National ID cards in the UK: Debates For and Against

National ID cards in the UK: Debates For and Against â€Å"Introducing National ID cards in the United Kingdom.† The concept of this scheme to introduce National ID card in the UK, is so that any legal citizen of the United Kingdom should be able to confirm their identity simply by producing this card and therefore prove their right to be within the UK without argument. It will do this by holding enough personal data to specifically identify a person as the individual they are claiming to be without question. You may wonder why the Government feel this a necessary action and it seems the main aim of this scheme is that the National ID card is ultimately intended to assist with law enforcement predominantly in relation to terrorism and organised crime. One of the main criteria for this scheme therefore, is that the cards should not be easily forged so that anyone wishing to flout the law could do so easily. These cards are only intended to hold basic data about a person, only enough to prove their identity. However it seems the definition of this ‘basic data’ seems somewhat ambiguous. Primarily, for example, it is intended that the card will only hold information regarding a persons name, address, date of birth and address etc. Scratch the surface however, and it seems that the actual proposal for the ID card embraces much more technologically sophisticated designs because, as previously stated, it aims to avoid being easily forged. Therefore it is intended that it will also hold ‘biometric data,’ that is to say, data that proves a much more physical individuality, such as fingerprint impressions or iris scans. It will do this through implementing the opportunities now made available to us through the ever advancing forms of ICT (Information and Communication Technology). All this in mind it seems the introduction of National ID cards within the United Kingdom seems to be one of the most politically sensitive topics around at this current moment, with people arguing both in support and opposition of the scheme, regarding whether it will protect or control us. In the aftermath of September the 11th we had perhaps become more aware than we had been previously, that we were vulnerable to attack from Terrorists who despised the Western Capitalist Culture such as that which exists both within the UK and America where the attack took place. It was a shock to thousands, if not millions of us all over the world, as we were humbled to witness the devastation that this attack, and attacks like it can cause. For those in support of the National ID card, they claim that terrorist attacks would mean that it would be much more problematic for a terrorist trying to initiate a plan via an assumed false identity because of the designs previously outlined. The idea is that the authorities would question them too vigorously once they inevitably failed to produce a valid ID card, and therefore be obstruct their terrorist strategies. Indeed one of the most adamant supporters of this argument is Mr David Blunkett who is quoted as saying; â€Å"The ability to prove ones identity reliably is an ever-more important aspect of modern life.† (www.publictechnology.net/modules) Indeed Mr Blunketts perspective on this issue is that it represents the answer to our living in fear of attack, as the cards are proposed to be so technologically advanced they will be impossible to forge. Whether this is a valid claim remains to be seen. In addition, the scheme is also seen as a solution to serious and organised crime with the UK and also seemingly much more everyday issues such assisting in the efficiency of public services. Bases persuasive techniques on the basis that those with nothing to hide will only benefit. From this we can see both what the National ID card is intended to be, and why the Government in the main, support this scheme, particularly in light of the ‘War Against Terrorism†. However as previously mentioned, the National ID card scheme is a sensitive current affair and does seem to be becoming an increasing Political Hot Potato with concerns raising particularly in relation to our Human Right to privacy and how these may possibly be infringed upon by advancing forms of ICT. Even though a person may have nothing to hide they may feel that the schemes enforces extra control over them rather than protecting them. Despite assurances from the Government that only very basic data will be held on these cards and that only the Government and ourselves (subject to the Data Protection Act 1998) will have a right to access the information, we are aware that in order to make these cards practically impossible to forge the link has to be made between sophisticated forms of ICT in order to incorporate features such iris scans and fingerprint impressions etc. As a consequence of this, the use of modern technology seems to have caused panic through an idea that we will become a society under the constant supervision of ‘Big Brother’ and that everyone could potentially know our business. In short, there is an opposition to the National ID card as it is suggested it will impact upon our civil rights to privacy, and that rather than the scheme being one to protect us, it would ultimately become one to control us in perhaps what could be identified as a communist trait and therefore undermine the very structure of our current Capitalist society. Indeed an entire website named say ‘No2ID and the Database State’ is based on the very foundation of this argument. In comparison to the Governments webpage (www.identitycards.gov.uk) of ‘frequently asked questions,’ which only briefly touches on the issue. Notably only one question on this page related to ICT specifically and that didn’t really address the concern of ICT exposing our business, rather it related only to defining biometric data; â€Å"A biometric is a unique identifying physical characteristic. Examples include facial recognition, iris patterns and fingerprints.