Monday, September 30, 2019

Chapter 36 The Parting of the Ways

Dumbledore stood up. He stared down at Barty Crouch for a moment with disgust on his face. Then he raised his wand once more and ropes flew out of it, ropes that twisted themselves around Barty Crouch, binding him tightly. He turned to Professor McGonagall. â€Å"Minerva, could I ask you to stand guard here while I take Harry upstairs?† â€Å"Of course,† said Professor McGonagall. She looked slightly nauseous, as though she had just watched someone being sick. However, when she drew out her wand and pointed it at Barty Crouch, her hand was quite steady. â€Å"Severus† – Dumbledore turned to Snape – â€Å"please tell Madam Pomfrey to come down here; we need to get Alastor Moody into the hospital wing. Then go down into the grounds, find Cornelius Fudge, and bring him up to this office. He will undoubtedly want to question Crouch himself. Tell him I will be in the hospital wing in half an hour's time if he needs me.† Snape nodded silently and swept out of the room. â€Å"Harry?† Dumbledore said gently. Harry got up and swayed again; the pain in his leg, which he had not noticed all the time he had been listening to Crouch, now returned in full measure. He also realized that he was shaking. Dumbledore gripped his arm and helped him out into the dark corridor. â€Å"I want you to come up to my office first. Harry,† he said quiedy as they headed up the passageway. â€Å"Sirius is waiting for us there.† Harry nodded. A kind of numbness and a sense of complete unreality were upon him, but he did not care; he was even glad of it. He didn't want to have to think about anything that had happened since he had first touched the Triwizard Cup. He didn't want to have to examine the memories, fresh and sharp as photographs, which kept flashing across his mind. Mad-Eye Moody, inside the trunk. Wormtail, slumped on the ground, cradling his stump of an arm. Voldemort, rising from the steaming cauldron. Cedric†¦dead†¦Cedric, asking to be returned to his parents†¦. â€Å"Professor,† Harry mumbled, â€Å"where are Mr. and Mrs. Diggory?† â€Å"They are with Professor Sprout,† said Dumbledore. His voice, which had been so calm throughout the interrogation of Barty Crouch, shook very slightly for the first time. â€Å"She was Head of Cedric's house, and knew him best.† They had reached the stone gargoyle. Dumbledore gave the password, it sprang aside, and he and Harry went up the moving spiral staircase to the oak door. Dumbledore pushed it open. Sirius was standing there. His face was white and gaunt as it had been when he had escaped Azkaban. In one swift moment, he had crossed the room. â€Å"Harry, are you all right? I knew it – I knew something like this – what happened?† His hands shook as he helped Harry into a chair in front of the desk. â€Å"What happened?† he asked more urgently. Dumbledore began to tell Sirius everything Barty Crouch had said. Harry was only half listening. So tired every bone in his body was aching, he wanted nothing more than to sit here, undisturbed, for hours and hours, until he fell asleep and didn't have to think or feel anymore. There was a soft rush of wings. Fawkes the phoenix had left his perch, flown across the office, and landed on Harry's knee. â€Å"‘Lo, Fawkes,† said Harry quietly. He stroked the phoenix's beautiful scarlet-and-gold plumage. Fawkes blinked peacefully up at him. There was something comforting about his warm weight. Dumbledore stopped talking. He sat down opposite Harry, behind his desk. He was looking at Harry, who avoided his eyes. Dumbledore was going to question him. He was going to make Harry relive everything. â€Å"I need to know what happened after you touched the Portkey in the maze. Harry,† said Dumbledore. â€Å"We can leave that till morning, can't we, Dumbledore?† said Sirius harshly. He had put a hand on Harry's shoulder. â€Å"Let him have a sleep. Let him rest.† Harry felt a rush of gratitude toward Sirius, but Dumbledore took no notice of Sirius's words. He leaned forward toward Harry. Very unwillingly, Harry raised his head and looked into those blue eyes. â€Å"If I thought I could help you,† Dumbledore said gently, â€Å"by putting you into an enchanted sleep and allowing you to postpone the moment when you would have to think about what has happened tonight, I would do it. But I know better. Numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it. You have shown bravery beyond anything I could have expected of you. I ask you to demonstrate your courage one more time. I ask you to tell us what happened.† The phoenix let out one soft, quavering note. It shivered in the air, and Harry felt as though a drop of hot liquid had slipped down his throat into his stomach, warming him, and strengthening him. He took a deep breath and began to tell them. As he spoke, visions of everything that had passed that night seemed to rise before his eyes; he saw the sparkling surface of the potion that had revived Voldemort; he saw the Death Eaters Apparating between the graves around them; he saw Cedric's body, lying on the ground beside the cup. Once or twice, Sirius made a noise as though about to say something, his hand still tight on Harry's shoulder, but Dumbledore raised his hand to stop him, and Harry was glad of this, because it was easier to keep going now he had started. It was even a relief; he felt almost as though something poisonous were being extracted from him. It was costing him every bit of determination he had to keep talking, yet he sensed that once he had finished, he would feel better. When Harry told of Wormtail piercing his arm with the dagger, however, Sirius let out a vehement exclamation and Dumbledore stood up so quickly that Harry started. Dumbledore walked around the desk and told Harry to stretch out his arm. Harry showed them both the place where his robes were torn and the cut beneath them. â€Å"He said my blood would make him stronger than if he'd used someone else's,† Harry told Dumbledore. â€Å"He said the protection my – my mother left in me – he'd have it too. And he was right – he could touch me without hurting himself, he touched my face.† For a fleeting instant, Harry thought he saw a gleam of something like triumph in Dumbledore's eyes. But next second. Harry was sure he had imagined it, for when Dumbledore had returned to his seat behind the desk, he looked as old and weary as Harry had ever seen him. â€Å"Very well,† he said, sitting down again. â€Å"Voldemort has overcome that particular barrier. Harry, continue, please.† Harry went on; he explained how Voldemort had emerged from the cauldron, and told them all he could remember of Voldemort's speech to the Death Eaters. Then he told how Voldemort had untied him, returned his wand to him, and prepared to duel. But when he reached the part where the golden beam of light had connected his and Voldemort's wands, he found his throat obstructed. He tried to keep talking, but the memories of what had come out of Voldemort's wand were flooding into his mind. He could see Cedric emerging, see the old man, Bertha Jorkins†¦his father†¦his mother†¦ He was glad when Sirius broke the silence. â€Å"The wands connected?† he said, looking from Harry to Dumbledore. â€Å"Why?† Harry looked up at Dumbledore again, on whose face there was an arrested look. â€Å"Priori Incantatem,† he muttered. His eyes gazed into Harry's and it was almost as though an invisible beam of understanding shot between them. â€Å"The Reverse Spell effect?† said Sirius sharply. â€Å"Exactly,† said Dumbledore. â€Å"Harry's wand and Voldemort's wand share cores. Each of them contains a feather from the tail of the same phoenix. This phoenix, in fact,† he added, and he pointed at the scarlet-and-gold bird, perching peacefully on Harry's knee. â€Å"My wand's feather came from Fawkes?† Harry said, amazed. â€Å"Yes,† said Dumbledore. â€Å"Mr. Ollivander wrote to tell me you had bought the second wand, the moment you left his shop four years ago.† â€Å"So what happens when a wand meets its brother?† said Sirius. â€Å"They will not work properly against each other,† said Dumbledore. â€Å"If, however, the owners of the wands force the wands to do battle†¦a very rare effect will take place. One of the wands will force the other to regurgitate spells it has performed – in reverse. The most recent first†¦and then those which preceded it†¦.† He looked interrogatively at Harry, and Harry nodded. â€Å"Which means,† said Dumbledore slowly, his eyes upon Harry's face, â€Å"that some form of Cedric must have reappeared.† Harry nodded again. â€Å"Diggory came back to life?† said Sirius sharply. â€Å"No spell can reawaken the dead,† said Dumbledore heavily. â€Å"All that would have happened is a kind of reverse echo. A shadow of the living Cedric would have emerged from the wand†¦am I correct, Harry?† â€Å"He spoke to me,† Harry said. He was suddenly shaking again. â€Å"The†¦the ghost Cedric, or whatever he was, spoke.† â€Å"An echo,† said Dumbledore, â€Å"which retained Cedric's appearance and character. I am guessing other such forms appeared†¦less recent victims of Voldemort's wand†¦.† â€Å"An old man,† Harry said, his throat still constricted. â€Å"Bertha Jorkins. And†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Your parents?† said Dumbledore quietly. â€Å"Yes,† said Harry. Sirius's grip on Harry's shoulder was now so tight it was painful. â€Å"The last murders the wand performed,† said Dumbledore, nodding. â€Å"In reverse order. More would have appeared, of course, had you maintained the connection. Very well, Harry, these echoes, these shadows†¦what did they do?† Harry described how the figures that had emerged from the wand had prowled the edges of the golden web, how Voldemort had seemed to fear them, how the shadow of Harry's mother had told him what to do, how Cedric's had made its final request. At this point. Harry found he could not continue. He looked around at Sirius and saw that he had his face in his hands. Harry suddenly became aware that Fawkes had left his knee. The phoenix had fluttered to the floor. It was resting its beautiful head against Harry's injured leg, and thick, pearly tears were falling from its eyes onto the wound left by the spider. The pain vanished. The skin mended. His leg was repaired. â€Å"I will say it again,† said Dumbledore as the phoenix rose into the air and resettled itself upon the perch beside the door. â€Å"You have shown bravery beyond anything I could have expected of you tonight. Harry. You have shown bravery equal to those who died fighting Voldemort at the height of his powers. You have shouldered a grown wizard's burden and found yourself equal to it – and you have now given us all we have a right to expect. You will come with me to the hospital wing. I do not want you returning to the dormitory tonight. A Sleeping Potion, and some peace†¦Sirius, would you like to stay with him?† Sirius nodded and stood up. He transformed back into the great black dog and walked with Harry and Dumbledore out of the office, accompanying them down a flight of stairs to the hospital wing. When Dumbledore pushed open the door. Harry saw Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Ron, and Hermione grouped around a harassed-looking Madam Pomfrey. They appeared to be demanding to know where Harry was and what had happened to him. All of them whipped around as Harry, Dumbledore, and the black dog entered, and Mrs. Weasley let out a kind of muffled scream. â€Å"Harry! Oh Harry!† She started to hurry toward him, but Dumbledore moved between them. â€Å"Molly,† he said, holding up a hand, â€Å"please listen to me for a moment. Harry has been through a terrible ordeal tonight. He has just had to relive it for me. What he needs now is sleep, and peace, and quiet. If he would like you all to stay with him,† he added, looking around at Ron, Hermione, and Bill too, â€Å"you may do so. But I do not want you questioning him until he is ready to answer, and certainly not this evening.† Mrs. Weasley nodded. She was very white. She rounded on Ron, Hermione, and Bill as though they were being noisy, and hissed, â€Å"Did you hear? He needs quiet!