Monday, April 13, 2020
Rifleman Dodd free essay sample
The story in the book talks about an infantry warrior named Private Matthew Dodd and his journey to re unite with his fellow soldiers. The British army was retreating to the lines of Torres Vedras and Dodd was left behind since he separated from his comrades during the retreat in Portugal behind enemy lines. He knew that he had to do one thing, and that was to kill all the Frenchmen. Private Dodd ran through a lot of problems during his journey trying to find his way back to his men. With some help here and there from the natives, but mostly his own, he raids the French with his rifle to try and prevent them from building a bridge across the Tagus River. Rifleman Dodd is a story of a soldier who is on his own and slowly learns to make plans without any given orders, and it shows leadership qualities and knowledge of warfare. We will write a custom essay sample on Rifleman Dodd or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The main challenges that he had to go through was starvation, fatigue, and the little Portuguese boy he had encountered while he was trying to find his way to his fellow soldiers. At the beginning of the story, Dodd was lost and couldnââ¬â¢t find his men or be on time so he got cut off and left behind and his fellow soldiers couldnââ¬â¢t wait any longer. He knew he would be left behind so he tried finding his own way to get to his people. While patrolling on foot alone, he was spotted out by a Frenchmen. They knew he was different because of the color of his uniform, it wasnââ¬â¢t like theirs. Half a dozen of the Frenchmen fired at him but every single shot they fired, they missed. While they still shot at Dodd, he still managed to make it up the hill to find cover, as he was up there; Dodd aimed at the group of Frenchmen from the top of the hill and was able to take some out with his rifle. The French saw where the shots were coming from and fired back at Dodd, but were unsuccessful to hit Dodd. His first challenge was battling starvation. This was a very serious problem because he didnââ¬â¢t have any food and it had a major effect on how he acted in the face of danger because he was tired and starving. Rifleman Dodd showed a big amount of discipline throughout his journey by only eating enough food needed to keep surviving. Mind you, this was the little rations he had the night before he was left behind, he saved it just in case theyââ¬â¢d run out. With him doing this, he gave himself the hopes to not only sustain the little amount of food he had but also the strength and energy that he was going to need in case he would end up in the heat of battle. After traveling many miles on foot, Dodd crept through several fields during the day and night time so that he wouldnââ¬â¢t run into any Frenchmen. He was seen by Frenchmen, so the French started to fire at Dodd and still missed. Dodd fired back and took out numerous amounts of men. As the day goes by, Dodd starts to feel like he could no longer walk, his next challenge was that he had to go through during his separation was the battle of fatigue. It was really starting to tear him away. Fatigue is a major factor to a person who is in the heat of battle because a person can do so much to keep their strength and move forward without stopping or giving up. It was hard for Rifleman Dodd because he had been starving for days but he still found the durability to look beyond himself and continue to fight to return back to his men. He had a plan of attack to help him sleep at night and continue on with his mission in the morning by using tactics. For example, one night he slept with his pack on his back sitting straight up with his rifle in his hands just in case he had to fight if something was to go wrong around him during the night. He was ready to go! He was determined to get back to his men. His last challenge that he went through was the Portuguese boy he encountered. Dodd was taking cover from the French in a dark ditch. He then jumped as if a bullet had shot him but it was just beechnut thrown at his shoulder. He looks back and seeââ¬â¢s a Portuguese boy, he looked very young around his youth ages. He was called ââ¬Å"Idiotâ⬠. That was just the name he was given by the French Soldiers. Idiot approached him and grabbed onto Doddââ¬â¢s hand but Dodd pulled back cause he didnââ¬â¢t know whether to trust him or not but his mind told him to because Idiot was just a young boy. He didnââ¬â¢t look like he was taken care of, pretty much on his own, he had a torn shirt on with some pants that looked like itââ¬â¢s been worn for years and nothing on his feet. Idiot then grabbed onto Doddââ¬â¢s hand again and led him to the edge of the woods where from there, he pointed to a grey house. Idiot