which will help you to discern holes, rocks, snakes and other obstacles before you trip over them. Sometimes the season can have an impact on whether you even find the cemetery at all. I have located several family cemeteries in the southeastern U.S. which are situated in the middle of cornfields. Needless to say, it is nearly impossible to find such cemeteries when the corn is taller than you are! What to Bring to the Cemetery The well-dressed cemetery researcher wears long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and gloves to help ward off critters such as snakes, gnats, ticks and mosquitoes. If the cemetery is in a wooded or rural location you may also want to bring along a hoe to help cut down brush and a friend or fellow researcher for safety. Even if it is broiling hot when you visit the cemetery, the long pants and sturdy, comfortable shoes are a good idea.   Clues Beyond the Tombstones Whether the cemetery is public or private, you should do a search for existing records. Most commonly known as sextons records (a sexton is a caretaker responsible for the cemetery), these records can include burial registers, plat maps and plot records. These records will vary greatly by country and time period and may not exist, but never assume! A sign outside of the cemetery may be able to point you to its caretaker. Turn to the local phone book to contact area funeral directors or churches. Check with the area library or historical/genealogical society for tips on possible record locations. You may be surprised by what you can find. One last thing - before you visit a private cemetery, be sure to get permission from the land owner!   Plan Ahead for a Successful Cemetery Visit Dress appropriatelyBring paper, several pencils, a camera and plenty of filmConsider bringing optional items such as a digital camera, video camera, tape recorder or handheld computer.Extra batteries for anything that may need them!If you plan to do any tombstone rubbings, then be sure to bring the appropriate suppliesWater, rags and a soft nylon bristle brush for cleaning stones, plus clippers for clearing away grass and brushIf you are looking for unmarked cemeteries, you may want to bring a map so that you can mark their locations as you locate them Next Stories in Stone The highlight of any trip to the cemetery is reading the stones. Once you have taken that irresistible quick peek for your ancestors headstone, however, you should stop and plan out your route around the cemetery. Methodical might be boring, but it greatly decreases your chances of missing something important when youre searching a cemetery for clues. If the cemetery is not too large, and you have enough time, it can be very helpful to make a complete transcription of the cemetery. Even if you only make note of the names and dates on each tombstone, along with their location in the cemetery, this can save you a trip back in the future as well as help other researchers. There is a lot of information and advice available on the proper methods for transcribing tombstones. While these can serve as great reference guides, there is really no need to worry about formality. The important thing is to make a note of everything that you see. Make Your Visit Count Write down names, dates and inscriptions exactly as they appear on the stone. It is very easy to make assumptions in the excitement of the moment, and it will be very beneficial to have an accurate record as you move forward (or backward as the case may be) with your research. Be sure to sketch any symbols that you are unfamiliar with so that you can look them up later. These symbols or emblems may be valuable clues to membership in an organization which may have records about your ancestor. Make a note of the physical relationship between tombstones as well. Family members will often be buried together in the same plot. Nearby graves may belong to parents. Small unmarked stones may indicate children that died in their infancy. Neighbors and relatives may also be buried in adjoining sections. As you make your way around, be sure not to miss the back of the stones as they can also contain important information. Another good way to record cemetery information is to use a cassette recorder or video camera as you move around the cemetery. You can read off names, dates and inscriptions easily and make note of important information, such as when you start a new row. It also provides you with a backup for any written transcriptions that you have made. Pictures are worth a thousand words and are much better for tombstones than chalk or shaving cream. Use hand-held clippers to clear brush away from the stone and then use a nylon (never wire) bristle brush and plain water to clean the stone from bottom to top, rinsing well as you go. A bright sunny day and a mirror to help reflect the sunlight on the stone can really help to bring out the carvings.More: Tips for Taking Great Tombstone Photos Most important for your cemetery visit is to enjoy yourself! Visiting cemeteries is one of the most rewarding parts of genealogy research, so stop and take the time to commune with your ancestors.

