Hasidic Judaism Essay -- Judaism

Hasidic Judaism is a branch of Orthodox Judaism established in Eastern Europe during the 1800’s that put spirituality and a connection with God through mysticism at the forefront of its beliefs. In order to understand Hasidic Judaism, one must understand that Judaism is not only a religion; it is also a philosophy and a way of life for the Jewish people. One of the oldest monotheistic religions, Judaism has evolved over the years since the time of the founding fathers. Like any culture or religion, however, Jews have never been without conflict or disagreement amongst its people. Schisms amongst Jews over long periods of time have led to a branching out of sects and Jewish institutions. What led to the separation of denominations within was a fundamental disagreement on the interpretation and implementation of Halakah (Jewish religious law). Before the 18th century there was little differentiation between sects of Judaism; Jewry was based on Talmudic and Halakhic study and kno wledge. Constructed as an overly legalistic religion before the 18th century, the Hasidic movement popularized by Rabbi Israel Ben Eliezer sought to spread Judaism through the common man’s love of and devotion to God. Eastern European Jewry had established itself firmly amongst small villages in Poland since the 13th century . Remaining fairly stable, Jews in Poland uniformly followed and studied Rabbinic Judaism based on oral and Talmudic law. The only differences amongst Jewish Orthodox beliefs were between those who studied Jewish mysticism, or Kabbalah, and those who saw it as heretical. During the 17th century, the schism was brought into the spotlight by the False-Messianic movement of Shabbatai Tzvi, who was later forced to convert to Islam by the Ot... ...ity through mysticism allows the common man to feel importance, and to feel importance is one of the universal goals of man. Knowing this, Hasidism was a great fit for the type of communities it attracted, stemming from the psychological insight provided with Hasidism to answer the common person’s struggle with existence and self importance. Works Cited Elior, Rachel. The Mystical Origins of Hasidism. Oxford: Littman Library of Jewish Civilization, 2006. Print. Magid, Shaul. Hasidism on the Margin: Reconciliation, Antinomianism, and Messianism in Izbica/Radzin Hasidism. Madison, Wisc.: University of Wisconsin, 2003. Print. Mintz, Jerome R. Hasidic People: A Place in the New World. Cambridge, MA: Harvard UP, 1992. Print. Sears, Dovid. The Path of the Baal Shem Tov: Early Hasidic Teachings and Customs. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson, 1997. Print.

Neo-Liberal Hyperglobalism

Globalisation is a major topic of debate of our era. Globalisation can be defined as the â€Å"global growing interconnectedness between economy, technology, culture and political institutions† (Lofgren & Sarangi, 2009, pg. 57). This essay will discuss how globalisation can be good for developing countries. By applying Neo-liberal Hyperglobalism, I will analyse and demonstrate the various beneficial effects of globalisation through the case of India and the reform measures they have recently taken towards globalisation.Globalisation can provide new opportunities for developing countries due to increased access to developed country markets and technology, resulting in improved productivity and higher living standards (Balakrishnan, 2004). Following a major economic crises, India liberalised it’s economy in the early nineties. Inflation had rocketed to an annual rate of 17%, high fiscal deficit had become unsustainable and foreign investors confidence in Indian Economy wa s low (Goyal, 2006, p. 167). It was these factors that put pressure on the Indian government to call for a complete revamp of their economic policies.Some of the major changes made, as part of the economic liberalisation and globalisation strategy, included government’s privatisation and disinvestment in a majority of the public sector undertakings, allowing foreign direct investment (FDI) across many industries, the removal of quantitative restrictions on imports and the reduction of customs tariff from over 300% to 30 % (Goyal, 2006, p. 167). The main purpose of India’s economic reform is to ultimately â€Å"integrate Indian economy with world economy† (Singh, 1995, p. 36).This liberalisation and globalisation of the economy can help solve India’s major problems of unemployment and poverty. India’s economic reform favours a more open and market orientated economy (Goyal, 2006, p. 166). India’s new economic structure emulates the principals of neo-liberal Hyperglobalism. Neo-liberal Hyperglobalism â€Å"celebrates the global dominance of market principals over state power† (Lofgren & Sarangi, 2009, pg. 70). This means that decisions about allocation, production and distribution in the economy are left to the global economy rather than the government. Burke, Devetak & George, 2008, p. 299). States are increasingly the ‘decision- takers' and not the ‘decision-makers' (Goldblatt, Held, McGrew & Perraton, 1999). Three key terms that come out of neoliberalism are deregulation, liberalisation and privatisation all of which India’s new economic policies draw on. Neo-liberal Hyperglobalism favours globalism as beneficial process for a developing country. The benefits that Neo-liberal Hyperglobalism can provide are evident in India. India’s steps towards globalisation through new economic reforms have produced some significant benefits for the country.The privatisation of particular state-owned enterprises provides the government with an increased amount of cash which they can then spend on increasing their citizen’s quality of life through increased food supplies and the development of hospitals, schools, infrastructure etc in poverty stricken regions. The domestic economy has been freed