told Dodd that the neighborhood was clear of danger. Dodd took his word and went inside the house. Once they stepped in, all Dodd saw were two dead bodies lying on the ground. They were the idiotââ¬â¢s parents. Dodd got frighten thinking there might be someone around since thereââ¬â¢s nothing but dead bodies in the house so he took off and Idiot came running after him. Dodd wasnââ¬â¢t sure about what to do with Idiot, he couldnââ¬â¢t just leave him there so he took the boy along with him and did everything he could to keep them both alive. He even gave the kid the rest of his food even though his mind told him to keep his rations but pity told him to give some to Idiot. Dodd took care of Idiot to the best of his ability then one morning, Idiot didnââ¬â¢t wake up, he had died of pneumonia. Dodd had no choice but to leave him in order to get back to his men. At the end of the story, Dodd was able to find his men, going through all these obstacles on his own and doing what he could to survive, he managed to get himself back to his men like he said he would when he got left behind in the beginning. He came across a river and slid down a nearly fifty feet of the stream. Scared he might run into a Frenchmen watering horses or washing clothes. As he kept investing, he made his way to town where he saw his first English patrol. He recognized those men. He walked towards them and the LT of the patrol came up to him and asked who he was, he replied ââ¬Å"Dodd, sir. With ninety fifth. â⬠The LT then told Dodd that the British men were only two miles up the road. As Dodd continued to walk towards the direction he was given, he saw his Colonel and walks right up to him, his Colonel remembers him only because he was reported missing asking how he had survived this whole time and he replied with ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know sir, I just did. â⬠From then on, the Colonel told him to fall into his platoon. Doddââ¬â¢s men greeted him with joy and laughter when they saw him. This book talkââ¬â¢s about a mans commitment to taking lead over his own personal survival. It shows how one man with ability, courage, and initiative can make a difference to the outcome of a war. It relates to the Marine Corps because it shows leadership skills and the ability to do things on your own without being told or having any help from anyone yet, the mission is accomplished. Also, looking out for your Marines. Dodd found a stranded kid heââ¬â¢s never met before and took care of him to best of his ability. This is a story of one mans fight against the enemy. A British rifleman has been cut off behind enemy lines by the French advance into Portugal during the Napoleonic Wars. The British Army was pushed back to a last line of defense. The rifleman continues to do what he can to stop the French, with no hope for personal recognition and a slim chance of survival. He was highly trained to do his duty and got the job done.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
USS New York (BB-34) in World War II
USS New York (BB-34) in World War II USS New Yorkà (BB-34) - Overview: Nation:à United States Type:à Battleship Shipyard:à Brooklyn Navy Yard Laid Down:à September 11, 1911 Launched:à October 30, 1912 Commissioned:à April 15, 1914 Fate:à Sunk July 8, 1948 as a target ship USS New Yorkà (BB-34) - Specifications: Displacement:à 27,000à tons Length:à 573à ft. Beam:à 95.2à ft. Draft:à 28.5 ft. Propulsion:à 14à Babcock and Wilcoxà coal-fired boilersà with oil spray, triple expansion steam engines turning two propellers Speed:à 20à knots Complement:à 1,042à menââ¬â¹ Armament (as built): 10à Ãâ"à 14-inch/45à caliber guns21 Ãâ"à 5/51 caliber guns4 Ãâ" 21à torpedo tubes USS New York (BB-34) - Design Construction: Tracing its roots to the 1908 Newport Conference, theà New York-class of battleship was the US Navys fifth type of dreadnought after the earlierà -,à -, -, andà Wyoming-classes.à Keyà among the conferences conclusions was the requirement for increasingly larger calibers of main guns. à Though debate ensued regarding the armament of the Florida- andà Wyoming-class ships, their construction moved forward using 12 guns. à Complicating the discussion was the fact that no American dreadnought had entered service and designs were based on theory and experience with pre-dreadnought ships. à In 1909, the General Board advanced designs for a battleship mounting 14 guns. à The following year, the Bureau of Ordnance successfully tested a new gun of this size and Congress authorized the construction of two vessels. Designated USSà New Yorkà (BB-34) and USSà Texasà (BB-35), the new type featured ten 14 guns mounted in five twin turrets. à These were placed with two forward and two aft in superfiring arrangements while the fifth