Weve Made the Inc. 500 for a Whopping Third Year in a Row!

Weve Made the Inc. 500 for a Whopping Third Year in a Row! Weve Made the Inc. 500 for a Whopping Third Year in a Row! Weve Made the Inc. 500 for a Whopping Third Year in a Row!When it comes to the Inc. 500, three-peats are rare: Only one in four companies manages to make the prestigious list for three consecutive years.Sound the alarms! Today, Inc. Magazine released its annual Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America. After making the list and ranking in the top 500 companies in 2016 and 2017, was your beloved OppLoansâ€"the country’s leading socially responsible online lenderâ€"able to make the list for an astounding third year in a row?We won’t keep you in suspense: Yes!For the third year in a row, OppLoans was named to the Inc. 500, coming in at #340 and getting featured in Inc. Magazine. The rankings are based on annual revenue growth over a three-year span which, for the 2018 list, covered 2014 to 2017. During those three years, we grew an astounding 1,464.6 percent!If you’re raising a skeptical eyebrow right now, trying to figure out why we’re so excited, let us expla in. Making the Inc. 500 and being recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the whole company is … really cool! No doubt about it. But being named to the list for three years in a row is a feat that only one in four companies manages to pull off!Chicago loves a three-peatâ€"and were thrilled to be able to deliver! said Jared Kaplan, our intrepid CEO. Its difficult to achieve the type of growth that will earn a company an Inc. 500 spot and to do it three years in a row is a spectacular distinction. But whats more importantâ€" and what were even prouder ofâ€"is that during this period of incredible expansion, weve maintained best-in-class products and service for our customers. Thats our mission, and the thousands of five-star reviews weve received are proof that were succeeding.He’s not exaggerating with those five-star reviews by the way. We have literally thousands of them on Google. Don’t believe us? Go see for yourself.What makes OppLoans so special?Continuing t o grow at such a phenomenal rate is something we’re immensely proud of. But like Jared said, it wouldn’t matter nearly as much if maintaining that growth came at the expense of our customer, our products, or our employees. The truly magical thing about OppLoans is that we’ve managed to grow without sacrificing any of them!At OppLoans, the customer really does come first. Everything we do is geared towards offering them a better product, with a high level of customer service far beyond what they’ll get elsewhere. That’s why our dedicated team of Loan Advocates work night and day to get customers the money they need, when they need it, with a minimum of hassle.Over 100+ millions of Americans have non-prime credit scores, and over 60 percent of the population doesn’t have enough in savings to cover a $1,000 emergency. OppLoans was founded on the belief that these consumers deserve better than the predatory no credit check loansâ€"like payday loans, cash advances, and title loansâ€"that they were turning to in times of financial distress. That’s why we offer safer, more affordable  installment loans that customers can pay off gradually over time. Treating people right isn’t just what we do, it’s what we’ve always done.We wouldn’t be able to do that, however, if we didn’t also treat our employees right. OppLoans is based in Chicago, which is rife with stories of startups that experienced explosive growth and subsequently ran their overworked employees in the ground. From day one, it was our belief that happy workers are the best kind of workers and the best way to deliver happy customers.That’s why we take care of our employees like they are family. Let’s start with our office in downtown Chicago: Not only does it come with an absolutely breathtaking view of Millennium Park, but it also has a kitchen fully stocked with healthy snacks and drinks, not to mention several vintage video game systems and a pop-a-shot.Employees also get perks l ike regular in-office massages, pizza parties, game nights, off-site events, sponsored sports teams, and the greatest perk of all: Crepe Day (shout-out to Gotta B Crepes). Additionally, we offer great health benefitsâ€"including one option that’s entirely freeâ€"401(k) matching, and flexible scheduling. Oh, and we pay well too!(Does OppLoans sound like a place you want to work? Sweet! Check out our careers page for open positions.)Inc. 500 is one of many honors we’ve received this year.2018 has been quite the year for accolades around here. Earlier this year, Jared Kaplan was ranked the eighth highest-rated CEO on the Top CEO list by Glassdoor and named a finalist for EY Entrepreneur of the Year. OppLoans was also named a 2018 Best Workplace by Inc. Magazine and Americas sixth best place to work by Glassdoor.But the accolades that matter most to OppLoans are those of our customers and our employees. That’s why we’re so proud to sport an average customer rating of 4.9/5 stars on Google and an average employee rating of 4.9/5 on Glassdoor. And while we’re at it, our 95-percent approval rate on LendingTree and our A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau are pretty awesome too.At OppLoans, we couldn’t be happier to make the Inc. 500 three years in a row. The only thing that would make us happier would be … making it four years in a row. Will we be able to do it? You’ll have to check back next year to find out!In the meantime, check out these other great posts and articles from OppLoans:How To Save Money on Back to School SuppliesIf You Work One of These 5 Jobs, the Robots Are Coming for YouHow Much Would it Cost to Travel to Every Star Wars Filming Location?Whats your favorite thing about OppLoans? We want to hear from you! You can find us  on  Facebook  and  Twitter.

