Legal Constraints And Its Effect On The War On Terror

The war on terror, following the events of 9/11, made people acknowledge a new form of enemy. Terrorisms became the central focus of nations and various actions were taken to ensure that such a horrendous act never transpires again. However, the problems associated with these legal constraints has led to many international law violations. This paper will seek to discuss these legal constraints and its effect on the war on terror. In order to demonstrate this, the principles of distinction, proportionality and military necessity will be examined to understand whether the legal actions of the United States were appropriate and legal. The principles of distinction, proportionality and military necessity are central to jus in bello (also known as â€Å"the laws of war†). These three principles are closely interconnected with one another and are necessary to determine whether a war can be perceived as being legitimate. In this paper, the principles of distinction, proportionality and military necessity will be defined and discussed in relation to the event of 9/11. As well as, the legal constraints that are associated with the conduct of hostilities under the new conditions imposed. The term â€Å"terrorism† and â€Å"terrorist† were included following the events of 9/11, identifying a new type of enemy. Narratives of who the enemy was changed towards individuals who were or seemed like a Muslim. Muslims were perceived as the new enemy. This subsequently led to major legal constraints such asShow MoreRelatedRelevance Of Sovereignty And The Threat Of Terrorism Essay1482 Words   |  6 PagesRelevance of Sovereignty Sovereignty, in its’ most traditional Westphalian view, is defined by scholars as the principal and expectation that states have legal and political supremacy –or ultimate authority–within their territorial boundaries (F.L.S. 47), but as the world continues to grow and complex, the relevance of Westphalian sovereignty is repeatedly questioned. Many factors now play into the role of sovereignty, complicating the once simplistic view. These factors include the expanding necessityRead MoreThe Writ of Habeas Corpus and War on Terror in the United States2183 Words   |  9 Pagesï » ¿Habeas Corpus Context War Terror 1. The general meaning of the right of habeas corpus in the U.S. Constitution and its relationship to the protection of other civil liberties. 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This essay argues that pragmatism, the legalRead MoreWomen s Rights : Women And Public Policy2739 Words   |  11 Pagesbetween men and women.(Tickner, 2008:263-268) Traditionally, the academic discipline of IR was ruled by men and gender was ignored by dominant men. There was no room for women since IR was described by masculine words such as power, security, military, war and conflict. Therefore, the assertion that ‘IR has been profoundly gendered’ is convincing in the contemporary world politics. How to exercise state power are the women come from? Politics of peace and community members can live happily in abundance

Essay on Depression - 1024 Words

Depression is a state of despondency marked by feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness. Depression reflects a sad and/or irritable mood exceeding typical grief or sadness. Furthermore, such sadness of depression is characterized by a greater intensity and duration. People tend to see themselves as failing even if they are not. Depression is one of the most prevalent emotional problems. External experiences often initiate depression. For example, problems of financial nature, a loss of a loved one, a serious illness, difficulties in the relationship, or any other uninvited changes in life can cause a depressive episode. According to medicinenet.com, â€Å"a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors is involved in the†¦show more content†¦An imbalance or deficiency of the neurotransmitters, serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine are implicated in depression, although it may be a change in receptor function, and not neurotransmitter concentration, that causes depression. (www.brainexplorer.com) Depressive signs and symptoms are characterized not only by negative thoughts, moods, and behaviors but also by specific changes in bodily functions such as crying spells, body aches, as well as problems with eating, weight, and sleeping, and low energy or libido. Depression affects all aspects of one’s life. A depressed person is more likely to be in the dark, gloomy mood at all times of the day. They often are sleep deprived persons with low self-esteem and self-confidence. Depressed people feel sad, lonely, find it difficult to complete their daily tasks because of fatigue, and typically complain a lot. Because of the depression, persons can may insensitive remarks to their partners, be angry or uncaring, and often completely withdraw from the relationship. Depression negatively affects relationships because the partners of the depressed suffer when someone they love gives nothing back but negativity. Partners find it more difficult to connect to their depressed loved ones in everyday life or in spirit. Therefore, untreatedShow MoreRelatedDepression : Depression And Depression927 Words   |  4 Pagesthe word Depression. Now that I am older I know not to use that term so loosely because depression is a disorder that is very serious. According to the Mayo Clinic Depression, also known as major depressive disorder is a mood disorder that causes a feeling of sadness and a loss of interest. 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Forward the Foundation Chapter 15 Free Essays

