Gun Control Essay Example for Free

Gun Control Essay Guns kill many innocent people every year. Some states require permits for guns and some states do not. There are many laws put in to effect to control guns. The main two laws that will be covered in this essay are just and unjust laws when it comes to gun control. (A just law is a man-made code squares with the moral law.) (An unjust law is that is out of harmony with the moral law) meaning that the† unjust law is not a law at all. † People have always been interested in using weapons for various reasons. The Constitution legally established the right for any law abiding citizen to keep and bear arms, yet proponents of gun control wish to steadily erode this law through regulation and legislation. Some people collect gun as collectors while some use them for protection and others use them for hunting. The term gun control is just that, a steady relentless effort to seize control by chipping away at the edges of the law until is gone entirely. While some people oppose the idea, others claim that the government should introduce tighter gun controls. The first argument of the opponents of strict gun control laws is that most people own guns to protect themselves. They claim that guns are necessary for self-defense because the police are unable to stop violent crime. Opponents further maintain that citizens keep guns to feel safe and defend themselves and their families whenever the need arises. Therefore, gun control laws disarm only the innocent people who obey the laws. Gun laws can protect people while the  same law can get someone injured, due to self-defense. No law should ever be broken because they are here to protect the people, so they say. If everyone abided by this gun law there will be no one in jail for shooting someone. There has to be something out there to help everyone understand the significance of the gun law, but there are always the opposers that make everything hard to understand. How can someone protect their family if they  cannot have guns, but the enemy â€Å"law breaker† will get their hands on one and cause harm to someone or even to their self. By not being able to protect their family makes it hard for someone to abide by these gun control laws. Every man should be able to protect their home with a gun as long the guns is kept in a safe place with child proof locks on them. Another argument put forward by people who are against gun-control is that many people keep the guns for sport and recreation. According to the opponents, these gun-owners are responsible citizens who do not intend to harm anyone. They further say that shooting and hunting are sports which many people enjoy, and gun control take firearms from hobbyist and hunters. Hunters are just trying to provide food for their families as a result of the gun law their family might starve. No one ever think about things like that they only think about how someone can be injured or killed when it comes to guns. Shooting sports can be relaxing but the gun law makes them stressful. Guns can really be dangerous when it is put in the hand of the wrong person in wrong in the wrong mind frame; therefor gun laws affect everyone that deals with some sort of guns. Most people think that gun control is absurd due to the fact that everyone doesn’t think the same way. Most sportsmen is against gun control because before the law came about they was able to live free and not worry about the violence these guns was causing. Hunters can’t hang their guns in the back window of their pick-up truck no more due to the  control laws. There should be a background check done for everyone before buying a gun so everyone don’t have to suffer for someone else mistakes. Some hunters think that gun control laws are too stiff. Guns have been around for a long time and really had no restrictions on them now hunters and sportsmen have to pay close attention to these laws so they won’t go to jail. Hunters think the gun law is unjust, while everyone else thinks it is just. (An unjust law is no law at all) makes it hard to distinguish between a just law. Recreational use for gun can be harmful to if someone is using that gun for the first time. Going to the gun range can be a stress reliever for some people and target practice for others. Needless to say but everyone no matter of age or experience should know the gun law if they going to be using a gun. Although some people oppose gun control law, others support  the idea because it may reduce the crime and accidental shootings. The reason of gun control law claims that not owning a gun can decrease the homicide that is happing. They assert that most murder victims are killed by firearms. It is also maintained that in robberies and assaults, victims are more likely to die when the criminal is armed with a gun than when he has another weapon. Most rappers rap about killing so if the kids start listening to this music they will start trying to be like the rappers, because young listeners indulge into rap music. A gun can be purchased in my different places and that’s how kids end up with them. Another reason why people oppose the gun law is because if everyone was able to carry a gun most of these killing by guns would not be happing. People must protect their self at all time because these gun laws can be for or against anyone. Most homicides with guns involved lead to people going to jail because they think they are bigger than the law, people must learn that laws are here to protect citizens. Martin Luther King Jr was killed by a gun and he was a non-violent person. People should be more like Dr. King and use the (non-violent) approach to solve any problem. An unarmed person is prone to a homicide due to the fact they can’t protect them self against an armed individual with a gun. The gun law should help people instead of hurting them. Many crimes can be stopped if the people stop be selfish. Murders happen every day and everywhere but it’s up to the people to stop them or at least decrease the rate of them happening. Guns should only be used by the military at war time but not to kill just to scare. Many people know the law some just think that it is put into effect or pertain to the ones that committing these homicides. The effects of gun control also assert the stricter laws can prevent accidental shooting especially among children. Children have a tendency to play with their parent’s gun because they think it is a toy. Parents should always keep their firearms in a safe with a child proof lock in the trigger well of their gun. If all parents that own guns lock the guns up and keep it away from their kids there would be less school shootings. A lot of youngster can be easily influenced by violent video games and TV shows that promote violence, therefore the gun laws should be tighter. Most youths today rather are out in the streets with the  wrong crowd than at home learning how to prevent homicides or accidental death due to gun control. Kids don’t know right from wrong unless their parents teach them. A lot of kids lost their lives because the parents didn’t know how to secure their guns correctly. The gun law is people should know if they want to own a firearm. In order to reach out and get the attention of the youth there has to be more parents getting involved in their kids’ lives and teach them about these gun laws if they got gun in their homes. To sum up, the opponents of gun control believe that tighter laws restrict only people who use firearms for self-protection or recreation whereas those who are in favor of gun control  claim that guns cause more harms than benefits. However, it is obvious that gun ownership is very risky, so it is necessary for the governments to introduce stricter gun laws and educate people about the firearms. With stronger gun control laws, the crime and murder rates will most likely decrease all over the world. Gun don’t kill people it the people who is not gun law educated that kills people. The gun control law was put into effect to help the citizens not to kill off the population, but many people is still getting hurt or kill by someone pulling the trigger on a gun. Works Cited Cohen, Samuel, â€Å"Letter from Birmingham Jail† 50 Essays: A Portable Anthology. 3rd Edition Blackmore, Howard L. â€Å"Guns and Rifles of the World† Firearm Pictorial Works: 1965 Marsh, Pamela C. â€Å"Madison Firearm Dealer Sentenced† Tallahassee, Florida 30 April 2014. (newspaper) â€Å"Guns Guns† April 2013. (magazine)

Case Study: Patient With Asthma