Definition and Examples of Heuristics in Composition

In rhetoric and composition studies, a heuristic is a strategy or set of strategies for exploring topics, constructing arguments, and discovering solutions to problems. Common discovery strategies include freewriting, listing, probing, brainstorming, clustering, and outlining. Other methods of discovery include research, the journalists questions, the interview, and the pentad. In Latin, the equivalent of heuristic is inventio, the first of the five canons of rhetoric. Etymology:Â  From the Greek, to find out. Examples and Observations [T]he heuristic function of discourse is that of discovery, whether of facts, insights, or even of self-awareness. The heuristic function of discourse is essential to the inventive processes, that is the ability to discover the means of expressing our thoughts and sentiments effectively to others.(James A. Herrick, The History and Theory of Rhetoric: An Introduction, 3rd ed. Pearson, 2005)A heuristic is a set of discovery procedures for systematic application or a set of topics for systematic consideration. Unlike the procedures in a set of instructions, the procedures of a heuristic do not need to be followed in any particular order, and there is no guarantee that using it will result in a single definitive explanation. A good heuristic draws on multiple theories rather than just one.(Christopher Eisenhart and Barbara Johnstone, Discourse Analysis and Rhetorical Studies. Rhetoric in Detail: Discourse Analyses of Rhetorical Talk and Text, ed. by B. Johnstone and C. Eisenhart. John Be njamins, 2008)Reconsideration of Aristotles notion of heuristic reveals both another dimension of classical invention and an important feature of Aristotles Rhetoric. Heuristic is not only an instrument for inventing techniques to articulate to others but is also a techne enabling the rhetor and audience to cocreate meaning.(Richard Leo Enos and Janice M. Lauer, The Meaning of Heuristic in Aristotles Rhetoric and Its Implications for Contemporary Rhetorical Theory. Landmark Essays on Aristotelian Rhetoric, ed. by Richard Leo Enos and Lois Peters Agnew. Lawrence Erlbaum, 1998) Teaching Heuristics [I]nstruction in heuristic strategies has been controversial. . . . Some have feared that heuristics will turn into rules or formulas, thereby overdetermining or mechanizing the rhetorical process. This danger was realized at times in rhetorical history when the arts of discourse were taught as inflexible steps for carrying out rhetorical acts rather than as arbitrary but effective guides. Another controversy has stemmed from false expectations about the efficacy of teaching heuristics as a panacea for all rhetorical problems. But they do not supply motivation or subject knowledge but rather depend upon them. Nor do they remedy grammatical problems or provide genre knowledge or syntactic fluency. Advocates of heuristics see them as part of a larger repertoire of rhetorical resources and argue that teaching heuristics shares with students insider knowledge of discourse strategies that can empower them in genuine, compelling rhetorical situations.(Janice M. Lauer, Heuristics. Encyclope dia of Rhetoric and Composition: Communication From Ancient Times to the Information Age, ed. by Theresa Enos. Routledge, 1996) Heuristic Procedures and Generative Rhetoric [H]euristic procedures can guide inquiry and stimulate memory and intuition. The imaginative act is not absolutely beyond the writers control; it can be nourished and encouraged.These generalizations about heuristics and the technical theory of art become clearer if we recall Francis Christensens generative rhetoric of the sentence, a technique that uses form to produce ideas. After a close examination of the practice of modern writers who have a knack for good prose--Hemingway, Steinbeck, Faulkner, and others--Christensen identified four principles operating in the production of what he called cumulative sentences. . . .Heuristic procedures enable the writer to bring principles such as these to bear in composing by translating them into questions or operations to be performed. If we were to invent a procedure based on these principles, it might look something like this: study what is being observed, write a base clause about it, and then try piling up at the end of the clause analog ies, details, and qualities that serve to refine the original observation.(Richard E. Young, Concepts of Art and the Teaching of Writing. Landmark Essays on Rhetorical Invention in Writing, ed. by Richard E. Young and Yameng Liu. Hermagoras Press, 1994)

Women s Rights Of Women - 1552 Words

Nowadays, it is easier for women to get jobs than in the past due to the equality between men and women. However, in the some situations, women need to give up their jobs even though they would like to continue their jobs. Particularly, one of the general reasons of women’s retirements is child-care leave. When they are pregnant, they should leave from their work to prepare to give a birth. It is fact that most women have the responsibility to take care of their family including children. That is because women would like to support directly rather than financially. In other words, women set a higher value on taking care of their family members than working. However, the role of taking care of the family is not only for wives but also for†¦show more content†¦Through both difficult and valuable experiences, fathers and mothers can more trust each other. In the same reason, fathers can spend more time with their children. Some fathers tend to focus on working to earn mo ney and feed their family. Therefore, they cannot have enough time to communicate with their children and can miss their children’s characteristics. According to Nielsen, â€Å"those children whose fathers are actively involved in their lives and create the kind of relationship described in the previous chapter as â€Å"good fathering: derive a lifetime of benefits.