turret was situated amidships. à The secondary armament consisted of twenty-one 5 guns and four 21 torpedo tubes. à Power for theà New York-class ships came from fourteen Babcock Wilcox coal-fired boilers driving vertical triple expansion steam engines. à These turned two propellers and gave the vessels a speed of 21 knots. à Protection for the ships came from a 12 main armor belt with 6.5 covering the vessels casemates. à Construction ofà New Yorkà was assigned to the New York Navy Yard in Brooklynà and work commenced on September 11, 1911. à Proceeding over the next year, the battleship slid down the ways on October 30, 1912, with Elsie Calder, daughter of Representative William M. Calder, serving as sponsor. à Eighteen months later,à New Yorkà entered service on April 15, 1914,à with Captain Thomas S. Rodgers in command. à A descendantà of Commodoreà John Rodgers and Captain Christopher Perry (father of Oliver Hazard Perry and Matthew C. Perry), Rodgers immediately took his ship south to support the American occupation of Veracruz. USS New York (BB-34) - Early Service World War I: Arriving off the Mexican coast, New York became the flagship of Rear Admiral Frank F. Fletcher that July.à The battleship remained in the vicinity of Veracruz until the end of the occupation in November.à Steaming north, it conducted a shakedown cruise before arriving at New York City in December.à While in port, New York hosted a Christmas party for local orphans.à Well-publicized, the event earned the battleship the moniker The Christmas Ship and established a reputation of public service.à Joining the Atlantic Fleet, New York spent much of 1916 conducting routine training exercises along the East Coast.à In 1917, following the US entry into World War I, the battleship became flagship of Rear Admiral Hugh Rodmans Battleship Division 9. à That fall, Rodmans ships received orders to reinforce Admiral Sir David Beattys British Grand Fleet.à Reaching Scapa Flow on December 7, the force was re-designated the 6th Battle Squadron.à Commencing training and gunnery exercises, New York stood out as the best American ship in the squadron.à Tasked with escorting convoys in the North Sea, the battleship accidentally rammed a German U-boat on the night of October 14, 1918 as it entered Pentland Firth.à The encounter broke off two of the battleships propeller blades and reduced its speed to 12 knots.à Crippled, it sailed for Rosyth for repairs.à En route, New Yorkà came under attack from another U-boat, but the torpedoes missed.à Repaired, it rejoined the fleet to escort the German High Seas Fleet into internment following the wars conclusion in November. à USS New York (BB-34) - Interwar Years: Briefly returning to New York City, New York then escorted President Woodrow Wilson, aboard the liner SS George Washington, to Brest, France to take part in the peace negotiations.à Resuming peacetime operations, the battleship conducted training activities in home water before a brief refit which saw a reduction in the 5 armament and the addition of 3 anti-aircraft guns.à Transferred to the Pacific later in 1919, New York began service with the Pacific Fleet with San Diego serving as its home port.à Returning east in 1926, it entered Norfolk Navy Yard for an extensive modernization program.à This saw the coal-fired boilers replaced with new Bureau Express oil-fired models, the trunking of the two funnels into one, installation of an aircraft catapult on the amidships turret, addition of torpedo bulges, and the replacement of the lattice masts with new tripod ones.à After conducting training with USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) and USS Arizona (BB-39) in late 1928 and early 1929, New York resumed routine operations with the Pacific Fleet.à In 1937, the battleship was selected to transport Rodman to Britain where he was to serve as the US Navys official representative at the coronation of King George VI.à While there, it took part in the Grand Naval Review as the lone American vessel.à Returning home, New York commenced a refit which saw the expansion of its anti-aircraft armament as well as the installation of XAF radar set.à The second ship to receive this new technology, the battleship conducted tests of this equipment as well as transported midshipmen on training cruises. USS New York (BB-34) - World War II: With the beginning of World War II in Europe in September 1939, New York received orders to join the Neutrality Patrol in the North Atlantic.à Operating in these waters, it worked to protect the sea lanes against encroachment by German submarines.à Continuing in this role, it later escorted American troops to Iceland in July 1941.à In need of further modernization, New York entered the yard and was there when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7.