up from state control, virtually abolishing state monopoly in all sectors (Panagariya, 2001). This has lead to greater competition in industries; resulting in lower prices, a greater supply of goods which benefits the citizens (Goyal, 2006, p. 68). Another step towards globalisation that has proven beneficial for India is the decision to allow foreign direct investment in the Indian industry. The huge amounts of foreign investment that now enter India have significantly boosted the country’s economy. Many foreign companies have set up industries in India, mainly in pharmaceutical, BPO, petroleum, manufacturing and chemical sectors, which have created greater employment oppo rtunities for Indian people, decreasing unemployment and poverty (Dwivedi, 2009).A further benefit of globalisation due to foreign investment in India is the advanced technology that the foreign companies bring with them (Dwivedi, 2009). Advancements in medicine which improve the health of citizens is an example how becoming more technologically advanced can be beneficial for the country. The economic reforms that reduce custom tariffs and remove restrictions on imports support the principals of neo-liberal Hyperglobalism. That is that measures should be taken that allow trade and finance to have unrestricted movement (Burke et. al. , 2010).Removing taxes and quotas can increase international trade which in turn increases economic competition. Competition was rife in the economy, after India’s economic reform, as more imports were encouraged (Balakrishnan, 2004). Exports also significantly increased as countries became more willing to accept India’s products due to the reductions in custom tariffs (Goyal, 2006, p. 170). This improved relationship between India and its trading partners can encourage low prices, reduce unemployment through the creation of more jobs and induce improved living standards.Improved relationships between developed and undeveloped economies can prove to be profitable and extremely valuable for developing countries especially when future policies have to be negotiated. Overall, the economic reforms initiated in India since 1991 has helped the Indian economy to grow at a faster rate and led to fiscal consolidation, control of inflation, and increased foreign investment and technology (Goyal, 2006). The reforms aimed to lliberalise and globalise the domestic economy have helped boost GDP growth rates, which increased from 5. 6% in 1990-91 to a peak level of 77. % in 1996-97 (Balakrishnan, 2004). The new economic policies have also proven to increase citizen’s living standards with increased employment opportunities an d a decrease in poverty from 36% in 1993-94 to 26. 1% in 1999-2000 (Fox, 2002). The new policies can be used to further support the country’s citizens and develop the country. The Indian government’s strategy to globalise their economy has revealed that globalisation can be beneficial to a developing country by aiding the nation to a more favourable financial position. However, there are also negative effects of globalisation.A significant negative effect is the increase in inequality that can arise from globalisation. There have been arguments that state an increase in GDP can in fact increase income inequality. â€Å"Wealth is still concentrated in the hands of a few individuals and a common man in a developing country is yet to see any major benefits of globalization† (Lovekar, 2010). Also multi-national corporations (MNC) can worsen income inequality by generating jobs and producing goods that primarily benefit the richest portion of the population (Positive and Negative Effects of Multinational Corporations, 2010).This means that the richer are getting richer and the poorer are getting poorer. Many employees are working in awful conditions where negligible health and safety regulations apply. This is an example of globalisation can develop an exploitative nature. Furthermore, â€Å"the market economy seems to be more concentrated on the growth of consumerism to attract the high income groups who are mostly in the cities in the developing countries† (Malik, 2010, p. 4). The globalisation strategy paid little attention to the rural economy and the agricultural sector, which is essentially the backbone of the Indian economy.The agriculture sector is a major provider of food and nutrition to the people as well as raw materials to industries and to export trade (Malik, 2010). A further impact the globalisation strategy has had on agriculture sector is the decrease of agriculture’s share in GDP, which has resulted in a decreas e of the per capita income of the farmers and an increase of rural indebtedness (Malik, 2010). India’s era of reforms exhibit many themes that are parallel those of Neo-liberal Hyperglobalism.Since 1991, India has experienced the strong inroad of neoliberalism (Lofgren & Sarangi, 2009). The new economic reforms indicate a strong movement towards deregulation, privitisation and liberalisation of the Indian economy. These three factors are all examples of neoliberalism (Burke et. al. , 2010). A neo-liberal hyperglobalist state would believe that rather than the government trying to regulate and control the market through strict policies, the government should make policies to accommodate and open up the market.India’s new policies indicate the government’s willingness to adopt this thinking and it is through this thinking that has marked India’s steps towards the â€Å"real integration of the Indian economy into the global economy† (Malik, 2010, p. 1 ). In other words India is taking steps towards globalisation. India is an example of how the globalisation of a developing country can be positive and beneficial. Although there are some unfavourable effects such as income inequality, the overall benefits a developing country can receive from globalisation outweigh the negatives.India