Social Conflict in the Work of Marx and Weber

Introduction Philosophers describe conflict as the disagreement of authority. According to these philosophers, power can take on different forms depending on the person at the helm. While some form of power might be humane and manipulative, another might as well be coercive and physical. While some people in power might choose to lead in an assertive and bargaining way, others decide to do so in an inductive and rational manner.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Social Conflict in the Work of Marx and Weber specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Due to the variations in the forms of power, there is usually the likelihood of manifestation of conflict. In this light, social conflict therefore addresses the confrontation of social powers. Ideally, all social theorists seek to address power or conflict based on social powers and their dialectics. (Cattell, 1957, p. 23)This essay seeks to examine the status of social conflict in the work of both Karl Marx and Max Weber. Karl Marx According to Marx, the society encompasses an existing balance of opposing forces that give rise to social change by their constant tension and struggle. In presenting his theory, Marx based his vision on an evolutionary point, which was contrary to the theories existing at that time. For him, tension and struggle rather than passive development was the driving force of progress. Marx considered strife the father of all good things and social conflict the center of chronological progression. This philosophy presented by Marx deviated from earlier versions but corresponded with the 19th century view of society. According to Marx, the need for adequate food and drink, of housing and for clothing were man’s chief goals at the beginning of the race, and these needs are still fundamental when efforts are made to scrutinize the intricate structure of contemporary society. However, man’s strive against nature does not st op once these pursuits are attained. If translated literally, this statement means that meeting one need gives rise to a host of others and this becomes a sort of a vicious cycle. (Giddens, 1983, p. 101) In their bid to gratify both the principal and inferior needs, men engage in aggressive cooperation immediately they leave the primeval, shared period of development. According to Marx, specialization brings with it opposition of ideas from the different classes. In his hypotheses, Marx claimed that all social relations between men, as well as the existing systems of ideas are exclusively rooted in the past. He also maintained that, although class strives, had marked all history, the competitors in the struggle had changed in the course of time. Although there was obviously a similarity between the travelers of the middle ages who fought against guild masters and today’s industrial workers who take on capitalists, the contestants were merely the same characters placed in diff erent situations. (Blau, 1964, p. 23)Advertising Looking for essay on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For Marx, the analysis of social class, class organizations and modifications are crucial to understanding capitalism and other social structures or means of production. In his theory, work and labor, and ownership of property with the means of production were the only ways that could be used to explain and define classes. Today’s capitalism according to Marx exhibits these economic factors than in any other period in history. While the previous societies contained alliances that could have been considered classes, these were mere elites who were not wholly based on economic factors. (Bottomore, 1983, p. 96) According to Marx, capitalism has two major groupings namely the bourgeoisie and proletariat. It is actually important to understand that Marx viewed the structure of society vis-Ã  -vis its maj or classes, and the resistance between them as the force of alteration in this structure. Indeed, Marx theory was not based on balance or consensus. Conflict was forever present within the societal structure and the existing classes were not meant to be purposeful elements maintaining the structure. According to Marx, this structure was like a major ingredient in the struggle of classes. Indeed, Marx only sought to explain his conflict view based on his observation of the 19th century society. (Marx, 1971, p. 65) Marx defined class as simply the possession of property. In his explanation, he claimed that such an ownership gives a person the power to bar other people from the property and to utilize it for personal intentions. By looking at the bourgeoisie, landowners and proletariats, one realizes that their main asset was property and not revenue or status. Indeed, these are determined by supply and expenditure, which itself definitely replicates the production and power associatio ns of classes. According to Marx, this makes the issue of class a hypothetical and recognized relationship among individuals. In a bid to fit in to one of the three classes, there arises an informal class membership force otherwise known as class interest. Due to the identical class conditions, individuals in the different classes tend to act in the same manner. This leads them to unconsciously form a kind of reciprocal reliance, a society, and shared interest interconnected with common revenue of yield or of wages. Because of this common interest, what follows is a formation of an interest class meant to protect their property. The formation of the interest classes often leads one group in to a struggle with the opposite group. (Marx, 