à With the nation at war, work on the ship moved quickly and it returned to active duty four weeks later.à An older battleship, New York spent much of 1942 aiding in escorting convoys to Scotland.à This duty was broken up in July when its anti-aircraft armament underwent a major enhancement at Norfolk.à Departing Hampton Roads in October, New York joined the Allied fleet to support the Operation Torch landings in North Africa. On November 8, in company with USS Philadelphia, New York attacked Vichy French positions around Safi.à Providing naval gunfire support for the 47th Infantry Division, the battleship neutralized enemy shore batteries before steaming north to join Allied forces off Casablanca.à It continued to operate off North Africa until retiring to Norfolk on November 14.à Resuming escort duties, New York shepherded convoys to North Africa into 1943.à Later that year, it underwent a final overhaul which saw further additions to its anti-aircraft armament.à Assigned to the Chesapeake as a gunnery training ship, New York spent from July 1943 to June 1944 engaged in educating sailors for the fleet.à Though effective in this role, it badly reduced morale among the permanent crew. USS New York (BB-34) - Pacific Theater: Following a series of midshipmen cruises in the summer of 1944, New York received orders to transfer to the Pacific.à Passing through the Panama Canal that fall, it arrived at Long Beach on December 9.à Completing refresher training on the West Coast, the battleship steamed west and joined the support group for the invasion of Iwo Jima.à En route, New York lost a blade from one of its propellers which necessitated temporary repairs at Eniwetok.à Rejoining the fleet, it was in position on February 16 and commenced a three-day bombardment of the island.à Withdrawing on the 19th, New York underwent permanent repairs at Manus before resuming service with Task Force 54. à Sailing from Ulithi, New York and its consorts arrived off Okinawa on March 27 and began bombardment of the island in preparation for the Allied invasion.à Remaining offshore after the landings, the battleship provided naval gunfire support for the troops on the island.à On April 14, New York narrowly missed being struck by a kamikaze though the attack resulted in the loss of one its spotting aircraft.à After operating in the vicinity of Okinawa for two and half months, the battleship departed for Pearl Harbor on June 11 to have its guns relined.à Entering the harbor on July 1, it was there when the war ended the following month. USS New York (BB-34) - Postwar: In early September, New York conducted an Operation Magic Carpet cruise from Pearl Harbor to San Pedro to return American servicemen home.à Concluding this assignment, it shifted to the Atlantic to take part in Navy Day festivities in New York City.à Due to its age, New York was selected as a target ship for the Operation Crossroads atomic tests at Bikini Atoll in July 1946.à Surviving both the Able and Baker tests, the battleship returned to Pearl Harbor under tow for further examination.à Formally decommissioned on August 29, 1946, New York was taken from port on July 6, 1948 and sunk as a target. Selected Sources: DANFS: USSà New Yorkà (BB-34)NHHC: USSà New Yorkà (BB-34)MaritimeQuest: USSà New Yorkà (BB-34)
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Vivendi Universal Case Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Vivendi Universal Case - Assignment Example In the case of EBITDA, deprecation and amortization which does not involve the payment of cash but represents estimated annual charges for tangible and intangible assets respectively are not taken into account. These charges relate to the portion of assets used up during the period. Operating free cash flow which is seen as a more useful measure is the net operating capital after tax with a deduction for expenditures on operating capital during the period (Brigham and Ehrhardt 2010). Increasing free cash flow (FCF) is seen as the means by which managers seek to improve their companyââ¬â¢s valuation (Brigham and Ehrhardt 2010). FCF takes into consideration interest and taxes as well as the companyââ¬â¢s gross investment in operating capital in order to determine what is available to be distributed to investors. EBITDA does not differ from accrual earnings as it takes into consideration revenue earned during the current period but not yet received as well as expenses incurred but not yet paid. However, it does not take into consideration interest and taxes which relates to the net income earned during the period. Additionally, depreciation charges which seek to allocate the cost of operating assets over their estimated useful life and amortization charges on tangible assets for which amounts are capitalized in the accounts. Operating free cash flow differs from accrual earnings because it not only focus on expenses incurred during the period and revenue earned during the period but also investments in operating capital ââ¬â fixed or non-current assets and current assets. Earnings accrual does not take gross investment in operating capital into account. I believe that auditors should be held responsible for auditing such information since the income statement and the cash flow statement form part of the financial statements that they provide opinion on in there audit report. They state whether these and