† â€Å"Headmaster,† said Madam Pomfrey, staring at the great black dog that was Sirius, â€Å"may I ask what – ?† â€Å"This dog will be remaining with Harry for a while,† said Dumbledore simply. â€Å"I assure you, he is extremely well trained. Harry – I will wait while you get into bed.† Harry felt an inexpressible sense of gratitude to Dumbledore for asking the others not to question him. It wasn't as though he didn't want them there; but the thought of explaining it all over again, the idea of reliving it one more time, was more than he could stand. â€Å"I will be back to see you as soon as I have met with Fudge, Harry,† said Dumbledore. â€Å"I would like you to remain here tomorrow until I have spoken to the school.† He left. As Madam Pomfrey led Harry to a nearby bed, he caught sight of the real Moody lying motionless in a bed at the far end of the room. His wooden leg and magical eye were lying on the bedside table. â€Å"Is he okay?† Harry asked. â€Å"He'll be fine,† said Madam Pomfrey, giving Harry some pajamas and pulling screens around him. He took off his robes, pulled on the pajamas, and got into bed. Ron, Hermione, Bill, Mrs. Weasley, and the black dog came around the screen and settled themselves in chairs on either side of him. Ron and Hermione were looking at him almost cautiously, as though scared of him. â€Å"I'm all right,† he told them. â€Å"Just tired.† Mrs. Weasley's eyes filled with tears as she smoothed his bed-covers unnecessarily. Madam Pomfrey, who had bustled off to her office, returned holding a small bottle of some purple potion and a goblet. â€Å"You'll need to drink all of this. Harry,† she said. â€Å"It's a potion for dreamless sleep.† Harry took the goblet and drank a few mouthfuls. He felt himself becoming drowsy at once. Everything around him became hazy; the lamps around the hospital wing seemed to be winking at him in a friendly way through the screen around his bed; his body felt as though it was sinking deeper into the warmth of the feather matress. Before he could finish the potion, before he could say another word, his exhaustion had carried him off to sleep. Harry woke up, so warm, so very sleepy, that he didn't open his eyes, wanting to drop off again. The room was still dimly lit; he was sure it was still nighttime and had a feeling that he couldn't have been asleep very long. Then he heard whispering around him. â€Å"They'll wake him if they don't shut up!† â€Å"What are they shouting about? Nothing else can have happened, can it?† Harry opened his eyes blearily. Someone had removed his glasses. He could see the fuzzy outlines of Mrs. Weasley and Bill close by. Mrs. Weasley was on her feet. â€Å"That's Fudge's voice,† she whispered. â€Å"And that's Minerva McGonagall's, isn't it? But what are they arguing about?† Now Harry could hear them too: people shouting and running toward the hospital wing. â€Å"Regrettable, but all the same, Minerva -† Cornelius Fudge was saying loudly. â€Å"You should never have brought it inside the castle!† yelled Professor McGonagall. â€Å"When Dumbledore finds out -â€Å" Harry heard the hospital doors burst open. Unnoticed by any of the people around his bed, all of whom were staring at the door as Bill pulled back the screens, Harry sat up and put his glasses back on. Fudge came striding up the ward. Professors McGonagall and Snape were at his heels. â€Å"Where's Dumbledore?† Fudge demanded of Mrs. Weasley. â€Å"He's not here,† said Mrs. Weasley angrily. â€Å"This is a hospital wing. Minister, don't you think you'd do better to -â€Å" But the door opened, and Dumbledore came sweeping up the ward. â€Å"What has happened?† said Dumbledore sharply, looking from Fudge to Professor McGonagall. â€Å"Why are you disturbing these people? Minerva, I'm surprised at you – I asked you to stand guard over Barty Crouch -â€Å" â€Å"There is no need to stand guard over him anymore, Dumbledore!† she shrieked. â€Å"The Minister has seen to that!† Harry had never seen Professor McGonagall lose control like this. There were angry blotches of color in her cheeks, and a hands were balled into fists; she was trembling with fury.- â€Å"When we told Mr. Fudge that we had caught the Death Eater responsible for tonight's events,† said Snape, in a low voice; he seemed to feel his personal safety was in question. He insisted on summoning a dementor to accompany him into the castle. He brought it up to the office where Barty Crouch -â€Å" â€Å"I told him you would not agree, Dumbledore!† McGonagall fumed. â€Å"I told him you would never allow dementors to set foot inside the castle, but -â€Å" â€Å"My dear woman!† roared Fudge, who likewise looked angrier than Harry had ever seen him, â€Å"as Minister of Magic, it is my decision whether I wish to bring protection with me when interviewing a possibly dangerous -â€Å" But Professor McGonagall's voice drowned Fudge's. â€Å"The moment that – that thing entered the room,† she screamed, pointing at Fudge, trembling all over, â€Å"it swooped down on Crouch and – and -â€Å" Harry felt a chill in his stomach as Professor McGonagall struggled to find words to describe what had happened. He did not need her to finish her sentence. He knew what the dementor must have done. It had administered its fatal kiss to Barty Crouch. It had sucked his soul out through his mouth. He was worse than dead. â€Å"By all accounts, he is no loss!† blustered Fudge. â€Å"It seems he has been responsible for several deaths'.† â€Å"But he cannot now give testimony, Cornelius,† said Dumbledore. He was staring hard at Fudge, as though seeing him plainly for the first time. â€Å"He cannot give evidence about why he killed those people.† â€Å"Why he killed them? Well, that's no mystery, is it?† blustered Fudge. â€Å"He was a raving lunatic! From what Minerva and Severus have told me, he seems to have thought he was doing it all on You-Know-Who's instructions!† â€Å"Lord Voldemort was giving him instructions, Cornelius,† Dumbledore said. â€Å"Those peoples deaths were mere by-products of a plan to restore Voldemort to full strength again. The plan succeeded. Voldemort has been restored to his body.† Fudge looked as though someone had just swung a heavy weight into his face. Dazed and blinking, he stared back at Dumbledore as if he couldn't quite believe what he had just heard. He began to sputter, still goggling at Dumbledore. â€Å"You-Know-Who†¦returned? Preposterous. Come now, Dumbledore†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"As Minerva and Severus have doubtless told you,† said Dumbledore, â€Å"we heard Barty Crouch confess. Under the influence of Veritaserum, he told us how he was smuggled out of Azkaban, and how Voldemort – learning of his continued existence from Bertha Jorkins – went to free him from his father and used him to capture Harry. The plan worked, I tell you. Crouch has helped Voldemort to return.† â€Å"See here, Dumbledore,† said Fudge, and Harry was astonished to see a slight smile dawning on his face, â€Å"you – you can't seriously believe that You-Know-Who – back? Come now, come now†¦certainly, Crouch may have believed himself to be acting upon You-Know-Who's orders – but to take the word of a lunatic like that, Dumbledore†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"When Harry touched the Triwizard Cup tonight, he was transported straight to Voldemort,† said Dumbledore steadily. â€Å"He witnessed Lord Voldemort's rebirth. I will explain it all to you if you will step up to my office.† Dumbledore glanced around at Harry and saw that he was awake, but shook his head and said, â€Å"I am afraid I cannot permit you to question Harry tonight.† Fudge's curious smile lingered. He too glanced at Harry, then looked back at Dumbledore, and said, â€Å"You are – er – prepared to take Harry's word on this, are you, Dumbledore?† There was a moment's silence, which was broken by Sirius growling. His hackles were raised, and he was baring his teeth at Fudge. â€Å"Certainly, I believe Harry,† said Dumbledore. His eyes were blazing now. â€Å"I heard Crouch's confession, and I heard Harry's account of what happened after he touched the Triwizard Cup; the two stories make sense, they explain everything that has happened since Bertha Jorkins disappeared last summer.† Fudge still had that strange smile on his face. Once again, he glanced at Harry before answering. â€Å"You are prepared to believe that Lord Voldemort has returned, on the word of a lunatic murderer, and a boy who†¦well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Fudge shot Harry another look, and Harry suddenly understood. â€Å"You've been reading Rita Skeeter, Mr. Fudge,† he said quietly. Ron, Hermione, Mrs. Weasley, and Bill all jumped. None of them had realized that Harry was awake. Fudge reddened slightly, but a defiant and obstinate look came over his face. â€Å"And if I have?† he said, looking at Dumbledore. â€Å"If I have discovered that you've been keeping certain facts about the boy very quiet? A Parselmouth, eh? And having funny turns all over the place -â€Å" â€Å"I assume that you are referring to the pains Harry has been experiencing in his scar?† said Dumbledore coolly. â€Å"You admit that he has been having these pains, then?† said Fudge quickly. â€Å"Headaches? Nightmares? Possibly – hallucinations?† â€Å"Listen to me, Cornelius,† said Dumbledore, taking a step toward Fudge, and once again, he seemed to radiate that indefinable sense of power that Harry had felt after Dumbledore had Stunned young Crouch. â€Å"Harry is as sane as you or I. That scar upon his forehead has not addled his brains. I believe it hurts him when Lord Voldemort is close by, or feeling particularly murderous.† Fudge had taken half a step back from Dumbledore, but he looked no less stubborn. â€Å"You'll forgive me, Dumbledore, but I've never heard of a curse scar acting as an alarm bell before†¦.† â€Å"Look, I saw Voldemort come back!† Harry shouted. He tried to get out of bed again, but Mrs. Weasley forced him back. â€Å"I saw the Death Eaters! I can give you their names! Lucius Malfoy -â€Å" Snape made a sudden movement, but as Harry looked at him, Snape's eyes flew back to Fudge. â€Å"Malfoy was cleared!† said Fudge, visibly affronted. â€Å"A very old family – donations to excellent causes -â€Å" â€Å"Macnair!† Harry continued. â€Å"Also cleared! Now working for the Ministry!† â€Å"Avery – Nott – Crabbe – Goyle -â€Å" â€Å"You are merely repeating the names of those who were acquitted of being Death Eaters thirteen years ago!† said Fudge angrily. â€Å"You could have found those names in old reports of the trials! For heavens sake, Dumbledore – the boy was full of some crackpot story at the end of last year too – his tales are getting taller, and you're still swallowing them – the boy can talk to snakes. Dumbledore, and you still think he's trustworthy?† â€Å"You fool!† Professor McGonagall cried. â€Å"Cedric Diggory! Mr. Crouch! These deaths were not the random work of a lunatic!† â€Å"I see no evidence to the contrary!† shouted Fudge, now matching her anger, his face purpling. â€Å"It seems to me that you are all determined to start a panic that will destabilize everything we have worked for these last thirteen years!† Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had always thought of Fudge as a kindly figure, a little blustering, a little pompous, but essentially good-natured. But now a short, angry wizard stood before him, refusing, point-blank, to accept the prospect of disruption in his comfortable and ordered world – to believe that Voldemort could have risen. â€Å"Voldemort has returned,† Dumbledore repeated. â€Å"If you accept that fact straightaway. Fudge, and take the necessary measures, we may still be able to save the situation. The first and most essential step is to remove Azkaban from the control of the dementors -â€Å" â€Å"Preposterous!† shouted Fudge again. â€Å"Remove the dementors? I'd be kicked out of office for suggesting it! Half of us only feel safe in our beds at night because we know the dementors are standing guard at Azkaban!† â€Å"The rest of us sleep less soundly in our beds, Cornelius, knowing that you have put Lord Voldemort's most dangerous supporters in the care of creatures who will join him the instant he asks them!