Plato The Allegory of the Cave Essay Example

Plato The Allegory of the Cave Paper Plato was a Philosopher who used a story based on people imprisoned in a cave to explain the way in which he thought humans formed ideas based on their senses. The story is known as the Allegory of the Cave and is one of Platos most famous passages. The allegory has different meanings at different levels; therefore there is not just a single moral in this story. Plato believed that there were two worlds, the world of appearance, the world we are in, and another world known as reality a world we were all in before we entered the world of appearance, however we cant remember it. Plato suggests that the body is a kind of prison in which the soul is trapped. The allegory begins with several prisoners tied up and trapped in a cave with little light. Plato uses this to show how he feels the soul is trapped in the body, as if it were imprisoned. The only light comes from a small fire, which is also used as a projector to show images of puppets on a wall in front of where the prisoners are positioned. The prisoners are only aware of one thing in the cave, the shadows created by the puppets. They believe that the shadows are a form of real life; to them they are real images but according to Plato they are very mistaken. The prisoners have lived in the cave all their lives and know no different. We will write a custom essay sample on Plato The Allegory of the Cave specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Plato The Allegory of the Cave specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Plato The Allegory of the Cave specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Plato uses this to show how we build up knowledge based on what we see. As the prisoners have never know any other form of life or even another world they are forced into thinking that there experience is normal, because that is all that their senses have ever experienced. Furthermore, Plato claims that the prisoners would assume that the echoes made by the people came from the shadows of the puppets, and that these echoes would also be taken as reality. As is now evident, the shadows are highly (and deliberately) analogous to everyday beliefs held to be true by the majority of people, which in reality are no more than mere illusions. Plato is here demonstrating, by use of the shadows, what he believes to be the lower level of intellect, i.e. belief, as opposed to the higher level of intellect, i.e. knowledge {or dialect}. On what grounds might Platos understanding of human knowledge be criticised? Platos understanding of human knowledge may be criticised on a number of grounds, the first and most fundamental of which in my opinion, would be the abstractness of his theory of knowledge, specifically, the theory of the forms. Many may argue that the idea of having a non-temporal, non-spatial, universally perfect form for every object in the phenomenal world is, quite plainly, ridiculous, on the grounds that perfect form is only relative to the person or standard judging that form. Take for example, Platos perfect form of beauty. We see numerous examples in everyday life of peoples perceptions, and differences of opinion in matters of beauty; in relation to art, sexual partners, cars, in fact almost anything. The idea that the amount of beauty in the above things can be agreed upon by every single person seems absurd enough, never mind the absurdity of a universal form of beauty being agreed upon. The elitism of Platos understanding may also be criticised, as it may seem immoral to some because of the arrogance portrayed by him. What Plato is actually claiming is that only a tiny minority of people like himself have true understanding, and that the rest are ignorant and wrong. Platos attitude is summed up by his quotation of Homer, to illustrate his point, effectively saying how he would rather be a surf in the house of some landless man than live and think as they do. A further criticism would be that Platos understanding of knowledge has no practical relevance, as it gives no indication or guide as to how to achieve the higher levels of intellect or, more importantly, how to apply his theory to the moral field of making everyday decisions.