† In other words, paternity leave is the effective opportunity for such a father to learn how to treat his children. If fathers do not understand their children’s characteristic, they can misunderstand and scold their children. In order to know children, fathers need paternity leave. The second reason is that paternity leave can help not only father but also mothers. Maternity blue is anxiety about having children, and it is not unusual for most women. Paternity leave can avoid maternity blue because mothers can take a break from childcare. Although most women willingly have children, it is fact that they get tired from taking care of children. Instead of mothers, it is necessary for fathers to care children. Also, for most wives, their husband is one of the closest family members and can be their best counselor when they fear about children. Crying is one ofShow MoreRelatedWomen s Rights Of Women Essay1455 Words   |  6 Pagesa myriad of women have expressed through outlets such as public assemblies, literature, and speeches. There have been three waves of the women’s movement, each targeting a variety of issues within each era. The third wave was in 1995, where Hillary Clinton spoke in Beijing, China, claiming that women’s rights were the same a s human rights, that every aspiring girl deserved the civil liberties that every man was given around the world. Moreover, the movement had shifted towards women in developingRead MoreWomen s Rights Of Women1265 Words   |  6 Pagesstands in the way of women being equal to men? Journalist Carlin Flora suggests the following, â€Å"While not all claims to humanity are universal and no one context, culture or continent can truly represent all peoples, the following three examples from very different contexts, cultures and continents show that some violations of women’s human rights are universal. In particular, it is still the case the world over that a woman’s reproductive rights, which impact on her right to life, are still seenRead MoreWomen s Rights Of Women881 Words   |  4 PagesTwenty –first century ladies are discovering it a daunting task to keep up both sexual orientation parts as an aftereffect of the women s activist development. They are present ly assuming liability for both the supplier and the nurturer, battling like never before to acquire and keep a superior personal satisfaction. Woman s rights has supported in equivalent vocation opportunity, battling to get ladies acknowledged into the employment advertise, and what initially began as ladies strengtheningRead MoreWomen s Rights Of Women Essay1647 Words   |  7 Pagesthe early 1920’s, women thought they had achieved the unachievable. They could finally work, keep their earned wages, marry whomever they please, and even vote. After reaching their goal and fighting vigorously, women could taste equality and the freedom they deserved. While women still have the right to work in today’s society, women are not exactly treated equal in the workplace. Regardless of the past and the extreme measures taken to ensure equal opportunities for both men and women, there are manyRead MoreWomen s Rights Of Women1590 Words   |  7 Pagesthe 1920s, women were ignored in every aspect of their life. From politics, to social situations, women were constantly looked at as lesser. The 20s was a decade of women ready to fight for their rights. From gaining social freedoms, to getting political rights, the 20s was the first decade of feminism. Many women played key roles in the fight for women s rights through speeches, marches, and much more. The women that fought for their rights in the 1920s completely changed how women live their livesRead MoreWomen s Rights Of Women1230 Words   |  5 PagesWomen’s suffrage has stretched from the 1800’s to present day, as women have struggled to have the same civil and constitutional rights as men in politics and be appreciated as equals in the workforce. Groups of women known as suffragists questioned the customary views of women’s roles. Eventually our nation has evolved and realized that male-controlled societies suppress women’s rights. From the beginning steps taken in 1850 to 2013 with women earning combat roles in the military, women’s rolesRead MoreWomen s Rights Of Women1206 Words   |  5 Pagesto speak of women and the role of women in this election, the subject of women is tiresome but necessary in a world where gender is still existent as an obstacle for most. I cannot identify what woman is. I am basing my definition from our modern understanding of woman, our general view, and the popular experience. People are using younger women voting for Bernie Sanders as proof of gender’s irrelevant in this election, that women have achieved their rights. Even if women ‘have rights now’ it doesRead MoreWomen s Rights Of Women1393 Words   |  6 Pages Women all over the world are being treated different than men. Iran is one of the places that women are being treated the worst. From restrictions to punishments, women in Iran are being treated with no respect, and that is not okay. Women’s rights activists have tried to get it to change, and have traveled to many places to try and get more people to join their movement. There are many issues with women not having the same rights as men. One of the main problems is that they are treated lessRead MoreWomen s Rights Of Women1272 Words   |  6 PagesThroughout history, women