†( www.identitycards.gov.uk) Basically it would seem that those in oppostion tend to be in fear because the design of the cards is intended to be so advanced that most of us will not be able to fully understand the extent to which we are monitored by this scheme. In essence there seems to be an almost operantly conditioned response amongst the opposition, based on previous experience that our human rights will be sacrificed against our will and thus demolish the UK’s characteristic liberal approach to civil rights and its Capitalist structure. For example, as recently as the 27th November 2005 it was revealed by the Mail on Sunday that the database for the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVLA) is actually profiting by selling ‘our’ data to would be wheel clampers. The scenario being that for a small fee, car park attendants and wheel clampers could forward bills to motorists home addresses because they were provided with them by the DVLA. Indeed the DVLA were exposed as even allowing one wheel clamping company to purchase the information (for as little as  £2.50 per transaction) whose two bosses were actually already in prison for crimes of extorting money from the Motorist. From this we can see that even when respected organisations such as the DVLA are allowed to hold personal data on us we can sometimes be exploited in the pursuit of profit and therefore we can perhaps begin to understand the concerns arising over the National ID card. All this in mind, it is perhaps now relevant to apply this knowledge in order to assess how the scheme will affect the current structure of society within the UK. As a quick overview the UK exists as a Capitalist Society, which thrives on a democratic government and allows us our civil human rights such as the right to privacy. This would seem quite a positive description, especially in light of how civil rights have so vehemently been fought for in the past, particularly in relation to the movement to support the rights of black people that took place in America during the 1960’s. Indeed it is important to acknowledge that both those who support and oppose the scheme do so because they are fearful for the survival of that political societal structure, despite the extremities of approach to the topic i.e., 1. by believing the cards will protect us, or 2) that they will to undermine us. For those in support of the National ID card, it is perhaps a representation of reformism. Meaning that it seems to be an example of a Political Policy ‘whose object is to modify a political practice or aspect of social legislation without changing the fundamental political social structure.’ (Jary D Jary J, 1999) Yet for those in opposition that is not the case and the National ID would in fact change the fundamental political social structure. If as suggested by those in opposition to the scheme that we will become a ‘database state’ surely we are changing the fundamental political structure of our society as we seem to be relinquishing a great deal of our privacy in order to accommodate such concepts. The concern is that we may perhaps ‘sleep walk’ our way over to a more politically left / socialist standpoint and therefore sacrifice our Capitalist structure which arguably at this point in time defines the UK. If this is the case then we cou ld perhaps argue that the decision to defend ourselves against terrorists would in fact actually result in us allowing the terrorists to win, as the Capitalist structure would in fact wither naturally. One of the most prevalent characteristics of society within the United Kingdom is surely that of Capitalism, and indeed one of the main reasons we are vulnerable to terrorist attacks by organisations like Al-Qaeda who oppose it. Whilst there are variations to the definitions of Capitalism as it is notoriously difficult to define, it would seem that the rejection of centralised control is one of the most prevalent motivations of a Capitalist structure. If we were to take on board those, for example who adamantly profess to say No2ID, then we would arguably be acting in the interest on maintaining our social structure of a Capitalist state as they are rejecting avenues for an influx of databases that may ultimately result in a society which will exist via centralised control in this case through the medium of databases. What’s next providing babies with barcodes? What makes this topic so complex henceforth is that those who are on the other of the fence and support scheme such as Mr Blunkett are in fact motivated by this very same desire to preserve and protect our Capitalist state, and so it seems that this is one of the rare political topics that actually where