Martial Arts Essay

Martial Arts Essay Free Online Research Papers Martial artists excel in body dynamics beyond an â€Å"ordinary† person for several reasons. Karate-ka (karate students) study hand to hand combat in the same essence as a college student studies any degree major. Through years of study, a history student may be considered â€Å"advanced† in their knowledge of history; and an â€Å"ordinary† person could not begin to compare the world’s timeline with the history student. In karate, there is the same principle with a different field of expertise. Karate-ka becomes one with their mind, body, and spirit allowing them to use any part of their body as a â€Å"useful† weapon. This happens through endless hours of training and practicing hand to hand combat techniques. Throughout years of teaching passed down from the old master’s of karate, students have learned the dynamic body science of karate-do. M. Nakayama (1977) states: â€Å"If karate is practiced solely as a fighting technique, this cause for regret. The fundamental techniques have been developed and perfected through long years of study and practice, but to make effective use of these techniques, the spiritual aspect of this art of self-defense must be recognized and must play the predominate role† (p. 9). Because karate-ka inherits these teachings, they are no longer ordinary, but extraordinary. An â€Å"ordinary† person will not comprehend the importance of â€Å"correct form† while action occurs throughout a technique. M. Nakayama (1977) states â€Å"Prerequisites of correct form are good balance, a high degree of stability and the order of movements of each part of the body, since movements are made in quick succession in short period of time† (p. 48). Punching Basic principles of executing a technique, for example, block, strike or kick, are the order of action from start to finish. This is a vital part of generating the maximum amount of power the individual can generate. Understanding the source of power for the different techniques is essential, for example, the hips. An ordinary person would not think that hips would physically start the action. Rather, they may think the shoulders or upper body presents the first actions. An ordinary person, John Longendyke, Jr (2007, July 6th) explains that â€Å"his† body action for a punch would rotate backward first within the shoulders, then drive forward with his upper body into the target. Nakayama (1978) states that there is explosive hidden power in techniques; for punching, the upper body works in conjunction with the hips, not separate. Although, the first physical action starts with the action of the hips, following quickly by the upper body without â€Å"backward† or â€Å" loading† action. Edmond Otis and Randall G. Hassell (2002) state â€Å"A hand that is tightly clenched is called a fist. A hand that remains forever tightly clenched is called deformed. A balance between hard and soft determines usefulness† (p. 27). The proper production of a fist is a common error within most people. The first action of an â€Å"ordinary† person is to close their fist, tighten their entire body, and then pull back to swing for the fence. Karate-ka practice relaxation throughout the entire technique, until the moment of impact; creating smooth and fast fluidity of the body action. Otis and Hassell (2002) also state â€Å"Always move from the center of your body, where your major strength lies† (p. 34). Once again, this key fact comes into the â€Å"simple† act of executing a technique. As most people lean their head forward into the punch, karate-ka keeps their head over the hips; this allows the body to stay connected from the ground up. Hard and Soft Blocking Techniques Edmond Otis and Randall G. Hassell (2002) states â€Å"hard blocks are the blocks you use in these situations; you are caught by surprise, you can’t move to get out of the way and the attack is very strong and well-timed.† Hard blocks are precise and sharp. This type of block creates a direct impact to the limb that is striking to move the limb out of the way. Edmond Otis and Randall G. Hassell (2002) later state â€Å"soft blocks are smooth and flowing, often deflecting an opponent’s attack without them knowing it has missed, until it is too late† (p. 132). Generally, soft blocks are used in a more advanced skill level; performing soft blocks takes comfortability and confidence. Nick Debouno (2007, July 25th), states â€Å"I am not sure what I would do if someone tried to punch me, hopefully, move out of the way. I do not know the difference between a hard and soft block, and what they could do for me in a fight.