Part III Dors Venabili VENABILI, DORS-The life of Hari Seldon is well encrusted with legend and uncertainty, so that little hope remains of ever obtaining a biography that can be thoroughly factual. Perhaps the most puzzling aspect of his life deals with his consort, Dors Venabili. There is no information whatever concerning Dors Venabili, except for her birth on the world of Cinna, prior to her arrival at Streeling University to become a member of the history faculty. We will write a custom essay sample on Forward the Foundation Chapter 15 or any similar topic only for you Order Now Shortly after that, she met Seldon and remained his consort for twenty-eight years. If anything, her life is more interlarded with legend than Seldon’s is. There are quite unbelievable tales of her strength and speed and she was widely spoken of, or perhaps whispered of, as â€Å"The Tiger Woman.† Still more puzzling than her coming, however, is her going, for after a certain time, we hear of her no more and there is no indication as to what happened. Her role as a historian is evidenced by her works on- Encyclopedia Galactica 1 Wanda was almost eight years old now, going by Galactic Standard Time -as everyone did. She was quite the little lady-grave in manner, with straight light-brown hair. Her eyes were blue but were darkening and she might well end with the brown eyes of her father. She sat there, lost in thought. Sixty. That was the number that preoccupied her. Grandfather was going to have a birthday and it was going to be his sixtieth-and sixty was a large number. It bothered her because yesterday she had had a bad dream about it. She went in search of her mother. She would have to ask. Her mother was not hard to find. She was talking to Grandfather-about the birthday surely. Wanda hesitated. It wouldn’t be nice to ask in front of Grandfather. Her mother had no trouble whatever sensing Wanda’s consternation. She said, â€Å"One minute, Hari, and let’s see what’s bothering Wanda. What is it, dear?† Wanda pulled at her hand. â€Å"Not here, Mother. Private.† Manella turned to Hari Seldon. â€Å"See how early it starts? Private lives. Private problems. Of course, Wanda, shall we go to your room?† â€Å"Yes, Mother.† Wanda was clearly relieved. Hand in hand, they went and then her mother said, â€Å"Now what is the problem, Wanda?† â€Å"It’s Grandfather, Mother.† â€Å"Grandfather! I can’t imagine him doing anything to bother you.† â€Å"Well, he is.† Wanda’s eyes filled with sudden tears. â€Å"Is he going to die?† â€Å"Your grandfather? What put that into your head, Wanda?† â€Å"He’s going to be sixty. That’s so old.† â€Å"No, it isn’t. It’s not young, but it’s not old, either. People live to be eighty, ninety, even a hundred-and your grandfather is strong and healthy. He’ll live a long time.† â€Å"Are you sure?† She was sniffing. Manella grasped her daughter by the shoulders and looked her straight in the eyes. â€Å"We must all die someday, Wanda. I’ve explained that to you before. Just the same, we don’t worry about it till the someday is much closer.† She wiped Wanda’s eyes gently. â€Å"Grandfather is going to stay alive till you’re all grown up and have babies of your own. You’ll see. Now come back with me. I want you to talk to Grandfather.† Wanda sniffed again. Seldon looked at the little girl with a sympathetic expression on her return and said, â€Å"What is it, Wanda? Why are you unhappy?† Wanda shook her head. Seldon turned his gaze to the girl’s mother. â€Å"Well, what is it, Manella?† Manella shook her head. â€Å"She’ll have to tell you herself.† Seldon sat down and tapped his lap. â€Å"Come, Wanda. Have a seat and tell me your troubles.† She obeyed and wriggled a bit, then said, â€Å"I’m scared.† Seldon put his arm around her. â€Å"Nothing to be scared of in your old grandfather.† Manella made a face. â€Å"Wrong word.† Seldon looked up at her. â€Å"Grandfather?† â€Å"No. Old.† That seemed to break the dike. Wanda burst into tears. â€Å"You’re old, Grandfather.† â€Å"I suppose so. I’m sixty.† He bent his face down to Wanda’s and whispered, â€Å"I don’t like it, either, Wanda. That’s why I’m glad you’re only seven going on eight.† â€Å"Your hair is white, Grandpa.† â€Å"It wasn’t always. It just turned white recently.† â€Å"White hair means you’re going to die, Grandpa.† Seldon looked shocked. He said to Manella, â€Å"What is all this?† â€Å"I don’t know, Hari. It’s her own idea.† â€Å"I had a bad dream,† said Wanda. Seldon cleared his throat. â€Å"We all have bad dreams now and then, Wanda. It’s good we do. Bad dreams get rid of bad thoughts and then we’re better off.† â€Å"It was about you dying, Grandfather.† â€Å"I know. I know. Dreams can be about dying, but that doesn’t make them important. Look at me. Don’t you see how alive I am-and cheerful-and laughing? Do I look as though I’m dying? Tell me.† â€Å"N-no.† â€Å"There you are, then. Now you go out and play and forget all about this. I’m just having a birthday and everyone will have a good time. Go ahead, dear.† Wanda left in reasonable cheer, but Seldon motioned to Manella to stay. 2 Seldon said, â€Å"Wherever do you think Wanda got such a notion?† â€Å"Come now, Hari. She had a Salvanian gecko that died, remember? One of her friends had a father who died in an accident and she sees deaths on holovision all the time. It is impossible for any child to be so protected as not to be aware of death. Actually I wouldn’t want her to be so protected. Death is an essential part of life; she must learn that.† â€Å"I don’t mean death in general, Manella. I mean my death in particular. What has put that into her head?† Manella hesitated. She was very fond, indeed, of Hari Seldon. She thought, Who would not be, so how can I say this? But how could she not say this? So she said, â€Å"Hari, you yourself put it into her head.† â€Å"I?† â€Å"Of course, you’ve been speaking for months of turning sixty and complaining loudly of growing old. The only reason people are setting up this party is to console you.† â€Å"It’s no fun turning sixty,† said Seldon indignantly. â€Å"Wait! Wait! You’ll find out.† â€Å"I will-if I’m lucky. Some people don’t make it to sixty. Just the same, if turning sixty and being old are all you talk about, you end up frightening an impressionable little girl.† Seldon sighed and looked troubled. â€Å"I’m sorry, but it’s hard. Look at my hands. They’re getting spotted and soon they’ll be gnarled. I can do hardly anything in the way of Twisting any longer. A child could probably force me to my knees.† â€Å"In what way does that make you different from other sixty-year-olds? At least your brain is working as well as ever. How often have you said that that’s all that counts?† â€Å"I know. But I miss my body.† Manella said with just a touch of malice, â€Å"Especially when Dors doesn’t seem to get any older.