Friday, February 7, 2020
Organisational Culture & International Management Essay
Organisational Culture & International Management - Essay Example ......................................................................6 2.1 Advantages and Disadvantages of Organisational Culture........................6 2.2 Dyson Paper's Organisational Structures & Cultural Trends......................7 2.3 Jones Sales Agency's Organisational Structures & Cultural Trends............8 3.1 Issues in the Merger Between the Two UK Departments..........................8 3.1.1 Structures & Cultural Clash..............................................................9 3.1.2 Management & Unity of Purpose.......................................................10 3.1.3 Ethical Differences..........................................................................11 3.1.3 Motivation.....................................................................................11 3.2 Towards Resolving the Issues With the Merger â⬠¦..................................12 3.2.1 Team Building................................................................................12 3 .2.2 Definition of A New Management Structure for Paper Converters...........13 3.2.3 Formulation of Common Systems and Structures................................13 3.2.4 Communication & Interpersonal Interaction........................................14 3.2.5 Supervision...................................................................................14 3.2.6 Training........................................................................................14 4.0 Zambian Joint Vent... ..................................................................16 4.1.3 Poor Information Flow Systems & Lack of Control..............................16 4.2 International Cultural Issues..............................................................16 4.2.1 Disregard for Cultural Dimensions....................................................17 4.2.2 Power Distance Issues....................................................................17 4.2.3 Uncertainty Avoidance Lapses..........................................................17 4.2.4 Role Playing Issues.........................................................................18 4.3 Towards Improving the Zambian Joint Venture......................................18 Conclusion.............................................................................................18 References.............................................................................................20 Executive Summary This paper provides an insight into the major organisational behaviour problems being faced by Paper Converters Limited. The company is the culmination of a merger between two companies with distinct specializations. However, a move to a joint premises and the establishment of an unsuccessful international branch has prompted an enquiry into the causes of issues in the company. The paper identifies that there are major organisational culture issues between the two entities and this spans from the clash of cultures of the two departments. Also, the failure of the management of Paper Converters to take decisive action has led to major problems. This has affected motivation and performance of the organisation. It would be appropriate to integrate some measures relating to team building like communication, definition of
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
The Current Macroeconomic Situation of the US Essay Example for Free
