Is it Glorious to Die for your Country Essay Example For Students

Is it Glorious to Die for your Country? Essay Is it glorious to die for your country?. This question has been posed to many young people about to embark on war although the answer has usually been yes in response to their country due mainly to the fact that the government instills it in the people of the country to support ones country and one way is to send young abled bodied men into the army. If you were one individual that was not in favour of fighting for your country you would surely become an outcast by the countries people. To avoid ridicule and becoming outcasted by the people living around you, you would join the army just in the thought that you were obligated to for the sole sake of your country. Such thoughts were reinforced by the government promotion of propaganda. Glorifying death is not needed to be taught and should be up to the sole individual. School systems should teach an unbiased point of view of war to enable the child to make their own decision to fight for ones country.Is it Glorious to Die for your Cou ntry? Within the education system it was instructed to the teachers to teach the children at a young age during the brink of war to instill that their the life of the country and for them to defend their country against the enemy. Teachers showed being in a army was representing honour and the pride of the country. Guilt was laid on the students who showed rebellion by the teacher. Many times the teacher would try to show a soldier that looks happy and content trying to represent being a soldier makes you happy and content. Many young inexperienced soldiers were sent to training camps near the battle fields that they would soon be sent to fight, for their country and their life. The training camps were situated on similar enviroments that resembled the battle fields of where the fighting would take place. Reinforced displine to the young and ignorant men. Trench warfare is when many soldiers of opposing countries fight against each other across a vast desolate, dirt covered land, and the only sense of cover was to crouch in a usually water logged trench. The sense of death engulfed your very soul, the constant bombardment of shells echo in your mind long after it had ceased. On the Western front conditions were horrible to say the least, stench of death remained constantly in the air, bodies riddled with bullet wounds lay across the bottoms of the trenches, dismembered bodies scattered across the landscape and the sounds of agonizing and dying men echo across the battle grounds. Very limited rations offering very little in flavour was the only food available to the soldiers. Often raining, it caused muddy, damp conditions. The men staying in a trench filled with water and muddy conditions often caused such diseases as trench foot and trench mouth. Contagious diseases were spread quickly. Lack of cleaniness gave many soldiers lice and rats would run through the trenches feeding on the garbage and human wastes. Thousands of soldiers would line up under the cover of their trenches for a stretch of miles and wait for the leading officer to give the signal for the charge. When the signal was given the thousands of soldiers would all try to run across the no-mans land to attempt the breach of the enemies trench. This charge would be under constant machine gun fire and mortar shelling by the enemy. These kind of attacks usually failed maily due to the fact the odds were already stacked against the attacking party. The distances the charging men had to run to get to the enemies trench was far enough for the enemy to use its constant shelling and its machine gun fire to dwindle the attacking army significant enough for the attacking army to retreat. .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100 , .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100 .postImageUrl , .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100 , .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100:hover , .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100:visited , .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100:active { border:0!important; } .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100:active , .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100 .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u3273abc6606b4014d787674110919100:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Ebonics A Bridge to Help Black EssayCounter attacks were quickly attempted after the attacks. The counter attacks were similiar to the actual attacks except the difference was that the counter attack involved the killing of the retreating of the enemy instead of attacking someone under the cover of the trench. During the war all soldiers were affected either physically or phsycologically. Shell shock was an ongoing sickness affecting many soldiers in the trenches. The constant bombardment of mortar shelling became so defeaning and monotonous the sounds of shelling remained with the soldier even when there was no shelling. Such cases became so severe for some the soldier wo uld go in fits of rage and fear at the very same instantance. Virtually all soldiers felt homesick at one time or another. The soldiers being out on the battle fronts for a long time soon forgot the propaganda beliefs the country had instilled the soldiers, instead the soldiers just wanted to survive their tour of duty however long it would be. Death had been experienced and seen by the soldiers on the front for a long time that the themes had become relative to their daily life on the front. Coming back to their homes the soldiers had received and learned of a new perpective on war. It was that when face to face with death the political beliefs that were held were irrevalant when trying to survive in the war. Glorification of death is ridiculous unless you were being attacked and threat of death was present that would be another story but to die for a something many miles away is something that the individual must take in consideration in when making his or her decision. I personal ly would not risk death if friends and family were not at risk. Since our country has become less militarized since WWII the need for military personnel has not been as necessary. But as mentioned before if the country I lived was under a threat of takeover I believe I would take up arms to defend against the people who would try to attack. Other than that the physcological and physical damages soldiers endure would deter me from joining any army.