† said Dumbledore. â€Å"They will not remain loyal to you, Fudge! Voldemort can offer them much more scope for their powers and their pleasures than you can! With the dementors behind him, and his old supporters returned to him, you will be hard-pressed to stop him regaining the sort of power he had thirteen years ago!† Fudge was opening and closing his mouth as though no words could express his outrage. â€Å"The second step you must take – and at once,† Dumbledore pressed on, â€Å"is to send envoys to the giants.† â€Å"Envoys to the giants?† Fudge shrieked, finding his tongue again. â€Å"What madness is this?† â€Å"Extend them the hand of friendship, now, before it is too late,† said Dumbledore, â€Å"or Voldemort will persuade them, as he did before, that he alone among wizards will give them their rights and their freedom!† â€Å"You – you cannot be serious!† Fudge gasped, shaking his head and retreating further from Dumbledore. â€Å"If the magical community got wind that I had approached the giants – people hate them, Dumbledore – end of my career -â€Å" â€Å"You are blinded,† said Dumbledore, his voice rising now, the aura of power around him palpable, his eyes blazing once more, â€Å"by the love of the office you hold, Cornelius! You place too much importance, and you always have done, on the so-called purity of blood! You fail to recognize that it matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be! Your dementor has just destroyed the last remaining member of a pure-blood family as old as any – and see what that man chose to make of his life! I tell you now- take the steps I have suggested, and you will be remembered, in office or out, as one of the bravest and greatest Ministers of Magic we have ever known. Fail to act – and history will remember you as the man who stepped aside and allowed Voldemort a second chance to destroy the world we have tried to rebuild!† â€Å"Insane,† whispered Fudge, still backing away. â€Å"Mad†¦Ã¢â‚¬  And then there was silence. Madam Pomfrey was standing frozen at the foot of Harry's bed, her hands over her mouth. Mrs.Weasley was still standing over Harry, her hand on his shoulder to prevent him from rising. Bill, Ron, and Hermione were staring at Fudge. â€Å"If your determination to shut your eyes will carry you as far as this, Cornelius,† said Dumbledore, â€Å"we have reached a parting of the ways. You must act as you see fit. And I – I shall act as I see fit.† Dumbledore's voice carried no hint of a threat; it sounded like a mere statement, but Fudge bristled as though Dumbledore were advancing upon him with a wand. â€Å"Now, see here, Dumbledore,† he said, waving a threatening finger. â€Å"I've given you free rein, always. I've had a lot of respect for you. I might not have agreed with some of your decisions, but I've kept quiet. There aren't many who'd have let you hire werewolves, or keep Hagrid, or decide what to teach your students without reference to the Ministry. But if you're going to work against me -â€Å" â€Å"The only one against whom I intend to work,† said Dumbledore, â€Å"is Lord Voldemort. If you are against him, then we remain, Cornelius, on the same side.† It seemed Fudge could think of no answer to this. He rocked backward and forward on his small feet for a moment and spun his bowler hat in his hands. Finally, he said, with a hint of a plea in his voice, â€Å"He can't be back, Dumbledore, he just can't be†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Snape strode forward, past Dumbledore, pulling up the left sleeve of his robes as he went. He stuck out his forearm and showed it to Fudge, who recoiled. â€Å"There,† said Snape harshly. â€Å"There. The Dark Mark. It is not as clear as it was an hour or so ago, when it burned black, but you can still see it. Every Death Eater had the sign burned into him by the Dark Lord. It was a means of distinguishing one another, and his means of summoning us to him. When he touched the Mark of any Death Eater, we were to Disapparate, and Apparate, instantly, at his side. This Mark has been growing clearer all year. Karkaroff's too. Why do you think Karkaroff fled tonight? We both felt the Mark burn. We both knew he had returned. Karkaroff fears the Dark Lord's vengeance. He betrayed too many of his fellow Death Eaters to be sure of a welcome back into the fold.† Fudge stepped back from Snape too. He was shaking his head. He did not seem to have taken in a word Snape had said. He stared, apparently repelled by the ugly mark on Snape's arm, then looked up at Dumbledore and whispered, â€Å"I don't know what you and your staff are playing at, Dumbledore, but I have heard enough. I have no more to add. I will be in touch with you tomorrow, Dumbledore, to discuss the running of this school. I must return to the Ministry.† He had almost reached the door when he paused. He turned around, strode back down the dormitory, and stopped at Harry's bed. â€Å"Your winnings,† he said shortly, taking a large bag of gold out of his pocket and dropping it onto Harry's bedside table. â€Å"One thousand Galleons. There should have been a presentation ceremony, but under the circumstances†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He crammed his bowler hat onto his head and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him. The moment he had disappeared, Dumbledore turned to look at the group around Harry's bed. â€Å"There is work to be done,† he said. â€Å"Molly†¦am I right in thinking that I can count on you and Arthur?† â€Å"Of course you can,† said Mrs. Weasley. She was white to the lips, but she looked resolute. â€Å"We know what Fudge is. It's Arthur's fondness for Muggles that has held him back at the Ministry all these years. Fudge thinks he lacks proper wizarding pride.† â€Å"Then I need to send a message to Arthur,† said Dumbledore. â€Å"All those that we can persuade of the truth must be notified immediately, and he is well placed to contact those at the Ministry who are not as shortsighted as Cornelius.† â€Å"I'll go to Dad,† said Bill, standing up. â€Å"I'll go now.† â€Å"Excellent,† said Dumbledore. â€Å"Tell him what has happened. Tell him I will be in direct contact with him shortly. He will need to be discreet, however. If Fudge thinks I am interfering at the Ministry -â€Å" â€Å"Leave it to me,† said Bill. He clapped a hand on Harry's shoulder, kissed his mother on the cheek, pulled on his cloak, and strode quickly from the room. â€Å"Minerva,† said Dumbledore, turning to Professor McGonagall, â€Å"I want to see Hagrid in my office as soon as possible. Also – if she will consent to come – Madame Maxime.† Professor McGonagall nodded and left without a word. â€Å"Poppy,† Dumbledore said to Madam Pomfrey, â€Å"would you be very kind and go down to Professor Moody's office, where I think you will find a house-elf called Winky in considerable distress? Do what you can for her, and take her back to the kitchens. I think Dobby will look after her for us.† â€Å"Very – very well,† said Madam Pomfrey, looking startled, and she too left. Dumbledore made sure that the door was closed, and that Madam Pomfrey's footsteps had died away, before he spoke again. â€Å"And now,† he said, â€Å"it is time for two of our number to recognize each other for what they are. Sirius†¦if you could resume your usual form.† The great black dog looked up at Dumbledore, then, in an instant, turned back into a man. Mrs. Weasley screamed and leapt back from the bed. â€Å"Sirius Black!† she shrieked, pointing at him. â€Å"Mum, shut up!† Ron yelled. â€Å"It's okay!† Snape had not yelled or jumped backward, but the look on his face was one of mingled fury and horror. â€Å"Him!† he snarled, staring at Sirius, whose face showed equal dislike. â€Å"What is he doing here?† â€Å"He is here at my invitation,† said Dumbledore, looking between them, â€Å"as are you, Severus. I trust you both. It is time for you to lay aside your old differences and trust each other.† Harry thought Dumbledore was asking for a near miracle. Sirius and Snape were eyeing each other with the utmost loathing. â€Å"I will settle, in the short term,† said Dumbledore, with a bite of impatience in his voice, â€Å"for a lack of open hostility. You will shake hands. You are on the same side now. Time is short, and unless the few of us who know the truth do not stand united, there is no hope for any us. Very slowly – but still glaring at each other as though each wished the other nothing but ill – Sirius and Snape moved toward each other and shook hands. They let go extremely quickly. â€Å"That will do to be going on with,† said Dumbledore, stepping between them once more. â€Å"Now I have work for each of you. Fudge's attitude, though not unexpected, changes everything. Sirius, I need you to set off at once. You are to alert Remus Lupin, Arabella Figg, Mundungus Fletcher – the old crowd. Lie low at Lupin's for a while; I will contact you there.† â€Å"But -† said Harry. He wanted Sirius to stay. He did not want to have to say goodbye again so quickly. â€Å"You'll see me very soon. Harry,† said Sirius, turning to him. â€Å"I promise you. But I must do what I can, you understand, don't you?† â€Å"Yeah,† said Harry. â€Å"Yeah†¦of course I do.† Sirius grasped his hand briefly, nodded to Dumbledore, transformed again into the black dog, and ran the length of the room to the door, whose handle he turned with a paw. Then he was gone. â€Å"Severus,† said Dumbledore, turning to Snape, â€Å"you know what I must ask you to do. If you are ready†¦if you are prepared†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I am,† said Snape. He looked slightly paler than usual, and his cold, black eyes glittered strangely. â€Å"Then good luck,† said Dumbledore, and he watched, with a trace of apprehension on his face, as Snape swept wordlessly after Sirius. It was several minutes before Dumbledore spoke again. â€Å"I must go downstairs,† he said finally. â€Å"I must see the Diggory's. Harry – take the rest of your potion. I will see all of you later.† Harry slumped back against his pillows as Dumbledore disappeared. Hermione, Ron, and Mrs. Weasley were all looking at him. None of them spoke for a very long time. â€Å"You've got to take the rest of your potion. Harry,† Mrs. Weasley said at last. Her hand nudged the sack of gold on his bedside cabinet as she reached for the bottle and the goblet. â€Å"You have a good long sleep. Try and think about something else for a while†¦think about what you're going to buy with your winnings!† â€Å"I don't want that gold,† said Harry in an expressionless voice. â€Å"You have it. Anyone can have it. I shouldn't have won it. It should've been Cedric's.† The thing against which he had been fighting on and off ever since he had come out of the maze was threatening to overpower him. He could feel a burning, prickling feeling in the inner corners of his eyes. He blinked and stared up at the ceiling. â€Å"It wasn't your fault. Harry,† Mrs. Weasley whispered. â€Å"I told him to take the cup with me,† said Harry. Now the burning feeling was in his throat too. He wished Ron would look away. Mrs. Weasley set the potion down on the bedside cabinet, bent down, and put her arms around Harry. He had no memory of ever being hugged like this, as though by a mother. The full weight of everything he had seen that night seemed to fall in upon him as Mrs. Weasley held him to her. His mother's face, his father's voice, the sight of Cedric, dead on the ground all started spinning in his head until he could hardly bear it, until he was screwing up his face against the howl of misery fighting to get out of him. There was a loud slamming noise, and Mrs. Weasley and Harry broke apart. Hermione was standing by the window. She was holding something tight in her hand. â€Å"Sorry,† she whispered. â€Å"Your potion, Harry,† said Mrs. Weasley quickly, wiping her eyes on the back of her hand. Harry drank it in one gulp. The effect was instantaneous. Heavy, irresistible waves of dreamless sleep broke over him; he fell back onto his pillows and thought no more.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