Case Study: Patient With Asthma Patient RR is a 58 years old female with a weight of 55kg. Patient was admitted to hospital on 9th April 2009. Her presenting complaints were cough with sputum, pain when inhaling air at chest, breathless and unable to speak in full sentence. Her past medical histories were hypercholesterolemia, bronchial asthma and she has no known drug allergy. For her social history, she works as a security guard and is living with her husband. She is a non smoker as well as non alcoholic and she has no known family history. Patients drug history include metered dose inhaler (MDI) salbutamol 200mcg as required, MDI budesonide 400mcg twice daily, theophylline SR tablet 250mg once daily and lovastatin tablet 20mg once daily. Investigations Blood Test: 9th April 12th April WBC 10.9109/L 12.9109/L High (4-10.0) RBC 4.821012/L 4.91012/L High (3.8-4.8) MCV 78.7 fl/cell 78.6 fl/cell Low (83-101) MCH 26.5 pg/cell 25.3 pg/cell Low (27-32) ESR 24 mm/hr High (0-20) Blood HbA1c 7.2% Good control: 8.0% Renal Profile: 9th April 11th April Plasma K+ 2.8 mmol/L 2.5 mmol/L Low (3.5-5.1) Creatinine 100 ÃŽ ¼mol/L 79 ÃŽ ¼mol/L (58-96) Blood test indicated that the level of white blood cell and erythrocyte sedimentation rate is higher than normal which suggests the patient had an infection. The blood HbA1c showed adequate control of blood glucose. On the other hand, the renal test showed that the patient had low plasma potassium and the plasma creatinine level is normal. Clinical Progress On examination, the patient was alert with no pedal oedema. Her pulse rate was 120 beats per minute, blood pressure was 130/62 mmHg, and respiratory rate was 22 breaths per min. She was diagnosed with acute exacerbation bronchial asthma secondary to upper respiratory tract infection. The plan was to give intravenous (IV) hydrocortisone 200mg immediately then 100mg three times daily, IV Augmentin 1.2g three times daily, nebulizer atrovent: ventolin: normal saline (A:V:N) 2:1:2 every two hours and to continue SPO2 monitoring. On day 1, the patient was given MDI Budesonide 400mcg, nebulizer AVN, IV hydrocortisone 100mg three times daily, bromhexine tablet 8mg three times daily, erythromycin tablet 400mg twice daily, prednisolone tablet 40mg once daily, oxygen 3L/min and lovastatin tablet 20mg once daily. Theophylline were stopped. On day 3, patients blood pressure was 120/70 mmHg, respiratory rate was 26 breaths per minute and the SPO2 was 98%. She has cough with yellow sputum and the sputum culture showed that there are no pathogen isolated. The patient was to start on long acting beta agonist (LABA). Other medications that were given include potassium tablet 1.2g twice daily, Neb Combivent 4 hourly, IV Augmentin 1.2g three times daily, MIST expectorant 15mL three times daily. Hydrocortisone and bisolvon were stopped. On day 4, the patient had fever, cough with yellow sputum and difficulty in breathing. No new action was taken. On day 6, patient had no more fever but still had cough with yellow sputum. Her blood pressure was 122/80 mmHg and respiratory rate was 20 breaths per minute. The plan was to give MDI formoterol 9mcg once daily and augmentin tablet 625mg. Oxygen and prednisolone were stopped. On day 8, patient still had cough but the sputum turned white. Patient was given theophylline SR tablet 250mg twice daily and was ready to be discharged the next day. Medication Summary Drug Dose Frequency Indication T.Bisolvon 8mg tds(stop at day 3) Cough Mist Expectorant 15 mL tds (day3-day 6) Cough T.Erythromycin 400mg bd (stop on day 6) Infection KCl solution 20mL tds (stop on day 7) Hypokalaemia T.Prednisolone 40mg od (stop on day 6) Acute asthma T.Augmentin 625mg tds Infection T.Lovastatin 20mg od Hyperlipidaemia T.Nuelin SR 500mg bd Asthma OXIS inhaler (formoterol) 9mcg od Asthma MDI Budesonide 400mcg bd Asthma Salbutamol 200mcg when required Asthma Pharmaceutical Care Plan Care Plan Recommendation Desired Outcome 1. Monitor K+ level -high dose salbutamol and theophylline causes hypokalaemia K+ level should be monitored. K+ supplement should be given if K+ level is low. Maintain stable potassium level. 2. On day 4, patient had fever but not treated. Paracetamol should be given. To lower down patients temperature. 3. Concurrent use of oral prednisolone and IV hydrocortisone for acute treatment -If patient can tolerate orally, oral prednisolone should be adequate. -if cant, give IV hydrocortisone 100mg every 6 hour until conversion to oral is possible. 4. Combination inhaler can be given to patient Symbicort inhaler (1-2 puffs bd) can be given instead of OXIS and budesonide inhaler. Besides that, Symbicort can be also given as relief to replace Combivent. Less confusion and increases compliance. 5. Technique to use inhaler -Counsel patient on proper technique -advice on oral hygiene to avoid oral candidiasis. 6. Prophylaxis of asthma Counsel patient to avoid allergen that may trigger attack and avoid NSAIDs. Lowers risk of asthma attack 7. Compliance issue Advice patient on the importance to take control medication accordingly even if patient feels well. Lowers risk of asthma attack Disease Overview and Pharmacological Basis of Drug Therapy Asthma affects people of all ages, but it normally starts at childhood1. Asthma affects 5-8% of the population around the world2. A study done by World Health Organization (WHO) shows that there are 15 million disability-adjusted life years lost yearly because of asthma, displaying 1% of total disease burden worldwide3. The annual worldwide mortality caused by asthma is estimated to be 250,000. In Scotland, the incidence of clinical asthma is around 18.4% of the population3. Asthma is an inflammatory disease where there is frequent reversible airway obstruction1. The narrowing of the airway happens when people with asthma react strongly to certain substance they breathe in. These irritant stimuli are too weak to affect normal individuals1. The narrowing of airway is also caused by other factors which include mucosal swelling or inflammation caused by inflammatory mediators released by mast cell and basophil degranulation as well as mucus or phlegm production2. The causes of asthma include genetic factor, environmental factor and history of etopic disorder5. The most common symptoms of asthma are wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and sometimes cough, especially at night in younger people1, 4. The probability of asthma increased if symptoms worsen at night and early morning or in response to exercise, allergen and cold air5. Acute severe asthma may cause hypoxaemia and is not easily reversed. Therefore, the patient needs prompt treatment and hospitalization1. Patients with asthma have continuous and excessive T-helper cell type 2 (Th2)-dominated immune response and the Th1 which is responsible for structural and defensive status of the tissue is reduced4. The activated T-cells produce cytokines in the bronchial mucosa and this attract other inflammatory granulocytes especially eosinophils which produce cysteinyl leukotrienes along with granule protein to damage epithelium. The cytokines released also promotes IgE synthesis in some asthmatic patients which cause expression of IgE receptors on mast cell and eosinophils1, 4. The important mediators associated with asthma are leukotriene B4, cysteinyl leukotrienes (C4 and D4), interleukins IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and tissure-damaging eosinophil proteins1. In atopic asthmatic patients, inhaled allergen caused cross-linking of IgE molecules on mast cells hence activating degranulation with histamine and leukotriene B4 release. These substances are powerful bronchoconstrictors thus causing acute exace rbation of asthma1. For diagnosis of asthma, spirometry is the preferred initial test5. It is a device to measure the functional lung volumes. Through the patients full force expiration into the device, the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and force vital capacity (FVC) are measured. Exhalation continues until there is no more breath to be exhaled. The FEV1/FVC ratio shows the severity of airflow obstruction and the normal ratio is 75-80%2. The ratio is less than 75% in asthma which indicates obstructive defect. There is normally more than 15% improvement in FEV1 after administration of B2 agonist or steroid trial in asthma patients2. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is also another test for asthma though FEV1 uses lesser effort2. It is measured by the maximum forced expiratory through a peak flow meter and acts as an estimate of airway calibre. PEF is measured frequently to check response to treatment and disease control. PEF is used to test acute and chronic asthma with PEF decreases along with s everity2. Moderate acute asthma Severe acute asthma Life-threatening Able to talk, Respiratory rate (RR)50-75% Incomplete sentence, RR>25/min, SPO2110/min, PEF 33-50% Silent chest, cyanosis, exhaustion, confusion, feeble respiratory effort, SPO2

