Social democracy as a force in contemporary britain

Social democracy as a force in contemporary britain In this essay I will attempt to firstly define Social Democracy and what advantages and disadvantages it brings to a state. Then I will move on to showing how Social Democracy is still existent within contemporary Britain through the means of public spending on education and benefits. I will explore Labours contemporary policies to show that Socialism is still present in Labour. However I will then explain how the Labour Party, which has its foundations in Socialism, has changed and moved towards the Third Party or New Labour which also values Capitalist aims. I will then argue that Britain is becoming more of a Capitalist state under New Labour and how globalisation has affected this. Giddens described social democracy as: Social Democracy moderate, parliamentary socialism built upon consolidating the welfare state. (Giddens. A, 1998, p4) He recognised how Social Democracy differed to Marxism. Social Democracy saw free market capitalism as producing many of the problematic effects Marx diagnosed, but believed these can be muted or overcome by state intervention. (Giddens. A, 1998, p8) The advantage of Social Democracy is that Socialism uses the welfare state to abolish exploitation within the market system and destroy the division of society in class groups. They aim to remove all inequalities whether its economic or political using state intervention when needed. (Przeworski. A, 1985, p29) This gives everyone an equal start in life. Giddens told of the state intervention as government intervening in family or individual life when needed. Social democracy saw that there was a vital need for state benefits to help those who are unable to fend for themselves. (Giddens. A, 1998, p9) The advantage of this is that it closes the income gap between the different classes. However Giddens coined the main disadvantage of a Social Democratic state. The economic theory of Socialism was always inadequate, underestimating the capacity of Capitalism to innovate, adapt and generate increasing productivity. Socialism failed to grasp the significance of markets as informational devices, providing essential data for buyers and sellers. (Giddens. A, 1998, p4-5) In the Labour revolution of 1945-1951 Britain was a planned economy, nationalised industry and expanded welfare state, a Social Democratic state. (Reitan.E.A, 2003, p27) However toward the 1970s Britain faced lowest productivity within the major industrial states, high unemployment and inflation. There was unwillingness of workers to move around to find employment. Managers were also slow in introducing technology that would improve productivity. (Reitan. E.A, 2003, p141) this shows that at that time the British state was unable to keep up with the market changes and generate increased productivity backing up Giddens claim that Socialism is unable to increase productivity and adapt to the market. (Giddens. A, 1998, p4-5) There are characteristics of the welfare state within contemporary Britain. We see the state still providing free education. Just recently there are reports saying that there have been increased spending on education. The figures showed that the spending has been increasing for more than 50 years. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8562405.stm The graph below shows the figures of increased public spending on education. Education spending (Derived from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8562405.stm) The graph shows how in the U.K. the state is spending money on education has increased from 50% to almost 140% in 2005-2006. Spending money on education in the UK will giving everyone an equal start in life and removing inequalities which are characteristics of a social democracy. (Przeworski. A, 1985, p29) Another demonstration of a Social Democracy within contemporary Britain is the benefit system. The British government provide benefits for those who are disabled, low income, unemployed, have dependent children, aged over 60, pregnant or recently had a child and those who are caring for another. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/index.htm This is a clear indicator of Socialist practise as they are using the welfare state to eliminate the inequalities within a state. (Przeworski. A, 1985, p29) By providing people who are less off with benefits it closes the gap that Capitalism has created for them. (Giddens. A, 1998, p8) Britains current government Labour still has policies that are indicators of Social Democracy. We want to rebuild trust in politicsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦put more power in the hands of individual citizens so that they can influence the decisions which affect themselves, their families and local communities http://www.labour.org.uk/democracy_and_citizenship This aims to equal chances to voice individual opinions. This ensures that power isnt just given to a certain class and that it is equally distributed between the classes. http://www.labour.org.uk/democracy_and_citizenship There are also ways of creating equality between genders. Introduced the National Minimum Wage two thirds of the beneficiaries are women and it has played a substantial part in narrowing the gender pay gap. http://www.labour.org.uk/Equalities Labour believes everyone is entitled to equality. They aim to be fair to those regardless of gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, race, religion or belief. http://www.labour.org.uk/Equalities This demonstrates Social Democracys existence within contemporary Britain. But there are clear indicators that the British state is moving away from Socialism. Currently Britain is under the Labour Party governance. Social Democracy essentially underpins the British Labour Party with the Labour Parties motto A future fair for all. http://www.labour.org.uk/future-fair-for-all This clearly indicates that their main aim is for