the aim is actually agreed upon by the majority of the nation even if the method is disputed. As alluded to earlier all sorts of arguments exist in relation to the ID card and specifically the impact ICT. We might feel that we could be blinded by science and exploited. We might also be justified in feeling that our personal privacy would be exploited by corrupt people in power (as is alleged to have happened via the DVLA), however it is also felt a necessary ploy in order to avoid counterfeit duplication. All possibly valid arguments, however, what hasn’t been discussed is the actual practical application of this scheme. If, we were to embrace Mr Blunketts main reasoning for the scheme, then surely Police would be encouraged to stereotype and stop those who they felt could possibly be terrorists. In light of the threat from Al-Qaeda this is surely likely to result in a cultural divide, as they would likely stop Asian people thought to dominate the Islamic religion, rather than white people. In relation to the topic of the Civil Rights movement, mentioned earlier, we wo uld arguably be promoting a shift back towards racism. Since the UK is a place that manages to embrace aspects of Liberalism (a concept which promotes such tolerance of religion and personal and economic freedom) without challenging the Capitalism in society, the introduction of the ID card would arguably be a backlash against such positive traits and be quite disappointing. Whether in support of the ID card or in extreme opposition, it does seem that it is inevitable as talks persist and plans continue. It would seem that both sides of this argument have a substantial weight to them. However, change and diversity within society is surely inevitable. It’s surely what defines our history and characterises our culture. For the UK, it would seem that the National ID card will be one of those most significant changes to occur in the next few years. Yet surely it is better to evolve than remain in a static culture otherwise we would never advance. Surely a risk is worth taking even if we are not always in agreement or sure of the consequences. Bibliography Cushing, S (2001) Information and Communication Technology: London: Letts Educational Donnellan, C (2004) Protecting Our Privacy: Cambridge: MWL Print Group Jary, D Jary, J. (1999) Sociology: Leicester: HarperCollins Publishers Websites www.identitycards.gov.uk http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3568468.stm www.news-from-newspapers.com/en/Wikipedia.org/2005/04/21/Capitalism.html http://www.no2id.net/ www.publictechnology.net/modules) http://www.spy.org.uk/spyblog/2005/11/ (Mail on Sunday 27th November 2005) http://www.timesonline.co.uk

Pearl Sydenstricker Buck, 1892 - 1973 :: History

Pearl Sydenstricker Buck, 1892 - 1973 Pearl Comfort Sydenstricker was born on June 26, 1892, in Hillsboro, West Virginia. Her parents, Absalom and Caroline Sydenstricker, were Southern Presbyterian missionaries, and were stationed in China. Pearl was the fourth of seven children (and 1 of only 3 who would live until adulthood). Buck was born in the U.S. so she could be a natural U.S. citizen. The Sydenstrickers lived in Chinkiang (Zhenjiang), in Kiangsu (Jiangsu) province. Pearl's father spent much time away from home, traveling in the Chinese countryside in search of Christian converts. Pearl's mother ministered to Chinese women in a dispensary she created. >From childhood, Pearl spoke both English and Chinese. She was taught mainly by her mother and a Chinese tutor, Mr. Kung. Though in 1900 the family returned to the US to continue their lives. In 1910, Pearl enrolled in Randolph-Macon Woman's College, in Lynchburg, Virginia, and graduated in 1914. Although she wanted to stay in US, she returned to China after graduation when she heard that her mother was extremely sick. In 1915, she met John Lossing Buck and they were married in 1917. (The marriage was very unhappy, but it lasted for 18 years.) They immediately moved to Nanhsuchou (Nanxuzhou) in Anhwei (Anhui) province. This is where Pearl gathered poverty stricken material that she would later use in The Good Earth and other stories about China. The Bucks' first child, Carol, was born in 1921, but was born with PKU. (A genetic disorder in which the body lacks the enzyme necessary to metabolize phenylalanine to tyrosine. Left untreated, the disorder can cause brain damage and progressive mental retardation as a result of the accumulation of phenylalanine and its breakdown products.) The child became extremely retarded. Then, because of a uterine tumor found during the delivery, Pearl had a hysterectomy. In 1925, she and her husband adopted a baby girl, Janice. >From 1920 to 1933, Pearl and Lossing made lived in Nanking (Nanjing), on the campus of the Nanking University, where both had teaching jobs. In 1921, Pearl's mother died and shortly after her father moved in with the Bucks. The tragedies which Pearl suffered through out her life reached a climax in March, 1927. In the terrible even called the "Nanking Incident." In a confusing battle involving parts of Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist troops, Communist forces, and assorted  ¡Ã‚ §warlords ¡Ã‚ ¨, several Westerners were murdered. The Bucks escaped and had an extremely long day hiding, but were finally rescued by American gunboats.