† See graph below for the conducted experiment. The experiment was conducted for the following reasons. First, to see if an â€Å"ordinary person†, Nick Debouno, could block a punch thrown by surprise. Second, to see if a hard or soft block was performed. Third, to see if Nick was hit by the second attack. And fourth, to see if his block allowed him to counter strike the initial attack. Successful blocks made by surprise attack Hard or Soft block Hit by second attack Counter attack made Attack #1 No None Yes None Attack #2 Yes Hard Yes None Attack #3 Yes Hard No None Attack #4 No None Yes None Attack #5 No None Yes Yes (irritation) Attack #6 Yes Soft No Yes Attack #7 No None Yes None Attack #8 No None Yes None Attack #9 No None Yes None Attack #10 No None Yes None Hard and Soft blocks contribute to ones safety. As show in Attack #2 and #3, the two successful â€Å"Hard blocks† lead Nick to protect himself against the initial attack. Attack #2, Nick was hit by the second and following attack. Attack #3, Nick was able to protect himself against the primary and secondary attack. Attack #6 was a successful â€Å"soft block†. These actions lead Nick to counter correctly, not just out of irritation. The graph below is the same experiment held with Sam Jones (2007, July 24th), a three-year practitioner of Shotokan Karate. Successful blocks made by surprise attack Hard or Soft block Hit by second attack Counter attack made Attack #1 Yes Hard No Yes Attack #2 Yes Soft No Yes Attack #3 No None Yes Yes Attack #4 Yes Soft No Yes Attack #5 Yes Hard No Yes Attack #6 No None Yes No Attack #7 Yes Soft No Yes Attack #8 Yes Soft No Yes Attack #9 Yes Hard Yes None Attack #10 Yes Hard No Yes As this graph displays, every â€Å"soft block† was followed by a successful counter-attack. This allowed Sam Jones not to be struck by the second attack. Attack #3 and #6 were the only two attacks that penetrated 100% successfully. As a note: Neither participant was harmed during this experiment. Snapping and Locking Techniques Each area of the human body is made of a different structure; hard and soft, large and small. Snapping and locking techniques are designed to penetrate different areas of the human body. For example, snapping techniques were designed for smaller and hard surfaces; locking techniques were designed for larger, soft surfaces. Edmond Otis and Randall G. Hassell (2002) comment on snapping techniques, â€Å"As a general rule snap strikes are sharper and faster. This means that the moment of contact is very short and doesn’t leave a lot of time for the momentum of the technique, or the force, to transfer to the target.† As a reflection or counterpart to snapping techniques, locking techniques are used to strike ribs and solar plexus. Otis and Hassell later say: â€Å"Locking or sticking strikes, on the other hand, is heavier. They take a little more time to apply because you need to commit more of your body weight to the technique. It simply takes more time for all the energy in these techniques to leave your body and go into something (or someone) else.† This is evident that the ordinary person would not know the difference between these two types of techniques, or which areas would require a snapping or locking technique. Nick Debouno (2007, July 25th) says, when asked if he would strike different depending on the area of the body he was hitting: â€Å"I don’t see a difference, I would hit my attacker the same, whether it is to the body or face, punching is punching and kicking is kicking. I understand the head is harder than the body; that is why the head is more sensitive to impact, because of the direct contact to the bones and nerves. I feel that driving my punch or kick through the target would create more damage to a harder surface than a softer surface.† Timing and Distance Edmond Otis (2002) says â€Å"Karate is always about timing and distance. It is always about our relationship to our opponent. My view is that ultimately karate is about striving to be at our best, our most focused, our most balanced, our most dynamic precisely at the moment our opponent is at their weakest.† Proper timing and distance relate to the impact delivered to our opponent. If timing is too early for an attack, our opponent will have the time he or she needs to evade or block. If timing is too late for an attack, well it is too late. If our distance is too short, we do not reach our opponent with the technique. If our distance is too close our technique will be shortened and not fully dynamic. Timing and distance coincide with each other, working as one action; we can not have one without the other. Timing is the relationship between our opponent’s movement and the moment we will strike. Our objective is to strike when the attacker is at their weakest. Striking an opponent happens at three different levels of timing. One, after the attack, occurs; meaning the attacker will attempt a strike, the defendant will then time his or her dcounter-attack after the attacking actions are complete. Two, during the attack; meaning the defendant will counter attacker during the attacker’s action. Three; before the attack; meaning the defendant will strike the moment the attacker moves slightly, thus preventing an initial attack. Distance is the spatial relationship between two bodies. The range of any individual depends on how close or far they are from the other body. Proper distance varies per individual and pending on what type of technique is being used. This will allow proper room and distance to complete â€Å"said† technique. Nick Debouno (2007, July 25th), an â€Å"ordinary person† explained that if he was engaged in a â€Å"self-defense† situation, â€Å"I would much more comfortable being far away from the attacker; if I needed to punch him, I would move in close and swing.† Later Nick Debouno explains, â€Å"while I am punching, I would not wait for my attacker to move into me, I would move towards them; my elbow would be bent enough to drive through the face of my attacker!