Digital Leadership in UAE Technological Advancement

Question: Describe about the Digital Leadership in UAE for Technological Advancement. Answer: With the global society undertaking great strides in technological advancement, it becomes paramount for the governments to keep up with the pace. Digitizing governments would no doubt enhance service delivery to all citizens as well as enhance the optimal use of resources (Sheninger 2014). This paper is a discussion of the e-Government, a strategy the United Arab Emirates government can use to digitize itself. Working Title The working title of this research will be Digitizing the Government of United Arab Emirates. Research Methodology Qualitative design data collection: questionnaire, synthesis of literature and case study. Relevant Theories A number of theories will be crucial in ensuring steadfast implementation of the e-Government among them the decentralization theory, which is the equivalent of devolution in political policy making. This theory is anchored on the principle of enhancing the redistribution of resources and even government functions from a central location (Bates 2016). The rationale behind this is ensuring that one does not have to pay a visit to a given government departments office with an aim of getting some crucial documents such as the identification documents. In turn, this can be done from a given departments portal whereby the citizen in need will just have to key in their respective details and thereafter post them to the portal through a computerized system. This will, in turn, be enhanced through the power of democracy The theory of educational leadership will also be pertinent in ensuring that the e-Government is successive by offering civic education to the public. This includes educating the public on their rights and expectations (Holland 2016). The United Arabs Emirates consists of seven states and this implies that the importance of civic education can never be underestimated. This is so since it will serve as the binding element cutting across the seven states. The civic education programs will also serve as platforms through which the leaders will carry out researches on the issues that affect the citizens. This would be made easier by the one on one interaction of the leaders with the citizens. Besides, via the e-Government platform will also have an answers and questions icon which will also serve as an interactive session between the leaders and the leaders. This will be also an avenue for educating the public on some pertinent issues that may be affecting them. Aspects of the Thesis that Will Produces Long-term and Sustainable Knowledge Enhancement of transparency and accountability Enhancement of transparency and accountability will, in turn, lead to long-term and sustainable business environment. Through this aspect, businesses will be in a position to get full knowledge on the utilization of their funds, additionally, it will ensure that the businesses thrive in a favorable environment that is free from the exploitation for instance through corrupt deals by the government. This is in line with the principles of the UN Global pact that dictates that businesses should always strive to work against corruption of all kinds, bribery and extortion included-principle 10 (United Nations Global Pact 2016). Through this aspect, therefore, the business will have the powers to raise any alarm related to any corrupt government ministry and therefore enhance the promotion of integrity for the welfare of the society. Need for digitized government In addition, the aspect of the need for a digitized government would be vital in weeding out corruption from within the government institutions. This is in line with the UAEs Pearl Initiative. This initiative is comprised of anti-corruption groups which act as the societys watchdogs and whistleblowers in case any government official or institution is involved in any corrupt dealings (McAuley 2015). Therefore, the e-Government platform is no doubt a long-term and sustainable program, one that would have a lot of support from the Pearl Initiative. This depicts that with such a platform in place, then the interests of the society will be well catered for and embraced in totality. It is, therefore, apparent that the e-Government strategy will be a crucial one within the entire UAEs society. This is not only because it will be a means of enhancing service delivery to the citizens but also a means of guarding the interests of the society with zeal. This will be through curbing corruption within the government institutions, enhancing equity among all the citizens as well as enhancing transparency and accountability at all levels of the government. Besides, as demonstrated above, the strategy will also be in line with the UN Global pact and the Pearl Initiative which guarantees its sustainability and long-life. This would be so since these pacts are active campaigners for transparency and accountability within the UAE society which signifies that the e-Government strategy would receive immense support from them. In turn, this would lead to advancement