Mexico Essay -- Mexican Economy, Politics

Mexico is a country that has long been thought of as being an impoverished nation, with many more people who are among the poor that those who can be reasonably be considered to be wealthy. In recent years the Mexican people have had a dramatic change in their demographic outlook, with the largest change being in the fertility rate having dropped from 6.5 in the early 70’s to its current rate of 2.2 – easily the fastest rate of decline in the world today. With the importance of family to the Mexican people it is hard to imagine that these new rates will be sustainable in the future and will have dramatic negative implications for the economies of both Mexico and the United States as the population ages without replacement workers (McGoldrick, Giordano & Garcia-Preto, 2005; Sedano, 2008). The Mexican people are a people who find their roots amongst the Mayan, Aztecan and other Native American people. They also often share an ancestry with the European Spanish who conquered and settled much of what is today Mexico and the American Southwest. Their common language is Spanish and the majority of Mexican people follow the Catholic religion, which interestingly has changed in many ways to include many of the traditions and symbols of the other more ancient religions that were practiced before the Spanish conquest and the forced conversion of the natives. There still runs a deep attachment to â€Å"folk† medicine to cure ailments that are most likely caused by stress or other psychological means such as fright, the â€Å"evil eye† and even indigestion (McGoldrick, et. al., 2005). The family in Mexico is predominantly patriarchal in nature there is also a great deal of respect that is due the mothers of the family. Family types range from nuclea... ...e more educated parents (McCabe, 2002). It was discovered that such factors as income, perceptions of stigma, expectations of therapist directness, therapist-client match and even acculturation had no significant effect of the dropout rates. The greatest predictors were instead, parental belief in strict discipline in reaction to behavioral and emotional problems along with the perception of barriers to getting treatment (McCabe, 2002). While it is seen that acculturation may increase the ability of the client to seek assistance and that the acculturation of the parents may help them better understand the role of therapy in helping with behavioral and emotional problems will help more adolescents with these problems seek help it does was shown that improving the parents expectations and attitudes towards therapy may have beeter retention outcomes (McCabe, 2002).

Character Analysis: Pride and Prejudice Essay

In the beginning of reading this classic love story, I could have fallen asleep while reading and I actually did; but while the story went on it grew more interesting I couldn’t put my book down. The pride and prejudice referred to in the title of this Jane Austin novel prepare the reader for the character flaws of the main characters, Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Elizabeth’s pride and Mr. Darcy’s prejudice prevent the two from recognizing and admiring their love for one another. And all the same, I truly believe that Elizabeth mistakes Mr. Darcy’s pride because, she herself is just as stubborn as he. Jane Bennet is the eldest Bennet sister. Twenty-two years old when the novel begins, she is considered the most beautiful young lady in the neighborhood. Her character is contrasted with Elizabeth’s because she is sweeter, shyer, and equally sensible, but not as clever, but her most notable trait is a desire to see only the good in others. Jane seems to be her mother’s favorite because of her beauty, which Mrs. Bennet brags and boasts about often. Elizabeth is around the age of twenty in the novel. Her family calls her â€Å"Lizzy†, her friends and neighbors call her â€Å"Eliza†, and the narrator usually calls her â€Å"Elizabeth†, but her mother never calls her Elizabeth. She is an intelligent young woman who is described as having â€Å"a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in any thing ridiculous†. She often presents a playful good-natured impertinence, which does not offend. Early in the novel she is depicted as being personally proud of her mental quickness and her acuity in judging the social behavior and intentions of others. Elizabeth is the second of five sisters and her father’s favorite, and is described by him by having â€Å"something more of quickness than her sisters†; though she is often distressed and embarrassed by the behavior of her mother and of her younger sisters. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy is an intelligent, handsome, wealthy and reserved gentleman, who often appears snooty or proud to strangers and is the owner of Pemberley. Mr. Darcy’s inflated personal pride, snobbish indifference and arrogance cause him to consider Elizabeth Bennet as unworthy and plain, â€Å"tolerable† and â€Å"not handsome enough to tempt him.† However, afterwards he becomes attracted to Elizabeth, and courts her clumsily or â€Å"against his better judgment,† while struggling against his continuing feelings of superiority. His arrogance and rudeness enhance his desirability, and they are reconsidered later as a sign of his bottled-up passion for Elizabeth. Women love Mr. Darcy because: 1. He is open and honest 2. He is not defensive at all 3. He does not try to change her but likes her â€Å"just the way she is† 4. He knows how to listen 5. He knows how to apologize 6. He is not afraid to change 7. He defends Elizabeth publicly 8. He does something extraordinary and he keeps quiet about it 9. He can be engaging 10. He has a private reputation of kindness and goodness Bingley is a man of few and very mild principles, whose easiness of temper and want of proper resolution impair his worth in Eliza’s eyes. Bingley lacks Darcy’s pride or self-importance. He values Jane’s beauty and her good nature, which matches his own character. He feels free to pursue his interest in Jane only after his two sisters have given their approval, but his ultimate standard of reference is Darcy. He submits to Darcy’s objections about the marriage, and because of this, many call Mr. Bingley spineless. It is Darcy’s authority that ultimately determines Bingley’s choice in life, supported by Jane’s physical appearance and pleasant character. Even after learning that Darcy had concealed from him the truth about Jane’s presence in London and after Darcy encourages him to revive the relationship with her, Bingley still wants Darcy’s active approval before proposing to Jane.