1971, p. 68)Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Social Conflict in the Work of Marx and Weber specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Initially, the interests associated with land possessio n and rental fee are dissimilar to those of the bourgeois property. However, as the society matures, there is usually a merger between capital and land ownership, which in turn forces a coalition between landowners and bourgeoisie. At the end, the association of production, the natural struggle between proletariat and bourgeoisie ends up being the determinant of all the events that follow. According to Marx, this constant struggle is necessary for any society that is maturing since its absence would ground a society to a halt. At the beginning of class conflict, the struggle between the various classes is usually carried out at individual production units. As capitalism matures, the rising inequality between the living conditions of the bourgeoisie and the proletariat extends the strife to coalitions across industrial units. With the passage of time, there is a manifestation of class conflict within the societal level. According to Marx, this new level leads to a rise in class-consc iousness, which ultimately leads to the clamor for political power. This therefore transforms the existing classes in to political power, which is the other form of class. (Marx, 1971, p. 70) According to Marx, the spread of political power is determined by the power of production. Production grants political power, which the bourgeois class uses to legalize and safeguard their property and resultant group affairs. Class relations are therefore political and in a mature society, the government is involved with the bourgeoisie affairs. This fact leads to a state of restlessness in the remaining classes something that widens the rift between them even further. Additionally, the state of the already exploited worker deteriorates further and in most cases, this leads to the collapse of the entire social structure. Ultimately, this transforms the class struggle in to a blue-collar revolution. In effect, this wipes away the existing classes and gives rise to a classless society. With the collapse of classes, the political power needed to protect the bourgeoisie against the laborers becomes obsolete leading to the collapse of political power and the state at large. (Cattell, 1957, p. 5) Marx’s emphasis on class conflict as representing the dynamics of social change, his consciousness that change was not accidental but the result of a conflict of interests, and his observation of social relations based on political power were new findings in the society. However, the passage of time and history has made most of his suppositions and prophecies obsolete. Today, capitalist possession and the control of production have been divided. Instead of workers becoming homogenous as Marx predicted, they are now divided in to various specialization groups. On the other hand, the strengthening of the middle class and communal mobility has further weakened the class solidity thus discrediting Marx theory in a large manner.Advertising Looking for essay on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Instead of there being a big disparity between the rich and the poor, there has been a social intensity and an increasing highlight on social fairness. Finally, the growth of worker-oriented laws has weakened the bourgeoisie power that Marx predicted would characterize the modern society. Most importantly, the demonstration of conflict between laborers and capitalist has been institutionalized through combined negotiation legislation and the validation of strikes. Despite the exhibit of chronological trends discrediting these theories, Marx’s sociological outlines have much value. Of importance, his highlighting on conflict, classes, and their association to political influence, and on communal alteration was a dominant perspective that the modern society should not abandon. Indeed the spirit, if not the essence of his hypothesis merits further development to guide the modern society. (Giddens, 1983, p. 105) Max Weber Marx saw the division of classes as the mainly important f oundation of class conflict. Weber’s scrutiny of class is similar to Marx’s, but he discusses class in the framework of social stratification in a more general manner. Weber claims that class and social status are different dimensions of the social structure and both are noteworthy contributors of social difference. In fact, the way Weber treats class and status is an indication of the manner in which the substance basis of society is related to its perception. Social conflict can therefore be a result of the substance or the ideological basis. Unlike Marx, Weber did not dwell on explaining how class conflict occurs but he highlighted the role of power, domination and societal action in the matter. Weber defines power as the aptitude of an actor to recognize his will in a social action, even against the will of team players. He relates this to the ability to sway resources in a fastidious sphere of influence. Therefore, economic power is the ability to manage substance resources in order to guide production, dominate accretion and dictate expenditure. Societal power as outlined by Weber includes monetary power, societal power, lawful or political power among other centers of influence. Although controlling these spheres of resources usually go together, they characterize diverse mechanisms of power and are therefore theoretically distinct. (Giddens, 1983, p. 108) On the other hand, Weber described domination as the