equality within the British state. However there has been speculation. The evidence shows that labour has become split into two clearly differentiated constituencies: those with secure employment (insiders) and those without (outsiders). http://www.oxfordscholarship.com/oso/public/content/politicalscience/9780199216352/toc.html?q= There has been speculation that theres a new labour party. This was seen arising when Blair was in power. The new labour seemed to embrace capitalism and abandoned classical social democracy for the third way revised social democracy. (Driver. S, Martell. L, 2006, p26) The Third Way was used to mark out Labours departure from the politics of the Social Democratic state, signifying a reconfiguration of relationships between the economy and state. (Newman. J, 2001, p40) The Third Way is in favour of growth, entrepreneurship, and enterprise and wealth creation. It also values social justice. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/458626.stm However we see how the Labour Party who once was based on Social Democracy edge away and heading towards Capitalism. However does contemporary Britain still value social justice over Capitalism under the Third Way? In recent times we see lowered public spending. Weve already spent  £4bn less on unemployment benefits and income support for the unemployed than was anticipated. Comment Alistair Darling to the BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8406670.stm We see lowered welfare spending which raises questions about Labours a fair future for all. However New Labour sees this less as a social right and more about personal responsibility and social duty. http://www.oxfordscholarship.com/oso/public/content/politicalscience/9780199266722/acprof-9780199266722-chapter-2.html?q=#acprof-9780199266722-chapter-2 This clearly shows how the Third Way governance is prioritising economic issues over social issues. The contemporary British state however has many characteristics of a Capitalist state. Globalisation has also contributed to the breakdown of welfare state in contemporary Britain. We see now that due to globalisation instead of business fighting over market share but now we see states fighting. States remain interested in survival at the very least, and pursuing power at the most. (Aydinli. E, Rosenau. J.N, 2005, p127) Globalisation is described as the denationalisation of politics (Aydinli. E, Rosenau. J.N, 2005, p127) which essentially means that states are no longer deciding policies that benefit them but in fact they make policies that suit globalisation. The emergence of a global market economy and the need for global competitiveness have handed neo liberalism a powerful new weapon with which to contain and neutralise the counter pressures of domestic politics. (Mishra. R, 1999, p3) There is also the belief of the hyperglobalisation thesis where states believe that if their state does not increase incentives for businesses to invest in their state businesses will go elsewhere. States are constantly competing for foreign investment. Therefore they lower corporation tax to increase the incentive. (Ravenhill. J, 2008, p343) So now we see states producing policies that are business friendly. State aims are to lower inflation and a steady currency which is argued to attract businesses as lower inflation would mean lower raw materials for businesses and steady currency means there is less of a risk for the business to be exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates. (Mishra. R, 1999, p5) States constantly fighting over investment has caused them to jeopardise domestic policies. The incremental tightening of domestic environmental policies has sometimes been delayed or blocked for the fear of incurring economic competitive disadvantages. (Holden. B, 2000, p186) This shows that states are more concerned about economic growth and not about equality within the social classes. Not surprisingly a higher level of insecurity, poverty and equality has become accepted in many countriesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the retreat from the mixed economy and the welfare state is visible everywhere with the Anglo Saxon countries leading the way. (Mishra. R, 1999, p3) A good demonstration of the British state favouring Capitalism over Socialism is recently to the bank crisis. We see the state pouring money into the financial sector instead of using it to close the gap of inequality. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7666570.stm It could also be argued that the states increase spending in education http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8562405.stm is purely for Capitalist reasons. Better-educated workers are likely to be more productive at their own jobs; they may, at the same time, raise the productivity of their colleaguesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦their importance has valuable implications for the role of public financing as well as for the organisation of education. (Miles. D, Myles. G.D, Preston. I, 2003, p121) States invest in human capital to make their domestic workforce more productive. They also benefit an increase in technological progress. States with high economic activity are generally those with a state financed education system. (Miles. D, Myles. G.D, Preston. I, 2003, p121) This can be used to argue that Britains public spending on education is purely for Capitalist reasons and not Socialist. Therefore indicating Britains welfare system is Capitalist based. In conclusion I think the British state still had characteristics of a social democracy but with the changes in the economy due to globalisation states has started to prioritise the market over social equality. The contemporary British state produces too many policies that are Capitalist friendly and they have became even clearer with the recent recession. We see Britain moving away from a Social Democratic state towards a more market driven Capitalist state.