AP History

Palmer Raids were when the government allow wed police man to raid immigrants home without a warrant or doing anything about the issue when it happened. For instance, in the A. Mitchell Palmer article its stays,†An while they infected our social idea s with the disease of their own minds and their unclean moral, we can get rid of them! † This demonstrates how palmer raids are justifiable rather than being a use of mist retirement. The fear of communism lead Americans to define immigrants constitutional rights by Nava ding their homes Carcinoma without a warrant and imprisoning immigrants without any evidence.The fee r Of communism is blinding Americans to go against their human morals just to stay on the safe s did of things. In addition, the way fear of communism affected American politics and society dramatically was by trying to Americanize the immigrants to avoid having this belief of communism. For intense, the Nicholas Murray Butler article states,†We must add ress ourselves to the task of making sure that these newcomers, from whatever land, do see the meaning of America, do learn the history and the opportunity of America.An we must do it quickly†¦ † This demonstrates how Butler is trying to solve avoiding communism by hoping to change the minds of incoming immigrants to realize that the U. S system is much better than the idea of communism. Therefore, he tries to change the culture of immigrants and chaw Eng who they are an change the way they do things to make sure communism does not happen in America. Another reason of how fear of communism affected American politics and Soc itty dramatically .For instance Alma white feared that if America ever became a c unionism country it would collapse and start a revolution that could cause terror. For example,† Their determination is to reduce all people to the same social and economic level, an advocate any means whatsoever for the accomplishing for this, mere legislation and political revolution to a ere gnu of terror†(Clansmen:Guardians) This demonstrates how Alma is trying to pursue De the people that if America ever became a communist country it would become nothing but term ROR.White is conveying that communist destroys countries and destroys people's lives and harms those who are innocent. In addition, fear of communism affected American politics and society drama cyclical due to highest legal power abuse their power. For instance, the Nation Popular Go Vermont League Carcinoma article states how people with power have such a great fear of communist that t they end up abusing their power that causes problems with the people.For example,† Sins e these illegal acts have been committed by the highest legal powers in the United States, there s no final appeal from them except to the conscience an condemnation of the American people Popular) This demonstrates how people with power end up abusing their power and g ongoing against the constitu tional rights of the people. As well, as to question the decisions of the government and their capacity of running things and leading on the nation. Finally, the fear of communism affected the American politics and society drag medical lay due to the government making decisions that were made for no reasons.For I instance, Frederick Lewis Allen states , â€Å"What killed it? The realization, for one thing , that there ha d never been any sufficient cause for such a panic as had convulsed the country ‘(Only Yesterday y). This demonstrates how most of what government did was for no reason due to co Unisom being nowhere near to the united states. Therefore, all the government did was ca SE tension and questioning to their authority due to the bad decisions made due to the fear.

Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont’s “Beauty and the Beast”

Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont’s â€Å"Beauty and the Beast† is focused on the love of a daughter for her father however that eventually ends with a reward of getting married to a beautiful prince. While Jean Cocteau’s 1946 film version focuses more on the romantic attitude and relations between the Beauty and the Beast. Jean Cocteau’s film Beauty and the Beast is based on the text version of Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont’s â€Å"Beauty and the Beast†. Though Cocteau’s film version give somewhat touching view. The film version of Cocteau mirrors the 17th century settings and the themes of a typical fairy tale.On one side there are evil sisters of the beauty (good hearted youngest daughter) and on the other side a wicked man wanting to marry the beauty. In the film he created a fantastical frame of mind. The castle of the Beast is not on the earth hence, Belle is shown floating in the air while reaching the castle. Cocteauâ€℠¢s movie creates an imaginary and dream-world by making the progress of the movie in slow motion. Different scenes especially when Belle moves to castle are in slow-motion gives view of a majestic world. The acting and characters in the film are remarkable.With terrific dialogues it gives the magical perfection to the film with lost love, admiration, sense of duty, sacrifice and romantic feelings. Of course, as written text we can only read the story and imagine what is being said but with film version it is quite different to view. The film version shows all the scenes and dialogues in real environment. The camera settings are such that can add to the fantasy. The shots and scenes at the castle are made very graceful. As compared to the written text version we cannot get the exact view of the settings.What we get from reading the literature of Jeanne-Marie’s story our focus in on the themes and endings. However, Cocteau’s film version gives details of each and every s cene; in addition, actor’s acting and background settings, and dialogues diverges the thoughts of the viewers from the real focus of the story. The audience of the movie may get involved with the imaginary scenes and dialogues. The