† This is an example of improper timing and distance; once again, martial artists will strike when their opponents are at their weakest. This means, strike while our opponents have either comp leted their action, during their action or just before their action. Conclusion Through experiments and interviews with â€Å"ordinary† people, it is found that they do not have the knowledge or physical skill set to excel in body dynamics. Punching, blocking, timing, and distance was found to be incorrect. Karate experts such as Nakayama, Otis, and Hassell have pointed the key elements and the essentials of these specific areas. This has been found by their expertise and countless hours of training, proving that martial artists excel in body dynamics in the context of self-defense. Subsequently, an ordinary person would be hurt or would hurt themselves if ever engaged in combat. Theoretically, an ordinary human being would injure themselves as a result of not having proper technique during their own attack, by not blocking properly or by not having the proper reaction, timing, and distance. In contrast, martial artist understands the basics of punching, blocking and proper reaction, timing, and distance. Martial artist use their own body as a weapon wit hout self-injury. Research Papers on Martial Arts EssayContrasting Berthe Morisot and Jan van EyckSociology is a ScienceDeontological Teleological TheoriesDistance Learning Survival GuideLife After Death Personal EssayChildhood Obesity EssayThe Gnostic JesusAlbatross and Rimm of the Ancient MarinerMRSA Staph BacteriaImpact of Breast Cancer

Global Management of Information Systems- MISM 3303, Information Research Paper

Global Management of Information Systems- MISM 3303, Information Systems Theory and Practice - Research Paper Example This document also encourages for the adoption of new research methods by researchers in global information systems research. Advances in information technology and globalization trends have for the last two decades dominated the business world. Globalization reflects the interconnection of societies in terms of political, cultural and economic aspects (Giddens, 2002). Opportunities and feasibility of globalization have been enhanced by information and communication technology, by enabling new structural organizations, new modes of work and communication across space and time (Walshan, 2001) as well as facilitation of movement of goods and coordination of services (Palvia and Wang, 1995). Businesses today find it necessary to incorporate global information systems in their organizational structure due to its usefulness and impact. A firm’s global business strategy can be achieved through global applications such as using information technology platforms to transmit, store, and manipulate data across diverse cultural environments (Wang, 1995). Global Information systems deal with development, management and use of information systems across the globe. Implementation and use of information systems may be affected by national differences such as infrastructure capabilities, physical environments, cultural issues, economic and political factors. Hence, it is essential to understand the challenges and opportunities related to global information systems in the volatile business world. Research on global management of information systems goes across national boundaries to include research spanning on multiple countries. Recent research studies have focused only on particular aspects of global IS. It has been revealed through a literature search (Lehman & Gallupe, 2004) that, less than 1 percent of the IS literature published in academic

Consideration Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Consideration - Case Study Example The discussion of this case study aims to provide the course of action for Nigella in regard to the legal position of this case. This case study presents the contractual matter between the Nigella and Ramsay. There was a valid agreement between the two parties, and consideration for Nigella to Ramsay was the teaching services she promised to offer to him. On the other hand, Ramsay’s promise to pay for the services constituted consideration of Ramsay to Nigella. When parties are in agreement they all have to discharge the obligations they owe each other until the end of the agreement. This implies that Ramsay was entitled to receive services from Nigella until the end of the agreement. However, this appears to carry periodic payments and the imposition of new prices by Nigella to Ramsay resulted to new conditions and that was tantamount to forming a fresh agreement. This implies that Ramsay was bound by the agreement since he agreed to pay even though he would refuse to pay if the examination was near. It is immaterial for Ramsay to decline to pay the additional charges for the services already offered. In Central London Property Trust v High Trees House [1947] KB 130 High Court, the High Trees had rented property from Central London Property (CLP) at a cost of  £2,500 in 1937. However, during the world war the landlord was unable to let out all the houses and decided to reduce their value in order to attract new occupants. This compelled the defendant to lower the price of the houses by half in 1940 because there was no sign that the situation prevailing at that time was going to improve in the foreseeable future. By the start of 1941, the claimant started paying the reduced rental charges. However, when the war came to a halt the demand for houses increased hence the landlord reverted to the original rental charges. The case was presented to court, and