in service delivery as well as public awareness of the governments dealing with ease. Innovate and rebalance Leadership skills are considered to be more effective if it provides opportunities to the community and penetrates new customers' requirements. The primary objective of this research is to consider all the people in society to bring in-line with the digital technology. Tuia et al. (2016) mentions the government takes initiatives for implementing "Urban remote sensing for high-resolution satellite data and data fusion and also to analyze the requirement for developing sensors to analyze the data on their regular procedures. Moreover, citizen participation plays a crucial role in the aspect of public influence in policy making. This procedure helps the government to build a long-lasting relationship with their community people and values their changing requirements. Citizens acceptance of e-government services in UAE like easy registration for the appointments with the governing authorities without paying any extra costs and provide free educational programs for educating the communiti es to use their digital technology. Madichie and Al Athmay (2013) highlight that the online payment method for the local people like eDirhamis one of the innovative steps that devised by theMinistry of Finance of UAE. This service is supported by the Federal Network and cloud services, mSurvey and Evaluation of mTransformation (Government.ae 2015). This survey conducted by the UAE government entities and is designed to reach a wider segment of the target audience and work for their satisfaction. mTransformation is designed for public awareness of electronic/mobile services, which complies with the government entities and maintain their digital service quality standards. Furthermore, innovation of government that ensure their digital leadership is the application of UAE mGovernment App Store, which has a distinctive design and easy to use. It consists of over 300 UAE Government apps available on Android and iOS platforms. Embrace Risk Jalilvand and Malliaris (2013) depicts that the government details are crucial as these data denotes the economic growth of the nation and comprise of all the essential details that are highly confidential. It is also evident that with the increase in the digital technology and techniques there is an increase in the risks of hacking and unauthorized access in the confidential place. Thus, Kamal and Saadi Halbouni (2013) portrays that in order to ensure the long-term and sustainability of the digital leadership, UAE government must implement effective risk approaches so that confidential data can be protected. Protiviti is an organization that helps the UAE governance to secure their data in clouds. Protivitis IT Governance Risk Management professionals work efficiently on the cybersecurity measures complying with ISO/IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). The digital leadership ensures its effectiveness by following five essentials procedures- designing secure configuratio n, implementing boundary firewalls and internet gateways, applying administrative privilege management, patch management and malware protection. References Bates L. C. (2016). Decentralized Conglomerate Theory: A New Perspective on Digital Leadership. Linked In. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/decentralized-conglomerate-theory-new-perspective-digital-bates Government.ae. (2015). The Official Portal of UAE Government - Government. [online] Available at: https://government.ae/en/web/guest/government [Accessed 24 Oct. 2016]. Holland B. (2016). Digital Leadership: A New Paradigm Shift. Editorial Projects in Education. Retrieved from https://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/edtechresearcher/2016/04/digital_leadership_a_new_paradigm_shift.html Jalilvand, A. Malliaris, T. (2013). Risk management and corporate governance. Routledge. Kamal Hassan, M. Saadi Halbouni, S. (2013). Corporate governance, economic turbulence and financial performance of UAE listed firms. Studies in Economics and Finance, 30(2), pp.118-138. Madichie, N.O. Al Athmay, A.A.A.R.A. (2013). An initial assessment of e-governance and public sector marketing in the UAE. International Journal of Business and Emerging Markets, 5(3), pp.234-253. McAuley A. (2015). UAEs Pearl Initiative Wins Funding from Siemens to Enhance Corporate-Governance Work. The National Business. Retrieved from https://www.thenational.ae/business/economy/uaes-pearl-initiative-wins-funding-from-siemens-to-enhance-corporate-governance-work Sheninger E. (2014). Pillars of Digital Leadership. International Center for Leadership in Education. Retrieved from https://www.leadered.com/pdf/LeadingintheDigitalAge_11.14.pdf Tuia, D., Gamba, P., Juergens, C. Maktav, D. (2016). Foreword to the Special Issue on Urban Remote Sensing. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing, 9(5), pp.1763-1766. United Nations Global Pact (2016). The Ten Principles of the UN Global Pact. UN Global Pact. Retrieved from https://www.unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/mission/principles