† Seldon said uneasily, â€Å"Well yes, I suppose-† He looked away, clearly unwilling to talk about the matter. Manella looked at her father-in-law gravely. The trouble was, he knew nothing about children-or about people generally. It was hard to think that he had spent ten years as First Minister under the old Emperor and yet ended up knowing as little about people as he did. Of course, he was entirely wrapped up in this psychohistory of his, that dealt with quadrillions of people, which ultimately meant dealing with no people at all-as individuals. And how could he know about children when he had had no contact with any child except Raych, who had entered his life as a twelve-year-old? Now he had Wanda, who was-and would probably remain to him-an utter mystery. Manella thought all this lovingly. She had the incredible desire to protect Hari Seldon from a world he did not understand. It was the only point at which she and her mother-in-law, Dors Venabili, met and coalesced-this desire to protect Hari Seldon. Manella had saved Seldon’s life ten years before. Dors, in her strange way, had considered this an invasion of her prerogative and had never quite forgiven Manella. Seldon, in his turn, had then saved Manella’s life. She closed her eyes briefly and the whole scene returned to her, almost as though it were happening to her right now. 3 It was a week after the assassination of Cleon-and a horrible week it had been. All of Trantor was in chaos. Hari Seldon still kept his office as First Minister, but it was clear he had no power. He called in Manella Dubanqua. â€Å"I want to thank you for saving Raych’s life and my own. I haven’t had a chance to do so yet.† Then with a sigh, â€Å"I have scarcely had a chance to do anything this past week.† Manella asked, â€Å"What happened to the mad gardener?† â€Å"Executed! At once! No trial! I tried to save him by pointing out that he was insane. But there was no question about it. If he had done anything else, committed any other crime, his madness would have been recognized and he would have been spared. Committed-locked up and treated-but spared, nonetheless. But to kill the Emperor-† Seldon shook his head sadly. Manella said, â€Å"What’s going to happen now, First Minister?† â€Å"I’ll tell you what I think. The Entun Dynasty is finished. Cleon’s son will not succeed. I don’t think he wants to. He fears assassination in his turn and I don’t blame him one bit. It would be much better for him to retire to one of the family estates on some Outer World and live a quiet life. Because he is a member of the Imperial House, he will untie** allowed to do this. You and I may be less fortunate.† Manella frowned. â€Å"In what way, sir?† Seldon cleared his throat. â€Å"It is possible to argue that because you killed Gleb Andorin, he dropped his blaster, which became available to Mandell Gruber, who used it to kill Cleon. Therefore you bear a strong share of the responsibility of the crime and it may even be said that it was all prearranged.† â€Å"But that’s ridiculous. I am a member of the security establishment, fulfilling my duties-doing what I was ordered to do.† Seldon smiled sadly. â€Å"You’re arguing rationally and rationality is not going to be in fashion for a while. What’s going to happen now, in the absence of a legitimate successor to the Imperial throne, is that we are bound to have a military government.† (In later years, when Manella came to understand the workings of psychohistory, she wondered if Seldon had used the technique to work out what was going to happen, for the military rule certainly came to pass. At the time, however, he made no mention of his fledgling theory.) â€Å"If we do have a military government,† he went on, â€Å"then it will be necessary for them to establish a firm rule at once, crush any signs of disaffection, act vigorously and cruelly, even in defiance of rationality and justice. If they accuse you, Miss Dubanqua, of being part of a plot to kill the Emperor, you will be slaughtered, not as an act of justice but as a way of cowing the people of Trantor. â€Å"For that matter, they might say that I was part of the plot, too. After all, I went out to greet the new gardeners when it was not my place to do so. Had I not done so, there would have been no attempt to kill me, you would not have struck back, and the Emperor would have lived. Do you see how it all fits?† â€Å"I can’t believe they will do this.† â€Å"Perhaps they won’t. I’ll make them an offer that, just perhaps, they may not wish to refuse.† â€Å"What would that be?† â€Å"I will offer to resign as First Minister. They don’t want me, they won’t have me. But the fact is that I do have supporters at the Imperial Court and, even more important, people in the Outer Worlds who find me acceptable. That means that if the members of the Imperial Guard force me out, then even if they don’t execute me, they will have some trouble. If, on the other hand, I resign, stating that I believe the military government is what Trantor and the Empire needs, then I actually help them, you see?† He mused a little and said, â€Å"Besides, there is the little matter of psychohistory.† (That was the first time Manella had ever heard the word.) â€Å"What’s that?† â€Å"Something I’m working on. Cleon believed in its powers very strongly-more strongly than I did at the time-and there’s a considerable feeling in the court that psychohistory is, or might be, a powerful tool that could be made to work on the side of the government-whatever the government might be. â€Å"Nor does it matter if they know nothing about the details of the science. I’d rather they didn’t. Lack of knowledge can increase what we might call the superstitious aspect of the situation. In which case, they will let me continue working on my research as a private citizen. At least, I hope so. And that brings me to you.† â€Å"What about me?† â€Å"I’m going to ask as part of the deal that you be allowed to resign from** the security establishment and that no action be taken against you for** the events in connection with the assassination. I ought to be able to â€Å"But you’re talking about ending my career.† â€Å"Your career is, in any case, over. Even if the Imperial Guard doesn’t up an order of execution against you, can you imagine that you will Be allowed to continue working as a security officer?