Analysis of The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt :: The Goal Business Management Essays

Analysis of The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt The Goal is a book that focuses on the theory of constraints in order to improve production. Eliyahu Goldratt brings us a pleasant story that shows the important strategies that any manager or CEO should follow to be successfully productive, and capable of reaching their goals. The book easily explains and demonstrates many attainable ways for any human being to learn how to manage their industrial relations, business processes, and also, their personal lives. Many people believe that in order to succeed in a business that is having difficulties, it is important to focus on a particular area in order to be better productive in each of them, and be able to reach the goal. Instead, Goldratt and Jonah demonstrates that is important to focus on the company as a whole, but at the same time, it shows that it is incorrectly to only focus in an specific manufacturing department, or one plant, or a department within the plant, because people should not be concerned in local optimums. The Goal is a book that has an immense support on improvement, which will undoubtedly encourage the Total Quality Management terminology when trying to built up and improve their productivity. However, the Theory of Constraints also plays a very important role in this book, because it guide us to not only focus on the improvements of the business as a whole, but also to focus intensively on the constrains, â€Å" Herbies†, or bottlenecks. In order for a company to push its improvement and create a balanced plant, it is necessary to increase the throughput, while reducing inventory an operating expense. But, what is most important is to identify the bottlenecks to be able to focus on them. After focusing and solving the constraints, everything else is going to be less powerful but important at the same time. Any company is unable to manufacture a 100%. Therefore, people should really focus on the constraints, in a way that it will prevent a failure that will damage the entire system. Bottlenecks are the key in every plant, because it will determine the activity that will create a profit and maximize the business output.