The Current Macroeconomic Situation of the US Essay In the recent years, the US economy has gradually improved. However some areas such as the housing industry have still remained negatively affected. The following paper will discuss some of the causes that led to the crisis and what the Federal Reserve should do to address the affected areas. Introduction Despite the improvement in the US economy, there is still a decrease in interest rates, depreciation of currency and unstable markets due to fluctuations. The current debt loan of the US is also big and may lead to depression of the economy resulting in minimized growth. This is mainly caused by low interest rates which encourage borrowing for the business sector and the consumers looking for homes. In order to service these loans, the government relies on foreign aid. Current Situation The current recession and economic crisis was however majorly caused by the increase of subprime adjustable rate mortgages issued, the decrease in prime mortgages issued and the made up collaterized debt obligations. In addition, bank loans were offered to people who expected an increase in housing prices leading to their default. Moreover, supply and demand, inflation due to an increase of oil market prices which led to the increase in price of some basic commodities, money supply and GDP which influence the economy were significant causes (Tyler, 2010). Thus, the US economy is still undergoing financial crisis as a result of these decreasing interest rates hence the zero interest rate bound and the major increases in government spending. This leads to the discussion of money printing against bond financing which arises since the latter creates fears of inflation. The current situation consists of a ââ¬Å"money multiplierâ⬠which is influenced by the ratio currency/deposits and reserved/deposits. The public is practicing the C/D more by keeping money in the mattress while the banks exhibit the R/D through their preference to cash than loans and investments. US Congress and the Federal Reserve The US congress and the federal government should improve the international market in order to improve the GDP and attract more investors. Additionally they should lower interest rates in borrowing to attract the public to buy housing units (Liu, 2010). Once, the interest rates hit zero the federal government should increase the monetary base by purchasing bonds unlimitedly since it cannot be negative. This is because highly positive interest rates rely on deflation (Lemgruber, 2008). ? List of References Lemgruber, A. C. , 2008. A Monetarist Analysis of the US Macroeconomic Situation. Emerging Markets Ecomonitor. December, 7. Liu, 2010. Feature: To End or not to End. August 15. Retrieved from Xinhuanet: http://news. xinhuanet. com/english2010/indepth/2010-08/15/c_13445774. htm on August 15, 2010. Tyler, 2010. The Current Macroeconomical Situation and the Global Recession: The Cause of The Current World Crisis. Armchair Economics. March, 24.
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Free Narrative Essays - Transcendentalism :: Example Personal Narratives
Transcendentalism A whole month of being nice. From the start, I didn't think it was even humanly possible. Although I always try my hardest to be pleasant, I'm sarcastically witty by nature. This project, no matter how inspirational and uplifting it could be, would decidedly be no walk in the park. Nevertheless, I decided to persevere. Even if I ended up being a complete Transcendental failure, maybe I'd still learn something along the way. On the first day, I went for about twenty minutes before cracking a joke at my best friend. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary for me, but I actually stopped and thought about the possible consequences of my actions. Breakthrough! I went for another twenty minutes, most likely, before making some sort of snide comment, though. Oops. In the month of Transcendentalism, I kept a journal. I made a "Transcendentalism fact sheet" and thumbtacked it to my wall. I may not have tried my hardest every day, but I made an honest attempt. Overall, in a whole month, I may not have been completely successful in becoming Transcendental. Depending on whom you ask, I may not have even made much progress in becoming even remotely Transcendental. In my opinion, though, I think it worked. "Why?" you ask. Because, in the course of this project, I learned a lot about myself, my friends, and the way actions affect everyone around me. Through this project, I realized the importance of accepting other people for who they are, of letting go of anger, of trusting your own decisions, and of taking the initiative to change your life. In fact, there was only one tenet of Transcendentalism - defying "predestination" by leading fate instead of being led by it - that I had a hard time believing, I think I gained a better understanding of why that thought is so important in life. I doubt that I was any more than fifty percent successful in becoming truly Transcendental, but a change for the positive is an improvement from before. I've recognized the importance in the little blessings in life. Having a loving family, a roof over my head, and living in an overall supportive environment are things that I would not necessarily have taken the time to appreciate and be thankful for before.