film version by Cocteau shows the interaction of the Belle and the Beast more precisely. The literature of Jeanne-Marie was interpreted as the love of the daughter for her father.She went to Beast castle not with the hope of falling in love but only to save her father’s life. She was ready to give away her life in place of her father. However, she got a beautiful prince in return while her father is also saved. The film of Cocteau is more focused on the romantic relations between the beauty and the beast. She’s being unaware that the Beast is the prince, falls in love with him because his kind attitude and gentleness. Soon discovers him to be the prince both got married and lives a happy life while the evil sisters get their punishmen t for being too mean and wickedness.Conclusion The Beast is actually a very beautiful prince who showed up to the Belle at the very last moment. Though the film version was superficially a different one, it easily discriminates the reality from fantasy. Both the fairy tale and film version are similar in many cases but different at many contexts. However, the film version is based on the text of Jeanne-Marrie has some remarkable scenes and cinematography not present in written text. References Jeanne-Marrie. Beauty and the Beast. Retrieved form http://www. pitt. edu/~dash/beauty. html

Is it Ethical for Regional Airline to Pay First Year Essay

As compared to other airline workers, pilots are the most costly with labor being the largest cost for all airline companies. In fact, contract negotiations between pilot unions and the airline management are usually bitter. Recently, contract negotiations between the world’s largest airlines, UAL Corp’s, and its pilots resulted in the increase of costs throughout the airline or aviation industry. These contract negotiations between UAL Corp’s and its pilots led to the several negotiations between major airlines and various labor groups. In the previous years, first year pilots were paid less than $ 20,000 while major airline captains earned well over $100,000. While a pilot usually begin at a major carrier with at least eight years of preceding experience, they are paid depending on the years at the airline company and the aircraft flown. A typical month for a pilot includes only fifteen days of work and eighty flight hours a month. On the other hand, these pilots often spend the other eighty hours on duty at airports. However, the pilots are usually paid for the eighty flight hours and not the hours spent on duty at airports. Notably, pilots are considered as one of the well paid workers and their salaries are usually based on the measure of productivity and responsibility (Hirschfeld, 2001). Airline captains are often paid depending on the aircraft’s size, number of passengers, cargo tonnage and distance moved. Its however important to note that pilots not only have incredible amount of responsibility but they also have incredible training requirements. Even with the responsibilities and requirements that come with this profession, there is a need for setting limits that explain what constitutes a pilot’s reasonable and fair pay. Throughout the years, pilots’ salary increments have usually been ridiculously wide with most of their labor groups demanding a salary increment of thirty percent every four years. Additionally, there is always a huge annual salary difference between pilots at the bottom of the ladder and senior pilots for majors. Pilot’s Requirements: As I mentioned in the previous page, this profession requires not only an incredible amount of responsibility but also training requirements. As a profession with these requirements, there are other important personal requirements established by the government. Most importantly, to clearly examine whether it’s ethical for regional airline to pay first year pilots $20,000. 00, it’s necessary to look at these requirements. The requirements include: Age Limits: The minimum and maximum age requirements set by the government varies for various airline pilots. While private pilots and commercial pilots should have a minimum age of seventeen and eighteen years respectively, applicants for air transport pilot certificate should have a minimum age of twenty-three years. On the other hand, the common retirement age on listed airlines is sixty years of age. Physical Health Requirements: As compared to other professions, pilots are required to meet strict physical health conditions. These pilots are usually given medical certificates which are classified into different categories depending on the respective country. However, each of these categories not only has specific physical health requirements but their certificates are valid for different time periods. In the United States and Canada, trainees for an airline position should take a physician from FAA and Transport Canada respectively (â€Å"Looking for a Career†, 2009). Furthermore, pilots are required to meet special physical demands and strict health standards by regulatory agencies. These demands basically concern body parts like lungs and heart as well as eyesight and physical dexterity. Airline pilots who may be dependent on drugs including prescription may be disqualified from flying. Education: This is one of the most critical requirements for airline pilot professionals and has in the recent part become increasingly intricate and mechanical. With the changing technology, there is a continuous demand for pilots to meet a higher standard. In fact, for airline pilots, learning is continuous because of the development of new aircraft designs, systems and procedures. As a result of the evolving aviation technology, pilots are not only required to master new systems but they are also required to regularly pass ground school courses and simulated flight checks. Additionally, these pilots are also required to have a thorough understanding of navigation, mathematics, meteorology and aeronautics. This thorough understanding is necessitated by the