The Norton Anthology literary terms Flashcard

The Norton Anthology literary terms

Apology by Plato essay

Apology by Plato essay Apology by Plato essay Apology by Plato essayIn Plato’s Apology, the reader finds much interesting information about the philosophic thought that is derived from Socrates’ defense speech. Socrates, Plato’s teachers and friend, is ready to defend himself. Socrates’ mission is to help people to better understand the meaning of life in order to change their lives, placing emphasis on virtue and souls. He says,It is the greatest good for a human being to discussVirtue every day and the other thingsAbout which you hear me conversing and examining both myself and others,For the unexamined life is not worth living for a human being (Plato 38b).  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Socrates claims that his role in Athenian society is important because he is the one who can support the integrity of the society he lives in by his role as gadfly. Socrates uses his unique philosophical argumentation to explain power relations within the Athenian society.There are two sets of charges that were brought against Socrates: the first one is disrespect to the city’s gods and the second one is corruption of young people. These charges include formal charges brought by Anytus, Meletus and Lycon and some earlier charges brought by anonymous people. Nevertheless, these two sets of charges are interlinked. The charges include â€Å"corrupting the young, and by not believing in the gods in whom the city believes, but in other daimonia that are novel† (Plato 24b).Socrates responds to these charges are convincing. He denies the fact that his philosophy and philosophic activities cause harm to the society he lives in and the city in general. He denies that his philosophy can corrupt the youth, claiming that his philosophic thought is of great value for humanity. Socrates tries to persuade the jury about his innocence, â€Å"No greater good has come to be in the city than my service to the God† (Plato). Socrates states that his way of life is the best way of life for all human beings because it produces happiness for everyone in the city.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   My own view of Socrates’ innocence is based on a number of facts, including his philosophic thought, his mission and his self-confidence. I believe in Socrates’ innocence, although the charges brought to him by the court are rather serious for Athenians. Socrates’ defense against the charge that he doesn’t believe in Gods is honest and sufficient. He admits that he does not believe in the Gods of the city, but he is guided by some sort of higher being, or spirits. He states, â€Å"I live in great poverty because of my service to God† (23c). I completely agree with Socrates’ argument that the claim regarding his atheism is false because he believes in higher spiritual beings. I would have voted set him free because these two sets of charges are insufficient for death penalty.   The second claim about the corrupted youth is also false because there is no proof.   One man cannot be blamed for the corruption of the entire generation of young people. Therefore, for these two sets of charges, I would have vote in Socrates’ favor, considering him innocent.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Thus, it is necessary to conclude that Socrates has gained worldwide fame for accepting his death for the two sets of charges corrupting the youth and disregarding the Athenian city’s Gods.   In Apology, Plato tells the story of Socrates’ trial, describing his behavior and his unique defense during the trial process. Socrates is innocent because his philosophic thought is useful for Athenians. He has been wrongly accused.

Self-Assessment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Self-Assessment - Assignment Example I love giving back to the society, especially children, so whenever I get a chance to touch a child’s heart, I do not hesitate, I dedicate one day each month to visit a children’s home close to where I live. Before I visit, I collect clothes, food stuffs, shoes and toys from those who are willing to give and give to the children on my visit. Another hobby that I have is cooking, over the years I have collected hundreds of recipes that I enjoy trying out at home, it always gives me great pleasure to see my family and friends enjoy the food that I have prepared. I have even come up with my own recipes that I submit to food websites. I am motivated, I take my work seriously and every opportunity that I get to improve on the business I take advantage of it. I have a routine that involves me getting up early in the morning so that I can have time for exercise and to read my emails and also study. I keep myself updated on the trends of the food industry as that is the line of business that we are involved in, I borrow a leaf from other companies that are in the same line of work and try to implement what I find useful and sustainable. So far, the business’ earnings have improved remarkably and we are looking to open another outlet once we get the right location. I am a leader, this is the most important aspect of the work that I am doing and the course that I am taking, to be a good manager, I need to be a great leader. In our line of business, it is important for me to ensure that we are running efficiently and effectively, by keeping our expenses low, our returns high and our customers and employees happy. Being the manager, I have a team that I work with to ensure all these happen and I empower them by asking for their opinions and how they think we should implement some strategies. I then delegate work to them so that they can be responsible for their own actions and also feel that their input in the business is valued. When a job has