Monday, January 13, 2020
Business and the air we breathe
In December of 2008, the governmentââ¬â¢s environmental watchdog, the Environmental Protection Agency, decided that new power facilities are exempted from the requirement of installing mechanisms that will decrease the amount of carbon dioxide the plants emit into the atmosphere (David Fahrenthold, Steven Mufson, 2008).This action was adopted despite the resistance from environment oriented organizations (Fahrenthold, Mufson, 2008).The ruling, signed by EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson, is anchored on an old statute that could be pivotal in the future operations of the power plants under the ambit of the Clean Air Act (Fahrenthold, Mufson, 2008). In the administration of former President Bush, the EPA has been inclined to dismiss the idea that greenhouse gases can be lumped together with soot, smog triggers and various types of air pollution (Fahrenthold, Mufson, 2008).The case for the classification of carbon dioxide in the category of an air polluting element began in the is suance of a permit for the construction of a power plant in Bonanza, Utah (Fahrenthold, Mufson, 2008). An environmental group, the Sierra Club, had challenged the permit for the plant (Fahrenthold, Mufson, 2008).In its motion, the group argued that the plant must first undertake mechanisms to decrease its emissions of carbon dioxide (Fahrenthold, Mufson, 2008). In a hearing of the EPAââ¬â¢s Appeals Board, a body tasked to hear issues regarding rulings and procedures of the body, the group made its case against the plant (Fahrenthold, Mufson, 2008).The group cited a statute that would require that the power plants must avail of the optimum technology to make the plants regulate the emission of all monitored pollutive substances (Fahrenthold, Mufson, 2008).This is parallel to the reminder of the group to the decision of the April 2007 ruling of the Supreme Court (Fahrenthold, Mufson, 2008). In that decision, Massachusetts vs. EPA (549 U.S. ___ (2007) (The Oyez Project, 2009), the S upreme Court ruled on the question whether the EPA has the power to monitor carbon dioxide and other pollutants (Oyez, 2009). In a 5-4 decision, that power was affirmed by the Supreme Court (Oyez, 2009). The case mainly stemmed from the action of the EPA in a seeming abrogation of that power (Environmental Defense Fund, 2008).In the majority decision with Justice John Paul Stevens as ponente, or author, the court ruled that the agency cannot abandon its responsibility and duty under the law to monitor the emissions of air pollutants into the air (Linda Greenhouse, 2007).Court litigations have been put on hold among them the earlier case of emissions from power facilties (Greenhouse, 2007). Stevens, joined in the decision by Justices Anthony Kennedy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, David Breyer and Stephen Souter, decided that the EPA did not do anything in court than just present a list of items that the agency will not monitor (Greenhouse, 2007).The ruling of the Supreme Court however does no t order that the Federal government conduct and enact programs to combat pollution emission (Environmental, 2008). But it is inferred that the United States Congress enact legislation to found a program for the purpose (Environmental, 2008).Massachusetts, among the parties, that did have a legal standing before the Court, was vindicated in its appeal against the EPA (Environmental, 2008). It is in the opinion of the Court that the matter be sent to Congress for final disposition (Environmental, 2008).In their opinion, air pollutants, as those emitted by the power facilities as well as motor vehicles, on which the Massachusetts case hinged, did not qualify as such under the ambit of the Clean Air Act (Environmental, 2008). In their decision, the Court ruled that it is within the scope of the powers of the EPA to regulate such pollutants (Environmental, 2008). The only exception is that if the pollutants do not contribute to the crisis of global warming (Environmental, 2008). But the EPA decided otherwise.This in complete defiance of a ruling by the United States Supreme Court in April of 2007 that carbon dioxide can be classified as an air pollutant that should be monitored under the Clean Air Act (Fahrenthold, Mufson, 2008). In the same way, the EPA granted the same exemptions to power plants emitting mercury beyond the lawful regulations (Fox News, 2008).In a decision handed down by a Federal Appeals court, the court overturned the policy of the Bush administration that stated that the government can let power plants exceed limits set for emission of the poisonous mercury element (Fox News, 2008).About a dozen state authorities had opposed the EPA regulation, saying that if the regulation had pushed through, it would release notoriously high amounts of mercury into the atmosphere (Fox News, 2008).
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