technicality and complexity of the aircraft’s navigation and communication systems. A pilot begins to acquire these skills at the secondary level of education with the main weight being on basic sciences such as math and physics. In addition to this advanced math, aeronautical engineering and sciences are necessary courses for pilots’ preparation at the tertiary level of education. These pilots should also have a good attitude and judgment because of the responsibility of taking care of many lives and the monetary value of the aircraft. Licensing Requirements: This is the final and critical requirement for both pilots and professionals in the airline industry. In preparation to become an airline pilot, it’s important to note that there are four levels of certificates of pilots. These pilots’ certificates are student, private, commercial and air/airline transport pilot certificates. However, pilot certificate holders may also have various types of certification or ratings with the exception for pilots with student pilot certificates. These ratings include land, helicopter, sea, instrument, single-engine and multi-engine flying certification. Prior to flying a large aircraft needing two-pilot crew, a pilot is required to have a type of rating. Ethics and Pilots Salaries: Having looked at the airline pilot requirements in the previous section of this paper, I will now examine whether it’s ethical for regional airline to pay first year pilots $20,000. As I mentioned earlier the requirements of the airline industry basically helps us to understand the foundation of this profession. This foundation is what determines the answer to the question we are examining. By and large, airline pilots go through a lot of preparations and trainings before qualifying to work in this profession. Their responsibility and productivity is significant in determining the salaries of these professionals. In order to find a better answer to the question we are examining, we need to understand the field of ethics. Ethics or the field of moral philosophy basically involves defending, planning and recommending right or wrong behavior concepts. The field of ethics is divided into three general subject areas namely normative ethics, metaethics and applied ethics by today’s philosophers. While metaethics investigates the origin of ethical principles, normative ethics involves a more practical task which finds out the moral standards that control right or wrong behavior. On the other hand, applied ethics studies specific controversial issues (Feiser, 2009). Applied ethics usually attempts to resolve these controversial issues by using the concepts of both metaethics and normative ethics. Therefore, controversial issues usually depend on general normative principles, metaethics and discussion of applied ethics. Whether or not it is okay for regional airlines to pay first time pilots $20,000 is a question that falls under applied ethics. This issue has generated debate with supporters of the amount arguing that these pilots should be paid so because of the responsibility they carry on their shoulders. However, opponents argue that pilots are grossly overpaid and greedy. However, considering the huge salary difference between first year pilots and major captains, this figure raises a lot of questions. Even after probably accumulating in excess of $80,000 in student loans, those who believe that regional airlines should pay first year pilots $20,000 cite the following reasons for their support: Inexperience: Inexperience of the first year pilots may be considered as the one of ethical reasons why the regional airlines pay their first year pilots $20,000. For one to be promoted to a captain and earn ore money, their experience in the airline industry is quite critical. In fact, for most of these first year pilots, flying half way through the country, sleeping in airport trailers and lounges as well as sleeping in plane floors has become a normal routine as regional airline seeks to employ experienced pilots. Consequently, these pilots are usually paid $20,000 because of their inexperience. Tough Conditions: As I had earlier discussed, there are strict educational requirement for a person to become a professional in the airline industry. In addition to these strict academic requirements, airline pilots are also required to have a vast amount of experience in order to become professionals in the airline industry. In fact, in early 2000s, regional airlines insisted on candidates with a minimum of 1,500 of total flight hours prior to an interview. This demand was rewarded with a high pay when one was hire as a pilot. However the current $20,000 pay is as a result of the lowering of this demand to a total of 500 flight hours before an interview. It may therefore be ethical for regional airlines to pay this amount. Additionally, since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, many airline companies especially regional airliners have gone through tough economic times. These harsh economic times have not only been due to the recent recession but also because of the fact that many companies are reducing costs of their businesses. Reasons why it’s unethical: After considering reasons why it may be ethical for regional airlines to pay first year pilots $20,000, I strongly believe that it’s unethical for the airline to pay this amount given the fact that these pilots have already accrued in excess of $80,000 in student loans. This is because of the following reasons: Day to Day Challenges: This is one of the reasons why it’s unethical for regional airline to pay first time pilots $20,000 especially after they have accrued in excess of $80,000 in student loans. This reason is in opposition to the ethical theory of consequentialism which considers an action to be morally right if its results are more favorable than unfavorable. This ethical theory usually demands the tallying of both good and bad results of an action. This amount of money is less as compared to