Snow White Laundry & Drycleaners Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Snow White Laundry & Drycleaners - Case Study Example This essay discusses that the presence of Snow White Laundry & Drycleaners in Sydney has been a welcome phenomenon over the past few decades. Established in 1990, the business has proved to stand the test of time as it is among the most outstanding businesses in the area. The reason behind its inception during that time was to provide a healthy environment through the provision of clean apparels. The business has a staff of 9-10 employees who work to serve the customers that are coming from that area, or visiting from other areas. The growth of the business is determined by the manner in which they advertise their products and services. One crucial area in the running of the business is the incorporation of technology in the company. Engaging actively with customers on most media fronts is what keeps the company on its toes. The management and sales strategies the business employs are among the most crucial aspects that assist in its management and governance. By engaging in all clea ning and laundry operations, the company has something to offer most of its customers. Laundromat and laundry services make it easy for customers to choose what they want, and go for it through different avenues. The conducting of different analysis in the environment where the business is situated provides the company with sufficient information as to what best suits the company. Issues that arise are addressed as the small number of employees and suppliers can be handled, unlike with bigger businesses. Snow White Services offered and the pricing strategy Snow White Laundry & Dry cleaning offers most of the services that other laundry services offer. However, it does not deal in coin-operated services. This probably means that there is no self-service for customers looking to have their garments washed and cleaned. Snow White is located in Sydney 58 Terrace Street, and the business employs 9-10 employees who are capable of handling the number of customers that come in regularly. Th e pricing strategy that is employed by Snow White is based on the amount of time required to do laundry, and the quantity of laundry being done. After-service delivery is also among the business’s repertoire, where laundry can be taken to the respective owners. This is also done for a specified fee that is included in the price of conducting services. This strategy works to increase the service rate and increase the profits they receive (Lynn, 2010). Promotion and the situational analysis surrounding the business Offering deluxe services to some of their regular customers is a worthwhile promotion strategy. The discerning and hand finishing process makes customers’ garments receive extra attention from the employees in the company. This gives the whole process of giving already done laundry a human touch. Moreover, the hour-express service ensures that customers who might be in a hurry can get their garments after an hour. This makes it easy for the business to attract customers from the area, and away from competition. Examining the external and

