Why We Fight Essay Example

Why We Fight Essay Example Why We Fight Essay Why We Fight Essay Why We Fight, is a movie that examines the growth of the military industrial complex as well as the reasons that Americans go to war. If asked the question, Why do you fight? most of us would give the same answer, for freedom and to stop terrorism, but Jarecki, the director of Why We Fight, implores to us to dig deeper and introduces us to an America that is quite confused about their identity both at home and abroad. The film suggests that political and corporate interests are at the heart of the Americans post World War Two warmongering. In my opinion`, Why We Fight forces our attention to the true purposes of the American government and to show us that the threat to the USA is from the inside rather than the outside. I think he`s trying to portray the extreme danger to America`s way of life and democracy. Jareckis Why We Fight, takes its inspiration from President Eisenhowers final address to the American nation and warns us that the military-industry complex could outpace the control the republic has over it. Jarecki makes us realise that what Eisenhower described in the 1960`s is far worse today and frankly I agree. As a way to justify my opinion I would like to state some statistics. In 2008, the US spent approximately $12 billion monthly in Iraq, which amounts to approximately $5000 spent every second1. In comparison America does not spend that much on health care or education combined. Thus, I think that the virtues of American democracy and liberty have been overwhelmed by ravenous military spending and the ridiculous profits of military contractors. But, what I really find interesting about Why We Fight is that we see the words, thoughts and deeds of many American`s that have been touched in quite a personal way by the war. For example, one of the film`s most powerful devices is the use of lengthy interviews with people such as a retired New York City Police Officer who lost a son in the attacks of September the eleventh and a couple of bomber pilots who carried out the first air strike over the Iraqis. The bomber pilots fell great pride in their work for starting a war which I think is quite stupid because their pride has overshadowed their natural instincts of sympathy. I felt sorrow for the retiree because he had great pride in his nation but it was shown a cold shoulder by the Bush Administration and I`m sure he felt like a mere puppet rather than a person within the USA. I think that Why We Fight has pulled the curtain a little out of the way between the pillars of the present-day American military strategy and the American public. I realise that the US Foreign policy has been hijacked quite far maybe even too far and America has started her own road towards her downfall. I think the question is: Should the military-industry complex be reigned in or even more importantly can it be reigned in? I think Eisenhower stated the answer almost 50 years ago, it should be compelled and controlled by alert and knowledgeable citizens. But again can it be? I think that we have stop living life for ourselves in this age, and start thinking about the future of the world as a whole. Being a fan of history, I have noticed that great empires from the Roman to the British, apart from their greatness, share one thing in common: they lead to their own downfall. I think that we have to tackle America`s seemingly unstoppable war machine and make them change their tapestry of the past 50 years which compels America to continuously fight enemy after enemy. The first step in the process is the knowledge to citizens about the misallocation of power and I believe that Why We Fight has taken that first step in informing the public. We have to remember to keep persevering in the face of adversity. I think that the solution is simple: We have to prevent the strong from abusing the weak.

Asking Professors to Sit on Your Dissertation Committee

Asking Professors to Sit on Your Dissertation Committee Graduate study can best be explained as a series of hurdles. First is getting in. Then comes coursework. Comprehensive exams typically are the culmination of coursework in which you demonstrate that you know your stuff and are ready to begin your dissertation. At this point, you are a doctoral candidate, unofficially known as ABD. If you thought coursework and comps were difficult you’re in for a surprise. Most students find the dissertation process to be the most challenging part of graduate school. It’s how you show that you are an independent scholar capable of generating new knowledge. Your mentor is critical to this process, but your dissertation committee also plays a role in your success. The Role of the Dissertation Committee The mentor is highly invested in the dissertation’s success. The committee serves as an outside consultant, offering a more broad perspective as well as support for the student and mentor. The dissertation committee can serve a checks and balances function that can boost objectivity and ensure that university guidelines are adhered to and that the product is of high quality. Members of the dissertation committee offer guidance in their areas of expertise and supplement the student and mentor’s competencies. For example, a committee member with expertise in specific research methods or statistics can serve as a sounding board and offer guidance that is beyond the mentor’s expertise. Choosing a Dissertation Committee Choosing a helpful dissertation committee isn’t easy. The best committee is composed of faculty who share an interest in the topic, offer diverse and useful areas of expertise, and are collegial. Each committee member should be carefully selected based on the project, what he or she can contribute, and how well he or she gets along with the student and mentor. It’s a delicate balance. You don’t want to argue over every detail yet you need objective advice and someone who will offer insightful, and tough, critiques of your work. Ideally, you should trust each committee member and feel that he or she has your (and your project’s) best interests in mind. Choose committee members whose work you respect, who you respect, and who you like. This is a tall order and finding a handful of faculty who meet these criteria and also have the time to participate on your dissertation committee is a daunting task. It’s likely that not all of your dissertation member s will fulfill all of your professional and personal needs but each committee member should serve at least one need. Give Some Warning Work with your mentor to select committee members. As you select potential members, ask your mentor if he or she thinks the professor is a good match to the project. Aside from seeking insight – and making your mentor feel valued – professors talk to each other. If you discuss each choice with your mentor beforehand he is she is likely to mention it to the other professor. Use your mentor’s reaction as an indicator of whether to move forward and approach the potential committee member.  You may find that the professor is already aware and may have already implicitly agreed. Make Your Intentions Known At the same time,  don’t assume that each professor knows that you’d like them as a committee member. When the time comes, visit each professor with that as your purpose. If you haven’t explained the purpose of the meeting by email then when you enter, sit and explain that the reason you’re asked to meet is to ask the professor to serve on your dissertation committee. Be Ready No professor will agree to participate in a project without knowing something about it. Be prepared to explain your project. What are your questions? How will you study them? Discuss your methods. How does this fit with prior work? How does it extend prior work? What will your study contribute to the literature? Pay attention to the professor’s demeanor. How much does he or she want to know? Sometimes a professor might want to know less – pay attention. Explain Their Role In addition to discussing your project, be prepared to explain why you are approaching the professor. What drew you to them? How do you think they will fit? For example, does the professor offer expertise in statistics? What guidance do you seek? Know what the professor does and how they fit in with the committee.  Likewise, be prepared to explain why you think they are the best choice.  Some faculty might even ask, â€Å"Why me? Why not Professor X?† Be prepared to justify your choice. What do you expect expertise-wise? Time-wise? How much or little time and effort will you require? Busy faculty will want to know whether your needs outstrip their time and energy. Dealing With Rejection If a professor declines your invitation to sit on your dissertation committee, don’t take it personally. Easier said than done but there are many reasons people decide to sit on committees. Try to take the professor’s perspective. Sometimes it’s that they’re too busy. Other times they may not be interested in the project or may have issues with other committee members. It’s not always about you. Participating on a dissertation committee is a lot of work. Sometimes it’s simply too much work given other responsibilities. If they are not able to meet your expectations be grateful that they’re honest. A successful dissertation is the result of a great deal of work on your part but also the support of a helpful committee that has your interests in mind. Be sure that the dissertation committee you build can meet these needs.