The Inspector in An Inspector Calls Essay Example for Free

The Inspector in An Inspector Calls Essay The play was written in 1945 but surprisingly, J. B. Priestley decided to set it in 1912, as capitalism is the strongest before the war and poor people have to rely on charities; due to the class system. Priestley is trying to convey to the audience a message that we are all equal and we have to look after each other in order to survive. He gave us a clue before he departed, he said if we dont learn it now, we will have to learn it in fire, blood and anguish. This is a hint to us for what is going to happen in the future, this is also dramatic irony as we knew the fire and blood is from the soon coming war. Dramatic Irony is also used again when Mr Birling said the Titanic she sails next week forty six thousand eight hundred tons forty six thousand eight hundred tons New York in five days and every luxury and unsinkable The truth is the Titanic has sinked, and as a audience we know this whilst the narrator or the characters dont. Also, by repeating the weight of the ship we can interpret that Mr Birling is extremely proud of his country and this new ship, during that time, this is common as many people are nationalists then. In 1945, much of the capitalism and class discrimination has gone because of the war, and because we know this its emphasis the proud and great feeling Mr Birling has for his country. The play begins as a simple and thrilling detective play, but it unfolds eventually. Due to the crimes and the responsibility the characters learnt to take, the plays unfolds into a mortality play and teaches us something. This is the struggle of Good and Evil. The Inspector reflects Priestleys ideas and thoughts and voice them out, Priestly himself is a socialist even before he has fought in the two major world wars and realises the importance of everyone and life. At the end of the play, the Inspectors final comment warns Mr Birling,because of his nature, the Inspector wanted him to change and to respect everyone and treat them equally. The name Goole Inspector Goole sounds mysterious and a bit sinister, this is supported by the fact he seems to know a wide variety of things and all these knowledge and understanding is the truth, which makes it even more sinister.

The Ems Ukase Essay examples -- International Affairs Germany Ukraine

The Ems Ukase During the 1800s, Ukraine was under the powerful rule of Russian tsars who dictated over the entire Russian empire. The Ukrainians were used to being held under a heavy hand though, and at this point in time, groups of men call Cossacks were gathering in numbers to fight against the outside authority over their homeland and to once and for all bring freedom to Ukraine. Nostalgia of the original Cossacks and â€Å"national revival among the Ukrainians since around 1840† became fused with â€Å"ideas of Enlightenment in the works of people like Taras Shevchenko (1814-61) and Myhailo Drahomanov (1841-95) among others† (Pavlychko Page 6). In 1863, Petr Valeuv, the Russian minister of internal affairs created a â€Å"repressive anti-Ukrainian policy† to downgrade nationalism in Ukraine and even being to punish and arrest those participating in honoring their area of the Russian empire (Encylopedia of Ukraine 2001). By 1875, a commission was organized to investigate â€Å"Ukrainophile propaganda in the southern areas of Russia† (Encylopedia of Ukraine 2001). As a result of this investigation, a â€Å"secret decree written on May 30, 1876 by Russian tsar Alexander II† was written called the Ems Ukase (Encylopedia of Ukraine 2001). â€Å"The Ems Ukase was issued in response to the growing Ukrainian nationalism movement and the unrest of Ukrainian Cossacks† (Nationamaster 2003). Issued in the town of Ems, Germany (hence the name), the decree was also known as the â€Å"Yuzefovich Ukase† after its author, Mikhail Yuzefovich, who was the deputy curator of the Kiev school district (Encyclopedia of Ukraine 2001). The policy itself â€Å"banned publication of all Ukrainian- published texts except for belles-lettres and h... ...ited Ems Ukase 2001. Encyclopedia of Ukraine. Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies. http://www.encyclopediaofukraine.com/pages/E/M/EmsUkase.htm Ems Ukase 2003. http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Ems-Ukase Hrycak, A. 2004. Schooling, language and the policy-making power of state bureaucrats in Ukraine. Reeds College. Novamova.com.ua/htm/04/45.htm Pavlychko, S. Modernism vs. Populism in Fin de Siecle Ukrainian Literature. Page 6. http://www.utoronto.ca/elul/English/Pavlychko-ModvsPop.pdf Rancour-Laferriere, D. 2000. Nationalism, Extremism and Xenophobia : Imagining Russia: ethnic identity and the nationalist mind. University of California. Short History of Ukraine. http://www.hf.uib.no/Andre/vesti/ukrainehistory.htm - kap2 Ukrainians 2005. Centre for Russian Studies. http://www.nupi.no/cgi-win/Russland/etnisk_b.exe?Ukrainian

Battle at the Pumps: Is there a solution for increasing prices?