has proved how applying neo-liberal hyperglobalist principals to the domestic economy of a country can prove to be advantageous. With a greater focus on further developing a globalised economy, developing countries can aim to increase the working and living standards for the country’s citizens and subsequently become a healthy and wealthier state. A more liberal and global market can achieve improved living standards and wealth through the promotion of competition, efficiency, productivity, technological-upgradation and growth (Singh, 1995).Hence I believe, like a hyperglobalist, that globalisation is good for a developing country. References B alakrishnan, C. (2004). Impact of Globalisation on Developing Countries and India. Retrieved October 10, 2010, from http://economics. about. com/od/globalizationtrade/l/aaglobalization. htm Burke, A. , Devetak, R. , & George, J. (2008). An Introduction to International Relations: Australian Perspective. New York: Cambridge University Press. Dwivedi, M. (2009). South Asia Security. India: Kalpaz Publications. Fox, J. W. (2002).Poverty in India Since 1974: A Country Case Study. Retrieved October 10, 2010, from http://www. ekh. lu. se/ekhcgu/teaching/401d4/poverty%20in%20india. pdf Goldblatt, D. , Held, D. , McGrew, A. , Perraton, J. (1999). Global Transformations: What is globalisation? Retrieved October 11, 2010, from http://www. polity. co. uk/global/whatisglobalization. asp Goyal, K. A. (2006). Impact of Globalization on Developing Countries (With Special Reference To India). International Research Journal of Finance and Economics, (5), 1450-2887.Retrieved October 10, 2010, from ht tp://www. eurojournals. com/IRJFE%206%20goyal. pdf Lofgren, H. , & Sarangi, P. (2009). The Politics and Culture of Globalisation: India and Australia. Social Science Press. Lovekar, V. (2010). Advantages and Disadvantages of Globalization. Retrieved October 11, 2010, from http://www. buzzle. com/articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-globalization. html Malik, T. (2010). Impact of globalization on Indian economy- An overview. Retrieved October 10, 2010, from http://www. ibre2fashion. com/industry-article/8/738/impact-of-globalization7. asp Panagariya, A. (2001). India’s Economic Reforms: What Has Been Accomplished? What Remains to Be Done? ERD POLICY BRIEF SERIES Economics and Research Department,(2). Retrieved October 10, 2010, from http://www. adb. org/Documents/EDRC/Policy_Briefs/PB002. pdf Positive and Negative Effects of Multinational Corporations. (2010). Retrieved October 11, 2010, from http://www. socialscience. gardner-webb. edu/Faculty/craymond/Devdocs/DevMNCposn

Philippine Economy

A recap of how previous Philippine republics and administrations handled the country's economy since the Spanish era, including their management of the economy. In the days wherein the Philippines was under the Spanish Republic the country was at a good spot in Asia. Manila and Cebu were the only European cities; we were one of the best countries in Asia when it comes to trading domestically and internationally. Before, we were always trading with mexico sharing our culture to them and them sharing there culture to us.The country was at a good spot but as the Americans said the Philippines was like any other good but slow spanish colonized economy like the economies of countries in South America namely Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina and etc. According to an article â€Å"Economy during the Spanish Colonial Period. † n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . After being controlled under the Spanish regime which lasted for 300 years, the Philippines were in a new republic under the American go vernment. Our country once became a part of America.It was one of the American States just like Hawaii right now, no matter how far they are, they still belong to the United States. Our country's economy before was really pump-priming. It was rising back again because Americans knew a lot in controlling a country's economy. They knew how to make people more productive in each of their daily lives, they knew the importance of the english language to us and they knew how to make this country moving from a good Latin country to a bustling busy city.Americans taught Filipinos how to use the telephone that's why now, as you can see, we have PLDT, We were taught how to speak english that's why now, as you can see, we are now Asia's most competitive english speakers. We were taught how to use the television, how to function the air conditioner, how to operate the washing machine and etc. We were so Americanized before that in the whole Asia we were the first Asians to taste coke and that's why now, as you can see, coke has been a part of the filipino tradition like having coke and bread to your visitors – a way of showing Philippine Hospitality.Our country had a lot of investments coming from America and they built a lot of places that could've been a major city if they were to stay here longer like Makati, Subic, Taft, Commonwealth and Clark. Without the Americans we wouldn't have these right now. We should be grateful to them because now that the Philippines is growing, more call centers, condominiums, office spaces, retail , and commercial areas are sprouting in the place. According to an article â€Å"The Philippines: Changes in the American Period . † n. page. Web. . While Philippines was at peace with the Americans there came the Japanese soldiers.They controlled our country like any other country they controlled in other parts of Asia like Malaysia Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Korea, they stole many natural resources like gold, cop per and many other metals that would help they're country – Japan to get rich and have a good economic status. In the Japanese Era our country – The Philippines, experienced on of the worlds worst