The Iranian Revolution And Khomeini Ideas

The Iranian Revolution And Khomeini Ideas The Iranian Revolution, also called the Islamic Revolution took place in 1979. It marked events involving the demise of Irans monarchy by bringing down the US-backed Shah of Iran, Muhammad Reza Pahlavi. The revolution placed Ayotullah Rohullah Khomeini in control of Iran. Ayotullah Rohullah Khomeini was the leader of the revolution and changed Iran into in Islamic Republic. Imam Rohullah Al-Musavi Al-Khomeini, in short, Ayotullah Khomeini, was born on September 24, 1902. He belonged to a family that had religiously strong traditions. They resided in Khumayn, located in the west of Tehran. When Ayotullah Khomeni was nineteen years old he went to study religious science where his education under notable figures exposed him to religious traditions, political activism and learning. He excelled in a lot of subjects but mastered ethics and philosophy. Though he is widely known as a revolutionary leader with a remarkable success in the political field, initially he was famous as a writer an d a teacher residing in Qom. Qom had a status dignified learning center and rose as spiritual capital in Iran. His area of concern was devotional and mystical matters. But from spirituality and mysticism, he never meant social isolation and political inertness. Instead he advocated energetic natural expression on the socio-political frame. His life indicates that an Islamic revolution has its roots in spiritual and moral realm. During his early years in Qom, his activities were in contrast with the establishing Pahlavi state by Shah of Iran, Reza Khan. Reza Khan changed the monarchy in Iran into a totalitarian dictatorship. His major objective was to wipe out Islam as a cultural, political and social power. Imam Khomeini not only witnessed these efforts of Reza Khan directly but also got news regularly from cities like Tabriz, Mashhad and Isfahan. All this deeply affected him. In the later years Muhammad Reza, son of Reza Khan became the Shah of Iran and continued the exploitive agenda regarding religious institutions. Imam Khomeini touched the political field for the first time in 1941 when he gave a political public statement in his book Kashf al-Asrar. In 1962 Imam Khomeini became the leader of Qom. His aim became to fight back Shah at a time when not many dared to do so. He announced his support to religious institutions. For example he lent his support to students who were protesting against the permission to open liquor stores in the city. After that he moved towards matters of bigger significance. In October 1962 he united with the religious leaders throughout the country and vigorously protested against the law allowing non-Muslim males and females to participate in elections to local assemblies. This resulted in building an alliance of religious scholars that would stand for the fundamental rights. In 1963 he confronted the Shah, who was trying to propagate reforms in economic and socio-political life if Iran. These efforts by Shah were designated as White Revolution. The White Revolution was a deceiving program constituted on six points. The real aim was to restrain the growing clerical influence against Shah in Iran. Imam Khomeini made public a strong and hard declaration in which he denounced the Shah and his Western agenda. He accused the Shah of violating the constitution, spreading morally corrupt objectives and compliance with USA and Israel. The Shah successfully got the clauses of this revolution approved through a fake referendum on January 26, 1963. The measures taken under the flag of White Revolution were largely perceived by the Iranian society as a dictation by United States. The goal was to augment Shahs wealth and power and sustenance of US dominance. Imam Khomeini denounced the revolution and exposed the aims and objectives underlying it. He preached lectures from Fayziya Madrasa that had impact in the whole nation. On March 22, 1963 the Shah sent paratroopers who attacked Fayziya Madrasa resulting in the death of numerous students and rummage of madrasa. It didnt intimidate Imam Khomeini much. Instead it ignited an unprecedented struggle directed against the blunders and wrongdoings of the regime. The attack was perceived as a symbolic action showing the hostile attitude of the regime towards Islam and the ruthless expression towards Islamic institutions. After all these actions Imam Khomeini came out stronger. He kept denouncing the Shah and his regime. He cursed the Shah for his authoritarian nature. He called him a puppet of United States and criticized his growing association with Israel. On June 3, 1963 the afternoon of Ashoura (10th day of Muharram according to the Muslim calendar) he denounced the Shah by calling him a wretched miserable man and warned him to alter his ways otherwise people will celebrate the day he departs from Iran. He was arrested because of that speech on June 5, 1963. This led to major protests for three days throughout Iran. There was disgust among the public against the regime and a shocking uprising took place. In Qom, Shiraz, Isfahan, Mashhad, Tehran and many other cities well equipped army of Shah trained by United States was confronted by defenseless demonstrators. It is estimated that some 15,000 pro-Khomeini protesters were killed by the Shahs forces in these protests. This uprising acted as a fulc rum in the struggle against the regime. Imam Khomeini became a national leader. He became an aspiration to the whole nation to stand against the Shah and the foreign supporters backing up Shah. He provided a rational and logical Islamic ideology. He introduced a political road map guided by religious leadership rather than by the secular parties. The uprising was curbed but the mass public and religious scholars could not endure the detention of Imam Khomeini. Demonstration continued all over the country and several religious personalities pressed on Tehran for his release. On April 6, 1964 the government released him, issuing a statement that he has contracted to abstain from any activity of political nature as a condition for his liberation. This was later refuted by him. He carried on his condemnation of the Shah and his regime with more vitality. In October 1964, the Shah proved his submission to the US by granting legal immunity to the US personnel. This gave the US personnel the right to commit all offenses in the Iranian boundaries. It was evident now that the Shah was a puppet at the hands of United States. The Iranian Majlis approved this measure. On the very next day i.e. October 27, Imam Khomeini wrathfully denounced this and called it an outright attack on the independence and sovereignty of Iran. Imam Khomeini was now becoming a serious nuisance for the Shah and his foreign supporters. All efforts to intimidate Imam Khomeini into silence proved futile. Hence an attempt to destroy his strengthening influence was made by sending him to exile. Therefore, on November 4, 1964 Imam Khomeini was arrested and exiled to Turkey. He stayed in Ankara for a while and than moved to Bursa. The Shahs regime was pressurized to allow Imam Khomeini to a better place than Turkey. The permission was given on October 1965 and Imam Khomein i moved to Najaf, considered by the Shii sect as a shrine city in Iraq. He took residence in Najaf for the next thirteen years. On the other side, the Shahs regime set itself free from the pressure they were previously bearing and thought that the religious establishment of Najaf will overshadow Imam Khomeini. But they were wrong. Not only did Imam Khomeini created himself as a sound presence in Najaf but also kept maintaining his popularity and influence in Iran. His public statements concerning Iranian development were smuggled and circulated in the country. He addressed the Muslim world and his messages were distributed in Mecca several times. He was visited by prominent Iranian and Muslim religious figures from time to time during his years in exile. He was never forgotten by the people of Iran. His name and his cause lived in the Iranian people. He was an inspiration for numerous religious groups and scholars who carried on building the foundations previously laid by Imam Khomeini. Unaware by many foreign onlookers, an Islamic association of immense span and insight was formed. It was understood that Imam Khomeini would come up as a leader and guide the Islamic Revolution taking place in 1978-1979. Though he was physically