Remember when Grandpa used to tell stories of how gasoline cost $0. 10 a gallon when he first started driving? We laughed at the thought of anything costing less than a dollar, but with today’s national average for gas sitting at $3. 00 a gallon, the 300% price increase is no laughing matter (Benton, 2007).If the price for gas continues to increase at the rate it is now, our children will be the one’s finding humor in our silly rants of paying $90. 00 to fill our SUV tanks. Gas hikes and price gouging are issues that most Americans would rather not be associated with.Nevertheless, we all still have jobs to go to and errands to run. So, while some argue that the price increases are just a part of inflation, there are more arguing that gas pricing is a game of politics. Either way, we all will continue to pay what we have to go get from point A to point B. Targeting when gas hikes became such a hot issue dates back to the infamous â€Å"Katrina† disaster in August of 2005. In addition to the catastrophic storm, many claim that politics also play a part in price determination.Whatever the reason, a solution must be sought. Thankfully, there are a few solution-seekers out there who are actively searching for ways to make living in the days of $3. 00 plus per gallon a bit more tolerable, albeit still an, ah-hem, unpleasant issue. Collaborations between companies, innovations in vehicles, and vehicle purchasing incentives are all ways businesses are working together to keep the bitterness at bay. Nevertheless, many of us won’t be happy until we are completely dependent on our own resources for the precious commodity.So, while we will never see the same prices Grandpa paid for gasoline in our lifetime, reviewing the causes and finding solutions are the only ways we will avoid taking out a second mortgage just to put gas in the cars. Immediately after Hurricane Katrina, Americans panicked, and fearful gas retailers began a practice that was, for the most part, unheard of. Lines of gasoline-starved automobiles Battle at the Pumps 3 parked themselves at gas pumps, struggling to get every last drop of gas available before it was â€Å"all gone†.Rumors of depleted gas barrel supply sent small town gasoline retailers, as well as few big city retailers into gouging mode. Within hours, prices went from $2. 00 to just over $3. 00 a gallon in states such as Texas and Louisiana, the states closest to the disaster (AP, 2005). Another spark contributing to the gas fire blazing at the pumps is the claim that election years tend to send gas prices into a rollercoaster pattern: down before elections, and up after elections. In fact, Joe Benton of ConsumerAffairs. com writes that pre-election gas prices averaged $2.50 a gallon, and that gas prices â€Å"are sure to rise again†¦right after the midterm elections† (2006). Mr. Benton was correct. Just after the elections the national average for gas prices increased 12. 5 cents in December, and has steadily continued to rise. Though the decrease is unexplainable, rest assured that the elections have nothing to do with it. If they were the reason for the decreased gas prices, however, most Americans would vie for monthly elections! Unfortunately, for the disgruntled, the days paying less than $2. 00 a gallon for gasoline are long gone.In fact, we drivers, bus riders, airline passengers and taxi goers must continue the suffrage, as melees to locate the best gas source is continued. Until one is found, companies, manufacturers and even the government are giving a go at attempts to soften the blows of outrageously priced â€Å"petro†. The battle of fair gas prices has produced an effort among many to seek ways around getting hosed at the pump. For example, John Wakefield of Murphy Oil Corporation, states that Murphy USA’s goal is to â€Å"be a low cost provider to the communities [they] serve† (2006).To comply with this statement, Murphy USA has collaborated with discount retailer, Wal-Mart, in order to offer a minimum of a three-cent discount for those who purchase fuel with a Wal-Mart gift card. This allows Murphy USA to maintain its position in offering a below average price for Battle at the Pumps 4 gasoline throughout the nation (Wakefield, 2006). Additionally, manufacturers, such as Ford and Chevy, have joined in the labors of providing an alternative for gas guzzling vehicles. Their answer to the gas price dilemma has been to increase promotion of hybrid and flex-fuel