inflations. In that time everyone was struggling, striving to get a good life and exerting so much effort just to escape the poor situation.In the Japanese era, The Philippines became poor. According to Balabag, Marilyn. â€Å"The Japanese Period in the Philippines. † n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . While the Japanese people were busy harassing Filipino women, Americans fought back for us because they knew we had enough of it and we deserve peace. Surprising the Japanese, the Japanese men were preparing in case the situation will get real serious like secretly planning the attacks, secretly creating and formulating bombs, secretly building aero weapons and aquatic weapons as well.The Americans started it so both countries Japan and The United Stated of America began exchang ing bombs from place to place destroying each other's lands and properties and killing each other mercilessly. And finally Japan declared quits. The Philippine economy was at its worst. We couldn't grab time to recover our country's economy, our precious structures were being affected with all the bombs and missiles that soldiers threw on causing a lot of damage and money to recover it.Japanese people even stole billions from us and never even bothered to pay they're debts until now and to top it off they even stole gold from us like the huge beautiful golden statue called â€Å"Yamashita† †¦What a shame†¦ and to think its one of the richest countries in Asia to date. According to Jess Chin, Carlos Gavino. â€Å"The Philippines-American/Japanese War. † n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . After being under the Spanish, American, and Japanese republic, The Philippines finally declared independence.Philippines finally stood up on its own two feet. Former President, Glori a Macapagal Arroyo's Administration, The Philippine Economy was lagging. A proof would be the GDP Growth where it grew for only a tiny 1%. If you would compare Philippines to other South-East Nations, The Philippines was behind amongst them. Even Vietnam chased after The Philippines and almost Cambodia thank God Cambodia has not been able to chase us yet because if we're chased it just goes to show The Philippines is really Sick and not investor friendly.We were down by then in her administration. According to Africa, Sonny. â€Å"Dark Legacies: The Economy under Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. † (2010): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . In The Present administration of President Noynoy Aquino, The Philippines is showing shocking results for example the GDP Growth. The 2010 GDP Growth in The Philippines early months were really high from 6% to 7% and to 8%. We were really in a good spot.Reasons why the GDP grew that way was because of election spending and if you're not familiar with elect ion spending, it means that politicians spending so much money for ads and commercial for them for example Manny Villar, and by the way I chose Manny Villar because in my own opinion, I think Manny Villar had the most ads and commercial in the elections season like the famous song that was produced and composed for him only few knew the title we mostly called it â€Å"Nakaligo ka na ba sa dagat ng basura† so back to the topic, election spending is simply politicians putting they're whole money on the commercials and ads which would equal to opening doors for new jobs like the employees of the printing press getting more productive, people will get jobs for pasting they're posters, directors, writers and producers gets more productive and more people will be paid for talent fee. Well, those are the most common jobs when there is election spending there are still actually more jobs that are uncommon, more jobs that can help Filipinos sustain they're daily needs. According to Ed u Lopez, Chino Leyco. â€Å"GDP up by 7. 3% in 2012. † (2011): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. , Remo, Michelle. â€Å"Election Spending to boost GDP. † (2009): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . As of now the Philippine GDP growth of 2012 in the 1st quarter is 6. 4%. Shocking everyone around the world for getting the second highest rank in asia only behind China.China is ranked as the highest because of the endless construction of condominiums which until now†¦stayed empty†¦ By the later years China will experience a huge property bubble burst which means when all condominiums are built and still stayed empty, what would happen is that, businessmen will go bankrupt and money will not be circulating anymore because why would China still build many condominiums when most of the condominiums are not even sold yet? Which would mean less construction equal to less people will be employed, equal to fewer people will get salary which would, in the end, equal to money not circulat ing around the country which would result to low GDP Growth even now, predictions for China's 2nd Quarter GDP Growth are smaller than there 1st Quarter GDP Growth of 8%. This is one of China's big problems, they keep on building infrastructures which in the end, it won't even be utilized. According to an article â€Å"Phl GDP up 6. 