implementation of power. Therefore, possessing power in any sphere of life resulted in to automatic dominance. In what he called charismatic domination, Weber claimed that some individuals might use inspiration, coercion, communication or even leadership to direct and coordinate social action. This charisma according to Weber usually emerges during times of social crisis. Because this leadership tends to be personalized, it is short-lived and does not extend beyond the rule of its founder. In exercising this power, the leader often fin ds himself in a form of conflict with the subjects. In traditional authority, there is absolute loyalty to the leadership. In most cases, the lines of this authority are almost non-existent and there is no clear differentiation between private and public life. (Shortell, n.d) In the matter of communal action, Weber claims that it is oriented based on a common conviction of association. In other words, the actors believe that by some means they belong together in a certain way. The actions of these actors come from and are co-coordinated by this feeling. This is in contrast to societal action, which is somehow oriented to a coherent modification of welfare. The motivation is therefore not gotten by a sense of communal rationale, but relatively, identification of common good. On the issue of class, Weber identified three distinct classes, which included a specific fundamental section of actors, which rests entirely on monetary interests and is embodied under an environment of labor an d product markets. According to Weber, the possession of property defines the major class difference. Property owners have explicit advantages and in some cases even a monopoly in the marketing of commodities. The same property owners have a limited access to the foundations of wealth creation, by virtue of possession and management of the markets. Unlike Marx, Weber did not believe that class interests necessarily led to consistency is social action. Additionally, Weber did not concur with Marx that proletarian revolutionary action would arise because of structural inconsistency. In certain situations, Weber believed that there was a possibility of societal action developing from a common class situation. This meant that the extent of the contrasts between the property owners and the property less laborers must first be translucent to the laborers in order for communal action around the issue of class to crop up. (Shortell, n.d) Conclusion Both Marx and Weber have addressed the sta tus of social conflict albeit in different words. Weber’s view on the status of class conflict was not much different from the one outlined by Marx although both views are stated differently. On his part, Marx discussed the repercussions of class in terms of the substance conditions of survival. He also classified property possession in a definitive manner and in light of capitalist class relations. Additionally, Marx did not think that the variations in the kind of labor were important though he accepted that specialization had greater value than unskillful labor. On his part, Weber believed that the disparities in wages resulted in considerable substantial conditions thus dissimilar models of social action. Weber’s theory also suggests that rivalry among those without property can be based on lucid reasons, and not false awareness as Marx suggested. Reference List Blau, P. (1964) Exchange and Power in Social Life. New York: Wiley. p. 23-46. Bottomore, T. (1983) A Dic tionary of Marxist Thought. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. p. 96-103. Cattell, R. (1957) Personality and Motivation. New York: World Book. p. 5-16. Giddens, A. (1983) Capitalism and Modern Social Theory: An Analysis of the Writings of Marx, Durkheim and Max Weber, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 101-109. Marx, K. (1971) Preface to a Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy. Tr. S. W. Ryanzanskaya, edited by M. Dobb. London: Lawrence Whishart. p. 65-81. Shortell, T. (n.d). Weber’s Theory of Social Class. [Online] Brooklyn College. Available at: http://www.brooklynsoc.org/courses/43.1/weber.html . This essay on Social Conflict in the Work of Marx and Weber was written and submitted by user Daisy Doyle to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Measuring soil erodibility to four of British soils and the effects of

Measuring soil erodibility to four of British soils and the effects of Measuring soil erodibility to four of British soils and the effects of rainfall characteristics, duration and soil properties on the extendibility factor – Assignment Example Measuring soil erodibility to four of British soils and the effects of rainfall characteristics, duration and soil properties on the extendibility factorNameInstitutionCourseDateMeasuring Soil Erodibility to Four of British Soils and the Effects of Rainfall Characteristics, Duration and Soil Properties on the Extendibility FactorSoil erodibility is a relevant factor in that it measures soil susceptibility to erosion and an essential parameter required for the prediction of soil erosion. Apart from the factor of soil erodible, RUSLE and USLE equations determines using various formulas employed in the soil packaging parameters (Khairi, 2011). For example, Soil erodible is an elaborate description of soil erosion for giving reference conditions influenced by different soil properties controlling the different sub processes. However, it is significant of understand the difference between soil erodible and soil erosion. While soil erosion affects factors such as plant cover, slope length and degree, rainfall