vehicles.Hybrid vehicles, although in existence for many years, have become a popular choice for saving dollars at the pump, as have flex-fuel vehicles. Hybrid vehicles combine both the gasoline-powered and electric powered sources under the hood in order to increase the distance between fill-ups, which, in turn, saves one from filling up as often as with a strictly gas-powered vehicle (Layton, 2007) Similarly, flex-fuel vehicles (FFV), which have been around for a number of years as well, are also designed to combine power sources in order save on gasoline usage.In the FFV case, a combination of gasoline and E85 fuel work together to increase the number of miles driven between fill-ups, resulting in dollars saved (USDoE, 2007). The down side to both types of vehicles, however, is that they both cost a pretty penny, which brings us back to where we started: angry about spending mega-bucks just to drive. On the contrary, there is an up-side to the hybrid vehicle: The government offers a tax credit to those who purchase a hybrid (USDoE, 2007).That’s great†¦if you can afford the high price tag attached to the hybrid. But if you can’t, what else is the government doing to ensure that we don’t go bankrupt at the pumps? Though they sometimes seem like the bad guys, the government is making attempts to keep Americans from going into boxing matches with gas station attendants. Along with offering incentives to those who choose to finance or straight-out purchase hybrid vehicles, they are also looking out for the little people†¦those who can’t afford to pay the $4.00 per gallon price tag that has become a frequenter of many gas stations across America post Katrina. Price gouging, or pricing above the market when demand increases, was a practice few were aware of before Battle at the Pump 5 August of 2005. However, when disaster struck, gas retailers took action, regardless of who it would affect. Soon, consumers were left with no where to turn and had no choice but to pay for overpriced fuel. Thankfully â€Å"Super Government† with its flowing red, white and blue cape came to our rescue, regulating pricing among gas retailers.Although there is no law against price gouging, suspicious pricing will entail an investigation. In August 2005, the Energy Department created a hotline for people who fell victim to price gouging (Pope, 2005). Though efforts have been made, without a law to formally enforce a â€Å"no price gouging allowed† law, the problem, though not as wide spread as it had been initially, still exists. Gradually, as demand has continues to outweigh the supply of gasoline available, price gouging has sneakily made itself an accepted practice.Investigations pending for suspected price gougers, the government is also seeking ways for America to become less dependent on international sources to keep America on the roads and in the air. As we wearily trudge to the pumps prepared to sacrifice our limbs just for a few gallons of gas, alternatives are being sought in order to use domestic sources for fuel. Biodiesel, a renewable fuel derived from sources such as vegetable oils and recycled restaurant greases, is just one of the alternative fuels being researched for common use among Americans.In May of 2005, President Bush announced that efforts in making Biodiesel a main source for fuel were in the works, and estimated that by 2010, our country will become solely dependent on itself to fuel our vehicles, planes and trains (Bush, 2005). Upon receiving the news, farmers across America gained new hope in assisting in the effort to solve the ongoing problem of finding fuel alternatives. But one can’t help but wonder: What about those folks who can’t afford to transition into a vehicle that runs on the fuel alternatives soon to be available?This is, indeed, has the Battle at the Pumps 6 potential to cripple hopes of becoming domestically dependent. Look around the next time you are on the road and you will see cars dating back to the early 60’s and beyond. For some people, driving these ‘vintage’ vehicles is a choice, but for others, it is unavoidable. It makes sense to assume that if we all had the money to drive a modern day vehicle, we would. But for those people who are stuck in that 1976 beat-up Nova, gas prices are still an issue that fuel alternatives won’t so lve.Needless to say, if President Bush is determined for America to depend on ourselves for fuel, tapping into the oil sources