absent but he lived in the hearts of the Iranian people and was an aspiration to them. On November 23, 1977 a tragic thing happened. Hajj Mustafa, Khomeinis elder son, died unexpectedly in Najaf. He was assassinated by SAVAR, a US-instituted security police of the Shah. Imam Khomeini faced this grief patiently. This tragedy provoked the Iranian public. People became rebellious and this rebel turned into a revolution. On January 8, 1978 a government statement came labeling Imam Khomeini as an agent working for foreign powers. This invited a public outrage. Protests broke out in Qom which resulted in a large number of casualties. These series of protests combined the whole country in the revolutionary passion and continued till the summer of 1978. Imam Khomeini kept encouraging the steadfastness of the people and boosted them to attain their goal i.e. the demise of monarchy building of an Islamic state. The Shahs regime made another attempt to bring down the revolution by requesting the Baathist government of Iraq to expel Imam Khomeini from their country. The Shah thought this would destroy his base of operation and the revolution will lose its leadership. Imam Khomeini was never satisfied with the governments that have been ruling Iraq. He considered Syria and Algeria as a good option but no Muslim country welcomed him to stay and carry on his political activity. In October 1978, Imam Khomeini went to France and took residence at Nauphle-le-Chateau, which is situated near Paris. The residence in France proved to be very beneficial for Imam Khomeini. The communication became easier, international media also jumped in and he was able to address to a global audience. In December 1978, the month of Muharram also came. Demonstrations on a large scale took place in Tehran and other major cities aiming to overthrow the monarchy and replacing it with an Islamic state under Imam Khomeini. The Shah touched the extremes of brutality. The streets were flowing with the blood of thousands of slaughtered demonstrators, the people held in jails were tortured and abused, and the wounded were massacred in the hospitals by the Shahs forces. United States, Israel and many foreign states supported this. It seemed like a holocaust but this time done by the Jews. Despite the unflinching US support the corrupt and homicidal rule of the Shah was taking its last breathes. A substitute administration was made under Shahpur Bakhtiar and finally, the Shah left Iran for good on January 16, 1979. The public come out on the streets full of joy and happiness. People celebrated their victory. On February 1, 1979 Imam Khomeini returned to Iran and was welcomed by millions of Iranians at the airport. Throughout the revolution Imam Khomeini showed characteristics of high values; Spirituality, self discipline determination, leadership, compassion, asceticism, erudition, sobriety, political ingenuity and hatred of imperialism. He was undoubtedly the teacher and director of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. In his lectures that were given in Najaf between January 21 and February 8, 1970, which were later combined under the title of Islamic Government (Hukumat-i-Islami) three key points come to surface. The need for founding Islamic socio-political institutions Obligation of religious personalities (the fuqaha)to construct and Islamic republic Islamic republic that takes self reform measures Imam Khomeini said in his lectures that a society cannot be reformed alone on an organization of laws. It is important that a power and an executor are present to ensure the law. That is why Allah Almighty not only provided an ordinance of law (sharia) but also gave a structure of government well supported by administrative and executive institutions. The last Messenger of Allah is a practical example of such a government. He executed the institutions in the Muslim society. The Prophet established the ordinance of law in Islam. This duty was later carried by the successors of the Prophet. It was the need that someone continues executing the laws and establishing the Islamic institutions in the society. It is very important that there is some executor of the social institutions and the law. Legislation if alone couldnt do much good for the well being of humans. The executor, known as, vali amr, is responsible for implementation of the law and the courts verdict. He said that the life of prophet is in itself a practical example of establishing an Islamic State. He said that the Prophet laid foundations of a government, implemented laws, established Islamic ordinances, and administered the society. He appointed governors, judges and also worked as a judge himself. He sent diplomats to different states, chiefs and kings, completed pacts and treatise, commanded the army in battles. In a nutshell, he performed all the functions required in a government. He appointed his successor himself. This showed the necessity of a stable working government even after Prophet Muhammad departs from the world. Imam Khomeini said that the ratification of Islamic law was not limited to the times of Prophet. The Islamic ordinances are permanent and hold practical value till the end of times. The Islamic system of government is not restricted to the old times. The taxation system, economic system, social system laid down by Islam holds its relevance till the end. A fully functioning government together with its administrative and executives bodies is compulsory. If the political system is repugnant to the Islamic teachings than such a system would result in tyranny, corruption, moral drain, anarchy and chaos. Imam Khomeini questioned the putting aside of Islamic laws to promote anarchy. He questioned the calling of Islamic Laws as old and impractical. Allah has not limited the legitimacy of his of the laws He sent to earth. Imam Khomeini hardly denounced those who believe that Islamic laws dont hold their validity anymore. Imam Khomeini criticized the western taxation system. He supported the Islamic system of through kharaj, zakat, khums and jizya. He said that those who do not support the Islamic system challenge the legitimacy and universality of Islam and the faith. Government was always considered a necessity during the time of Prophet and afterwards. Governments were made during the reign of Caliphs. Sharia provides us with sufficient proof regarding the need of a government in all times. Sharia is the embodiment of diverse laws covering all aspects of a society. The laws in this system are a complete guidance of to meeting the needs of all humans, dealing the neighbors, other citizens, races, relatives, children, marital and personal life, laws regarding peace and war, foreign policy, diplomatic relations with other nations, laws related to trade, agriculture, commercialization. It gives guidance about the constitution of marriage institution, the right procedure to contract it, the fostering of child in the womb, the responsibilities of the parents during the time the infant is nourishing and growing, the interaction of husband, wife, and the children. Islam offers a complete code of conduct for the humanity. It ensures virtue, morals and healthy economic and social relations. The ordinances and laws needed by man are all present in the Holy Quran and Sunnah. These laws will help in attaining happiness and making the state perfect. Imam Khomeini swore that the Quran has everything that a man needs. It is not possible to execute Allahs order without the formation of proper executive and administrative organs that would strengthen the establishing of a government. Imam Khomeini mentions some provisions to substantiate his argument. The taxation system introduced by Islam is not meant to feed the poor and needy only. They also build bases for establishing a grand government and bear the essential expenses for it. The example could be given of khums, which is a type of tax, and acts as a source of revenue for the treasury. It is believed that khums is levied on all natural resources, commercial and agriculture profits in an equal manner. It applied to everyone on equal terms as they have to pay one-fifth on their income that is surplus. This large income will serve the function of administering the Islamic republic and fulfilling its financial requirements. If this one fifth portion of the surplus income of Muslims is calculated, it will become evident that the imposing of such a tax is not for the reason of feeding the poor and hungry but for a larger cause i.e. fulfilling the financial requirements of the government institutions and its important bodies. Imam Khomeini emphasized on establishing a government