† â€Å"But what do I do? How do I make a living?† â€Å"I’ll take care of that, Miss Dubanqua. In all likelihood, I’ll go back to Streeling University, with a large grant for my psychohistorical research, I’m sure that I can find a place for you.† Manella, round-eyed, said, â€Å"Why should you-â€Å" Seldon said, â€Å"I can’t believe you’re asking. You saved Raych’s life and own. Is it conceivable that I don’t owe you anything?† And it was as he said. Seldon resigned gracefully from the post he had held for ten years. He was given a fulsome letter of appreciation for his services by the just-formed military government, a junta led by certain members of the Imperial Guard and the armed forces. He returned to Streeling University and Manella Dubanqua, relieved of her own post as security officer, went with Seldon and his family. 4 Raych came in, blowing on his hands. â€Å"I’m all for deliberate variety in the weather. You don’t want things under a dome to always be the same. Today though, they made it just a little too cold and worked up a wind, besides. I think it’s about time someone complained to weather control.† â€Å"I don’t know that it’s weather control’s fault,† said Seldon. â€Å"It’s getting harder to control things in general.† â€Å"I know. Deterioration.† Raych brushed his thick black mustache with the back of his hand. He did that often, as though he had never quite managed to get over the few months during which he had been mustacheless in Wye. He had also put on a little weight around the middle and, overall, had come to seem very comfortable and middleclass. Even his Dahl accent had faded somewhat. He took off his light coverall and said, â€Å"And how’s the old birthday boy?† â€Å"Resenting it. Wait, wait, my son. One of these days, you’ll be celebrating your fortieth birthday. We’ll see how funny you’ll think that is.† â€Å"Not as funny as sixty.† â€Å"Stop joking,† said Manella, who had been chafing Raych’s hands, trying to warm them. Seldon spread his own hands. â€Å"We’re doing the wrong thing, Raych. Your wife is of the opinion that all this talk about my turning sixty has sent little Wanda into a decline over the possibility of my dying.† â€Å"Really?† said Raych. â€Å"That accounts for it, then. I stopped in to see her and she told me at once, before I even had a chance to say a word, that she had had a bad dream. Was it about your dying?† â€Å"Apparently,† said Seldon. â€Å"Well, she’ll get over that. No way of stopping bad dreams.† â€Å"I’m not dismissing it that easily,† said Manella. â€Å"She’s brooding over it and that’s not healthy. I’m going to get to the bottom of this.† â€Å"As you say, Manella,† said Raych agreeably. â€Å"You’re my dear wife and whatever you say-about Wanda-goes.† And he brushed his mustache again. His dear wife! It hadn’t been so easy to make her his dear wife. Raych remembered his mother’s attitude toward the possibility. Talk about nightmares. It was he who had the periodic nightmares in which he had to face down the furious Dors Venabili once more. 5 Raych’s first clear memory, after emerging from his desperance-induced ordeal, was that of being shaved. He felt the vibrorazor moving along his cheek and he said weakly, â€Å"Don’t cut anywhere near my upper lip, barber. I want my mustache back.† The barber, who had already received his instructions from Seldon held up a mirror to reassure him. Dors Venabili, who was sitting at his bedside, said, â€Å"Let him work, Raych. Don’t excite yourself.† Raych’s eyes turned toward her momentarily and he was quiet. When the barber left, Dors said, â€Å"How do you feel, Raych?† â€Å"Rotten,† he muttered. â€Å"I’m so depressed, I can’t stand it.† â€Å"That’s the lingering effect of the desperance you’ve been dosed with. The effects will wash out.† â€Å"I can’t believe it. How long has it been?† â€Å"Never mind. It will take time. You were pumped full of it.† He looked around restlessly. â€Å"Has Manella been to see me?† â€Å"That woman?† (Raych was getting used to hearing Dors speak of Manella with those words and in that tone of voice.) â€Å"No. You’re not fit for visitors yet.† Interpreting the look on Raych’s face, Dors quickly added, â€Å"I’m an exception because I’m your mother, Raych. Why would you want that woman to see you, anyway? You’re in no condition to be seen.† â€Å"All the more reason to see her,† muttered Raych. â€Å"I want her to see me at my worst.† He then turned to one side dispiritedly. â€Å"I want to sleep.† Dors Venabili shook her head. Later that day she said to Seldon â€Å"I don’t know what we’re going to do about Raych. Hari. He’s quite unreasonable.† Seldon said, â€Å"He’s not well, Dors. Give the young man a chance.† â€Å"He keeps muttering about that woman. Whatever her name is.† â€Å"Manella Dubanqua. It’s not a hard name to remember.† â€Å"I think he wants to set up housekeeping with her. Live with her. Marry her.† Seldon shrugged. â€Å"Raych is thirty-old enough to make up his own mind.† â€Å"As his parents, we have something to say-surely.† Hari sighed. â€Å"And I’m sure you’ve said it, Dors. And once you’ve said it, I’m sure he’ll do as he wishes.† â€Å"Is that your final word? Do you intend to do nothing while he makes plans to marry a woman like that?† â€Å"What do you expect me to do, Dors? Manella saved Raych’s life. Do you expect him to forget that? She saved mine, too, for that matter.† That seemed to feed Dors’s anger. She said, â€Å"And you also saved her. The score is even.† â€Å"I didn’t exactly-â€Å" â€Å"Of course you did. The military rascals who now run the Empire would have slaughtered her if you didn’t step in and sell them your resignation and your support in order to save her.† â€Å"Though I may have evened the score, which I don’t think I have, Raych has not. And, Dors dear, I would be very careful when it came to using unfortunate terms to describe our government. These times are not going to be as easy as the times when Cleon ruled and there will always be informers to repeat what they hear you say.† â€Å"Never mind that. I don’t like that woman. I presume that, at least, is permissible.† â€Å"Permissible, certainly, but of no use.