available on our own soil is required. This, however, presents another problem: Once the soil is broken, where do those who live on the land go? The vast lands of Alaska are notorious for housing thousands of acres of untapped oil reserves. However, on those acres, life exists. Caribou, bison, bears, elk and even people inhabit these lands. For years, these habitors have been the reason that the oil reserves Alaska has to offer have gone undisturbed.Nature activists have long protested the spoiling of the majestic lands across the Artic coastline. For this, we have continued to rely on countries such as the Middle Eastern lands, for oil. Years of jokes, ridicule and mockery have been directed at presidents, past and present, as well as the government in general, for not making stronger efforts in aggressively utilizing this land, regardless of who is affecte d. With pretty much no choice, President Bush proposed a plan to break ground along the Artic coastline in order to make use of the untapped oil lying beneath the thick blankets of frozen land and fluffed snow (Rosen, 2003).There continues, as expected, to be protests against the efforts, to include the protests of the Inupiat Eskimos, who strongly feel that none of the villages in this region of Alaska will support the proposed project. Ultimately, someone is going to be unhappy. Battle at the Pump 7 To those who have decided to put on party hats in celebration of the anticipated Alaskan oil tapping project: don’t mess up your ‘do’s just yet. The future in gas pricing will continue a long time pattern that Grandpa, Grandma, Dad and Mom have all had the unpleasant chore of experiencing.The crystal ball of gas prices forecasts continued increases. While the rise may not be in fuel pricing, many will feel the impact of whatever solution is utilized to control this currently uncontrollable nuisance. While scientists are doing their best to resolve all issues with fuel alternatives, some alternatives, such as hydrogen, will pose an earlier predicted problem: older vehicles would have to undergo a complete replacement of their fueling systems. Alas, the efforts to seek out solutions must continue.Though many efforts have been made to resolve the long time issue of inflated gas prices, as weeks go by, Americans resume the struggle with unfair gouging and seemingly unnecessary price hikes. It seems almost impossible to consider the alternatives of spending money on gas†¦heaven forbid we actually walk anywhere. Unfortunately, this horrible predicament we’ve found ourselves in appears to be without light. The only way to pleasantly endure the task of spending money is to†¦well†¦spend money.To ensure that we survive this rain cloud, we can either cross our fingers for monthly elections (for the benefit of price drops), or we can purchase hybrid vehicles, stop in at the local Wal-Mart to purchase a gift cards, and gas up at Murphy USA. So, although solutions are being attempted, before you visit the gas pumps, be prepared to give up your first born child. References: 1. $3. 00 Gas Spreads to 7 States, D. C. (April 27, 2007) ConsumerAffairs. com: Benton, J. April 27, 2007. http://www. consumeraffairs. com/news04/2007/04/gas_prices141. html 2. Bush plans on drilling in untapped Alaskan oil reserve.(Dec. 13, 2003) Reuters: Rosen, Y. April 27, 2007. http://www. commondreams. org/headlines03/1213-03. htm 3. Congress moves to outlaw gas gouging. (Sept. 19, 2005) SeattlePI. com: Pope, C. April 27, 2007. http://seattlepi. nwsource. com/national/241244_gouging19. html 4. Election loom; gas prices drop. (Sept. 13, 2006) ConsumerAffairs. com: Benton, J. April 27, 2007. http://www. consumeraffairs. com/news04/2006/09/big_oil. html 5. Flex-Fuel Vehicles. (2007) FuelEconomy. Gov: US Dept. of Energy (USDoE) April 27, 2007 . http://www. fueleconomy. gov/feg/flextech. shtml 6.Gov urges gas-price investigation. (Sept. 21, 2005) CBS News: Associated Press (AP). April 27, 2007 http://www. cbsnews. com/stories/2005/09/21/katrina/main870784. shtml 7. How hybrid cars work. (2007) HowStuffWorks, Inc. : Layton, J & Nice, K. April 27, 2007. http://auto. howstuffworks. com/hybrid-car. htm 8. Murphy USA Refining and Marketing. (2006) Murphy Oil Corporation: Wakefield, J. April 27, 2007. http://murphyusa. com/rm/retail/ 9. President discusses biodiesel. (2005) The White House: Bush, G. W. April 28, 2007. http://www. whitehouse. gov/news/releases/2005/05/20050516. html