4% in Q1, highest growth in ASEAN. † (2012): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. , Rapoza, Kenneth. China's Housing Bubble Past, And Its Future. † (2011): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . The Philippines, as of now, is doing really good, our country has been really doing good that the media said that sooner, the Philippines will get an credit rating upgrade and an investment grade. If you're not familiar with credit rating upgrade and investment grade, these are somewhat like badges for countries interpreting how investor-friendly we are. If we get an investment upgrade than we will get noticed by investors easily and would mean the more investments this coun try will receive. To make it easier its like pasting more hashtags on an instagram photo.The more hash tags, the more people can easily find it and will be able to like it and the more exposure your photo will get. Now back to the topic, Our country, The Philippines has been getting so much news from Moody, Fitch and etc. that sooner or in the near future the Philippines will be getting an investment grade and a credit upgrade rating. Which would also cite a proof that The Philippine Economy is really doing good. According to PH credit rating. † (2012): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. , Malinao, Alito. â€Å"S;P upgrade makes PH bullish about economy. † (2012): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. , Raquel, Nick. â€Å"PHL economy shows signs of credit boom, says Fitch. † (2012): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012.The Philippines shocked the whole world when it became a creditor to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) handing help to the other countries by donating dollars to the weakening c ountries like Greece. When The Philippines donated billions to IMF it made The Philippines more visible to everyone making businessmen think of the Philippines as a possible destination for putting up they're future planned investments. It proved to the rest of the world that The Philippines is now a decent country, its now having a fresh start, its now making its name again and its now making a new reputation. A reputation that will forever change the mindsets of people around the world thinking that the Philippines is a Sick Laggard Man of Asia to A Rare Bright Spot of Asia.According to an article â€Å"PH NOW AN IMF CREDITOR / IMF LOAN TO HELP STABILIZE WORLD ECONOMY. † (2012): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . In the future we'll be expecting more good things to come because as of now, we have a lot of positive outlooks beginning with the Filipinos' capacity to speak english like no other non-english speaking countries in the world. Our Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Industr y is currently rising with so much buildings under construction for the new office spaces for call center companies expanding they're company and for first timer call center companies finally entering the Philippines. A survey even showed that the Philippines still lacks office spaces.Which just goes to show that we will be expecting different skylines in the future especially with Manila, Clark, Cebu and Davao that would show the country's richness and status just like what they say, â€Å"You can simply estimate the country's economic performance through its skyline† Which is true as you've notice big cities like New York, Tokyo, London, and Singapore they're skylines are beautiful and it really compliments they're long term economic status. According to Dela Pena, Zennia. † Eton ramps up construction of new BPO buildings . † (2011): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. , Dela Pena, Zennia. â€Å"SMDC mulls development of BPO buildings . † (2012): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. , Dela Pena, Zennia. â€Å"Filinvest Land ramps up new BPO buildings . † (2011): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . The Filipinos' capacity to speak english so fluently led many foreigners from around the world to study here and learn how to speak english like how Americans speak the language. Most of the foreigners that come to The Philippines to study here are Koreans.Koreans decide to study here rather than in The United States because education here is cheaper and much worthy plus if you talk about the plane ride and the ticket price, its way cheaper and hours of traveling is also shorter so its less hassle. Be it French, Italian, Kenyan, Thai, Vietnamese , Iranian, Indian and so much more to mention they're purpose here is to study english for we Filipinos are good at it and they believe that too that Filipinos are really talented at it. But you would ask where will all of these expats stay for the time that they will be studying in this country? Well condominiums, houses, apartments are the answer. Lately, The Philippines' real-estate market has been rising and one of the reason are the foreigners coming here to study english.Real-estate in the Philippines is truly booming and when its booming that would mean the construction industry will also grow at a faster and plus not to mention the infrastructure projects and PPPs of the government. According to an article of â€Å"Why foreigners study English in the Philippines. † (2006): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. , â€Å"About 200,000 South Koreans study English in RP, says envoy . † (2008): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012, Cecil, Morella. â€Å"Property boom transforming Philippine skylines. † (2012): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012. . The Philippines is truly blessed with Filipino people who are so eager to work that they would leave they're family and love ones just for the sake of earning money in order for they're children and love ones to sustain they're daily needs.Thanks to the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) The Philippines has been receiving money or shall we say remittances from them. Remittances are a plus for the country because its like receiving money from other countries and would equal to adding up the circulation of money in the country from a base of billions, it would turn to trillions thanks to remittances that OFWs worked hard for. With remittances, retail industry in the country will grow which means sufficient salary for employees in shops and around and again it circulates which means economic performance will improve. According to Remo, Michelle. â€Å"Overseas Filipino remittances up by 5% to P10 B in 1st half. † (2012): n. page. Web. Aug. 2012.