A Complicated Kindness

â€Å"Fire and Rain† by James Taylor is a song mentioned in A Complicated Kindness that Nomi can relate to easily. James Taylor was born March, 12th 1948 in Boston, Massachusetts, although he was mainly raised in North Carolina. By age 14, Taylor was writing songs, singing, and had learned to play the guitar and cello. In 1966, he moved to New York City to form a band with some of his friends and by the end of the year they were performing regularly at cafes. Unfortunately, while in New York, Taylor lost himself in drug abuse for a time, but would later lead to the inspiration of some of his songs, including â€Å"Fire and Rain†. After he was back on track with his life, he recorded a few demos and had them sent to Paul McCartney, whose label signed Taylor immediately. A few weeks later, he fell back into his old habits of drug abuse, and was hospitalized in Massachusetts. After his recovery, in 1970, Taylor released his single â€Å"Fire and Rain† which was inspired by his experiences with drug abuse, depression, the suicide of his friend Suzanne, and the institutional psychiatric treatments he received. â€Å"James Taylor Biography†). While Travis is playing this song for Nomi, she is thinking about herself and her family. Nomi can relate this song to her life, because just like Taylor, she has lost loved ones, her mother, (who likely committed suicide like Taylor’s friend mentioned in the song) and her sister, abuses drugs, and has no faith in life. The song connects to both the themes of endings and loss which are present in the novel. The line, â€Å"I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end,† connects to the theme of endings, which Nomi has problems with due to the incomplete ending of her own life. The part about sunny days probably made Nomi recall all the good days and memories she has of when her family was whole. She even begins to cry in the novel, during this line. Nomi can relate, â€Å"But I always thought that I’d see you again,† to how she always thought that Tash and Trudie might come back to see her, which also ties into the theme of loss, because Nomi lost two of the most important people in her life. Another line that Nomi can connect to is, â€Å"You’ve just got to see me through another day,† which simply reflects on Nomi’s discontent with her life and the struggle she has just to get through each day. There are many poetic techniques incorporated into the song as well. Obviously, there is a lot of repetition due to the repeating chorus and the line â€Å"I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain. † This line is also a metaphor for the different emotions Taylor, and Nomi, have felt. Fire could be seen as anger, passion, or possibly rage while rain is probably referring to sadness and despair. There is also a lot of rhyming in the song such as â€Å"I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end/ I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend,† and â€Å"You’ve just got to see me through another day/ And I won’t make it any other way,† as well as others, which makes the song flow more smoothly. The sound device of assonance is used in the line, â€Å"Sweet dreams and flying machines,† because sweet, dreams, and machines, (although machines is not neighbouring) all have similar vowel sounds. Works Cited â€Å"James Taylor Biography.† Bandbiographies.com. Retrieved 16 January 2013. http://www.bandbiographies.com/james_taylor/biography.htm

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Internatioanal Business Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Internatioanal Business Report - Essay Example Corruption follows FDI but these are issues that have to be taken in the stride. Labour laws too are stringent in India although reforms could make the work environment more congenial. India offers absolute and comparative advantage in this sector and the risks are low. Cultural differences do exist between the two nations but since most international chains in India are US-based and have achieved success, there is likelihood of Coffee & Bytes also succeeding in its venture. A multinational Corporation based in the US – (Coffee & Bytes) – is looking for overseas expansion. It has presence in a few developing nations such as the UK and Italy and is now seeking to open up in India. C&B specializes in different varieties of aromatic coffee and has budget snacks to go with it. It is based on the fast food concept like Cafà © Coffee Day chains but operations are on a much lower scale. However their interest in India has arisen because of the growing consumerism in the country in the past decade. Global retailers are interested in India because of its geographic advantages, its versatile demographics and a growing economy with a stable government (Article Base, 2009). The prospects for food chains in India is high because unlike the developed countries where fast food is seen as functional, in India, the idea of eating out is still aspirational (Mitra, 2009). Eating out in India is still a family activity and family entertainment. The demand for fast food in India is growing as more nuclear families have come up and look for fast readymade food (Kulkarni & Lassar, 2009). However, the local government has been trying to promote healthy eating and hence the multinational chains have been alerted. In view of the prospects and the challenges in the food chains in India, C&B needs to study the international business environment which is influenced by the micro and macro policies

Friday, September 27, 2019

Is Google Making Us Stupid Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Is Google Making Us Stupid - Essay Example Is Google Making Us Stupid? The particular article in question which this brief analysis will discuss is that of Nicholas Carr’s †Is Google Making Us Stupid?†. The pervasive paradigm shift that Carr discusses has occurred over the past 20 to 30 years has been hailed by many as a great move forward with regards to the overall capabilities and development of the human race. However, there is an alternate view as well; one which warns against the fact that many individuals within society are slowly but surely becoming addicted to the very technology that was initially intended to aid them in accomplishing tasks of different varieties. It is the belief of this author that neither of the sides to this debate has all of the facts or is utilizing them to the correct degree. Rather, technology, although a definite aid in accomplishing tasks that would otherwise take quite a while has become something an addictive aid that threatens to reprogram the way in which the human mind and creativity are evide nced. Firstly, it does not take a great deal of analytical or scientific discovery to realize that the way in which technology has reshaped and classified our world is without question. Moreover, a sociological increase into the way in which technology has shifted interpersonal dynamics, relationships, and communication has been conducted by a variety of researchers and convincingly pointed to the fact that the current era of texting, instant messaging, Facebook et al has significantly decreased the amount of time that individuals spend in face-to-face communication and has moved society convincingly towards something of a more introverted nature. (Carr 1). Although, as Carr discusses, introversion in and of itself is not necessarily a poor character trait, it must be noted that the overuse and reliance upon these technological tools which have already been discussed has created a dynamic by which formerly extroverted individuals are merely introverted and carrying out a great deal of inte rpersonal communication that one might otherwise carry out face-to-face via the Internet or other technologically enabled means. However, communication is not the only thing that suffers from an overdependence upon technology. As Carr discusses next, memory recall and the perennial knowledge that any and all information can be readily retrieved has created a situation in which memory and the ability to recall tidbits of information are placed at a much lower premium than they might have been in an era in which the likes of Google or other prominent technological means by which data can be retrieved had existed. Again, it does not take a great deal of imagination to envision an era in which it was necessary for the schoolchild, or even societal shareholder, to be nominally familiar and remember such information as capitals of states, a rough understanding and appreciation for the order and number of presidents, how many chromosomes exists in human DNA, who the first woman in space wa s, for the year in which the state of Israel was created (Cottler 24). As can be seen, there is something to be said for the amount of memory recall that individual can possess and leverage as a means of readily interjecting key understandings and tidbits of fact, data, and history into conversations and pertinent situations. However, with an overdependence

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Teach to Teach project for hill tribes children in northern Thailand, Essay

Teach to Teach project for hill tribes children in northern Thailand, - Essay Example As part of the legend leading up to where the hill tribe people came from, it has been said that their migration into Thailand can be traced as far back as 2000 years ago from ancient China (Poovatanikul, 1993). Specifically, reference is commonly made to the interior of Southern China as being the origin of the hill tribe people. The fact that they did not move together or at the same time makes it difficult for anyone to be very certain about a specific origin. The gradual and slow migration was however necessitated for the need for new land to be acquired to make their farming needs sustained. 1.12 Location of these hill tribe villages? The need for the hill tribe people to settle in Thailand was provoked by the need for new farmlands because through a system of farming that involved the burning of farm lands, the people had exhausted their farms back in China (Pan & Chen, 2011). The mission for migration influenced where the people would settle or stay, and thus their present loc ation greatly. When they found their way to Thailand therefore, the place of settlement for these people became the remote highland areas of Thailand (International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs, 2009). In Thailand, the hill tribe people are generally a minority ethnic group and so they did not need very vast piece of land. All these needed was a place to support their farming effectively. Their location therefore comprises occupancy from highland areas with good rainforest and generally moist to wet climate. Presently, there are calculated to be 3,527 hill tribe villages covering a total of 20 provinces in Thailand (Altbach, 1999). Out of the number, an estimated 751,886 persons exist in some 113,070 households. Of the total, 46.18% are known to be of the Karen tribe as this tribe forms the largest population. 1.13 Issues on national identity Issues of the nationality of the hill tribe people have been a major issue of contention in international and local politics. This is bec ause the hill tribe people have been generally regarded as sidelined and placed in a disadvantaged corner of national development due to a misplaced sense of identity for the hill tribe people. Specific cases of misplaced sense of national identity have been argued with reference to the widespread of lack of infrastructure and limited access to Thai citizenship (FAO, 2002). There is also the problem of delayed land settlement all attributed to the reasons of frequent migration and indigenous traditional practices. In some literature, the hill tribe people have been accused of being the cause of their own identity predicament because the people themselves lack a sense of national identity. It is not surprising that due to this firm sense of lack of national identity, the Thai government has always been reluctant in giving Thai identity to new immigrants from hill tribes. In all of this, what most commentators think is that the most disturbing situation with the Hill Tribe people is t hat they have not had time to be concerned about the need for their national interests and identity to be protected. This is because they have often been involved in acts such as illegal tracking and immigration abuses, which makes the Thai government distant itself from them and see them as aliens (Bell, 1999). 1.2 - Development background: 1.21 Economic development 1.22 Gender