Enron Scandal Essay

Accounting scandals are political or business scandals which arise with the disclosure of financial misdeeds by trusted executives of corporations or governments. These days, not too often, these scandals are splashed as headlines across media. Why? Because there are complex groups of stakeholders who might be seriously affected by the scandals. Enron scam was the most remarkable scandal in 20 centuries by their institutionalized, systematic, and creatively planned accounting fraud. The scandal also brought into question the accounting practices and activities of many corporations in the United States. The scandal also affected the greater business world by causing the dissolution of the Arthur Andersen accounting company. This report will reveal the whole story of Enron scam and auditors role from the situation in more depth. It will also include the current situation of those responsible for the fraud. 2. Background of U. S in 1990s The 1990s of U. S were a time of prosperity and this prosperity period is originated from growth in IT corporates and in accordance with increase in productivity as technology develops with IT. In the mid- to late-90s, society’s expectations of what the Internet could offer were unrealistic. Many investors foolishly ignored the fundamental rules of investing in the stock market and instead, investors and entrepreneurs became preoccupied with new ideas that were not yet proven to have market potential. Furthermore, they ignored the blatant signs that the bubble was about to burst. (IT Bubble in 90s) There are two main reasons for the bubble; with investors` optimistic expectation, there were a lot of ‘Window dressing’ in accounting. As Enron collapsed, the growth of the tech sector proved to be illusory, and bubble started to sober. 3. Enron- who are they? Enron Corporation is an energy trading, communications company which was formed in 1985 based in Houston, Texas. Enron marketed electricity and natural gas, delivered energy and other physical commodities. Company branched into many non-energy-related fields as well, including such areas as high-speed Internet bandwidth, and financial and risk management with 21,000 employees at mid-2001. The company reported revenues of $101 billion in 2000. It has stakes in nearly 30,000 miles of gas pipeline, owns or has access to a 15,000mile fiber optic network and has a stake in electricity generating operations around the world. 4. Enron- what they did? The Enron fraud case is extremely complex. There are several main characters who are spearheading the Enron scam. One of them was Jeff Skillng. Jeff Skillng, who was a consultant in Mckinsey, took charge in consulting Enron. He found problems and also potentiality of Enron and he proposed the idea of â€Å"gas bank† to Enron, which is a system that is combining financial system and gas supply and demand system, and taking the margin from the two system(as bank does). This was an ideal idea in theory and Enron asked him to take charge for this business, and later he became the president of Enron’s trading operations. Also, he convinced federal regulators to permit Enron to use an accounting method known as â€Å"mark to market. † Using this method allowed Enron to count projected earnings from long-term energy contracts as current income. This was money that might not be collected for many years. It is thought that this technique was used to inflate revenue numbers by manipulating projections for future revenue. The problem is that it doesn`t match realised profit and real cash flow. especially, Enron`s main trading was long term future contract which is hard to make valuation for the future. Use of these techniques made it difficult to see how Enron was really making money. The numbers were on the books so the stock prices remained high, but Enron wasn’t paying high taxes. When the telecom industry suffered its first downturn, Enron suffered as well. Eventually, the house of cards began falling. When Enron’s stock began to decline, the Raptors began to decline as well. On August 14, 2001, Enron’s CEO, Jeff Skilling, resigned due to â€Å"family issues. † Enron chairman Ken Lay stepped in as CEO. 5. One example of fraud Enron`s â€Å"too much Off-Balance Sheet Transactions† Enron used â€Å"off-balance-sheet†technique for anytime, for many purposes, because it would enable Enron to present itself more attractively as measured by the ratios favored by analysts and investors. Skillng used securitisation to supply more liquidity and also to clean up the assets that is hardly generating income from it. He also hided most of the debt by securitisation. So, Enron needed Special purpose entities(SPE) for the securitization purpose. JEDI was one of the SPE. California PERS and Enron invested by $25000m each. As soon as the JEDI established, Enron started to sell energy related stock to JEDI and it grew JEDI by 23% per year on average. It made Skillng`s ECT business bigger and bigger. 6. Consequences for the stakeholders The key stakeholders affected by the collapse of Enron were its employees and retirees. Stakeholders and mutual funds investors lost $ 70billion market value. Banks were also affected by the meltdown of the company. Not only the stakeholder and bondholder lose out, the confidence in the company also fell. This was the major setback for the company. The actions of Enron management left a deep scare for its 4000 employees which lost out their jobs and also impacted others around them. Some blamed Arthur Andersen; Enron’s accounting firm and some blame the board of directors for insufficient oversights. The damage was so big that it was likely to take years for the court to sort the wreckage. The company did not think of its future and took many bad steps just to earn money. The CEO should have looked into the company matters long time ago and took action so that hundreds of jobs could have been saved. The companies who were associated with the big firm were affected on a very large scale. This was the biggest bankruptcy of a firm with $63. 4 billion in assets. 7. Auditors in this scandal, and their role The external auditing body of Enron company was Arthur Anderson LLP, formerly one of the ‘big 5’ accounting firms, providing auditing, tax, and consulting services to large corporations. Andersen definitely Knew Enron Was in Trouble but they overlooked at it and even conspired with Enron to manipulate the financial statements. They knew Enron was in trouble as early as Feb.  2001, a company memo showed, and Andersen debated dropping the collapsed energy firm all together, Reuters reported. Additionally, Andersen knew in mid-August of a senior Enron employee’s concerns about improprieties in the energy company’s accounting practices. Andersen confirmed that a memo dated Feb. 6 recounted a meeting between Andersen executives about whether Andersen should retain the now-bankrupt Enron as a client. Auditors are responsible directly under the law especially the international standards to report directly to the shareholders on the status of the company’s or a bank’s account at a particular point in time. They heavily misconducted as auditors as they received money and hided about Enron`s truth. 8. Ramifications It is not easy to implement rigorous standards without changing Incentives. This situation can be seen in South East Asian countries like: Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, China. Each country can implement its own accounting standards, but did not implement the substantial institutional changes required to make these standards effective. According to various studies conducted in this area, new standards did not result in better-quality financial reporting.9. Conclusion: In search of better standards and ethics The ENRON Scandal is considered to be one of the most notorious within American history; an unofficial blueprint for a case study on White Collar crime. Enron’s behaviour has confirmed that the treatment of off-balance-sheet dodge, American accounting standards are too lax. It is time for another effort to realign the system to function more in shareholders’ interests. Companies need stronger non-executive directors, paid enough to devote proper attention to the job.