have fought a strenuous battle for equal rights. Many men, and even some women, all over the world believe that women do not share the same value and importance to society as men do. On September 5, 1995, Hillary Clinton spoke at the 4th World Conference on Women, on behalf of women all over the world. Clinton raised awareness on how women s rights are being violated and why it is important to recognize women s rights as equal to everyone else’s rights. Even today, in 2016Read MoreWomen s Rights Of Women1052 Words   |  5 PagesThe family has traditionally been the basic unit of Chinese society where women have long been charged with upholding society s values in their roles as wives and mothers. Especially in the Qing Dynasty, women were required to balance society s i deals with the reality of raising a family and maintaining a household. Throughout the imperial period and into the beginning of the twentieth century, the relationship among family members was prescribed by Confucian teachings. The revered philosopher

Tv has negative influence on society Free Essays

TV has a negative influence on society Introduction: According to David Hinckley of New York Daily News, â€Å"The average America over the age of 2 spends more than 34 hours a week watching live television plus another 3-6 hours watching taped programs. † This statistic shows how much tv can affect us, considering how much we watch it. I want you to think about your favorite tv show right now. We will write a custom essay sample on Tv has negative influence on society or any similar topic only for you Order Now I’ll bet you that that show contains some kind of violence, sexual interactions, cussing, drug or alcohol usage, stereotypes and many other bad nfluences. Even shows like Spongebob Squarepants, a kids cartoon, are saying to have subliminal, or hidden, messages that are disturbing and wrong. Resolution: My partner and I are resolved that tv has a negative influence on society. By negative influence we mean a power affecting a person, think, or course of events in a bad way(free dictionary. com). And in this case, tv is affecting society, or people in general thought of as living together in organized communities with shared laws, traditions and values. My first argument is that violence on tv leads to aggressive behavior in the people watching it. According to Dr. Gail Gross in the Huffington Post, â€Å"when children see violence on television, they have a difficult time differentiating between what is real and what is make believe, and tend to copy what they see. † In 1 study done at Pennsylvania Statue University in 1982, about 100 preschool children were observed both before and after watching tv. Some watched cartoons that had a lot of aggressive and violent acts and others watched shows with no violence. The esearchers notched real differences. Children who watched the violent shows were more likely to hit out at their playmates, argue, disobey class rules, leave tasks unfinished, and were less willing to wait for things than those who watched the unviable not programs, says Aletha Huston-Stein PH. D, now at the University of Kansas. In conclusion, media violence makes kids more aggressive, less patient, and more fearful of the world around them. There are plenty of violent tv shows like law and order, criminal minds, the walking dead, breaking bad, and so on that show case iolence and killings. These shows can lead many people to follow in their ways. So as you can see from this evidence, violence on tv leads to aggressive behavior in the people watching it. My second argument is that watching tv gives open access to everything. When you watch tv, you are susceptible to messages that are dangerous, especially the youth. Say that you are a young kid and your parents want to keep you away from the dangers of drug and sex until you’re older. Well whole watching tv you could flip to a hannel and start watching a television show that includes these activities. Now as a young kid you may be confused and not know the difference between right and wrong when it comes to these new things you haven’t heard ot betore. Another point is shows like teen mom expose you to premarital sex and these shows make it seem normal and natural to have sex as a teenager. Furthermore, according to changingchannels. org, tv desensitizes viewers to the evil nature of premarital sex and unprovoked violence, encouraging young viewers to find them acceptable and ormal in society. So you can see from the points made, television gives people, especially youth, open access to everything. conclusion: Our first argument was that tv violence leads to aggressive behavior in the people watching it. Our second argument was that tv gives people open access to everything. Do you really want young children susceptible to drug, sex, and violence before they are even old enough to know what it is? From these arguments, it should be clear that tv is leaving a negative impact on our society. How to cite Tv has negative influence on society, Papers

The Inside Of RaymondS Run Essay Example For Students