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Week11 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Week11 - Essay Example The government has to develop constituents within its establishments that have been in charge of state-owned companies. These branches eventually outlive their usefulness thus a disadvantage to the government because then it would have to do away with them. This means many people will lose their jobs thus blame the government for its shortsightedness (The Economist Debate). The limitation to state capitalism is that it can only be productive in certain industries as chosen by the government while the rest remain out. However, this depends on the degree of management as well as the level of interference by the state in the operational matters of the industries involved. All in all, the success or failure of state capitalism depends on the state and countries should know their status before indulging themselves or else the economy would be disastrous. In this case, the private sector would suffer a lot as its fundamental liberties would undergo regression. A country such as China is undergoing fast, economic growth thanks to state capitalism. However, its exposure to fluctuations in the purchasing power of other economies makes it unstable and

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Analysis of Bay Coasts Housing and Rental Research Paper

Analysis of Bay Coasts Housing and Rental - Research Paper Example Another house no. 20 of 11 years old claimed rental return of 5% though the house price is not very high but the rent charged is comparatively higher in comparison with house number 99. The house has AC fitted .In comparison with house number 99 the location of this house is excellent within half a kilometer of the railway station. House number 8 that is ownership house claims a higher rental ratio because it is also located very close to railway station. The house is made of timber but the condition is good and tough. It is 42 years old. There is no other special feature in this house. House no18 is located far from the rail or bus stand. It is 16 year old. The rental return ratio of the house is 6.6.This house should have claimed higher rent for but for the poor maintenance could not get. House no.21 is old with 220 square meter area priced at $437000 only but the rent charged is comparatively higher to yield 5.8% return on rent. This house is also located very close to bus stand and therefore claimed higher rent. The overall best feature of these high RRR fetching house is the location near the railway station or bus stand or the shopping center or all. Maintenance is also a factor to determine higher rent and RRR. House no.94 and 89 both have 170 sq m area of space claiming very high price of $1213000 and $1274000 but get the lowest RRR. House number 94 is new but no 89 is 38 years old. The house no. 94 provides AC but in poor condition. It has a bay view and is very close to the bus stand and the shopping center. It is built of bricks and new. The rent claimed is very low because it is poorly maintained. Good maintenance can be helpful in getting high rent. The house no.89 is non-AC, poorly maintained but with very good street image of 10 and situated near the shopping center. The rent received is very low. They badly require maintenance to boost up the image and confidence of people to pay more. The highest rent $740 claimed by house no.115 yielded RRR of 2.3% only which is quite lower compared to that of house no.1 of

Monday, September 23, 2019

Analyzing CULTURAL REPRESENTATIONS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Analyzing CULTURAL REPRESENTATIONS - Essay Example Such a move depends on the degree to which the African Americans in question have been assimilated (32). The assimilation pushes Africans to formulate a public persona different from their real identities. Bamboozled exposes the historical portrayal of African-Americans in the American cinema. The images at the end of the film are a documentary to the satire therein (Black 20). Understanding the film in a better way calls for putting it in its context before the cinema emerged. Race is a social construction because the stereotypes of blacks reflect the perceptions of American whites (Epp 17). The stereotypes relate to the white dominion over Africans as opposed to the realities of the time. The abolition of slavery never put the stereotypes to an end. There emerged a new form of imperialism replacing the â€Å"noble savage† with the â€Å"ignoble savage† (20). Whether savages or children, Africans were in no instance perceived as being on the same level as whites. Despite not being slaves, Africans were still not given statuses similar to the whites. Certain groups such as the Irish and the Jews had to become whites with resultant stereotyping in the 20th century (Laski 1095). These stereotypes were so widespread that the entertainment industry felt it prudent to embrace them. Bamboozled followed this path. Bamboozled has a unique storyline written in a clever way (Ebert 1). Pierre Delacroix (De La) is an African-American television writer. He navigates a minstrel show complete with three-dimensional characters such as Aunt Jemima, Man Tan, and Sleep ‘n’ Eat. The writer’s intention in the beginning was to invoke popular outrage to facilitate his sacking from the television station (Ebert 1). This would relieve him of the obligations that he considers tiresome and boring. Surprisingly, however, De La’s show succeeds massively to the extent that the outrage against it becomes negligible and irrelevant. Alongside the African-American

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Stop and Frisk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Stop and Frisk - Essay Example The trial court found him guilty of possession of a weapon by a prohibited possessor and possession of marijuana. The court of appeals reversed the decision claiming the standard required in Terry v. Ohio was not met. â€Å"Terry established that, in an investigatory stop based on reasonably grounded suspicion of criminal activity, the police must be positioned to act instantly if they have reasonable cause to suspect that the persons temporarily detained are armed and dangerous... Citing Terry, the Court further held that a driver, once outside the stopped vehicle, may be patted down for weapons if the officer reasonable concludes that the driver might be armed and dangerous... The Arizona Court of Appeals recognized that... once Officer Trevizo began questioning him on a matter unrelated to the traffic stop, patdown authority ceased to exist, absent reasonable suspicion that Johnson had engaged, or was about to engage, in criminal activity.† (Arizona,

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Essay Example for Free

Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Essay I think that this is an effective thesis statement because it clearly outlines my paper and it states what side of this discussion I have chosen to represent. It is stated clear, concise, and to the point. Because mandatory drug testing for welfare recipients is an issue that is not in full effect, it may be difficult to find opinions from â€Å"reliable† sources concerning such legislation. It may also be difficult to determine long term effects of such a program like cuts in spending and reductions in drug abuse. I will be researching government websites both nationally and locally. I would also like to contact local government representatives to perhaps get an opinion about the idea of said legislation. In addition, because this is such a new topic, there are many newspapers to research that will have the latest on states that want to begin developing the idea of mandatory drug testing. It will be difficult to avoid logical fallicies on this topic. Because I am coming down on one side of this discussion and want to persuade my audience, I will want to use comments and information from those that view it as I do. Using statistics that are deemed factual will help in showing that these are not just biased opinions from politicians that are simply looking for another vote. If I were to begin to persuade a city council meeting or write a letter to my local government representatives about the importance of mandatory drug testing for welfare recipients, I would begin by saying: Welfare is not an entitlement! It was never intended to be as such. When President Roosevelt enacted the Social Security Act in 1935, it was during the great depression, when 25% of Americans were unemployed. Since then welfare has generously extended its hand to millions of Americans (2012). When someone is benefitting from these programs, and is not deemed disabled, it should be viewed as a â€Å"hand up† not a â€Å"hand out†. It is an issue all over the country that welfare is being abused by its benefactors. Cards are being used for ATM withdrawals, to purchase liquor, buying cigarettes, and even gambling in casinos. Food stamps are being openly traded for drugs (Camden, 2011). Not to mention the deception that is occurring about how many dependents a recipient is responsible for. To be subjected to a simple urine test to receive money and benefits from the U. S, government is not too much to bear. It is no different than obliging to mandatory drug testing for a job. Florida state governor Rick Scott has stated that in his state alone they will save 9 million dollars a year because of benefits being cut due to mandatory drug testing. With these kinds of cuts in spending nationwide, it is sure to reduce government spending a great deal. Not to mention the effect it will have on drug abusers. Florida state governor Rick Scott has implemented drug counseling on a volunteer basis for those benefactors that test positive (Delaney, 2011). Cuts in spending, responsible distribution of benefits and reductions in drug abuse, this sounds like a win-win scenario for us all. References Author Unknown, (2012), The History of Welfare, Retrieved from: http://www. elfareinfo. org/history/ Delaney, A. , (2011, November 27). Rick Scott Backs Drug Tests for Welfare Beneficiaries, Public Worker, and Himself, Retrieved from: http://www. huffingtonpost. com/2011/09/27drug-testing-welfare-_n_983235-. html/ Camden, J. , (2011, February 04). The Spokesman-Review, Abuse of Welfare Electronic Benefits Transfer Cards Targeted, Retrieved from: http://www. spokesman. com/stories/2011/feb/04/abuse-of-welfare-electronic-benefits-transfer/