† Hari looked down at the floor, deep in thought. Dors’s usually unfathomable black eyes were positively flashing in anger. Hari looked up. â€Å"What I’d like to know, Dors, is why? Why do you dislike Manella so? She saved our lives. If it had not been for her quick action, both Raych and I would be dead.† Dors snapped back, â€Å"Yes, Hari. I know that better than anyone. And if she had not been there, I would not have been able to do a thing to prevent your murder. I suppose you think I should be grateful. But every time I look at that woman, I am reminded of my failure. I know these feelings are not truly rational-and that is something I can’t explain. So do not ask me to like her, Hari. I cannot.† But the next day even Dors had to back down when the doctor said, â€Å"Your son wishes to see a woman named Manella.† â€Å"He’s in no condition to see visitors,† snapped Dors. â€Å"On the contrary. He is. He’s doing quite well. Besides, he insists and is doing so most strenuously. I don’t know that we’d be wise to refuse him.† So they brought in Manella and Raych greeted her effusively and with the first faint sign of happiness since he had arrived at the hospital. He made an unmistakable small gesture of dismissal at Dors. Lips tightened, she left. And the day came when Raych said, â€Å"She’ll have me, Mom.† Dors said, â€Å"Do you expect me to be surprised, you foolish man? Of course she’ll have you. You’re her only chance, now that she’s been disgraced, ousted from the security establishment†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Raych said, â€Å"Mom, if you’re trying to lose me, this is exactly the way of doing it. Don’t say things like that.† â€Å"I’m only thinking of your welfare.† â€Å"I’ll think of my own good, thank you. I’m no one’s ticket to respectability-if you’ll stop to think of it. I’m not exactly handsome. I’m short. Dad isn’t First Minister anymore and I talk solid lower-class. What’s there for her to be proud of in me? She can do a lot better, but she wants me. And let me tell you, I want her.† â€Å"But you know what she is.† â€Å"Of course I know what she is. She’s a woman who loves me. She’s the woman I love. That’s what she is.† â€Å"And before you fell in love with her, what was she? You know some of what she had to do while undercover in Wye you were one of her ‘assignments.’ How many others were there? Are you able to live with her past? With what she did in the name of duty? Now you can afford to be idealistic. But someday you will have your first quarrel with her-or your second or your nineteenth-and you’ll break down and say, ‘You-**† Raych shouted angrily, â€Å"Don’t say that! When we fight, I’ll call her unreasonable, irrational, nagging, whining, inconsiderate-a million adjectives that will fit the situation. And she’ll have words for me. But they’ll all be sensible words that can be withdrawn when the fight is over.† â€Å"You think so-but just wait till it happens.† Raych had turned white. He said, â€Å"Mother, you’ve been with Father now for almost twenty years. Father is a hard man to disagree with, but there have been times when you two have argued. I’ve heard you. In all those twenty years, has he ever called you by any name that would in any way compromise your role as human being? For that matter, have I done so? Can you conceive of me doing so now-no matter how angry I get?† Dors struggled. Her face did not show emotion in quite the same way that Raych’s did or Seldon’s would, but it was clear that she was momentarily incapable of speech. â€Å"In fact,† said Raych, pushing his advantage (and feeling horrible at doing so) â€Å"the fact of the matter is that you are jealous because Manella saved Dad’s life. You don’t want anyone to do that but you. Well, you had no chance to do so. Would you prefer it if Manella had not shot Andorin-if Dad had died? And me, too?† Dors said in a choked voice, â€Å"He insisted on going out to meet the gardeners alone. He would not allow me to come.† â€Å"But that wasn’t Manella’s fault.† â€Å"Is that why you want to marry her? Gratitude?† â€Å"No. Love.† And so it was, but Manella said to Raych after the ceremony, â€Å"Your mother may have attended the wedding because you insisted, Raych, but she looked like one of those thunderclouds they sometimes send sailing under the dome.† Raych laughed. â€Å"She doesn’t have the face to be a thundercloud. You’re just imagining it.† â€Å"Not at all. How will we ever get her to give us a chance?† â€Å"We’ll just be patient. She’ll get over it.† But Dors Venabili didn’t. Two years after the wedding, Wanda was born. Dors’s attitude toward the child was all Raych and Manella could have wanted, but Wanda’s mother remained â€Å"that woman† to Raych’s mother. How to cite Forward the Foundation Chapter 15, Essay examples

Rama and Diwali free essay sample

Diwali is the festival of lights. It is also known as’ Deepawali’. It is celebrated in our country which joy and happiness every year. It is one of the biggest festival of Hindus. Usually it comes in the month of October and November after twenty days of Dussehra, on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Ashwin. It is celebrated in the memory of coming back home of Lord Rama along with his wife Sita brother Laxman after 14 years of exile. It is believed that on this day, Lord Rama returned to his kingdom, Ayodhya, after killing the demon, King Ravana and people lighted earthen diyas all around their house and celebrated his victory over Raavan. It is asymbol of victory of good over evil. Since then, the festival is celebrated by lighting diyas and candles to drive away the darkness of Amavasya and the dark of ignorance. Homes are decorated on the day of diwali and sweets are distributed. Laxmi Puja is performed in the evening and blessings of Goddess of Wealth is seeked. People present diwali gifts to their near and dear ones. Earlier, it was celebrated with diyas but slowly it took the form of lights, lighting lamps, candles and crackers. Now a days, people burn dangerous fire crackers limitlessly. Crackers have big hand in polluting our environment. The toxic substances used in the firecrackers release toxic gases that are harmful to the health of all living beings. The noise of the crackers cause immense suffering to birds and animals. Diwali is the festival of lights and not burning of the limitless crackers which takes the