The Host Chapter 15: Guarded

When I came to, there was no disorientation. I knew exactly where I was, roughly speaking, and I kept my eyes closed and my breathing even. I tried to learn as much as I could about my exact situation without giving away the fact that I was conscious again. I was hungry. My stomach knotted and clenched and made angry noises. I doubted these noises would betray me-I was sure it had gurgled and complained as I slept. My head ached fiercely. It was impossible to know how much of this was from fatigue and how much was from the knocks I'd taken. I was lying on a hard surface. It was rough and†¦ pocked. It was not flat, but oddly curved, as though I was lying in a shallow bowl. It was not comfortable. My back and hips throbbed from being curled into this position. That pain was probably what had woken me; I felt far from rested. It was dark-I could tell that without opening my eyes. Not pitch-black, but very dark. The air was even mustier than before-humid and corroded, with a peculiar acrid bite that seemed to cling to the back of my throat. The temperature was cooler than it had been in the desert, but the incongruous moisture made it almost as uncomfortable. I was sweating again, the water Jeb had given me finding its way out through my pores. I could hear my breathing echo back to me from a few feet away. It could be that I was only close to one wall, but I guessed that I was in a very small space. I listened as hard as I could, and it sounded like my breathing echoed back from the other side as well. Knowing that I was probably still somewhere in the cavern system Jeb had brought me to, I was fairly sure what I would see when I opened my eyes. I must be in some small hole in the rock, dark purple brown and riddled with holes like cheese. It was silent except for the sounds my body made. Afraid to open my eyes, I relied on my ears, straining harder and harder against the silence. I couldn't hear anyone else, and this made no sense. They wouldn't have left me without a warden, would they? Uncle Jeb and his omnipresent rifle, or someone less sympathetic. To leave me alone†¦ that wouldn't be in character with their brutality, their natural fear and hatred of what I was. Unless†¦ I tried to swallow, but terror closed my throat. They wouldn't leave me alone. Not unless they thought I was dead, or had made sure that I would be. Not unless there were places in these caves that no one came back from. The picture I'd been forming of my surroundings shifted dizzyingly in my head. I saw myself now at the bottom of a deep shaft or walled into a cramped tomb. My breathing sped up, tasting the air for staleness, for some sign that my oxygen was running low. The muscles around my lungs pulled outward, filling with air for the scream that was on the way. I clenched my teeth to keep it from escaping. Sharp and close, something grated across the ground beside my head. I shrieked, and the sound of it was piercing in the small space. My eyes flew open. I jerked away from the sinister noise, throwing myself against a jagged rock wall. My hands swung up to protect my face as my head thunked painfully against the low ceiling. A dim light illuminated the perfectly round exit to the tiny bubble of a cave I was curled in. Jared's face was half lit as he leaned into the opening, one arm reaching toward me. His lips were tight with anger. A vein in his forehead pulsed as he watched my panicked reaction. He didn't move; he just stared furiously while my heart restarted and my breathing evened out. I met his glare, remembering how quiet he had always been-like a wraith when he wanted. No wonder I hadn't heard him sitting guard outside my cell. But I had heard something. As I remembered that, Jared shoved his extended arm closer, and the grating noise repeated. I looked down. At my feet was a broken sheet of plastic serving as a tray. And on it†¦ I lunged for the open bottle of water. I was barely aware that Jared's mouth twisted with disgust as I jerked the bottle to my lips. I was sure that would bother me later, but all I cared about now was the water. I wondered if ever in my life I would take the liquid for granted again. Given that my life was not likely to be prolonged here, the answer was probably no. Jared had disappeared, back through the circular entry. I could see a piece of his sleeve and nothing more. The dull light came from somewhere beside him. It was an artificial bluish color. I'd gulped half the water down when a new scent caught my attention, informing me that water was not the only gift. I looked down at the tray again. Food. They were feeding me? It was the bread-a dark, unevenly shaped roll-that I smelled first, but there was also a bowl of some clear liquid with the tang of onions. As I leaned closer, I could see darker chunks on the bottom. Beside this were three stubby white tubes. I guessed they were vegetables, but I didn't recognize the variety. It took only seconds for me to make these discoveries, but even in that short time, my stomach nearly jumped through my mouth trying to reach the food. I ripped into the bread. It was very dense, studded with whole-grain kernels that caught in my teeth. The texture was gritty, but the flavor was wonderfully rich. I couldn't remember anything tasting more delicious to me, not even my mushed-up Twinkies. My jaw worked as fast as it could, but I swallowed most of the mouthfuls of tough bread half-chewed. I could hear each mouthful hit my stomach with a gurgle. It didn't feel as good as I thought it would. Too long empty, my stomach reacted to the food with discomfort. I ignored that and moved on to the liquid-it was soup. This went down easier. Aside from the onions I'd smelled, the taste was mild. The green