Friday, September 20, 2019

Managing nasogastric tube feeding and maintaining nutrition

Managing nasogastric tube feeding and maintaining nutrition Health is defined by WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION(WHO) as a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of any disease or infirmity. Health is a positive quality which emphasizing physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual well-being. Maslows hierarchy theory states that basic human needs are necessary for human survival and health. The most basic or first level include physiological needs such as air, water and food. According to Maslow, the extent to which basic needs are met is a major factor determining persons level of health. Food is anything that can be used by the body to sustain growth and bodily processes and provides energy. Each individual food has its own unique set of nutrients that meet the varying requirements of the human body. This is why it is so important to eat a wide variety of food to ensure that the body gets all the diverse and essential nutrients. Nutrients are the components of food that help to nourish the body. The basic classes of nutrients are carbohydrates, lipids(fat),protein, vitamins, minerals and water. All nutrients, both in kind and amount ,are the cornerstone of good health and provides the cutting edge for prevention of diseases. These nutrients are supplied to the body cells by gastro intestinal system. This is accomplished through the process of ingestion(taking food),digestion(breakdown of food),absorption(transfer of food product into circulation). Good nutritional status refers to the intake of a well balanced diet that supplies all the essential nutrients in right proportion to meet the requirements of the body. Such a person may be said to be receiving optimum nutrition. Optimum nutritional status can be affected by many factors such as inadequate intake of food or consuming food which contains less nutrients, food habits and economic insufficiencies etc. In sickness the ability to eat and drink adequately can get altered. The disease affecting central nervous system, gastrointestinal system and some surgical conditions can alter the patients ability to take the food through the mouth. In these conditions patients are at high risk of under nourishment. There are artificial feeding methods available to keep the risk patients free from under nutrition through enteral and parenteral feeding. When gastro intestinal tract cannot be used for the ingestion, digestion and absorption of nutrients parenteral nutrition may be substituted. Parenteral nutrition refers to the administration of nutrients by a route other than the GI tract(Blood stream). When the gastro intestinal tract is functional but patient cannot be provided with high calorie supplements orally, tube feeding can be provided with nasogastric tube, nasointestinal tube, gastrostomy and jejunostomy. A nasogastric tube is commonly used for short term feeding problems, usually ordered for a patient who has a functional GI tract but unable to take any or enough oral nourishment. Nasogastric tube feeding is a technique of giving food in patients, who are not able to swallow the food through mouth, with the help of a long soft plastic tube which is inserted through the nose via throat directly into the stomach. The history of enteral feeding goes back about 3500 years back to the ancient Greeks Egyptians, who infused nutrient requirement solutions into the rectum to treat various bowel disorders. The ancient Egyptians used reeds and animal bladders to supply patients with a mix of wine, chicken broth and raw eggs. In 1793, an early healer delivered jelly, eggs, milk, sugar and wine to a patient through a hollow whale bone covered with eel skin, which was pushed down the throat to the stomach. In 1800, Philip Phisik, a surgeon from Philadelphia, introduced the use of a stomach tube as a form of stomach pump (Paine, 1934). This was used for poisoned patients for the purpose of washing out their stomach. In the 1930s, nurses training in Australia and the United Kingdom utilized a text entitled Modern Professional Nursing (Scott, c1930). It included discussion of using a tube inserted via the nose into the stomach, apparently for the sole occasional purpose of administering bolus artificial feeding. In addition to nutrition delivery in the 1930s, nasogatric tubes also were used to relieve pressure in the stomach caused by gas and gastrointestinal secretions (decompression). Today nasogastric tube feeding is a very common procedure seen in the medical and surgical units of the hospitals. The tube is made of superior plastics like polyethylene, polyvinyl or polyurethane (Clevenger Rodriguez, 1995).This tube is inserted through the nose or mouth and placed directly into the stomach. The need of tube feeding includes delivery of nutrition, administration of medicines, gastric irrigation, and gastric decompression before and after surgery or intestinal obstruction . Patients with nasogastric tubes currently receive care in a wide variety of settings, such as intensive medical and surgical care units, emergency rooms, , general and specialized acute and chronic care areas, extended health care facilities, and home care settings(Susan C Dewit,2006). . The feed provided through the nasogastric tube should be in liquid or semi-liquid form and given in room or body temperature. Blenderized foods from a normal diet or commercial formulas are usually provided. Feedings are administered by gravity drip method or by feeding pump or by intermittent feeding. A maximum amount of 300-400 ml of feed can be provided at a time delivered at an interval of 2-3 hrs depending upon the patients tolerance and physicians advice..A variety of feeds should be provided though nasogastric tube in order to ensure the optimum nutritional status. Caring of the patients receiving nasogastric tube feeding is a major nursing responsibility that entails a number of interventions like delivering feeds, assessing correct placement of the tube, maintaining the tubes patency, ensuring adequate nutrition, securing the tube in place, and meeting patient comfort and other basic needs. The weight of the patient should be checked daily and maintain an accurate intake and output record. Blood glucose level also should monitored at definite intervals. When the patient is in a long term feeding maintaining the nutrition and general health is an important and nurses responsibility. In order to maintain the nutritional status the nurse should calculate patients requirements and select diet accordingly. Emma L(1983) points out enteral feeding is associated with greater risk of complications, around 11.7%.Her study reveals that tube-related complications are common in patients receiving long-term home enteral nutrition. Even though different feeding modalities are available, unfortunately no method of enteral feeding is risk free. aspiration pneumonia, high gastric residuals ,constipation ,diarrhea, abdominal distention, vomiting, regurgitation, erosion of esophageal, nasal and oropharyngeal mucosa and infection are the complications of tube feeding. Initially only nurses were carried out this procedure .However, over years caregivers of the patient are also involved in feeding the patient through the tube. Now the responsibility of feeding the patient through the tube is shared by the caregivers both in hospital and home settings. Since the family members are also involved in feeding patients they should be instructed about feeding, importance of nutritious diet, signs and symptoms and importance of reporting them to the doctor or nurse. Ellet.M L, A. States enteral feeding is desirable because it allows better use of nutrients, is safer, and more cost effective than parenteral nutrition. Tube feeding permits maintenance of tissue metabolism even though patient cannot ingest anything through mouth. The potential advantage of tube feeding includes providing nourishment to the patient prolonging life and enhancing comfort and quality of life(WONG 2002).Current scenario shows enteral tube feeding is a common medical procedure in many of the hospital, long term and home care setting. NEED OF THE STUDY . Managing nasogastric tube feeding and maintaining the nutrition are a nurses responsibility. Initially only nurses were carried out this procedure but over years caregivers of the patient also shared the responsibility of feeding the patient through the tube .Now Family members are participating in feeding the patient through N.G Tube both hospital and home settings. Caregivers involving in feeding is a good aspect of patient care but when they are involved they should be properly trained and educated. But in many settings the caregivers are feeding the patient without proper understanding about it. Researcher also observed the faulty feeding techniques of the caregivers while he was working in the medical and surgical departments. Even though no complications were reported so far, the patients are at high risk of getting complications. STATEMENT A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STRUCTURED TEACHING ON KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNIQUES OF NASOGASTRIC TUBE FEEDING BY THE CAREGIVERS OF PATIENTS RECEIVING TUBE FEEDING IN A SELECTED HOSPITAL AT ALAPPUZHA,KERALA SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE 1)To assess and compare the level of knowledge regarding nasogastric feeding, between control and experimental group before and after intervention. .2)Assess and compare the degree of technique of nasogastric tube feeding between control and experimental group before and after intervention. 3)To associate the selected demographic variables(age, education, occupation and source of instruction) with knowledge and techniques of feeding among experimental group. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of the study is to evaluate whether structured teaching about NG tube feeding made any difference in the knowledge and techniques of caregivers in feeding patients through nasogastric tube compared to those who did not receive the structured teaching. HYPOTHESIS There will be a significant difference between experimental and control group of caregivers with regard to the knowledge and technique of nasogastric tube feeding. SUB HYPOTHESIS H1-There will be a significant difference in the mean knowledge score on tube feeding among caregivers of the experimental and control group after the intervention and no significant difference before intervention. H2- There will be a significant difference in the scores of techniques of feeding between the control and experimental group after intervention and no difference before intervention. OPERATIONAL DEFINITION EFFECTIVENESS : In this study effectiveness refers to the knowledge gained by the caregiver as a result of selected aspect of nasogastric tube feeding and the ability to carry out the tube feeding with correct technique. KNOWLEDGE : knowledge refers to ideas, information, factual knowledge held by a person from various sources. In this study knowledge refers to the factual information gained by the participants regarding naogastric tube feeding through the teaching learning experience which is assessed by using structured interview schedule. TECHNIQUE Technique is the way of carrying out an activity step by step and systematically .In this study technique refers to the correct method of carrying out N.G Tube feeding with the proper application of scientific principles of tube feeding STRUCTURED TEACHING Structured teaching refers to planned events, series of studies lectures with a view to improve knowledge. In this study it refers to a formal instruction which is preplanned with definite, objectives, contents, teaching, learning experience and AV aids to impart essential knowledge on tube feeding and how to give feeding safely to the patients. CAREGIVERS Caregivers are the relatives of the patients who stay with the patient most of the time and participates in patient care including feeding patients through nasal tube and assume responsibilities in the patient care activities NASOGASTRIC TUBE FEEDING Naogastric tube feeding is a method of giving nourishment to patients who were not able to swallow the food through mouth by the help of along soft plastic tube which is inserted through the nose via throat directly into the stomach ASSUMPTIONS N.G Tube feeding is a very prevalent and common procedure in both inpatient and home settings. Patients relatives are also participating in feeding the patient. The relatives are carrying out the procedure with or without adequate knowledge, training, and supervision regarding nasogastric tube feeding and hence this leads to a lot of negative effects on the relative-dependent patient. LIMITATION The study is conducted in only one hospital. So the result cannot be generalized. Because of the restrictions from the hospital and due to limitations owing to age parameters, the sample may not be a representative one. For an education programme to be effective, continuous follow-up is essential. But in this instance, due to limited time availability, it may not be possible. DELIMITTION The study is delimited to, Three observations. Only one hospital. An age group of 20-60yrs. SCOPE OF STUDY Through this study the researcher can determine the knowledge and techniques of the caregivers about nasogastric tube feeding by assessing the awareness of tube feeding in different aspects. Areas of less knowledge can be focused. The understanding about the proper knowledge and technique of tube feeding will help them to provide feeding by using correct techniques , avoid potential complications and promote patients safety. These findings will help the health care providers to give necessary attention to provide adequate training to the relatives of the patients who need to feed through nasogastric tube both in home and hospital settings. RESEARCH FRAMEWORK A frame work is the building block of a theory, describing mental image of a phenomena which can be abstract or concrete. A theory is a set of interrelated concepts, adapted for a scientific purpose, definitions and propositions, that present a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations among variables with the purpose of explaining predicting the phenomena (Kerlinger 1986). A conceptual framework provides structural foundation to the research study which provides rationale for predictions about relationship among the variables in the study. Conceptual framework forms the base for observations, definitions of concepts, research design, interpretation etc. Conceptual framework gives meaning to the problem and study findings by summarizing existing knowledge in field of inquiry and identifying linkage between concepts. For this study the Conceptual framework followed is nursing process model based on Dorothy.E.jhonsons behavioural system theory(1980).The study focus on assessing the effectiveness of providing structured teaching programme on the knowledge and techniques of nasogastric tube feeding among the caregivers of the patient. According to Jhonson, nursing views the individual as a set of interconnected or independent parts functioning as an integrated whole. Humans seek experiences that may disturb balance and require behavior modifications to re-establish balance. The behavioral system are essential and reflect adaptations that are successful. Jhonson identified seven sub systems. The sub systems are affiliative,aggressive,dependency,eliminative,ingestive,restorative and sexual. These sub systems carryout special function for the system as a whole. Disturbances in any subsystem usually affects the other. The steps of the nursing process is incorporated with Dorothy Jhonsons behavioural system model. Nursing process is a deliberate activity where the practice of nursing is performed in a systematic order. Dorothy Jhonson presents a three step nursing process. The steps are entitled nursing diagnosis which is parallel to the assessment and diagnostic phase ,the second step nursing goal equals the implement ation and third step is evaluation. This study focuses on the caregivers of the patient and the dependency subsystems. Assessment Assessment is the process of collecting data regarding each sub-system. In this study assessment was done in the dependency subsystem. Data on the demographic characteristics of the caregivers(age, sex, education, occupation, experience in feeding, instructions and source of instructions received on tube feeding) were collected. The knowledge of caregivers regarding various aspect of nasogastric tube feeding were assessed by an interview schedule and an observational Check list was used to assess the technique of feeding. Diagnosis Through assessment of the subsystem problems are identified and diagnosed which provide the basis for intervention. In this study the datas were collected through observational Check list and interview schedule was analyzed and the diagnosis was made on knowledge and technique of caregivers and categorized into excellent, good, average and poor. Nursing goals(planning) After diagnosis is made the goal is to maintain or restore the dependency subsystem balance and stability through planning interventions. In this study the goal was to improve the caregivers level of knowledge and technique of tube feeding. Intervention Nursing activity as an external regulatory force assists the person to regain equilibrium. Based on diagnosis, nursing actions can be planned in terms of teaching or providing resources needed. In this study the nursing activity was a structured teaching including demonstration on different aspects of tube feeding. Evaluation Evaluation refers to reassessment the subsystem which is identified as problematic for balance previously. In this study the investigator compared knowledge and technique of experimental group with control group by using criteria and evaluated the effectiveness of the intervention. Figure-1 High lights the conceptual framework on modified nursing process based on Dorothy.E.Jhonsons behavioural system model Implementation Evaluation No changes seen in the level of knowledge and technique. Patients at high risk of getting complications -Caregivers demonstrate improved levels of knowledge and techniques of feeding. -patient less risk of getting complications Control group -No teaching programmes. experimental group -A Structured teaching regarding ding different aspects of tube feeding and demonstration of the technique of tube feeding Assessment Diagnosis goal FIGURE 1. MODIFIED NURSING PROCESS BASED ON DOROTHY JHONSONS BEHAVIOURAL SYSTEM MODEL(1980) Improve the caregivers level of knowledge and technique of tube feeding Level of knowledge and techniques of tube feeding -excellent -good -average -poor Caregivers demographic variables -Age -Sex -Education -Occupation -Experience in feeding -instruction and supervision received -source of instruction -attitude -Lack of seriousness -Fear and anxiety