The Inside Of RaymondS Run Essay After reading Raymonds Run I see that it is a story of many things, but the most efficient thing is a story of excitement. What is excitement? Excitement is showing happiness about something that has happened or something that you have done, to be excited. Raymond was a boy that was verbally abused and didnt have a regular childhood. Raymond was sheltered by his sister Hazel and was always the apple of her eye. Although Raymond was handicap and wasnt a normal child he tried his best to do everything his sister did. Hazel was very popular in the neighborhood due to the fact that she was the neighborhoods track star and havent been beat in any race in several years. In the neighborhood the kids called Hazel Mercury because she was the swiftest thing in the neighborhood. Hazel was a very good runner and was a very strong person. When people used to talk trash to her brother or her she used to stand up and say You got anything to say to my brother, you say it to me (pg 2079). We will write a custom essay on The Inside Of RaymondS Run specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Hazel had the attitude that for her brother she would kill. Hazel was scared of no one. Once in a race Mr. Pearson said to Hazel well Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker, going to give someone else a break this year? (pg 2080) and hazel went crazy, she gave Mr. Pearson a squint and that was all she wrote she said nothing back to him, but still did what she did best and tried her hardest to win the race, but just didnt win this one. She tied with the new girl. After Hazel realized that she didnt win the race but she tied this is where Bambara showed to me that this story was a story of excitement. This story showed excitement of both Hazel and also Raymond. Although Hazel was unhappy about the race she never showed it she showed that she was proud and that finally she and the Gretchen could get along. After this Hazel and also the Gretchen was both proud of each other, but even prouder of Raymond and his attempt to run on the other side of the fence in his own style. After both of these girls realized that they could help each other and be friends with each other they started to train Raymond in a different style of running. When Bambara talks about how Hazel and Gretchen I see that although both of these girls had there difference they are both happy that they are now friends and are helping each other in the training of Raymond and his own track career. Gretchen had finally realized that although Hazel was very serious about her running and also about her brother she could still be friends with Hazel. Bambara showed excitement in Raymond when he talked about the affect of after Hazel had put him in the swing so that she could go race he found a way out of it and was running on the other side of the fence showing Hazel how excited he was that she was running and also showing that she had inspired him to run also. Raymond was always excited and was always proud of his sister, but never showed his excitement in this way. When Raymond did this Hazel looked over and saw that he was doing it she almost stopped her race to admire her brother in excitement in how he was running. Something that she or no one else ever thought that they would see! After this Raymond was showing his sister that he had been admiring all this time with her running and that he had been very into her and she had expired him to find away to run also although he had his own handicap. When Raymond started his running career he ran with his hands down to his side and it was a very different style of running. No one had ever seen this style of running, but Hazel and Gretchen both saw something in Raymond and his style of running. .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2 , .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2 .postImageUrl , .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2 , .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2:hover , .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2:visited , .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2:active { border:0!important; } .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2:active , .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2 .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u08ca59b71b3f9446dbb3993ba2fde2a2:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" EssayBambara showed the most excitement when he talked about Raymonds style of running and Hazel and Gretchen not only being happy for Raymond, but also being happy that they both had come to an agreement and where getting along. At this point of the story everyone was excited. After reading this story you can see that yes, in life it seems that same sex just can not get along and hide there excitement and feelings to prove it especially females, but if it takes the world you will get along when it comes to a positive thing. Gretchen and Hazel Just couldnt stand each other and just couldnt get along at all but then came in agreement and that probably the best time of there childhood lives. When you read Raymonds Run and think about life we all can see that this story seems to be inspired by a true story due to the fact that it just seems so real. We all know someone that takes care of there little sibylline and that sibylline means the world to them. You and your little sibylline are just like paper and glue he/she sticks to you just like that and you try to pull away, but just cannot because of the love that you have for he/she. In Raymonds Run you see that Raymond was the glue and Hazel was the paper. No matter how hard Hazel tried to get away from Raymond she just couldnt do it. Hazel meant so much to Raymond she was his pride and joy and vice versa Raymond meant just as much to Hazel. If you dont have a sibylline you can see in this story that it is an attachment that you can never get away from no matter what. Yes, sometimes you cannot stand your sibylline and may have arguments, even moments that your not even talking to him/her, but when it all comes down and someone else is talking trash to him/hey or even more directly to him/her you will be there for him/her and will do your best to protect them.