the fact that these pilots have to pay the loans which may demand up to $1,000. The unethical prove of this amount of pay is the fact that more than half of the pilots of regional airline commute to work and hold down second jobs in order to make ends meet (McGreal, 2010). I believe that it is totally unethical because these pilots have to regularly pay their loans while struggling to cope with the demands of life. Usually student loan payments exceed $1,000 a month and it may be a tall order for these first year pilots to manage the demands of life as well as pay the student debts (Bailey, 2010). Regional airline should consider paying the first year pilots more than $20,000 in order for them to manage paying their student debts and cope with life. With this amount of pay, the ethical theory of consequentialism is not put into consideration since these pilots begin their jobs deeply in debt. In addition to these huge debts, most of these pilots are often forced to fly half way around the country prior to commencement of work. Seniority and Selfish Ambitions: As compared to major airline captains who earn between $150,000 and $215,000 annually, regional airline pilots are paid much less. However, regional airline senior pilots earn much more than their first year counterparts. The seniority ladder is quite evident here but the salary difference is huge. While I agree that first time pilots in regional carriers cannot be paid the same amount with their senior counterparts, there is a need of setting a fair and reasonable pay for these pilots. In addition to this, these senior pilots make it unethical for regional airlines to pay first year pilots $20,000 because of their continual demand of pay increase through pilots’ unions. These increment demands are usually driven by selfish ambitions of these senior pilots. These senior pilots demand premium pay through the powerful pilots’ unions (Smith, n. d. ). The selfish driven payment increment demands falls under the ethical principle of psychological egoism. This ethical principle of psychological egoism basically concerns the intrinsic selfishness of humans. This ethical principle also upholds that self-oriented interests eventually motivate all human actions. Over and over again, airline companies are usually forced to budge into these payment demands. As a result, first year pilots who usually begin their careers in the toughest conditions are not paid enough to reside in major cities where there employers are. Due to their less pay and the huge student debts that they have to pay, first year pilots of regional airlines end up relatively poor. It’s not ethical for senior captains to continue earning close to $250,000 annually while their other counterparts who have student debts in excess of $80,000 earn $20,000. Responsibility and Demands: By and large this is one of the major reasons why it’s unethical for regional airlines to pay first year pilots this amount considering the responsibility that pilots carry on their shoulders. These pilots not only carry the responsibility of the passengers as well as loads of mail and freight but they also carry the responsibility of controlling the multi-million dollar aircrafts. The responsibility of these pilots has also been increased with the recent technological advances in the aviation industry. These technological changes have not only improved the speed, safety and design of the aircraft but they have also changed the demands on the pilot. These increased demands on the pilot are also necessitated by the strict academic requirements and complexity of air-traffic system. Consequently, these demands have made the piloting job to be very challenging and fatiguing. I believe that it’s unethical for regional airline to pay their first year pilots $20,000 considering these responsibilities and the nature of the piloting job. Regardless of the airline company they work for, first year pilots and professionals in this industry are not overpaid (â€Å"Ten Most Overpaid Jobs†, 2003). For first year pilots, this amount from regional airlines is not their full market value. Conclusion: Having looked at both sides of the debate on whether it’s ethical for regional airline to pay their first year pilots $20,000 even after accruing over $80,000 n student loans, I strongly believe that is totally unethical for them to be paid such an amount. The academic qualifications, responsibilities and demands of these pilots are not different from their senior counter parts. Furthermore, these pilots have huge student loans that they should pay on a monthly basis. With all these facts in consideration, the amount raises serious ethical questions than it answers. References: Hirschfeld, S. (2001, March 1). Pilots Pay Smeared In U. S Air Woes Outcry. Retrieved July 27, 2010, from http://www. airliners. net/aviation-forums/general_aviation/read. main/403979/ â€Å"Looking for a Career† (2009, April). Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA). Retrieved July 27, 2010, from http://www. learningforlife. org/exploring/aviation/alpa. pdf Feiser, J. (2009, May 10). Ethics. Retrieved from University of Tennessee at Martin website: http://www. iep. utm. edu/ethics/ Bailey, J. (2010). Pilot’s Dream Run into Reality. Retrieved July 27, 2010, from http://www. nytimes. com/2008/04/10/business/worldbusiness/10iht-pilots. 4. 11877334. html? pagewanted=1&_r=1 McGreal, C. (2010, January 11). A Pilot’s Life: Exhausting Hours for Meagre Wages. Retrieved July 27, 2010, from http://www. guardian. co. uk/world/2010/jan/11/pilot-exhausting-hours-wages â€Å"Ten Most Overpaid Jobs† (2003, November 15). PPRuNE: Professional Pilots Rumour Network. Retrieved July 27, 2010, from http://www. pprune. org/rumours-news/108925-ten-most-overpaid-jobs-us-no-9-pilots-2. html Smith, P. (n. d. ). Overpaid Pilots? Retrieved July 27, 2010, from http://toolkit. bootsnall. com/transportation-travel-guide/air-travel-guide/ask-the-pilot-collection/general-maintenance/overpaid-pilots. html