bas ed on the Islamic taxation system which comprised of khums, jizya, zakat and kharaj. He said that the large budget provided by the income from khums, was for the reason of establishing a government that administered the Islamic domain. It was formed to fulfill the needs of people by providing the public with services related to health, defense, educational and economic welfare. Furthermore, Islam laid down principles for the compilation, safeguarding and disbursement of the income from khums. Any illegal take over or embezzlement of this income is strictly forbidden. The head of state and government members do not practice any privilege over a common inhabitant when it comes to public wealth and income. Another type of tax is jizya, has been made compulsory for ahl adh-dhimma, and kharaj is imposed on land that is of agricultural value. These two sources also add considerable amount of revenue. The forming of these taxes proves that it is necessary that a government and a ruler exist. It is the responsibility of the governor or ruler that taxes is imposed correctly on ahl adh-dhimma according to their financial ability and income. The ruler should also fix proper taxes on their livestock and agricultural land. Kharaj tax is also imposed on the land that is in the ownership of the Islamic republic. In order to implement these taxes laws should be established, institutions should be built, and administrative bodies should be working. Otherwise it would be impossible for such taxes to be carried out. The in charge of the state is responsible for carrying out these taxes honestly and aiming them for the larger good of the public. The rules relating the safeguard of the Islamic defense and order of the territory and the freedom of Islamic nation also calls for the establishment of a government. It is said in the Quran: Prepare against them, whatever force you can muster and horses tethered (Quran 8:60) This shows that a well equipped defensive Muslim force should always be ready and vigilant. It should be alert even during peace. Imam Khomeini said that if Muslims had acted on this verse a strong government would have been formed and preparations of a war would have been made beforehand. A small bunch of Jews would not have even thought to take over our lands and destroyed Masjid al-Aqsa. If the Muslims had fulfilled their responsibility of carrying out Gods orders and laws, and established a respectable and righteous government than all this would not have taken place. If the leaders of Muslims are true representatives of Gods laws than they would overcome all their differences and unite together as one. A bunch of Jews couldnt harm us then, even if they get all their support from US and other foreign countries. As it is said in the Quran, Prepare against them, whatever force you can muster this means that we should be well-prepared and strong and ever-ready against the oppression that the enemies will try to cause us. Unfortunately we are licking in preparedness, strength and unity and thats why we are suffering at the hands of foreign evils. There are a number of conditions of the law that are not possible to be imposed unless a government is established. The example could be given of blood money, which is used to support the deserving and physical penalties laid down by the law, which have to be supervised by the ruler of the Islamic state. These laws and ordinances remind us the necessity if a government and strong institutions that have the power which makes them capable to perform these functions in the best way. After the death of Prophet the Umayyads went against Ali ibn Abi Talib and started to cause instability in the Islamic state. They moved away from the formation of a government that has been ordered by God Almighty. They changed the basis of the entire government. The policies they introduced were in contradiction to Islamic laws and ordinances. The Abbasids and Umayyads pursued anit-Islamic administrative and political policies and established a government that was against Gods teachings. The government they established later on converted into a complete monarchy. Their government was just like the governments of Roman emperors, Egyptian pharaohs and Iranian kings. Imam Khomeini called them non-Islamic governments that have been carried on to the future. Both the law and logic tell us that such anti-Islamic and non-Islamic governments should not be permitted. The reasons are very clear. In a non-Islamic form of government the orders of Islamic politics couldnt be implemented. Imam Khomeini said that the non-Islamic forms of government are the system made by the infidels (kafir). It is the obligation of every Muslim to eradicate all the traces of such a system from their society and perish them. It is our responsibility to create a social atmosphere that ensures the education of individuals who have faith and virtue. But such an atmosphere is in total contradiction with the rule of the infidels and their illegal power. Imam Khomeini said that the corruption is Iran is the result of the kafir mode of government. The corruption has to be swept and the culprits should be caught and hanged. He related this corruption to the corruption of the pharaohs in Egypt. It is not possible for a faith-practicing, God-fearing and just Muslim to survi ve in such a socio-political situation. The condition leaves the individuals with two choices. Either he submits to the will of kufr and betrays God or he refuses to commit the acts that the kufr commands and stands against him to destroy the corrupt system. Being true Muslims we have no choice but to destroy the form of government that is full of corruption, tyranny, treachery, oppression and crimes. This is the obligation of every Muslim of the world, a duty he must accomplish to ensure the political Islamic revolution. The tyrannical and imperialist rulers have segregated the Islamic land. They have divided the Islamic umma into numerous segments and virtually created detached nations. The imperialists of Austria, Russia, Britain and others divided the great Ottoman Empire. This happened partly because of the incompetency and corruption of the rulers of the Ottoman. They took a wrong step y following the system of monarchy. The Ottoman Empire was a threat to the evil imperialists. They were afraid that righteous men will rise up and take control of the state and destroy the imperialism to its roots. Therefore after World War I the imperialists divided the Ottoman Empire into fifteen small states. The imperialists started controlling them with the help of their agents. Imam Khomeini said that if we want to unite the Muslim umma, if we want liberate the Islamic land form the claws of imperialists, if we want to overthrow the puppet governments than it is crucial that formation of a government that is in accordance with the Islamic laws and ordinance takes place. The establishment of such a government will safeguard the disciplined Muslim unity. He quotes the address of Fatimat az-Zahra: The Imamate exists for the sake of preserving order among the Muslims and replacing disunity with unity Imam Khomeini revealed the evil deeds of the imperialists by saying that the imperialists have appointed their political agents in the countries. They have imposed an economic system full of injustice. As result the people are divided into two distinct groups: oppressors and oppressed. The oppressed are deprived of the basic necessities of life while the oppressors enjoy the all the wealth through corruption and tyranny. The hungry oppressed people have tried to cut loose their chains from the cruelty of the overlords and their struggle has been going on till today. But the ruling class and imperialist government structures have hindered their way. It is our responsibility to rescue the deprived and oppressed. We should confront the oppressor. Imam Khomeini said that it is an obligation for Islamic scholars to thrive against the oppressors and let the not succeed in establishing a monopoly on the wealth resources. The Islamic scholars should fight for the masses and to save them from hunger and deprivation and stand against the oppressors usurping the wealth of the people. He quotes the following saying: I swear by Him Who causes the seed to open and create the souls of all living things that were it not for the presence of those who have come to swear allegiance to me, were it not for the obligation of the ruler-ship now imposed upon me by the availability of aid and support, and were it not for the pledge that God has taken form the scholars of Islam not to remain silent in the face of gluttony and plundering of the oppressors, on