buy custom Barry Long essay

buy custom Barry Long essay Barry Long is a 49 year old African-American male. He lives in Chicago, Illinois. Born and grew up in Hawaii, United States. He is an American nationality who subscribes to Christianity and attends United Church of Christ. He is married and has two daughters. In his growing years he was schooled at Jakarta, Besuki and St. Johns of Assisi School. He then proceeded to the college as at his fifth grade until he finished high school. After high school, Barry attended a second college for one and half years. He thereafter transferred to a University in Canada, where he pursued his bachelors degree. He proceeded to join a Law school to pursue a doctorate degree. After his studies, he worked temporarily as an administrator to oversee the development of projects in the community. This included religious based projects in New York City and other cities whereby he worked as a community coordinator. He helped to put up a profession program of training and a tenants' rights association in Chicago. Barry also served as a consultant and trainer for a community organizing institute. In addition, Barry served as a don at a Law school in Chicago for period of ten years whereby he taught law. Later on, he joined a 15 legal representative law enterprise in the field of civil rights legal action and locality economic development. Thereafter, he served duties in directors boards of the Economic Fund in the state of Colombia, where he served as head of directors and as founder and chairman of the panel of directors. With the experience gained while working for various organizations and institutions Barry continued to embrace as many opportunities as he could to lead. He then continued to show excellence in the performance of his duties in the positions he served in which earned him the trust of the larger public. He has had an upward trend in rising in ranks and positions. He has had quality leadership skills that promoted him duly. Traumatic events. Barrys parents separated when he was two years old and finally detached later on. The father, who is a Kenyan native, remarried and left Barry under the care of his grandparents from the mothers side. The mother also married a student who was attending college at Hawaii. Barrys mother later passed on from sarcoma while the father died of a car accident. This exposed him to social stigma which resulted from the multiracial heritage that surrounded him. Barry has struggled to quit smoking over the years and administers nicotine surrogate therapy to date, though he has admitted that he has not quit entirely. Barry has had to encounter numerous psychological issues, social, environment and relationships that have defined his life to date. He began as a society coordinator before graduating with degree in law then helped put up a working position in a training program, a college introductory training program, in addition to rights of tenants association that is in Chicago. Barry also worked as guide and trainer for one of the foundations present in Chicago, which was a society organizing institute. He traveled to various countries where he met and interacted prominent people. While at the University, he was appointed the editor of Law Review in addition to the leader of the journal. He also worked with law organizations in Chicago. Barry served as the head of Health plus Human Services agency when Democrats, after ten years in minority, recovered popularity. In these bids, he proposed a list of bills which include; The Safety and Systematic colonization Act. Together with other related sta keholders, he introduced follow-up legislation, Escalation Simplicity plus Liability in the context of National Expenses Act in the year 2008. As the first African American landmark leader, he has fought for a law that allowed nuclear firm owners to alert the state on the danger of chemical emissions. He further voted for the division deed fairness Act and the gender equality Amendments Act. Barry came up with a business spurt prerequisite candid management and Open regime Act. Barry later on introduced change to the Protection Authorization Act toting up safeguards for traits disorder military discharges. He also sponsored the Sanctions Act on war prone countries supporting divestment of state annuity funds from the industries dealing with oil in addition to gas and co-sponsored legislation to reduce risks of nuclear terrorism. Barry also sponsored a Senate amendment to the State Children's Health Insurance Program providing one year job protection for family members caring for soldiers with injuries that were related to combat. He also proposed an extension of the coverage of insurance on health to cater the people who are not insured, in an attempt to cut down the increase in level of premiums in addition to facilitating for the maintenance of coverage in the situation of change in occupation or termination of office tenure. These are some of the bills he proposed during his early years in leadership. He has also brought change in the collapsing motors company by renewing loans for these corporations so that they could continue with operations. In 2009, Barry approved the concern that adding too much debt could cause the financial system to run into a "twofold dip" recession. As head of state he has proposed awarding instructors for excellent work from normal merit reimburse systems, assuring workers organizations that change will be realized through mutual bargaining system. It was because of his proper management that the economy of the state expanded by a significant percentage hence helping to stop recession and reducing cases of unemployment. During his performance, he has been in support of the issue of eliminating of levy on senior citizens with incomes of not more than $60,000, and raising levy on earnings over $200,000, in consideration to the capital gains, and on dividends. He has also backed the idea of making taxation systems simpler and eliminating loopholes. As an environmental initiative, Barry proposed a restriction and trade auction scheme to hamper the issue of chemical emissions like carbon and further introducing a long term investment program in energy sources to safeguard the state from depending on foreign fuel and alternative resources. According to polls conducted, Barry was rated as the most popular world leader, as well as the one figure that most people would pin their hopes on to pull the world out of the present day economic recession. Barry's international appeal has been described as a defining factor for his public image. The polls also indicate tremendous support for Barry in other countries. Moreover, he has interacted with renowned world distinct figures. This implies that the future hold much for this personality making his life to be prosperous and outstanding internationally. He has written two books that are bestsellers in the bookshops and bookstores allover the world. Buy custom Barry Long essay