chunks were soft and spongy. I drank it straight from the bowl and wished the bowl were deeper. I tipped it back to make sure I'd gotten every drop. The white vegetables were crunchy in texture, woody in taste. Some kind of root. They weren't as satisfying as the soup or as tasty as the bread, but I was grateful for their bulk. I wasn't full-not close-and I probably would have started on the tray next if I thought I'd be able to chew through it. It didn't occur to me until I was finished that they shouldn't be feeding me. Not unless Jared had lost the confrontation with the doctor. Though why would Jared be my guard if that were the case? I slid the tray away when it was empty, cringing at the noise it made. I stayed pressed against the back wall of my bubble as Jared reached in to retrieve it. This time he didn't look at me. â€Å"Thank you,† I whispered as he disappeared again. He said nothing; there was no change in his face. Even the bit of his sleeve did not show this time, but I was sure he was there. I can't believe he hit me, Melanie mused, her thought incredulous rather than resentful. She was not over the surprise of it yet. I hadn't been surprised in the first place. Of course he had hit me. I wondered where you were, I answered. It would be poor manners to get me into this mess and then abandon me. She ignored my sour tone. I wouldn't have thought he'd be able to do it, no matter what. I don't think I could hit him. Sure you could. If he'd come at you with reflective eyes, you'd have done the same. You're naturally violent. I remembered her daydreams of strangling the Seeker. That seemed like months ago, though I knew it was only days. It would make sense if it had been longer. It ought to take time to get oneself stuck in such a disastrous mire as the one I was in now. Melanie tried to consider it impartially. I don't think so. Not Jared†¦ and Jamie, there's no way I could hurt Jamie, even if he was†¦ She trailed off, hating that line of thought. I considered this and found it true. Even if the child had become something or someone else, neither she nor I could ever raise a hand to him. That's different. You're like†¦ a mother. Mothers are irrational here. Too many emotions involved. Motherhood is always emotional-even for you souls. I didn't answer that. What do you think is going to happen now? You're the expert on humans, I reminded her. It's probably not a good thing that they're giving me food. I can think of only one reason they'd want me strong. The few specifics I remembered of historical human brutalities tangled in my head with the stories in the old newspaper we'd read the other day. Fire-that was a bad one. Melanie had burned all the fingerprints off her right hand once in a stupid accident, grabbing a pan she hadn't realized was hot. I remembered how the pain had shocked her-it was so unexpectedly sharp and demanding. It was just an accident, though. Quickly treated with ice, salves, medicine. No one had done it on purpose, continued on from the first sickening pain, drawing it out longer and longer†¦ I'd never lived on a planet where such atrocities could happen, even before the souls came. This place was truly the highest and the lowest of all worlds-the most beautiful senses, the most exquisite emotions†¦ the most malevolent desires, the darkest deeds. Perhaps it was meant to be so. Perhaps without the lows, the highs could not be reached. Were the souls the exception to that rule? Could they have the light without the darkness of this world? I†¦ felt something when he hit you, Melanie interrupted. The words came slowly, one by one, as if she didn't want to think them. I felt something, too. It was amazing how natural it was to use sarcasm now, after spending so much time with Melanie. He's got quite a backhand, doesn't he? That's not what I meant. I mean†¦ She hesitated for a long moment, and then the rest of the words came in a rush. I thought it was all me-the way we feel about him. I thought I was†¦ in control of that. The thoughts behind her words were clearer than the words themselves. You thought you were able to bring me here because you wanted it so much. That you were controlling me instead of the other way around. I tried not to be annoyed. You thought you were manipulating me. Yes. The chagrin in her tone was not because I was upset, but because she did not like being wrong. But†¦ I waited. It came in a rush once more. You're in love with him, too, separately from me. It feels different from the way I feel. Other. I didn't see that until he was there with us, until you saw him for the first time. How did that happen? How does a three-inch-long worm fall in love with a human being? Worm? Sorry. I guess you sort of have†¦ limbs. Not really. They're more like antennae. And I'm quite a bit longer than three inches when they're extended. My point is, he's not your species. My body is human, I told her. While I'm attached to it, I'm human, too. And the way you see Jared in your memories†¦ Well, it's all your fault. She considered that for a moment. She didn't like it much. So if you had gone to Tucson and gotten a new body, you wouldn't love him anymore now? I really, really hope that's true. Neither of us was happy with my answer. I leaned my head against the top of my knees. Melanie changed the subject. At least Jamie is safe. I knew Jared would take care of him. If I had to leave him, I couldn't have left him in better hands†¦ I wish I could see him. I'm not asking that! I cringed at the thought of the response that request would receive. At the same time, I yearned to see the boy's face for myself. I wanted to be sure that he was really here, really safe-that they were feeding him and caring for him the way Melanie never could again. The way