form of air and noise pollution. We should minimize the use of firecrackers during diwali celebrations and other celebrations. Noiseless diwali has become the concept for the last few years. It is slowly gathering momentum too. But it has not yet reached that level to which we all can say that yes, we celebrated a noiseless safe and pollution free diwali. A festival must be treated like a festival not like enjoyment or nuisance. There is no need to pollute the environment for this. We must take steps to make ourselves and others aware to put an end to noise through rallies and hoardings. We must not buy unlimited crackers instead of that we can help a poor with that money. These days, trend of diwali greetings, diwali messages, diwali cards, diwali ecards, diwali calendar, diwali greeting cards, diwali flash,diwali themes, diwali screensaver, diwali images, diwali rangoli, diwali scraps, diwali designs, diwali painting is going on. It seems and feels very nice to wish each other by  different means. But we must also make each other aware of the harms of the pollution caused by the firecrackers that leads directly or indirectly to global warming. Hence, Say ‘NO’ to Crackers and play a safe, noiseless and pollution free Diwali. The Hindus in India celebrate many festivals. The Diwali or Dipabali is one such festival. This festival is celebrated on the new moon day after the Dasahara. The Goddess Kali is also worshipped on this day. This is a festival of lights. The Hindus decorate their houses with lights. The rich and the poor, both celebrate it. They use oil-lamps and candles at night. In the evening a holy offering of Shradha is made by the people for their fore-fathers. Goddess Kali is worshipped late at this night. Diwali is a popular festival in Gujarat and Maharastra. It is also celebrated by the Oriyas with much enthusiasm. People follow the tradition of wearing new dress and preparing cakes and sweets at home. They celebrate the festival in the company of their friends and relatives. Display of fireworks is the most interesting part of this festival. Many temporary stalls are made to sell fireworks of various kinds. People purchase the fireworks and use them at night. They enjoy the night. The festival has a legendary background. Lord Rama in the era of Tretaya won a glorious victory over the demon king Ravana of Lanka. After the victory, He came to Ayodhya with his dear brother Laxman and wife Sita. The people of Ayodhya celebrated the victory by lighting candles and lamps. Thus Lord Ramachandra was congratulated. The Diwali has a great significance for the Hindus. The businessmen consider it as the beginning date of their business. Their business is renewed from this day. This day marks the end of autumn and the beginning of winter. On the Diwali night fire accidents also occur at some places due to carelessness. Short Essay about Diwali Festival in English  by Rehaan Bansal Diwali is one the most important festival of Hindus It is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the length and breadth of India. It is a festival of lights. It falls on the Amavasya of the month of Kartik every year by Hindu calendar and in the last week of October or in the starting days of November by English calendar. Many legends are associated with this  festival. It marks the victory of Ram over Ravana. As a matter of fact, Diwali is the symbol of the victory of the forces of good over evil. According to some on this day Lord Ram reached Ayodhya along with Sita and Lakshman. The villagers of Ayodhya welcomed Ram, Lakshman and Sitaby decorating and illuminating their village withdiyas. Jains says this is the day when Lord Mahavira attained â€Å"moksha or salvation†. They show lights in jubilation of thus attainment. Dayanand Saraswati of Arya Samaj also attained ‘Nirvana’ on this day. Image Source: hindudevotionalpower.com/2011/06/diwali.html It is a festival of lights and firework. It comes after Durga Puja as the winter sets in. In West Bengal and some other places in North India Goddess Kali is worshipped during the Diwali. As the lights keep away the darkness, Goddess Kali drives away the evil forces in our world. Great perpetrations are made for this festival. Everyone starts making arrangement one month before Diwali, new cloths are purchased, houses are cleaned and decorated with lights, flowers etc. People call and invite their nearest and dearest ones. On this festival, sweets are made and distributed among friends and relatives. People indulge in fun and frolic on the day of Diwali. New clothes are worn by the young and the old. At the same time during night, fire-works and crackers are also let off. The bright flames of the fire-work present an exquisite sight in the dark night. The festival wears a lovely look. Everyone is well clad gay and mirthful some celebrate it in the most enthusiastic way some indulge in gambling according to gamblers, forms a part of Diwali festival. At night the people illuminate their houses, walls and terraces with earthen pots. The glittering lights in the darkness of night present a bewitching spectacle. Apart from houses, public buildings and government officers are also lit up. The scene of lights and illumination is very enchanting. The Hindus worship Lakshmi; the Goddess of wealth on this day. They say prayers, so that Goddess Lakshmi may visit their houses. Lakshmi Puja is the Puja of Lakshmi Goddess and is performed at the night during Diwali. Diwali festival is the festival of the whole country. It is celebrated in every nook and Corner of our country. Thus this festival also creates a sense of oneness among the people. It becomes the  symbol of unity. India has been celebrating this festival for thousands of years and continues to celebrate it even today which is both historical and religious. One of the most widely celebrated festivals for Hindus is Deepavali, also known as Diwali. Diwali is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm and happiness. This festival is usually celebrated for five consecutive days, with the third day being celebrated as the main Deepavali day, or as the Festival of Lights. Fireworks are associated with this festival. The day is celebrated with people lighting diyas, or oil lamps, or sometimes candles all around their house. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening to seek divine blessings of Goddess of Wealth. Deepavali gifts are exchanged among all near and dear ones. The auspicious day of Deepavali is determined by the moon position, according to the Hindu calendar, Amavasya, or the no-moon day is considered the perfect day for Deepavali. The dark night comes after every fortnight and in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November), it marks the festive occasion. The Deepavali date holds special meaning among Hindus, since, the day is reckoned with Lord Ramas coronation ceremony as the King of Ayodhya after his return to the Kingdom from 14 years of exile along with his wife Sita and brother Laxman after killing the demon, King Ravana. People celebrated this occasion by lighting diyas to drive away the darkness of amavasya. Deepavali: Meaning Significance: Deepavali is a festival in which people from all age groups participate. They give expression to their happiness by lighting earthen diyas (lamps), decorating the homes, bursting firecrackers and inviting family and friends to their households for a sumptuous feast. The lighting of lamps is a way of paying obeisance to God for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, valour and fame. Deepavali, also called Diwali or festival of lights, comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali Deep means diyas, (small pots made from clay) or light and Avali, means a row meaning a row of diyas or array of lamps. Thus placing small diyas, candles and lamps inside and around the home marks the festival of lights. Traditions Celebrations of Deepavali Festival: The First Second Day: The first day is called Dhanteras which falls on the thirteenth day of the month of Ashwin. The word Dhan means wealth. Believing this day to be auspicious, women purchase some gold or silver or at least one or two new utensils. The second day is called Narkachaturdashi or Choti Deepavali which falls on the fourteenth day of the month of Ashwin. This day therefore is dedicated to lights and prayers heralding a future full of joy and laughter. The Third Day: The third day of the festival of Deepavali is the most important day which sees colors of firecrackers, lighting of lamps, delicious sweets, new clothes and family get together exchanging gifts. On this day special pooja ceremony is observed to worship Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi. This is the day when the Sun enters his second course and passes Libra constellation (Nakshtra) which is represented by the balance or scale. Hence, this design of Libra is believed to have suggested the balancing of account books and their closing. Despite the fact that this day falls on an Amavasya (dark night) it is regarded as the most auspicious. The Fourth Fifth Day: The grand celebrations of Deepavali spread through five days and the fourth day of Deepavali festivities is marked with different ways in the various parts of India. In northern part of India this day is celebrated two days after Deepavali as Govardhan Puja while in the western parts of India like Maharashtra state the same festival is celebrated as Padva, or Bali Prativpada. Govardhan Puja is also known and celebrated as Annakoot that  means the mountain of food. On these particular festive days religious pooja ceremonies to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna are observed and special dishes with distribution of sweets are also an integral part of the celebrations. Legend of Lord Krishna Demon Narakasura: For many, Deepavali is incomplete without firecrackers and the bursting of crackers is associated with the killing of the frantic Narakasura (ruler of Pragjyotishpur, Nepal) by Lord Krishna. Lord Krishnas divine mediation led to the liberation of the imprisoned women, as a symbol of victory, he smeared his forehead with that evils blood. Lord Krishna returned home early in the early morning and bathed with scented oils to wash away the filth from his body. Since then the custom of taking an oil bath before sunrise on this day has become a traditional practice with at least bursting of one cracker which is an auspicious symbol. Legend of Lord Rama, Laxman Sita: Deepavali is the day when King Ramas victory was celebrated in Ayodhya after his epic war with Ravana, the demoniac king of Lanka. Rama and his wife Sita returned after 14 years of exile, ending the war in which the whole kingdom of Lanka was destroyed. On this dark night of Amavasya, Ayodhaya was lit up with rows of lamps, overcoming the dark nights to welcome home the king Rama. So, on this auspicious day, the lighting of lamps signifies happiness and the end of bad. Legend of Goddess Lakshmi: On this day Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean of milk called the Ksheer Sagar. She brought with her wealth and prosperity for mankind. On that day, Lakshmi Pooja was performed to honor her and from then on Deepavali day, Hindus worship her every year in the evening. Hindus believe that Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good fortune, visits the homes of devotees on this day and they keep their places clean and well-lit to welcome her sacred steps. Note: This material was adapted from _National Council of Hindu Temples UK (NCHT) Posted by D. Dargan It is since ancient times that Diwali has been celebrated. It is not easy to say now what really was the reason behind its origin. Different people believe different events to be the cause behind this festival. Here are ten mythical and historical reasons that are possibly behind the Diwali (Deepavali) celebrations. The most well known story behind Diwali is in the Ramayana, the great Hindu epic. According to Ramayana, Rama, the prince of Ayodhya was ordered by his father, King Dasharatha, to go away from his country and come back after living in the forest for fourteen years. So Rama went on exile with his devoted wife Sita and faithful brother, Lakshmana. When Ravana, the demon king of Lanka abducted Sita and took her away to his island kingdom of Lanka, Rama fought against and killed Ravana. He rescued Sita and returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years. The people of Ayodhya