characteristics and management of land, soil erodible depends on the inherent soil properties (Khairi, 2011).Soils found under the same environmental conditions have different amounts of soil loss. The influence of the soil properties on soil erosion can be discovered through soil erodible; the measure carried on soil erodible is through investigating selected properties of soil. This is entirely independent of the effect of environmental factors affects the rainfall characteristics, and hence not considered. There are four types of British soils in which soil erodible can be estimated and under different soil associations from different locations in the UK. They soil associations are Rivington, Crewe, Everingham, and Andoverb. The soil sub groups are typical brown earth, pelo- stagnogley, typical cambic gley, and brown rendzina (TheAbura, 2009).Soil association description1. RivingtonThese soils are moderately stony, and classified as typical brown earths well drained. On top of this, these soils have hard sandstone, which varies between 50 and 80 centimeters. However, the main differentiating characteristics are:1.1 Sand fraction dominated by dry and medium sand.1.2 Coarse loam A and B horizons.1.3 Weathering sand stone within 80 centimeters (Reeve, 1975), in the following brief profile description: 1.31 0.20 centimeters Apart 1.31Dark grayish brown, slightly or moderately stony, sandy loam 1.33 20-50 centimeters Bw 1.34 Yellowish brown, slightly or moderately stony, sandy loam; weak medium singular blocky structure 1.35 Hard or soft stone or extremely sandy loam, Payton and Palmer (1990).1.4 This association consists of stanogley soils in reddish, stoneless till or clay. The targeted soil under this association classified as pelo-stagnoley soils where the main characteristics of this soil as the following:Top soil- stoneless clay or clay loam: The main soil characteristics are that this soil is semi-permeable seasonally water logged pr ominently mottled reddish stoneless clays locally with a light, loamy topsoil brownish medium over clays; it has a profile description:1.5 0-20 centimeters1.6 Dark grayish brown, stoneless clay loam or clay 20-50 cm Bg11.7 Reddish brown, stoneless clay; strong, coarse prismatic structure, common calcium carbonate2. EveringhamThese are ground water gley soil that have a unique topsoil and a Bg horizon, formed and in a Pleistocene deposit. They are usually a horizon usually passes downwards into a permeable gleyed horizon with a brief description of the soil profile, Avery (1982). They include:2.1 0-30 centimeters Ap dark brown, stoneless loamy powdery sand2.2 30-55 centimeters-Bg2.3 Pale brown mottled, stoneless loamy dry sand; very weak light angular blocky structure2.4 55-100 centimeters Cg2.5 Light yellowish brown, mottled stoneless loamy powdery sand; single grain structure.4. AndoverThe soil is subgroup is Brown rendzina Ap horizons have a well developed sub-angular blocky struc ture. The underlying chalk is usually fairly hard and joint but soft, and massive marly bands are common (Khairi, 2011). In addition, some profiles have a transitional horizon which is 10 centimeters thick underneath the Ap which is usually extremely calcareous, and the main characteristics to the soil are:4.1 dry loamy or dry silty A horizon4.2 content or flint stones greater than one percent4.3 Solid chalk above 35 centimeters4.4 Mainly brown colors. Soil Survey Record (1978)Rainfall characteristicsIt aims at predicting the soil erodibility for four British soils under tree different durations and three different intensities (Aburas, 2009). He viewed a direct relationship between means that an increase in pressure leads to an increase of the rainfall received on the square centimeter unit. Correlation and regression analysis analyzes the relation between the soil erodibility values and soil properties through using a set of soil parameters (Khairi, 2011).The measure of a rainfall stimulator is to create a rainfall event as same as the natural rainfall event in spite of its complexity to stimulate the same interaction between the natural rainfall properties such as drop velocity, drop size, and large topographical variation.In conclusion, different types of soils have different intensity of soil erodibility. This is affected rainfall intensities and rainfall durations. The different soil associations in UK, prove this. Appendix1. Does the report identify (a) the problem and (b) a clear outcome? YES.2. Does the report have a clear structure that enables the reader to readily understand what has been done, how and why? YES, because the report is precise to the topic3. Is there a clear and concise summary? YES4. Are data gathered as part of the project reported in a form that would allow others to use them with confidence? YESPart 2: How can the report be improved? Yes, through reference to other sources.5. Do you understand every sentence that has been written? YES6. Are the spelling and grammar correct? YES 7. Are the methods employed for the study clearly explained? YES8. Are the original data reported correctly? YES9. Are errors in analytical work assessed? YES 10. Are statistics used appropriately? YES11. Are the figures clear in what they claim to show? YES 12. If software is used, is it clearly identified and explained? NO softwares are used.13. Do all maps and graphs have correct scales? YES14. Are there any other editorial matters that need to be addressed? NO. ReferencesKhairi, N. M., 2011. Measuring Soil Erodibility to four of British Soil and the effect of Rainfall Characteristics, Duration, and Soil Properties on the Erodibility factor.