the one hand, and the harrowing hunger and deprivation of the of the oppressed on the other hand were it not for all of this, then I would abandon the reins of government and in no way seek it. You would see that this world of yours, with all of its position and rank, is less in my eyes than the moisture that comes from the sneeze of a goat. Imam Khomeini said that it is not the time to sit silent. The time has come to rise against the traitors, puppets of foreign imperialists, and tyrants who have the blood and sweat, wealth and income of the Muslims nationwide. They have snatched the prosperity from the Muslims. It is the responsibility of the scholars of Islam and all the Muslims to destroy this system that has enslaved us. We will overthrow the anti-Islamic governments to bring welfare to millions of Muslims by the formation of a government on the foundations of Islam. Imam Khomeini said that the rules and regulations laid down by Islam prevent the exploitation of the weak by the oppressors. If the anti-Islamic form of government prevails than the Islamic land will fall in the hands of the foreign imperialist powers. The people who rule Iran are useless. They are corrupt, tyrannical and incompetent. Therefore a revolution is necessary. An Islamic revolution is the only way to end this system of kufr. Imam Khomeini successfully preached these ideas in the nation of Iran and led to the Islamic revolution that resulted in breaking the chains of imperialist United States and Israel. The country fled into the streets to support his ideology, the righteous, faithful and Islamic ideology.

Upton Sinclairs The Jungle - The Lie of the American Dream :: The Jungle Sinclair

The Jungle - The Lie of the American Dream In The Jungle, Sinclair deeply understands his subjects and can make the plots real for the reader. Even in a small section of the book, Sinclair makes me feel, imagine and contemplate his words. Chapters 18 through 23, were chapters that Sinclair took time and effort to write and make it to perfection. In my own perspective, I think he achieved this accomplishment and made these chapters a realistic event. The main theme of these 6 chapters is "The lie of the American Dream". Jurgis thought by coming here to the United States, he would find everything easy, but everything turned against his wishes. In chapter 18, he's out of jail, free, only to find someone else in his home. He realized that his family had lost their home because of lack of money, and because he wasn't there when they needed him the most. Later finding them and finding his wife giving birth with complications and smelling death around him. Is a very shocking and yet horrifying idea. With only a dollar twenty-five, Madame Haupt helped Ona give birth, but failed to give them their life. With that dollar twenty-five, Ona lost her life and left Jurgis alone forever. That same day little Kotrina earned three dollars, Jurgis took it and got drunk. This American lie struck him hard, the least he can do was to get drunk and forget about life for a while. However, life was still ahead of him. He went back to the fertilizer, but found no job there. He owed so much money, the least he could do was to get a job. He tried many places until his friend found him a job in a big factory. There he worked and worked, but lost it because the factories closed down and there was no work until further notice. Probably Jurgis thought "America lies to me once again", and has to deal with it. Thus, Jurgis did not stay with his arms crossed; he went out again to look for more work. He begged, he slept in the streets, he tried everything, but finally he got another job in a mill and worked there. It seemed that life was getting easier but it got worse. One day, Jurgis got home, and found out that his son, his little boy Antanas, had died. This was a nightmare for Jurgis.

Gettysburg :: American America History

Gettysburg By late afternoon, on the 2nd July, 1863, after fierce hand to hand fighting, Major General John B. Hood's 3rd Division's flanking attack on Big Round Top had been successful. Meade realising the lack of troops on the Round Tops had rushed the 1st Maine to try to thwart Jackson who having let Hood bypass Sickles force in the Peach Orchard caught way out in front of the main Union lines and seize the Top (s). Sickle was outflanked and held by Laws Brigade leaving only the 1st Maine to take the brunt of the killing power of the massed Confederate infantry. Colonel Chamberlain, commanding was killed in the first volley and whatever morale the Union troops retained was soon broken. It was over in less than ten minutes, the remnants of the Federal forces streamed back to the relative safety of their main line on Cemetery Ridge. Hood sent reports of the securing of the Tops to Jackson.Thomas'Stonewall' Jackson had assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia after Robert E.Lee was wounded by a stray shell late on the afternoon of the 1st. Though not serious, General Lee had shrapnel wounds to both legs and concussion and command had passed to his deputy, Jackson. Jackson sent for Lieutenant-General Longstreet and ordered him to get his artillery onto the Tops and commence bombardment of Meade's forces. Cabell's Battalion of Artillery is despatched to Big Round Top and commences an immediate cannonade. Alexander has despatched half his cannon to assist and by 7.00pm 67 cannon are belching their deadly breath down on Cemetery Ridge. In the pitch dark lit only by the shell bursts of the Confederate fire the Union troops mill about in panic. Orders are countermandered , duplicated and totally confused as officers try to keep their various charges in check. The casualty toll is becoming horrendous and more and more troops are trying to flee the field. Unfortunately, in the dark they have little sense of direction and hundreds are going from one field of slaughter to another as Ewell has his men on battle stations on the right flank. Those fleeing forward rush into Pickett's command . At 10 pm the bombardment ceases as the Rebel artillerists realise they are running low on ready supplies of shells. Though they would not realise until morning that the battle was won, they had done the damage with their evening fusilade. Gettysburg :: American America History Gettysburg By late afternoon, on the 2nd July, 1863, after fierce hand to hand fighting, Major General John B. Hood's 3rd Division's flanking attack on Big Round Top had been successful. Meade realising the lack of troops on the Round Tops had rushed the 1st Maine to try to thwart Jackson who having let Hood bypass Sickles force in the Peach Orchard caught way out in front of the main Union lines and seize the Top (s). Sickle was outflanked and held by Laws Brigade leaving only the 1st Maine to take the brunt of the killing power of the massed Confederate infantry. Colonel Chamberlain, commanding was killed in the first volley and whatever morale the Union troops retained was soon broken. It was over in less than ten minutes, the remnants of the Federal forces streamed back to the relative safety of their main line on Cemetery Ridge. Hood sent reports of the securing of the Tops to Jackson.Thomas'Stonewall' Jackson had assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia after Robert E.Lee was wounded by a stray shell late on the afternoon of the 1st. Though not serious, General Lee had shrapnel wounds to both legs and concussion and command had passed to his deputy, Jackson. Jackson sent for Lieutenant-General Longstreet and ordered him to get his artillery onto the Tops and commence bombardment of Meade's forces. Cabell's Battalion of Artillery is despatched to Big Round Top and commences an immediate cannonade. Alexander has despatched half his cannon to assist and by 7.00pm 67 cannon are belching their deadly breath down on Cemetery Ridge. In the pitch dark lit only by the shell bursts of the Confederate fire the Union troops mill about in panic. Orders are countermandered , duplicated and totally confused as officers try to keep their various charges in check. The casualty toll is becoming horrendous and more and more troops are trying to flee the field. Unfortunately, in the dark they have little sense of direction and hundreds are going from one field of slaughter to another as Ewell has his men on battle stations on the right flank. Those fleeing forward rush into Pickett's command . At 10 pm the bombardment ceases as the Rebel artillerists realise they are running low on ready supplies of shells. Though they would not realise until morning that the battle was won, they had done the damage with their evening fusilade.