I, mother to no one, wanted to care for him. Did he have someone to sing to him at night? To tell him stories? Would this new, angry Jared think of little things like that? Did he have someone to curl up against when he was frightened? Do you think they will tell him that I'm here? Melanie asked. Would that help or hurt him? I asked back. Her thought was a whisper. I don't know†¦ I wish I could tell him that I kept my promise. You certainly did. I shook my head, amazed. No one can say that you didn't come back, just like always. Thanks for that. Her voice was faint. I couldn't tell if she meant for my words now, or if she meant the bigger picture, bringing her here. I was suddenly exhausted, and I could feel that she was, too. Now that my stomach had settled a bit and felt almost halfway full, the rest of my pains were not sharp enough to keep me awake. I hesitated before moving, afraid to make any noise, but my body wanted to uncurl and stretch out. I did so as silently as I could, trying to find a piece of the bubble long enough for me. Finally, I had to stick my feet almost out the round opening. I didn't like doing it, worried that Jared would hear the movement close to him and think I was trying to escape, but he didn't react in any way. I pillowed the good side of my face against my arm, tried to ignore the way the curve of the floor cramped my spine, and closed my eyes. I think I slept, but if I did, it wasn't deeply. The sound of footsteps was still very far away when I came fully awake. This time I opened my eyes at once. Nothing had changed-I still could see the dull blue light through the round hole; I still could not see if Jared was outside it. Someone was coming this way-it was easy to hear that the footsteps were coming closer. I pulled my legs away from the opening, moving as quietly as I could, and curled up against the back wall again. I would have liked to be able to stand; it would have made me feel less vulnerable, more prepared to face whatever was coming. The low ceiling of the cave bubble would barely have allowed me to kneel. There was a flash of movement outside my prison. I saw part of Jared's foot as he rose silently to his feet. â€Å"Ah. Here you are,† a man said. The words were so loud after all the empty silence that I jumped. I recognized the voice. One of the brothers I'd seen in the desert-the one with the machete, Kyle. Jared didn't speak. â€Å"We're not going to allow this, Jared.† It was a different speaker, a more reasonable voice. Probably the younger brother, Ian. The brothers' voices were very similar-or they would have been, if Kyle weren't always half shouting, his tone always twisted with anger. â€Å"We've all lost somebody-hell, we've all lost everybody. But this is ridiculous.† â€Å"If you won't let Doc have it, then it's got to die,† Kyle added, his voice a growl. â€Å"You can't keep it prisoner here,† Ian continued. â€Å"Eventually, it will escape and we'll all be exposed.† Jared didn't speak, but he took one side step that put him directly in front of the opening to my cell. My heart pumped hard and fast as I understood what the brothers were saying. Jared had won. I was not to be tortured. I was not to be killed-not immediately, anyway. Jared was keeping me prisoner. It seemed a beautiful word under the circumstances. I told you he would protect us. â€Å"Don't make this difficult, Jared,† said a new male voice I didn't recognize. â€Å"It has to be done.† Jared said nothing. â€Å"We don't want to hurt you, Jared. We're all brothers here. But we will if you make us.† There was no bluff in Kyle's tone. â€Å"Move aside.† Jared stood rock still. My heart started thumping faster than before, jerking against my ribs so hard that the hammering disrupted the rhythm of my lungs, made it difficult to breathe. Melanie was incapacitated with fear, unable to think in coherent words. They were going to hurt him. Those lunatic humans were going to attack one of their own. â€Å"Jared†¦ please,† Ian said. Jared didn't answer. A heavy footfall-a lunge-and the sound of something heavy hitting something solid. A gasp, a choking gurgle – â€Å"No!† I cried, and launched myself through the round hole.

Poetry of the World War I Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6750 words

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Argument style essay based on Judy Brady's argument in I want a Wife

Argument style based on Judy Brady's argument in I want a Wife - Essay Example At present, both women and men have equal roles in marriages. Women no longer have an inferior role in marriage. Women empowerment is largely seen in the societies around the world today. Several changes have taken place regarding the role of women in marriage since the time that Brady wrote this article. Harris and Firestone in 1998 stated that â€Å"the documented shift away from traditional gender role attitudes among women of different race and ethnic groups in the United States may produce changes in typical gender power dynamics† (479). They stated further that at the macro level, solutions could include creating programs that focus on social norms that favor female power in relationships. These findings prove that women are no longer considered second-class citizens; thus, their roles in marriages have undergone several changes. Even in the field of politics, the roles of politician’s wives have significantly changed. Michelle Cottle in her article â€Å"The Rea l Running Mates† stated, â€Å"Let's blame it on feminism! With women empowered to do more than nurture their husbands, political wives--in whom women often seek a more polished version of themselves--are increasingly expected to be more than just the perfect helpmeet.

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