Benchmarking Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Benchmarking - Assignment Example kinds of statistical data such as sales records and stock inventory management data in order to reflect what is really happening within a certain business, and, consequently, to assist those who have invested in the business or run the business to make important decisions regarding the business. The measure of central tendency chosen for this work is the statistical or sample mean. The sample mean is very useful in determining the likelihood of an outcome such as predicting sales patterns, this is very important in guiding the management at Books R Us in decision making. Some of the decisions to be made may pertain to investing in new technologies, reducing or increasing the resources allocated to the sales team at Books R Us Considering the data set provided pertaining to Books R Us and the need to know if the sales performance at Books R Us is good or not, the average sales made by the business in every schools in district, the average number of students per district, the average family incomes in every district, the average amount spent per pupil and the average percentage of families receiving welfare are some of the highly significant variables that ought to be brought into perspective. The measure of central tendency chosen (the sample mean) will be calculated for each of the variables identified above as critical in assessing the sales performance at Books R Us. The total values for each variable will be added first, and then divided with the total number of items recorded for each variable. The resulting means (for each variable) will then be used in sales assessment in at Books R Us through constant comparison in the following ways: Can help determine the purchasing power families have .Compared with the first two variables, this can be used to assess sales performance with regard to pricing of books and can be used to guide decisions on how books are priced in particular districts Can help determine the purchasing power families have .Compared with

Personnel Hazards of Dry Chemical Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Personnel Hazards of Dry Chemical Systems - Essay Example Dry chemical systems that include mica, clay and amorphous silica can contain small quantities of quartz or crystalline silica. Inhalation above the exposure limits (about 3 mg/m3) and prolonged respiratory exposure can increase the possibility of developing a disabling disease called as silicosis. The condition induces inflammation and scarring of nodular lobes in the lungs. It can induce chronic coughing and fever. Deposits of crystalline silica were also identified as carcinogenic to the human body though this is yet subject to further verification. Decompositions of compounds also include hazardous products such as ammonia, carbon oxides and phosphorous oxides. These can induce negative health effects such as fever and respiratory problems. Dry chemical compounds are also extremely corrosive and abrasive to metals indicating that it can also cause skin diseases like dermatitis and other complications to eyes and other parts of the body. However, many dry chemicals in the market do not require extensive protective equipment especially in local applications. There is also the possibility of explosion of pressurized containers though this is quite unusual but possible. (Acme Fire, 2007)

Edgar Allen Poes Essay Example for Free

Edgar Allen Poes Essay From the very first line written in the Cask Of Amontillado; The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge. We are thrust into a ride, much like one you might find at the amusement park or the carnival, with the distinct difference that although this ride is in fact on rails, how it will affect us and how we will interpret the events during is completely up to us. Edgar Allan Poe does a remarkable job of employing several psychological techniques in his short story The cask of Amontillado , but I will only focus on one, which even by todays standards is flawless. The technique is the mystery. Who is Fortunato? What has he done to Montresor that has caused so much emotional and psychological damage? Obviously the answers to these questions will elude and intrigue the audience. So we are instantly on the hook. To find the answers to these questions we must avert more of our attention and interest to the piece at hand. Poe, now with our utmost and full attention, begins to plunge us into the mind of his protagonist. Not so by simply introducing us to Montresor but instead by showing us his actions, his thoughts, his mannerisms. He accomplishes this by exposing us to Fortunato and the conversations between them that will ensue. On the surface Montresor seems like a normal man with no ill will. Although quickly we begin to learn otherwise. My dear Fortunato, you are luckily met. How remarkably well you are looking today. So begins the series of dialogues Song 2 and conversations that would appear to be like any other had by two good friends. At first Montresor is nothing but amicable, he compliments his good friends on his looks, dress and even praises his good taste and reputation. And yet some fools will have it that his taste is a match for your own. The audience now fully engaged in the story though the methods of mystery, curiosity and perhaps even endearment or empathy for Fortunato continue to delve deeper into the event unfolding before our very eyes. Just as the protagonist and the antagonist begin to descend upon the catacombs and the halls of the Montresors manor, so does the conversation and the dialogue taking place between them. We will go back; your health is precious. you are rich, respected, admired , beloved; you are happy, as once I was. You are a man to be missed. For me it is no matter. We are now beginning to be exposed more openly to the sociopathic ways of our protagonist; Montresor. Willingly and cheerfully guiding our poor and still at the moment helpless, Fortunato , as he is still under the spell of Montresor. When we finally arrive to the depths of the catacombs the reader is now aware that some horrible event is bound to ensure, but the conversation and the presentation made by the writer has now fully invaded the reader. Little by little inch by inch as we descended down through the catacombs, we have been made more anxious, more uncomfortable. Now all the built up tension that has been gathering is ripe for the telling. Pass your hand Is the cue that signals the reader. We are here, this is where our journey has been leading you, here is the end. Over the wall; you cannot help feeling the nitre. It is then that Poe unleashes his Single effect all done with a fine attention to detail. The message is clear. you are now here, you will go nowhere, this is where you will rest. Presumably after achieving his single effect the reader will sense a series of emotional responses; ranging from fear to terror to relief. Relief that the built up tension and anxiety has now been released. The rid e has finally come to an end and it is now time to go home and think upon the emotions you have felt here today.