A Passage Taken From the Film ‘Trainspotting’ Essay

The passage is taken from a film ‘Trainspotting’, and is therefore a scripted piece. In a situation like this situation in ‘real life’, there would undoubtedly have been interruptions on numerous occasions; however, being a scripted piece, there were no overlaps; the entire passage is in the form of turn taking. In ‘real life’, we all know that we should turn take, but we often break this rule. People break this rule when they are angry, when they are enthusiastic about the issue, or if they want to add to what the other person is saying. Another feature of the passage illustrating that this is a scripted piece, is the fact that there are no self-clarifications. The dialogue is more carefully and logically structured than if it was spontaneous speech. To understand the nature of this passage, one must first understand the context of the piece. Spud is an unemployed ‘bloke’ going to an interview, unbeknown to the interviewers that he does not in fact want the job. Previous to the interview, Spud had taken ‘speed’, which meant that in the interview he is behaving completely inappropriately. An interview should be held formally, and while the two men and the woman interviewing Spud try to keep this business formal, Spud makes three crucial mistakes. Firstly, he is acting as if they were ‘mates’, by using very chatty language; secondly, he says approximately 100 words, explaining that he had lied in his original application, but how he thinks that it was alright because it apparently was not important; and thirdly, because he has taken ‘speed’, he is talking extremely fast, with few pauses for breath, which suggests to an interviewer that he is nervous, and creates the effects that t he ‘speed’ would have had on him. An example of all three of these things, is when Spud says â€Å"No, actually I went to Craignewton but I was worried that you wouldn’t have heard of it so I put the Royal Edinburgh College instead, because they’re both schools, right, and we’re all in this together, and I wanted to put across the general idea rather than the details, yeah?† (Spud) Throughout the passage, Spud sets the agenda, and even when the interviewers ask questions, |Spud’s answers change the direction of the speech. An example of this, is when Spud says that he loves all people, including beggars, and then the conversation continues: â€Å"Homeless people?† (Woman) â€Å"No, not homeless people. Beggars, Francis Begbire – one of my mates. I wouldn’t say my best mate, I mean, sometimes the boy goes over the score, like one time when we – me and him – were having a laugh and all of a sudden he’s fucking gubbed me in the face, right.† (Spud) This shows how Spud is the one who sets the discussion topic. The original question from Man 2 was about what attracted Spud to the leisure industry, and from that, the conversation moved onto one of Spud’s ‘mates’. Spud setting the agenda, shows that Spud has the power, which is not in keeping with the stereotypical interview. Normally, the interviewer would have the power, not the interviewee. Spud begins the dialogue, aswell as ending it. He has the most words, and he speaks most frequently. Although having the most words and speaking most frequently does not alone guarantee the power to that character, along with setting the agenda, it is clear that Spud has it. He uses many declaratives, and many rhetorical questions, especially in his first speech, which is also evidence that he has the power. Examples of declaratives are â€Å"No problem. Whatever you say, man. You’re the man, the governor, the dude in the chair, like.† (Spud) Apart from just being a declarative, this is also a classic example of the informal language used throughout the passage by Spud. Words such as â€Å"man† and â€Å"dude† are informal and chatty, and not in the correct context to what an interview should be. An example of rhetorical questions used by him, are â€Å"People get all hung up on details, but what’s the point?† â€Å"Does it matter?† â€Å"What’s important is that I am, right?† (Spud) After his first ‘outburst’, Man 1, the interviewer, tries to obtain the power, by addressing Spud as Mr Murphy, which is very formal, and by using an interrogative. â€Å"Mr Murphy, do you mean that you lied on your application?† (Man 1) In reply to his question, Spud replies, â€Å"Only to get my foot in the door.† (Spud) This is not what Man 1 would have been expecting his answer to be. Most likely, he would have expected him to try and ‘wriggle out of’ having to say that he lied on his application. However, Spud does not do this. He out rightly admits that he lied. He is brutally honest, and because of this, Spud retains the power. This recurs periodically throughout the passage, and each time Man 1 tries to gain the power, he fails. At the end of this passage, Man 1 uses a declarative statement to end the interview, â€Å"Thank you Mr Murphy. We’ll let you know† (Man 1) If the interview had ended here, then it would have ended with Man 1 having the power. However, after this, Spud goes on to say, â€Å"The pleasure was mine. Best interview I’ve ever been to. Thanks.† (Spud) Because of this, Spud makes it seem as if the interview was ended on his terms, so he once again has the power, meaning that he had it throughout the entire interview. In summary, Spud has the power throughout the interview, all the while, the interviews are trying to gain it, which is what an interview typically entails. Using many techniques, the writer has made it so that Spud keeps the power right the way through the passage. Spud sets the agenda, and makes it impossible for the interviewers to be impressed by his antics; which is overall, exactly what he wants.