buy custom History and Evolution of Labor Movement in the United States essay

buy custom History and Evolution of Labor Movement in the United States essay Granted, the working people of the United States have had to struggle to realize the gains they have accumulated to date. The contemporary American trade unions of formidable proportions are a reflection of improvements that did not come easily. Workers in the American society have built formidable trade union movements through organizing unions, earning the right to representation, employing the process of collective bargaining as the core of their activities, and fighting against bias and discrimination. From spearheading the drive to educate each child, labor movements in the United States have served to stabilize the national economy and safeguard the American democratic society. The roots of American trade union movements extend back to the early history of this country (Foner, 2006). As early as 1620, Pilgrims who were mostly working artisans started arriving at the Plymouth Rock. Captain John Smith, who initiated the influx on Virginias James River, requested his sponsors in London to send him more artisans and working people (Llewellyn, 2004). It is during those days that primitive unions comprising of carpenters, cabinet-makers, and cobblers made their initial appearances, often temporary along the Atlantic seaboard of colonial America. Indeed, workers in the colonial American society played an important role in the struggle for independence. However, it was after the declaration of independence that the aspect of trade union movements became widespread in the American society (Light, 2005). In the name of the slogan of the time, pursuit of happiness, printers, cabinet-makers, carpenters, and cobblers got engaged in strikes in the period between 1776 and 1779 demanding higher pays and shorter working hours. By early 19th century, there were recorded efforts by unions to improve the condition of workers through strike actions and negotiations. It was in 1820s however, that the numerous workers unions of that were involved in the effort to reduce the number of working hours from 12 to 10 started showing an interest in the idea of federationjoining efforts in pursuit of common objectives of the working population. Regardless of its weakness at the time, this effort reflected the desire of the working population to be afforded economic and legal protection from exploitation. This was in particular underlined by the fact that factory systema phenomenon that had produced misery and slums in England for decadeswas taking shape in the American society (Light, 2005). The factory system led to a wealthy few and grinding poverty for many. In light of this, the number of workers organizations proliferated steadily during the middle of the 19th century. It was during these times that unions in various cities started joining to form citywide federations. Though frustrated by the 1837 financial panic, the 1834 National Trade Union formed by workers in five cities was an nearly attempt at countrywide federation. Later on, in 1866, printers, stonecutters, cobblers among others sent delegates from their respective unions to a Baltimore meeting that conceived the National Labor Union. Again, not a very strong institution, the economic depression of 1873 ended it (Foner, 2006). The next thing that was to capture public imagination was the Knights of Labor. The Knights was an all-embracing outfit founded on the platform of coopertive movement. Apart from lawyers, bankers, gamblers, and alcoholic beverage dealers, who were not allowed membership into this organization, the Knights did not limit itself to wage earners, opening to include even farmers and small business owners. Although in a few years the Knights of Labor realized close to a million members from both skilled and unskilled workers, its vogue organizational structure nevertheless frustrated its members hopes of improvement in working hours and wages. This was in particular underlined by its leaders aversion to strikes and reliance on future promises of employers. This set the stage for the establishment of a practical labor union that could simultaneously address long-term objectives of a better society and the real activities of day-to-day functions of a union (Llewellyn, 2004). After many attempts over a long period, the first practical step in response to the need of a united labor movement front was a November 15 1881 meeting held in Pittsburgh. Delegates from printers, carpenters, cigar makers, among other workers unions and some others from the local units of Knights of Labor formed institution during this meetingFederation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions (Golembiewski, 2007). The constitution of this new workers front was inspired by then a dozen years old British Trades Union Congress and its most important agenda was legislation. Samuel Gompers from the Cigar Makers Unionstarting a career in the American labor movement landscape that was to span four decades, chaired this new outfit. The most significant step, however, came in 1986 when the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions evolved into the American Federation of Labor, still under leadership of Gompers. After experiencing some hitches with the former organization, a belief in the need for a more