The Harmful Effects Of Coal Mining Environmental Sciences Essay

The Harmful Effects Of Coal Mining Environmental Sciences Essay Coal mining particularly surface mining requires large areas of land to be temporary disturbed. It causes and number of harmful effects. This raises environmental and human challenges, including, the impact of its activities on the neighboring community, impacts on biodiversity, water and air pollution. Trees, plants, and topsoil are cleared from coal mining areas, destroying forests and wildlife habitat, encouraging soil erosion and floods, and stirring up dust pollution that can cause respiratory problems in local communities. Underground mining, including an intensive method known as long wall mining, leaves behind empty underground spaces which can collapse and cause the land above to sink. Known as subsidence, this process can cause serious structural damage to homes, buildings, and roads when the land collapses beneath them. This destructive mining method destroys habitat, eliminates forests, and damages local property. The government estimates that if this mining continues unabated Appalachia it will destroy 1.4 million acres of land by 2020. Coal mining and coal preparation both stir up small dust and coal particles, which combine with other chemicals in the air and can cause serious and potentially fatal respiratory problems like black lung. About 75 percent of all local shipments in the U.S. are made via railroads, which are one of the nations largest sources of soot and smog pollution. Both soot and Fig. 1. A cartoon shows the environmental effects of coal mining (Joel Pett). smog can cause health problems, including respiratory problems and increased risk of asthma attacks. Coal-laden railcars and trucks also cause soot pollution when coal dust blows off into the surrounding air. Coal mining releases about 26 percent of all energy-related methane emissions in the U.S. each year. Methane is a global warning gas more than 20 times as potent as carbon dioxide, and is released from surrounding rocks when coal is mined, as well as during coal preparation and transportation. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, methane has a global warming potential 21 times greater than that of carbon dioxide on a 100 year time line. While burning coal in power plants is most harmful to air quality, due to the emission of dangerous gases, the process of mining can release pockets of hazardous gases. These gases may pose a threat to coal miners as well as a source of air pollution. This due to the relaxation of pressure and fracturing of the strata during mining activity, which gives rise to serious safety concerns for the coal miners if not managed properly. The buildup of pressure in the strata can lead to explosions during or after the mining process if prevention methods, such as methane draining are not taken. A common source of acid mine drainage is abandoned mines that fill with water that becomes acidic and mixes with heavy metals and minerals. When this toxic water leaks out, it combines with groundwater and streams, causing water pollution, damaging soils, and harming humans and animals. For example, in Pennsylvania alone acid mine drainage has polluted more than 3,000 miles of streams and ground waters, which affects all four major river basins on the state. Coal preparation uses large quantities of water and chemicals to separate impurities from mined coal, washing away the wastes in a sludge known as slurry. Up to 90 million gallons of slurry are produced every year in the U.S. In 2000, a 72-acre slurry impoundment in Martin County, KY breached, spilling 250 million gallons of water and 31 million gallons of local wastes into the local watershed-over twenty times the amount of oil spilled when the Exxon Valdez ran aground. Mountaintop removal mining involves literally blowing the t ops off mountains to reach thin seams of coal. Then, to minimize waste disposal costs, mining companies dump millions of tons of waste rock into the valleys and streams below, causing permanent damage to the ecosystem and landscape. This destructive practice has damaged or destroyed approximately 1,200 miles of streams, disrupted drinking water supplies, and flooded communities. Black lung is a group of respiratory disease in coal miners that can cause serious lung disease and death. About 12,000 miners died from black lung in the U.S. in the ten-year period ending in 2002. Symptoms include coughing, spitting up black material, shortness of breath, and eventual hardening and scarring of the lungs. Although some of the symptoms can be alleviated, there is no known cure for black lung and reversal of the symptoms. Like all occupational diseases, black lung is man-made and can be prevented. In fact, the U.S. Congress ordered black lung to be eradicated from the coal industry in 1969. Today, it is estimated that former coal miners each year die an agonizing death in often isolated rural communities, away from the spotlight of publicity. Those who are falling ill and dying are not just the coal miners. Everyone who lives near the mines or processing plants or transportation centers is affected by chronic socioeconomics weakness that takes a tool on longevity and health. Residents of coal- mining communities have long complained of impaired health. This study substantiates their claims. Those residents are at an increased risk of developing chronic heart, lung and kidney diseases (Michael Hendryx). Coal mining can destroy sources of local revenue, including losses from tourism and recreation, such as the estimated $67 million lost annually in Pennsylvania from sport fishing because of streams too polluted from acid mine drainage. Coal mining can also damage homes and decrease property value, making it hard for people to sell their houses and move. Coal mining has been a decreasing source of jobs over the last two decades and is still considered to be one of the most dangerous jobs in America. Estimates of mining production and working coal miners show that between 1985 and 2005 mining production in the U.S. increased 22 percent, while the number of coal miners decreased by about 55 percent. The average income of coal miners has also been on the decline, dropping 20 percent over the same period. In 1952, Alabama became the first state to provide compensation for coal workers pneumoconiosis. A few years later, Virginia recognized the disease as compensable, but pressures were exe rted the following year and the amendment was repealed. Pennsylvania enacted legislation effective on December 1, 1965, and Virginia again amended its compensation law in 1968. Late in 1968, a number of miners organized the West Virginia Black Lung Association, which successfully led a campaign to introduce a bill in the 1969 session of the West Virginia legislature making coal workers pneumoconiosis a compensable disease. The compensation bill was quickly made a major issue by the Black Lung Association and militant miners in February when the legislation ran into opposition from the coal-operator-dominated legislature. Most of the 40,000 miners in West Virginia walked out of the mines, and large number of them marched on the state capitol in Charleston demanding passage of the bill. This was one of the largest and longest strikes ever on the single issue of occupational health.