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Surveillance in Foucaults Panopticism and Vonneguts Harrison Bergeron

Surveillance in Foucault's Panopticism and Vonnegut's Harrison Bergeron Ever feel as though someone is watching you? You know that you are the only one in a room, but for some reason you get an eerie feeling that you are not alone? You might not see anyone, but the eyes of a stranger could be gazing down on you. In Foucault's "Panopticism," a new paradigm of discipline is introduced, surveillance. No one dares to break the law, or do anything erroneous for that matter, in fear that they are being watched. This idea of someone watching your every move compels you to obey. This is why the idea of Panopticism is such an efficient form of discipline. The Panopticon is the ideal example of Panopticism, which is a tool for surveillance that we are introduced to in â€Å"Panopticism.† Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron," has taken the idea of surveillance one step further. The government not only observes everyone, but has complete control over society. The citizens of the United States cannot even think for themselves without being interrupted by the go vernment. They are prisoners in their own minds and bodies. The ideals of â€Å"Panopticism† have been implemented to the fullest on society in Vonnegut’s "Harrison Bergeron," through physical and mental handicaps. In â€Å"Panopticism† Foucault states, â€Å"the major effect of the Panopticon: to induce in the inmate a state of conscious and permanent visibility that assures the automatic functioning of power† (Foucault, pg. 201). The function of the Panopticon is to keep the prisoners orderly by instilling fear inside of them, this fear forces them to stay in their cells, and to remain compliant. The Panopticon is a building designed for surveillance. In â€Å"Panopticism,† the Panopticon is a centra... ...y are not prisoners, they are mere citizens that must constantly live lives of punishment in order to achieve equality. They can not think for themselves, or excel at anything in life, because they are all equal. Each of them is just like the next citizen. In Vonnegut’s â€Å"Harrison Bergeron,† the United States in 2081 are not a society, but a Panoptic prison where the citizens are held and guarded like inmates, and this is no way to live. Works Cited Foucault, Michel. â€Å"Panopticism.† Discipline and Punish. New York: Vintage Books, 1979. Vonnegut, Kurt. â€Å"Harrison Bergeron.† Short Stories Characters In Conflict. Ed. John E. Warner. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1981. 344-353 Winokur, Mark. â€Å"The Ambiguous Panopticon: Foucault and the Codes of Cyberspace† CTHEORY.NET. 13 March 2003. Access date : 28 April 2005.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

internment camp :: essays research papers

well. I have realize that the people and government that maintain, cleanse, and protect the social fabric of America is a great one. But the social fabric of America is not as clean as we like to think it is. As a matter of fact the fabric has been stain quite a few times actually, and not with the type of stains that can be simply remove. But the kind of stains that take years of steam cleaning and chemical treatment to restore to its original condition. In this case, the stains I am referring to is regarding the internment of Japanese Americans and the long restoration period it took for Japanese Americans to restore their lives physically and mentally. John Locke was an advocator of three natural rights: life, liberty, and property. The Japanese who were detain lost all of these, including life. When I mean life I don’t mean being executed, but when you lose your liberty and property based on your ancestry; your whole life has been basically stripped away from you, so what is life then? A long history of Anti-Japanese sentiments fueled by economic competition and racial stereotypes propel the frontrunner(in my opinion) of this unconstitutional act, General DeWitt, to make it a personal quest of sort to assure a forced exodus of Japanese American into internment camps, ran by the WRA. The decision of internment was implemented towards Japanese Americans living on the west coast in 1942 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Claims of Japanese soldier being aid by Japanese American to help plan the attack on pearl harbor caused concern for the general public. The fingers of dead Japanese's soldiers were allege to have worn class rings from Hawaii university. But what made matter was when many influential news and media sources failed to investigate these claims of Japanese American sabotages against the united states. the media didn’t take time to check questionable evidence of regarding these claims. The majority of the media were being bias by leading public opinion polls against Japanese's Americans instead of presenting evidence. Few journalists have claim there was no differences between u.s citizens of Japanese ancestry and the Japanese citizens who attack pearl harbor. A popular slogan for the journalist who felt this way was â€Å" A viper is nonetheless a viper wherever the egg is hatched. So a Japanese -American grows up to be a Japanese not an American.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Affirmative Action Essay -- essays research papers

The purpose of affirmative action is to ensure equal opportunity for minorities. But it has strayed from its original intent and has become largely a program to achieve not equal opportunity but equal results. It is a system of quotas forced upon American businesses and working class by the federal government. A law which forces people to look at race before looking at the individual cannot promote equal opportunity. Affirmative action continues the judgement of minorities by race; it causes reverse discrimination, and contradicts its purpose.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Affirmative action is not creating a colorblind society. In fact it continues the judgement of minorities according to race. Affirmative action forces employers and colleges to lower the standard for minorities. It also is demeaning to minorities who want to be judged by their actions, not their skin color.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When companies are hiring or promoting, or when a college decides which applicants to accept, many are unable to judge by merit alone. They are required by law to make race a deciding factor in their decisions in order to meet the mandated quotas.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Affirmative action is also demeaning to most minorities. It makes them feel as though the government views them as having less ability than others. It also forces minorities to be compared to their own race instead of the overall population.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another reason why affirmat...