Islam Essay -- Religion Religious Islam Essays

Islam   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Islam is comprised of three essential beliefs: The belief in God, obeying his moral laws, and believing in the after-life. Submission to God is directly followed by obeying the moral standards of everyday life. The Qur'an makes morality reign supreme and ensures that the affairs of life, instead of dominated by selfish desires, be regulated by norms of morality. These laws are the standard by which God determines the life of the believers, and the disbelievers on the Day of Judgement.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The belief in life after death not only guarantees success in the Hereafter but also makes this world full of peace and happiness by making individuals responsible and dutiful in their activities. The Qur'an lays down a moral system which is the standard by which conduct a particular mode of conduct is judged and classified as good or bad. "It is not righteous that you turn your faces East or West; but it is righteous to believe in God and the Last Day and the Angels, and the Book, and the messengers; to spend the rest of your substance, out of love for Him, for you kin, for orphans for the needy, for the steadfast in prayers, and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which you made; to be firm and patient in pain or suffering and adversity and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-conscious." (2:177) To elaborate further, our faith should be true and sincere, we must be prepared to show it in deeds of charity to our fellow-men, we must be good citizens, supporting social organizations, and our own individual soul must be firm and unshaken in al circumstances. Along with these standards, there is also the five pillars of Islam that is essential to ensure a rewarding after life. These pillars include: The belief that Allah is the one and only God, and Mohammad is his prophet; Salat five times a day; Zakat; Pilgrimage to Meccah; Observe fasting ritual during the month of Ramadan. These standards provides a sanction to morality in the love and fear of God, which will impel man to obey the moral law even without external pressures. Through belief in God and the Day of Judgement it furnishes a force which enables a person to adapt the moral conduct with sincerity and devotion straight form the heart and the soul.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Qur'an explains the Day of Judgement as the day when the whole universe will be destr... ... glum therein." (23:99-104) The scales that this passage refers to is the scales of moral conduct on earth. If one does good deeds on earth, the weight of those deeds are heavier on the Day of Judgement. Evil deeds constitutes less wieght on the scale of judgement. In essence, life on earth is a test for all humans. The more good deeds one accumulates, the better the chances are of eternal bliss in the afterlife.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The explanation that the Qur'an gives about the necessity of life after death is what the moral consciousness of man demands. If there is no life after death, the very belief in God becomes irrelevant, or even if one believes in God, that would be an unjust and indifferent God: having once created man and not concerned with his fate. This is not so in Islam. We know through the Qur'an that God is Just and Merciful. The day of resurrection will be the day when God's attributes of Justice and Mercy will be in full manifestation. God will show his Mercy on those who suffered for his sake, and punish those who cared nothing about God and the after-life. Believing in God, obeying His laws, and believing in the after-life is what determines ones fate in the Hereafter.

The teens old enough to drink had some beers

To the Editor, When I read the letter about increasing the age at which people can buy alcohol, I felt I had to write.   I definitely disagree with this idea! Just because someone cannot buy alcohol doesn’t mean that person can’t get drunk.  Many people between 18 and 30 are responsible enough to buy alcohol.   Even if you argue otherwise, teenagers and young adults can still get alcohol–and one way is the very â€Å"responsible adults† argued in favor of.If teenagers are not equipped to handle the effects of alcohol, then neither are those adults.   When I was eleven, I went camping with my parents and some family friends.   The teens old enough to drink had some beers, but stopped when they had a buzz on.   One adult drank so much she made herself sick.   We heard her throwing up in the bushes!   How much more proof do you need that adults are more childish than teenagers?If this law were put to a vote, many people would oppose it.   No t only is it stupid, it is unenforceable– there aren’t enough police officers to monitor all places that sell alcohol, let alone teens and young adults who might buy alcohol!   Current laws prohibiting teens from buying alcohol are fine.   Merchants check identification and refuse service to anyone under 18.Obviously they do a good job, considering how few teens die in accidents every year in comparison with adults.   Looking at the numbers alone, the adults obviously need babysitting, not the kids.It’s not fair to restrict teenagers’ and young adults’ access to alcohol.   It won’t work, anyway, since there are always enough adults who are gullible enough to buy alcohol for kids who ask them or bribe them enough.   Let’s face it: Anne Helmer’s idea is just plain stupid.