effective union organization informed the formation of AFL (Foner, 2006). Key Leaders of American Labor Movements and their Impacts on the Organizations The London, England born Samuel Gompers takes credit as one of the most influential leaders of trade union movements in the United States. As mentioned earlier, starting with chair of the Federation of Trades and Labor Unions and later as the president of the reconfigured American Federation of Labor, Gompers help shaped trade unionism in the United Sates in its formative years. A self-declared Marxist, Gompers was particularly hostile to socialism. He held conservative political views and believed trade unionists should accept the economic systems of the daycapitalism. Although these views led to the formation of a rival outfit, the Industrial Workers of the World, their membership numbers could not match those of AFL. In addition to facilitating the formation of the first practical trade union movement in the United States, Gompers also played a critical in the establishment of the Womens Trade Union Leaguean organization that educated women on the advantages of joining trade union s and furthered their demands of a better working condition (Light, 2005). Starting as a branch secretary of the United Mine Workers of America, John Lewis was another leader in the American trade unionism landscape who positively influenced the welfare of workers (Golembiewski, 2007). After noticing a decline in membership in his organization, UMWA, caused by growing unemployment, in 1935, Lewis mobillized seven heads of other trade unions to form an umbrella organizationthe Congress for Industrial Organizationassuming the presidency. Over the next few years, Lewis had been able to organize workers in the new mass production industries. This strategy was a success particularly in the light of the fact that by 1937, CIO had more members than AFL (Foner, 2006). A Republican, supporter of Roosevelt and a person who favored many aspects of the new deal, Lewis was however opposed to Roosevelts third term in office and resigned from the presidency of CIO after FDRS re-election. Nevertheless, Lewis used his retained leadership of UMWA to lead a series of strikes in the 1940s that lead to increased wages for miners. As a result, union membership rose significantly, which led to the Congress of the passing of Taft-Hartley act, an approach that sought to restrict the activities of trade unions. He left UMWA in 1960 (Foner, 2006). Another icon in American trade unionism is Walter Reuther, himself a son of a trade unionist and socialist activist. His activist started as an employee of the Ford Motor Company where he lost his job due to such. In 1946, assumed the presidency of United Automobile Workers and six years later succeeded Philip Murray as the president of the Congress for Industrial Organization. His public image as one of the post Second World War II progressive figures of trade unionism was because of his support of civil rights social welfare legislation. Under his leadership, the membership of UAW grew to 1.5 million. Furthermore, he employed his negotiation skills to reach an agreement whereby a laid-off automobile worker would take home an amount almost equal to the one an individual could when working (Light, 2005). Current State of Affairs in the US Labor Movement In 1955, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization merged into AFL-CIO and since then has been the only union federation representing the working class in the United States (Light, 2005). This institution transformed into American Federation of Labor in 1886. Although done in the name of unity, this merger saw the exit of militant and democratic unions with their leaders driven out of the unions, and persecuted under the creations of cold war government-corporation. In brief, the likes of Walter Reuther are not present in the modern day trade unionism (Foner, 2006). When AFC-CIO merger took place more than half a decade back, one in every three United States workers was in a union. During its 50th anniversary, less than 12.5% of the workers in the US belonged to a particular union while the organized percentage of workers in the private sector remained less than eight percent. Politicians have severely weakened the influence of AFL-CIO on employers. The United Airlines court proceedings in which this organization cited bankruptcy as a reason for denying its workers a pension that was part of its contract with them serves to evidently indicate this. The divide and rule strategy is evident in the labor movement industry today. In the postal industry, for example, there are five different unions representing different workers despite the fact that their major employer is one. In effect, the overall bargaining power of such employees becomes extremely limited. Arguably, US labor movement is on the verge of extinction, possibly never to return to its current form. Buy custom History and Evolution of Labor Movement in the United States essay

Lee v. Weisman (1992) - Prayers at School Graduation