Monday, September 16, 2019

Causes and Consequences of Corruption in India and How to Counter It

DEFINITION OF CORRUPTION Corruption is defined as the use of public office for private gain, or in other words, use of official position, rank or status by an office bearer for his own personal benefit. Following from this definition, examples of corrupt behaviour would include: (a) bribery, (b) extortion, (c) fraud, (d) embezzlement, (e) nepotism, (f) cronyism, (g) appropriation of public assets and property for private use, and (h) influence peddling. Activities such as fraud and embezzlement can be undertaken by an official alone and without involvement of a second party.While others such as bribery, extortion and influence peddling involve two parties –The giver and taker in a corrupt deal. The two party type of corruption can arise under a variety of circumstances. Often mentioned are concerned with the following: (i) Government contracts: bribes can influence who gets the contract, the terms of the contract, as well as terms of subcontracts when the project is implemente d. (ii) Government benefits: bribes can influence the allocation of monetary benefits such as credit subsidies and favoured prices and exchange rates where price controls and multiple exchange rates exist.Bribes can also be important in obtaining licenses and permits to engage in lucrative economic activities such as importing certain goods in high demand and in short supply. Moreover, bribes can be employed to acquire in-kind benefits such as access to privileged schools, subsidized medical care, subsidized housing and real estate, and attractive ownership stakes in enterprises that are being privatized. (iii) Government revenue: bribes can be used to reduce the amount of taxes, fees, dues, custom duties, and electricity and other public utility charges collected from business firms and private individuals. iv) Time savings and regulatory avoidance: bribes can speed up the granting of permission, licenses and permits to carry out activities that are perfectly legal. This is the so- called â€Å"grease money† to turn the wheels of bureaucracy more smoothly, speedily and hopefully in the right direction. It is also not difficult to think of a really awful situation where rules and regulations, and the way they are applied, are so complex and burdensome that the only way left to get things done is to pay money to avoid them. (v) Influencing outcomes of legal and regulatory processes: bribes can be used to provide incentives to regulatory uthorities to refrain from taking action, and to look the other way, when private parties engage in activities that are in violation of existing laws, rules and regulations such as those relating to controlling pollution, preventing health hazards, or promoting public safety as in the case of building codes and traffic regulations. Similarly, bribes can be given to favour one party over another in court cases or in other legal and regulatory proceedings. Causes:- 1) Lack of effective management and organisation: Due to mis management and disorganisation, there is a weak control on various departments and their working.This leads to lack of coordination and control among departments and levels of organisation. This uncontrolled and unsupervised administration gives rise to corruption on large scale. Besides, appointment of inefficient and incapable managers and executives on various levels of hierarchy also leads to mismanagement and disorganisation. The only cause of this wrong appointment is corruption. Hence, corruption breeds corruption. 2) Lack of economical stability: Economical crisis and price hike are major causes of corruption. Economical crisis leads to unemployment and change in standard of living.It develops a feeling of insecurity in the minds of affected people. Most of the people do not have patience and courage to face this situation. In order to regain their employment and to maintain standard of living and status, this affected people engage themselves in illegal and immoral activiti es. They do not want to work hard again for achieving the same position and post. They use various illegal short cuts for achieving them. 3) Lack of effective leadership: Good leaders can only lead people towards growth, development and progress. They play significant role in eradication of social evils.In India, there is tremendous shortage of good leaders. Leaders convey message of citizens to the administration and government. They lead the people against corruption and social evils. A country cannot survive without honest and sincere leaders. There is urgent need of leaders like Mahatma Gandhiji. We need more Anna Hazares and Medha Patkars. 4) Lack of support: There are few good leaders in India. They strive hard to eradicate corruption from the society. But due to lack of support and cooperation from people, the voice and efforts of these great leaders are often suppressed.People of India are more concerned with their life than the development and protection of their country ag ainst social evils. Many citizens have accepted corruption as a part of their life. They think, it is useless and waste of time, to support leaders against corruption. 5) Lack of values: Home and educational institution play a significant role in character building of citizens. Moral values are only taught in most of these institutions. But, they are not properly inculcated in individual. This is the basic cause of corruption. Many parents and teachers do not practise what they preach.Hence, their preaching does not bring out desired results. Children imitate parents. If parents are corrupt, it is more likely that children will also become corrupt. 6) Lack of love for country: Due to rapid modernisation and globalisation, people are becoming more and more selfish. They are only concerned with self enrichment and wealth accumulation. The only objective of many Indian is to become rich as soon as possible. They consider themselves as patriotic just by celebrating independence and repu blic day. They do not know the actual meaning of patriotism. They are not concerned with development of nation and rights of others.Due to this attitude, they easily get involved in corruption and immoral activities. During strike and protests, many politically affiliated citizens damage and destroy public property. 7) Lack of proper system: In India, corruption exists in all levels and areas of system. Very few honest people survive in this corrupt system. Those who raise their voice against corruption are killed or forced to resign. This accelerates the growth of corruption. Most of the people involved in Indian system have take corruption as part and parcel of their duties. They don't have hatred or ill feeling towards corruption.They think that without it, we cannot survive and sustain in this system. Besides, systems are interrelated and interdependent. As a result, corruption spreads like tumour in all the systems. 8) Lack of satisfaction: Greed results from non-satisfaction. People are not satisfied with their current status, position and wealth. They want to become millionaire in a short span of time. Growth and richness is not bad. But it is sad to see that the Indian are adopting illegal and immoral ways to achieve them. Many Indians are engaged in unhealthy competitions of wealth accumulation (with relatives, colleagues and neighbours). ) Lack of autonomy: Establishment and expansion of private and business sector depend on approval of politician. Many politician misuse their authority and power. They have only one criterion for approval â€Å"Pay us otherwise you will not get paid†. Entrepreneurs consider bribery as tax like other official taxes. Bribery has become necessary for the establishment of organisation. Companies and contractors secure contracts and government projects due to bribe. Good quotations and work of company does not considered to be criteria for securing contracts. 0) Lack of good control and vigilance: In India, some ag encies are working day and night to stop corruption. But some officials of these agencies get tempted towards illegal commissions and leave corrupt people without any penalty and punishment. Corruption breeds corruption. To keep a check on crores of people, more agencies and more honest officials are required. Hence, there is a tremendous shortage of these agencies and officials in India. This results in lack of control and vigilance on illegal activities. 11) Lack of good remuneration: In private sector, employer decides salary and employment benefits.He has complete freedom and there is no pressure on him from government. Due to this fact, many employers pay less for more work. They exploit employees of their companies. Even the working conditions in most of the establishments are worse. Employee does not have any social security and retirement benefits. Employees get frustrated and adopt illegal means to make their earnings better and future secure. 12) Lack of employment: Many u nemployed educated youth fall prey to corruption. They are willing to pay huge amount for jobs. Many employer take undue advantage of this situation. They take bribe and give appointment letters.The appointed employee uses all means (legal and illegal) to recover his lost money as early as possible. Hence, Corruption breeds corruption. When these employees achieve power and authority. They take bribe from candidates for jobs. These traditions of corruption continue from generation to generation without any check and control. 13) Lack of seats and educational institutions: In order to fulfil dreams and ambitions of their children, parents pay huge donation to secure admission for their children. Hence, the basis of admission is not merit but money. Management use maximum utilisation of quota granted to them.Every year there is a increase in donation amount. Affluent students who secured less percentage in examinations, easily gets admissions by paying huge donations. Poor students wh o secured good percentage struggle day and night to get admissions. Many a time their efforts go in vain due to lack of seats and more number of applicants. Consequences:- 1) Loss of National wealth: This is the greatest loss for the people of India. Since independence, India is showing tremendous growth in corruption (Jeep deal to 2 G spectrum scams). India lost billions and billions dollars of money in various scams.Instead of becoming independent affluent nation, India is dependent on international loans, grants and favours due to this tremendous of wealth in corruption. 2) Hindrance and obstruction in development: Corruption is the only obstruction in the way towards development. We cannot become a developed and self sufficient nation until corruption is not eradicated from our country. Many developmental projects are taking unnecessary time for their completion due to corruption. Since, many officials consider these projects as special hens(hens which lay golden eggs every day) . If project will get completed, these special hens will die.Hence, they take proper care of these hens. 3)Backwardness: Due to corruption, India is behind in almost every field- sports, inventions, health, medicine, research, education, economy, defence, infrastructure, technology and so on. Many scientists do not have latest equipments and technology for research and development. Sportsmen do not have proper facilities, equipments, coaching and training. There are scams and corruption in defence deals. Many doctors lack specialised and modern skills of treatment and diagnosis. 4) Poverty: Due to corruption, government is unable to eradicate poverty.Rich are becoming richer by snatching the rights and wealth of poor. Various packages, reservations and compensations for poor people, minorities and backward community are announced by government from time to time. But these disadvantaged sections of society hardly get any benefits. Since, affluent people freely consume benefits meant for poor. 5) Authority and power in wrong hands: Ineligible and incapable candidates are selected for various important positions. They pay and get selected. Due to their inefficiency, there exist many faults and weaknesses in system and management. These faults get easily hidden through corruption.The deserving and creative candidates satisfy themselves with unsuitable jobs and positions. 6) Brain drain: Corrupt employers and mediators offer jobs to unskilled and incapable candidates by taking bribe. They get their share of wealth. But nation loses its valuable share. Due to lack of good opportunities in India, many creative and talented Indian are serving developed nations. This is a tremendous loss for India. Since, we cannot become a developed nation without the contribution of talented and creative people. Talented people who serve other countries are actually cheating with their own nation.They are made capable and efficient by their own nation. But they use their capabilities for increasing the efficiency of other nation. This is also considered as corruption. 7) Rise in terrorism and crimes: One of the reasons for rise in crimes is corruption in police administration. Police departments grant security and protection to the citizens. When this departments get engaged in corrupt activities. Then there is no control on crimes and brutal killings. Since, criminals are given freedom and victims are tortured. Besides, corruption also leads to injustice. Injustice gives birth to crimes and anti social activities.Citizens take up arms for securing justice. 8) Rise in suicide cases: Suicide cases are increasing in India by leaps and bounds. One of the major causes in several suicide cases is injustice resulting from corruption. Government announces various schemes and help packages for farmers but most of the time this financial help does not reach to the farmers due to corruption in administration. This leads to rise in suicides cases among farmers. Candidates fulfil all necessary criteria for jobs or admissions, but then also they fail in their attempt to secure it because they do not have political contacts and money.This leads to hopelessness and depression which ultimately results in suicide. 9) Psychological and social disorders: Due to corruption in judicial system and police administration. Culprits are left free and victims get punishments and injustice. Due to this injustice, many victims suffer from depression and serious psychological disorders. Many victims get frustrated with judicial system and develop feeling of revenge against culprits. As a result, the victims become culprits by engaging themselves in anti-social activities. It corrodes the healthy social fabric of nation. How to counter Corruption:- ) Value education: Parents and teachers should inculcate moral values in children. Practice is more persuasive than preaching. The best way to inculcate values in children is not only to preach but to set an example by actua l doing. They should set themselves as a model of good behaviour. They should narrate stories based on moral values. Teacher should not only teach morals in value education period but they should inculcate values in pupils by correlating value education with various subjects and activities. They should not leave any stone unturned for achieving this great purpose. ) Effective and regular vigilance: Strict action should be taken against lazy and corrupt officials. Number of agencies and officials should be increased. They should be properly trained in the latest investigative skills. Government should supervise and monitor these agencies. They should be quick and active in their duties. They should not delay their investigation and inspection . Since, these delays is the cause for loss of tremendous wealth of nation. 3) Responsible citizen: If an individual is corrupt, he cannot expect those in power to be free from corruption.Hence, it is essential for every citizen to perform his d uties faithfully and to the best of their abilities. Every citizen should strive hard to eradicate corruption. People of India should report cases of corruption to vigilance department immediately without delay. They should follow up the cases of corruption. Since, merely reporting the evil practice is not sufficient for its complete eradication. 4) Strong and Effective leadership and administration: All those who are granted powers and authority by people should fulfil their promises and pledge.They should strive their utmost to eradicate corruption from systems and administrations. They should give up hypocrisy. Government and vigilance agencies should keep a check on their source of income and bank accounts. If any leader is not performing his duties properly, then he should be immediately terminated from the position. It should be performance based position. Government should do performance appraisal of leaders regularly. 5) Media: Media has wider coverage and impact. It plays a n important role in changing the life of people. It should frequently expose the cases of corruption.It should educate people against corruption on regular basis. Journalists and editors should give complete information about the issues related to corruption in their newspapers. Reporters should give more importance to the news and information on corruption; they should report corruption cases immediately. 6) Legislation: Government should frame strict and stringent anti-corruption laws. Severe punishments and penalties should be imposed on corrupt people. The justice and proceedings should not be delayed. Immediate action should be taken against corrupt people. The punishment should act as a good lesson for other corrupt people. ) Social organisation: Non government organisations should work in coordination with people and vigilance departments for prevention of illegal activities. They should devise and plan innovative strategies and methods against corruption. 8) Declaration of w ealth and assets: It should be made mandatory for political leaders and government officials to declare their wealth and assets. Investigation agencies should strictly and properly check their claims and declaration. 9) Transparency: Every process of selection, dealing and appointments of different fields should be made transparent.People should be made aware of reasons and merit for selection of candidates, contracts, tenders, etc. 10) Advertising: Advertising and marketing agencies should educate and aware people against corruption. There should be appealing ads on internet, vehicles, bus stops, railway stations, sign boards and television. 11) Serials and films: Films are powerful medium of mass communication. Films have powerful influence and widespread appeal. Films can be used to create public opinion against corruption. Producers should make certain popular serials and movies against corruption.Serials should have different episodes dealing with various types of corruption an d their cures. 12) Appointment and admissions: Selection of students, managers, officers and executives should only be based on merit. It is the responsibility of candidates and parents to critically examine the selection and appointment procedures. They should report irregularities to the higher authorities without delay. 13) Religious sermon: In India, people show very strict adherence to their faith and belief. They are very sensitive towards religion, place of worship and religious leaders.They have deep attachment and great respect for preachers and spiritual orators. They try to adopt the teachings of their spiritual leaders in day to day life. Hence, religious leaders should give sermons against corruption. 14) Loyalty and patriotism: Every citizen of India should become patriotic in true sense. He should give priority and preference to the development of his nation. He should always remain loyal to their beautiful culture, ethics and country. Social workers, political leader s, media and teachers should inculcate true patriotism in the citizens of India. 5) Dedicated and diligent leaders: There should be more dedicated, devoted and diligent leaders like Medha Patkar and Anna Hazare. These leaders dedicated their whole life for eradicating corruption. It is the responsibility of every citizen of India to support and cooperate with leaders who are sincerely striving against corruption. 16) Coordination and control: All government and non government agencies should work in coordination with media, educational institutions and corporate sectors to control and eradicate corruption. They should be united in their efforts against corruption. 17) Creative writers: Pen is mightier than sword.Creative writers should write appealing articles and books against corruption. They should write interesting short stories based on honesty. 18) College and Universities: These institutions should educate and train the youth against corruption. They should organise symposium , debates, group discussion, seminars and lectures for this purpose. 19) Gratitude: We Indian should show gratitude towards all those honest people who sacrificed and laid their lives for eradicating corruption from our beautiful country. It is now our turn to take this greatest responsibility and make our nation free from corruption.