the holocaust and national soc essays

the holocaust and national soc essays Upon examining the excerpts from the works of Christopher Brownings Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the final solution in Poland; and Omer Bartovs Murder in our Midst: the Holocaust, Industrial killing, and Modernity; one develops an understanding of the responsibilities the average German soldier had on the Holocaust. Christopher Browning argues that that the average German soldier did not willingly participate in killing of Jews. Browning believes that Nazi propaganda was the machine that drove Nazism and coerced German civilians into killing the Jews. Bartovs arguments on the Holocaust are more of a theoretical depiction of both the culmination of science and law. He believes the Holocaust and National Socialism were ever-present in the organized states of the industrialized western society. We have developed ambivalence towards war and violence. All that is needed in the modernity of war is two crucial elements: a scientific stamp and legalistic sanction. Christopher Browning states in his book, Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland, that the majority of the German military did not willingly participate in the mass genocide of the Jews. As pointed out by Browning, Even twenty or twenty-five years later those who did quit shooting along the way overwhelmingly cited sheer physical revulsion against what they were doing as the prime motive but did not express any ethical or political principles behind this revulsion. Browning continues to follow course in that the Germans were blindly following orders. Most of the blame should come at those who gave the orders, and not the German military and civilians who executed these heinous crimes. Bartov elects to explain the governing body behind Nazism and its social uprising into the Hitler State. The emergence and implementation of industrial killing was a crucial component in the...

Philanthropic activity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Philanthropic activity - Essay Example The event falls on the National Child Abuse Awareness month, and its venue is Patsy’s House, a Children’s Advocacy Center. My participation in the event was on 2015, March 28, at around 12:25 noon-2:00pm. My participation location was at Patterson Honda, Old Jacksboro Highway. I helped raise funds for the African Student Organization, by donating to the pinwheel program. I made a $20 donation to the organization, helping raise funds for the event. I also took my beloved dog with me, which I let the kids play with as they enjoyed themselves. I indulged in philanthropy to help raise funds for the organization, playing my societal role in bettering the lives of other individuals. I hope to participate in other charitable activities, as my previous attendance made me feel better about myself. I felt appreciated by seeing the joy and happiness depicted in those kids, developing and unquenchable urge to participate even further. Verification of my service can be provided by Onyinye, who was a fellow participant. Her contact information is as presented

John McCain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

John McCain - Essay Example Citizens traditionally invest their trust in leaders whom they perceive representing society's ethical principles. Without ethos, leaders have little chance of uniting society for the advancement of their causes. The ideal leader is able to persuade his constituents with both logically and emotionally appealing arguments. For this reason, logos and pathos are critical components of a successful leader's character. While good leaders might excel in either ethos, pathos or logos, truly great leaders incorporate all of these aspects into their characters. Both Pericles and John McCain are able to do this by continuously seeking to mitigate their shortcomings while developing their attributes. Both are known for having lived their lives according to the principles they espouse, giving them much credibility. McCain displays superior ethos when referring to the war in Iraq because he has the military experience to back up his words. While other candidates may pay lip service to the same matters, McCain has an educated opinion derived from twenty-two years in the military. McCain, like Pericles, displays his superior ethics through both his convictions and his actions. Pericles firmly believed that rights and privileges entail responsibilities and obligations. McCain draws similar conclusions, championing individual responsibility at all levels. "For all the grandiose promises made in this campaign, has any candidate spoken honestly to the American people about the government's role and failings about individual responsibilities" he said. (McCain on CNN, 2007) McCain believes that the government has a responsibility to the people, but in turn the people have a duty to participate in the politics and defense of their country. As McCain said during a 1958 speech at the U.S. Naval Academy, "If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you are disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them." Indeed, political participation and service to state and society are the responsibility and obligation of every American citizen (Dinan, 2008). Pericles was known throughout the ancient Greek city-states for the emotional strength of his arguments. Pericles motivated the Athenians during the Peloponnesian War in a similar way to how McCain inspires Americans during the troubled times of today. McCain realizes that logical arguments based upon facts, figures and reasons are not enough to move society. Thus, he makes extensive use of emotionally appealing arguments, demonstrating his impeccable pathos. While advocating the benefits of national service programs, McCain keeps data out of the picture. Rather, he utilizes sentimental yet strong verbiage to illustrate his points, such as "those who claim their liberty but not their duty to the civilization that ensures it live a half-life, indulging their self-interest at the cost of their self-respect. Sacrifice for a cause greater than self-interest, however, and you invest your life with the eminence of that cause (McCain, 2001)." I look to a great leader for inspiration and motivation. This great leader must necessarily match Pericles' embodiment of ethos, logos and pathos. McCain's ethical convictions and credibility; logical and reasoning ability; and emotionally appealing arguments, make him a modern day Pericles and I admire him for