were very happy to hear of their beloved princes homecoming. To celebrate Ramas return to Ayodhya, they lit up their houses with earthen lamps (diyas), burst crackers and decorated the entire city in the grandest manner. This is believed to have started the tradition of Diwali. Year after year this homecoming of Lord Rama is commemorated on Diwali with lights, fireworks, bursting of crackers and merriment. The festival gets its name Deepawali, or Diwali, from the rows (avali) of lamps (deepa) that the people of Ayodhya lit to welcome their King. Another well known story related to Diwali history is narrated in the other Hindu epic, ‘Mahabharata’. Mahabharata reveals to us how the five royal brothers, the Pandavas, suffered a defeat in the hands of their brothers, the Kauravas, in a game of dice (gambling). As a rule imposed on them, the Pandavas had to serve a term of 13 years in exile. When the period was over, they returned to their birthplace Hastinapura on ‘Kartik Amavashya’ (the new moon day of the Kartik month). The five Pandava brothers, their mother and their wife Draupadi were honest, kind, gentle and caring in their ways and  were loved by all their subjects. To celebrate the joyous occassion of their return to Hastinapura and to welcome back the Pandavas, the common people illuminated their state by lighting bright earthen lamps everywhere. The tradition is believed to have been kept alive through the festival of Diwali, which many believe, is held in remembrance of the Pandava brothers homecoming. It is also believed that on this very Diwali day, the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi rose up from the ocean. The Hindu scriptures tell us that long long ago both Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) were mortal. They had to die sometime or other, like us. But they wanted to live forever. So they churned the ocean to seek Amrita, the nectar of immortality (an event mentioned in the Hindu scriptures as Samudra-manthan), during which many divine objects came up. Prime among these was Goddess Lakshmi, the daughter of the king of the milky ocean, who arose on the new moon day (amaavasyaa) of the Kartik month. That very night, Lord Vishnu married her. Brilliant lamps were illuminated and placed in rows to mark this holy occassion. This event is supposed to have given rise to an annual celebration at the same time each year. Even today, Hindus celebrate the birth of the goddess Lakshmi and her marriage to Lord Vishnu on Diwali and seek her blessings for the coming year. The origin of Diwali also refers to the stories narrated in the Hindu Puranas, the primary source of Hindu religious texts. According to the Bhagavata Purana (the most sacred Hindu text), it was on a Kartik day that Lord Vishnu, took on the form of a dwarf (Vaman-avtaara) and defeated King Bali. Bali, or rather King Mahabali, was a powerful demon king who ruled the earth. Once Bali got a boon from Lord Brahma that made him unconquerable. Even gods failed to defeat him in battles. Although a wise and good king otherwise, Mahabali was cruel to the Devas (gods). Finding no way to defeat Bali, the Devas went to Lord Vishnu and insisted him to find a way to stop Bali. Lord Vishnu made a plan. He disguised himself as a short Brahmin and approached Bali for some charity. A large-hearted king, Mahabali tried to help the Brahmin. But the whole thing was a trick by Lord Vishnu and ultimately the King had to give up all his kingship and  wealth. Diwali celebrates this defeating of Mahabali by Lord Vishnu. The Bhagavata Purana also tells us about Narakasura, an evil demon king who somehow got great powers and conquered both the heavens and earth. Narakasura was very cruel and was a terrible ruler. It is believed that Lord Vishnu killed Narakasura on the day before Diwali and rescued many women whom the demon had locked in his palace. The people of heaven and earth were greatly relieved to have got freedom from the hands of the terrible Narakasura. They celebrated the occassion with much grandeur, a tradition that is believed to be alive through the annual observance of Diwali. According to another legend, long ago after the gods lost in a battle with the demons, Goddess Kali took birth from the forehead of Goddess Durga to save heaven and earth from the growing cruelty of the demons. After killing all the devils, Kali lost her control and started killing anyone who came her way which stopped only when Lord Shiva intervened. You all must have seen the well-known picture of Ma Kali, with her tongue hanging out? That actually depicts the moment when she steps on Lord Shiva and stops in horror and repentance. This memorable event has been commemorated ever since by celebrating Kali Puja, which is observed in several parts of India in about the same time as Diwali. Historically it is believed that on a Diwali day in 56 BC King Vikramaditya, the legendary Hindu king of India famed for his wisdom, bravery and large-heartedness, was crowned and declared to be a king. This was marked by a grand celebration by the citizens of Vikramadityas kingdom celebrated the coronation of their king by lighting up small earthen lamps and that custom still prevails. Many people and even some historians say that this event gave rise to the annual observance of Diwali. Diwali also marks the sacred occasion when on a new moon day of Kartik (Diwali day) Swami Dayananda Saraswati, one of the greatest reformers of Hinduism attained his nirvana (enlightenment) and became Maharshi Dayananda, meaning the great sage Dayananda. In 1875, Maharshi Dayananda founded the Arya Samaj, Society of Nobles, a Hindu reform movement to purify Hinduism of the many evils it became associated with at that era. Every Diwali, this great reformer is remembered by Hindus all over India. For Jains, Diwali commemorates the enlightenment of Vardhamana Mahavira(the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankaras of the Jains and the founder of modern Jainism) which is said to have occurred on Oct. 15, 527 B.C. This is one more reason to engage in Diwali celebrations for pious Jains and other than the purpose of commemoration, the festival stands for the celebration of the emancipation of human spirit from earthly desires.