Snap Fitness

Snap Fitness ACC/566 July 16, 2012 David Kochevar Snap Fitness Executive Summary Owning a business is a dream for many people and one way to obtain that dream is to take advantage of a franchise opportunity. Work-out centers are a rapidly growing business. â€Å"Economically, the health club industry has proven to be recession-proof, averaging an 8% annual growth rate since the early 1990’s across all health clubs and gyms†(Snap Fitness, 2012). The following paper will reflect information concerning owning a fitness center and benefits to an individual who seeks to own a business in this industry.Individuals across the country who want to be fit often join fitness centers and most people want a no commitment month to month membership. Snap Fitness offers memberships such as this at a reasonable cost. The purpose of this paper is to describe Snap Fitness and identify cost-volume-profit analysis as well as break even analysis. Snap Fitness estimates each location will hav e $4,000 expense for fixed operating expenses and $2000 to lease equipment. In order for an individual looking to own a franchise such as Snap Fitness, in order to make a profit the business may only need 300 members.The paper will provide an estimate of variable costs, monthly sales in dollars and members will be identified to determine what is needed to achieve a target net income of $10,000 for the month. Five examples of variable costs for a fitness center will be identified and discussed. Lastly, the paper will discuss summarized information concerning purchasing a franchise and will conclude with a decision whether purchasing a fitness franchise is a wise decision or not. CVP AnalysisCVP (Cost Value Profit) Analysis allows an investor to determine if an investment is profitable and at what point the total revenues are equal to the total costs (Kimmel, Weygandt, & Kieso, 2009). CVP are very basic analysis that provide a very quick and easy to ready snap shot analysis. CVP Analy sis for Snap Fitness contemplates the connection between the volume of members of the fitness center, the monthly fee (no annual contract is needed), the variable costs encored, and the fixed costs. Snap Fitness will assess no sales mix as sales cannot be mixed when only one service is offered (Kimmel, Weygandt, & Kieso, 2009). Snap Fitness | |CVP Income Statement | |For the Month Ended June 30, 2012 | | |Total | |Sales (300 members X $26. 0 monthly fee) |$7,800 | |Variable costs |$1,800 | |Contribution margin |$6,000 | |Fixed costs (monthly operating expenses + equipment lease |$6,000 | |Net Income | $-0- |Variable costs Variable costs are the operating cost that varies in direct proportion to the quantity of units either sold are produced (Kimmel, Weygandt, & Kieso, 2009). For the variable cost analysis it was assumed that the only fixed costs are the estimated monthly operating expenses of $4,000 and the equipment lease of $2,000 per month. In order to Break-even the Net income r esult for the below equation would be zero if the expenses and sales are equal. The newspaper assessed that the break even would be meet if 300 members paid a monthly fee of $26. 0 each. The newspaper theory was used to complete the sales data, but this data point should be considered a soft number as it is based off of a newspaper assumption. Break-even analysis uses the formula of Sales = Variable costs + Fixed costs + Net income (Kimmel, Weygandt, & Kieso, 2009). |Sales = |Variable costs + |Fixed costs + |Net income + | |$7,800 = |$1,800 |$6,000 |$0 |Monthly Sales Snap Fitness is only able to be successful and profitable as a company if they set their monthly sales goals to achieve. The set monthly sales goals are crucially needed to be set to insure the company’s has the ability to barometer to gauge. This will allow the Snap Fitness to verify cash flow and meet all of the company’s financial obligations. Snap Fitness is also able to use the information to verify t he sales team is meeting their individual and team goals and performance levels.Snap fitness is required to meet $17, 800 in monthly sales to meet the target net income of $10,000. Income amount of $10,000 will insure Snap Fitness will be able to make a profit for the investors and cover costs. For the sales team to make $17,800 they will need to sign-up additional 685 new members. The required sales to meet the $10,000 goal the Target net income formula will need to be used. Required Sales = Variable Cost + Fixed Cost + Target Net Income $17,800 = $1,800 + $6,000 + $10,000 Variable Costs Examples Variable costs are costs that vary in total directly and proportionately with changes in the activity level. If the level increases 10%, total variable costs will increase 10%. If the level of activity decreases by 25%, variable costs will decrease 25%† (Kimmel, Weygandt, and Kieso, 2009, p. 914). Variable costs for this type of franchise will rise as members join. Utilities are vari able costs and will fluctuate based on the amount of activity at the gym. Salaries for staff will also be a variable cost.Personal trainers’ salaries will be different than a sales associate, for example. If the location offers health and wellness programs, a registered dietician will more than likely be employed at the location. A new gym will have less staff in the beginning as opposed to an established gym. As more members join, additional staff will be added to accommodate customers. Taxes and insurance will naturally fluctuate. Insurance is necessary to ensure the business has coverage in the event a customer is injured and to protect the building itself (damages, fire, accidents).As the equipment is consistently used, repairs or replacements will be necessary. These repairs or replacements are a variable cost and will more than likely increase as the business grows and more customers utilize the facility and equipment. In relation to variable costs, business owners will find having knowledge of marginal distribution will help evaluate business performance. Marginal distribution can be calculated as follows: Marginal contribution = Marginal contribution per unit * Number of units sold Marginal contribution per unit = Selling price – Unit variable cost The marginal contribution is the difference between total revenue and totals variable costs and explains how changes the operating profit as changing the number of units sold† (Busan and Dina, 2009, p. 103) . Franchise Opportunities The decision to start a business can sometimes be very difficult due to all of the work associated with planning and implementation. Franchises opportunities are the happy medium to business ownership. A franchise is when an individual or a group has established a right to market a company’s goods or services within a specific area. In a franchise opportunity a rand/ image has already been established for a company as well as products. The owner(s) is r equired to pay an initial fee to start the business while a percentage of the monthly sales have to be paid back to the company. For example anytime fitness, McDonalds, and Subway are all example of franchise operations. Establishing a fitness center has a minimum initial contribution of $80,000 however if the owner(s) are military veterans discounts will be offered. The initial covers equipment, demographics help, a secure surveillance system, customer tracking data, and a well together fitness plan and package.Snap Fitness also offers a financing program which helps with the initial investment cost. Once the agreement has been signed the franchisee is provided with all the benefits and perks. Training is also provided at the corporate headquarters and an advertising plan is in place to help attain new clients. The franchise fee is a set fee that does not increase with sales. Franchise’s make business ownership simplified because the leg work has been done already. However, the negatives are yes a percentage of the sales have to be sent to the franchisor.Understanding the benefits of franchises compared to small business ownership will help make decisions easier about which operation works best. Conclusion As we see franchising a fitness center is a very beneficial investment for individuals or groups looking to operate a business. As an investor it is important to have a concept as to which ownership and entity type works best for them. The breakdown of the variable cost and the break even analysis gives great insight in regards to how the business would need to operate on monthly bases.These key equations are imperative to business operation but it also helps predict future earnings as long as goals are achieved. A franchise opportunity has many perks with a limited amount of risk involved so understanding how things work is beneficial. Snap Fitness offers the ability to open a franchise with great support and package benefits throughout the whole pr ocess. Fitness and health is a great industry because American is trying to be more health conscience. References Anytime Fitness. (2012). Retrieved from http://www. anytimefitness. com/franchise-opportunitiesBusan, G. , & Dina, I. (2009). Using cost-volume-profit analysis in decision making. Annals Of The University Of Petrosani Economics, 9(3), 103-106. Kimmel, P. D. , Weygandt, J. J. , & Kieso, D. E. (2009). Accounting: tools for business decision making (3rd ed. ). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database. Snap Fitness (2011) About Snap Fitness. Retrieved from Snap Fitness (2011). http://www. snapfitness. com/corporate/about Snapfitness. com (2012). Fitness Franchise Opportunity. Retrieved from http://www. snapfitness. com/corporate/franchise-opportunities