Lee v. Weisman (1992) - Prayers at School Graduation How far can a school go when it comes to accommodating the religious beliefs of students and parents? Many schools have traditionally had someone offer prayers at important school events like graduations, but critics argue that such prayers violate the separation of church and state because they mean that the government is endorsing particular religious beliefs. Fast Facts: Lee v. Weisman Case Argued: November 6, 1991Decision Issued:Â  June 24, 1992Petitioner: Robert E. LeeRespondent: Daniel WeismanKey Question: Did letting a religious officiant offer a prayer during an official public school ceremony violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment?Majority Decision: Justices Blackmun, O’Connor, Stevens, Kennedy, and SouterDissenting: Justices Rehnquist, White, Scalia, and ThomasRuling: Since the graduation was state-sponsored, the prayer was deemed in violation of the Establishment Clause. Background Information Nathan Bishop Middle School in Providence, RI, traditionally invited clergy to offer prayers at graduation ceremonies. Deborah Weisman and her father, Daniel, both of whom were Jewish, challenged the policy and filed suit in court, arguing that the school had turned itself into a house of worship after a rabbis benediction. At the disputed graduation, the rabbi thanked for: ...the legacy of America where diversity is celebrated...O God, we are grateful for the learning which we have celebrated on this joyous commencement...we give thanks to you, Lord, for keeping us alive, sustaining us and allowing us to reach this special, happy occasion. With help from the Bush administration, the school board argued that the prayer was not an endorsement of religion or of any religious doctrines. The Weismans were supported by the ACLU and other groups interested in religious freedom. Both the district and appellate courts agreed with the Weismans and found the practice of offering prayers unconstitutional. The case was appealed to the Supreme Court where the administration asked it to overturn the three-prong test created in Lemon v. Kurtzman. Court Decision Arguments were made on November 6th, 1991. On June 24th 1992, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that prayers during school graduation violate the Establishment Clause. Writing for the majority, Justice Kennedy found that officially sanctioned prayers in public schools were so clearly a violation that the case could be decided without relying upon the Courts earlier church/separation precedents, thus avoiding questions about the Lemon Test entirely. According to Kennedy, the governments involvement in religious exercises at graduation is pervasive and unavoidable. The state creates both public and peer pressure on students to rise for and remain silent during prayers. State officials not only determine that an invocation and benediction should be given, but also select the religious participant and provide guidelines for the content of the nonsectarian prayers. The Court viewed this extensive state participation as coercive in the elementary and secondary school settings. The state in effect required participation in a religious exercise, since the option of not attending one of lifes most significant occasions was no real choice. At a minimum, the Court concluded, the Establishment Clause guarantees that government may not coerce anyone to support or participate in religion or its exercise. What to most believers may seem nothing more than a reasonable request that the nonbeliever respect their religious practices, in a school context may appear to the nonbeliever or dissenter to be an attempt to employ the machinery of the State to enforce a religious orthodoxy. Although a person could stand for the prayer merely as a sign of respect for others, such an action could justifiably be interpreted as accepting the message. The control held by teachers and principals over the students actions forces those graduating to submit to the standards of behavior. This is sometimes referred to as the Coercion Test. Graduation prayers fail this test because they put impermissible pressure on students to participate in, or at least show respect for, the prayer. In a dictum, Justice Kennedy wrote about the importance of the separating church and state: The First Amendments Religion Clauses mean that religious beliefs and religious expression are too precious to be either proscribed or prescribed by the State. The design of the Constitution is that preservation and transmission of religious beliefs and worship is a responsibility and a choice committed to the private sphere, which itself is promised freedom to pursue that mission. [...] A state-created orthodoxy puts at grave risk that freedom of belief and conscience which are the sole assurance that religious faith is real, not imposed. In a sarcastic and scathing dissent, Justice Scalia said that prayer is a common and accepted practice of bringing people together and the government should be allowed to promote it. The fact that prayers can cause division for those who disagree with or are even offended by the content simply wasnt relevant, as far as he was concerned. He also didnt bother to explain how sectarian prayers from one religion could unify people of many different religions, never mind people with no religion at all. Significance This decision failed to reverse the standards established by the Court in Lemon. Instead, this ruling extended the prohibition of school prayer to graduation ceremonies and refused to accept the idea that a student would not be harmed by standing during the prayer without sharing the message contained in the prayer.