The compromised Neonate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The compromised Neonate - Essay Example Results also showed that the time needed for stabilisation of bilirubin levels increases along with the gestational age of the neonate. In addition, despite the various methods employed for the treatment of neonatal jaundice and the wide ranges in the treatment levels used, there has been an overall median plateau of around 72 hours for the stabilisation of bilirubin levels in most of the neonates. However, because the date of the release of the NICE guidelines was in proximity with the release of this article, it can be inferred that the national guidelines were not yet fully disseminated in most hospitals and other neonatal units during the time the participating units were contacted, as suggested by the conclusion of the article in the high variability and wide variations in the threshold levels used among the 72 units contacted by the researchers. ... r this paper since it discusses both the use of phototherapy to treat neonatal jaundice, as well as in discussing the importance of using guidelines in managing bilirubin levels for improving the symptoms of neonatal jaundice. Physiological Jaundice in the Neonate Jaundice is a condition which is caused by the accumulation of bilirubin or broken down red blood cells in various parts of the body, and is most visible as a yellow discolouration in the sclera of the eyes and on the skin starting from the head and moving down to the lower regions of the body (Robertson & South, 2007). The yellow colour is attributed to the inability of the infants’ bodies to rapidly catabolise foetal red blood cells through the liver and to expel these through bowel movement. While there are two forms of bilirubin circulating in the neonate’s blood: the unconjugated bilirubin (fat-soluble) and the conjugated bilirubin (water soluble), it is the unconjugated bilirubin which causes the yellow discolouration due to its fat-soluble nature earning its capacity to enter cellular membranes and becoming deposited in tissues such as the skin, gums, and eyes (Percival, 2002). As a result the bilirubin that builds up in the bloodstream due to the slow breakdown of red blood cell catabolism can reach to about 5-7mg/dL or 85.5-119.7?mol, binding to fatty deposits within the neonatal body and causing the yellow discolouration (Varney, et al., 2004). This amount of bilirubin build-up in the infant’s bloodstream is enough to give off the typical yellow discolouration of the skin among those affected, with the intensity of the colour associated with an increase in bilirubin accumulation. Up to 50% of neonates are typically affected by this condition and usually does not pose grave problems unless

Michel Vinaver Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Michel Vinaver - Essay Example When he left Gillette in 1986, he was an acclaimed playwright and writer. The story comes across as a contemporary, issue-based relationship between a mother and her 17-year old son. However, the relationship goes through testing times as a result of the son, 1Philippe's tryst with drugs and his arrest in this connection. His mother, Helena wishes to communicate reason to her son. The stark difference in the attitude of the characters does not need reason. The reasons exist, but they are not tackled in the play. Vinaver takes the scene right across the audience and uncannily tests their power of imagination. Strangely enough the audience comfortably lap up the reason. The scene is right out of the normal home where there is a teenaged son. The catch is in the way the scenes are presented in bits and pieces. The audience is at the edge grappling with the pieces in the jigsaw puzzle when all of a sudden there is a move, a particular scene that provides a breakthrough. The reaction is almost the thrilling climax of a long and difficult journey (Factors Unforeseen). Helena is concerned about her son's misbehavior. However, she is not keen on losing her son and so does everything possible to make him understand without rocking the boat. She does not want to lose him. On the other hand, Philippe is not too keen on snapping the relationship either. His behavior and attitude may show signs of the coming moment when he is all ready to break out of his mother's confining influence. However, he does not do it. What he does is, however, criminal. The disjoint in the big picture is very clear. The audience wants this breach to be cleared. The happy ending is elusive. Vinaver is master stroke player in the realm of presentations. He may not be the ideal narrator. He does not provide a commentary. However, he makes his world by fitting in the pieces rather than do it one-step-at-a-time. He is adept at keeping the audience in humor although he does not allow them to ease down on the suspense. The glass pieces in the kaleidoscope may change in form and colo r. But he uses the time element to project the solutions in sharp, almost quixotic variations. Philippe may do all that Helena does