Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1374 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2019/07/08 Category People Essay Level High school Tags: Abraham Lincoln Essay Civil War Essay Did you like this example? I argue that Lincoln performed everything in his power and to the best of his abilities, to abolish slavery and redirect the nations opinion of it. Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth President of the United States. He was also known as Honest Abe. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War" essay for you Create order Unlike most presidents, Lincolns family was not rich or well educated. However, Lincoln did go to college and became a lawyer in the state of Illinois. His mother had passed away from Milk Sickness when he was nine years old. He also married Mary Todd and they had four sons, although only one lived to adulthood. Lincoln served as President in the years 1861 to 1865. During this time, the Civil War was taking place. Lincoln was the Commander in Chief during this war. He implemented different orders such as the Emancipation Proclamation and influenced the Thirteenth Amendment. He was well-known for his famous speech, The Gettysburg Address. At the young age of 56, he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at the Fords theater. The motivation for his assassination is still a mystery that concludes with a few theories. The Emancipation Proclamation was formed in 1863 and freed millions of salves in the Confederate-held territory. Lincoln was the one who signed this proclamation into order using his executive rights, which lead to the abolishment of slavery. There were three main areas that the proclamation addressed. First, it gave back and restored property to all who were active during the rebellion except for Confederate officials and military leaders. Second, a new state government could be formed if ten percent of registered voters took an oath of allegiance to the United States. Third, southern states who took the oath were encouraged to make plans to tolerate with the freed slaves as long as their freedom was not overlooked. His motivation for putting the Emancipation Proclamation into place was so the Union would have a better chance at winning the Civil War against the confederate states. Although the proclamations intent was to abolish all slavery, it did not free all of the slaves. Linco ln was actually freeing people he did not directly control. In order for the proclamation to be into effect the slaves had to be in Union control. It was believed that the proclamation was an underhanded move by Lincoln to label the Confederate states as a slave nation and yield foreign aid impossible. Depending on state action, however, meant that emancipation must be gradual, compensated, and voluntary and include the prospect of colonization to make it workable within a racist society (Winkle, 1186). Therefore, voluntary action was needed from the states in order to continue with Lincolns plan to abolish slavery. Emancipation became a Union war goal and was intended on encouraging other states to rejoin the Union. It also changed the purpose for the war, leading the Europeans out of the war and denying support for the south. I argue that by Lincoln instituting the Emancipation Proclamation, it was a smart choice as to an advancement against the confederate states in order to guide the Union to victory to stand for what is right, which is the abolishment of slavery. Abraham Lincoln is still remembered to this day for The Gettysburg Address. This was his famous speech given in 1863, during the Civil War at the official dedication ceremony for the National Cemetery of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. It was also the site for one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. It was intended to remind Americans of the nations birth and the foundation for everyone to live by, such as equality and freedom. It is said to contain two simple truths; one is to be found in its first sentence and one in its last. Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal (Lincoln). With his ideal for self-government, he desired for a new birth of freedom. It consisted of topics in the Declaration of Independence as well as argued that all men are equal, going against white slave owners who saw themselves as true Americans. His address talks about the cemetery that is dedicated to the fallen soldiers and the price they paid for every Americans freedom. He ends his speech with a call to action as well as to justify to continue the war to hopefully one day be a united nation. I hypothesize that Abraham Lincoln did want to make a change to social classes and not only for the guilty pleasure of hopefully winning the Civil War. The Thirteenth Amendment was put into effect in 1865 after the Civil War. Its passage was influenced through Lincoln, due to him playing a key role during this time period. During this period, it was coming close to election year and everyone was almost certain he would not get reelected, but he did. This is thought to be because of his victories against the democratic General running for office as well. When attempting to get it passed, the amendment got stuck in the House of Representatives due to Democrats not voting for it. This amendment was added to the United States Constitution and formerly abolished slavery. Before this amendment, slavery was not mentioned in neither the Declaration of Independence nor the Constitution. Many founders were anti-slavery but they owned slaves themselves, even though it was believed to be wrong. When the Civil War started, nearly four million African American people were held captive in the southern states as slaves. The title suggests double emancipation- how Lincolns decision to make slavery a target of the Union more effort represented both the fundamental change in the nature of the war and an end emancipation from unsuccessful ideas and policies for Lincoln himself (Foner, 147). Loop holes were attempted to still have slaves after the Thirteenth Amendment. For example, black codes were put into effect by the Southern states at this time to restrict the African Americans freedom. African Americans in the former confederate states were now being forced to depend on their former owners. Through instating the thirteenth amendment, Abraham Lincoln was accomplishing what his goal, the abolishment of slavery, as well as accomplishing more on the topic of anti-slavery than any other president had. Abraham Lincoln was a very trustworthy, compassionate, attentive, admirable, and an honest man, which is how he got his nickname Honest Abe. He had a way with people that made them feel safe and understood which instilled a different level of respect that the people bestowed upon him. Since Abraham Lincoln did not have it so easy when he was younger, it was easier for him to put himself in other peoples shoes and have great empathy for others. Some even say that he is the greatest president of all time due to his many accomplishments. The enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation was one of his first accomplishments while he was president. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was a huge step for Lincoln as well as the Union, it did not free all slaves which led to another one of his greatest accomplishments still in place today, the Thirteenth Amendment. The Thirteenth Amendment abolished all slavery and gave much freedom. Although, this was very effective, soon after Black Codes were instilled defeating the purpose of the Thirteenth Amendment. Because of the upset with slavery, Abraham Lincoln gave a very memorable speech, The Gettysburg Address. This was to install the mindset that all men are equal as it was stated in the Declaration of Independence. Although Lincoln was a great president and loved by most, there was one man who felt different. John Wilkes Booth resented Lincoln because of his efforts to promote black people the right to vote. Once he heard this information, he made the decision to kill Lincoln verses kidnap him, which was his original plan. Booth succeeded with his plan and assassinated Lincoln on April 14, 1865. The death of President Abraham Lincoln was a turning point in American history and led to radical reconstruction and was the beginning of many harsh fights for equal rights. One of the most popular landmarks in the United States is the Lincoln Memorial which was built in h is honor after his death.

Major General John F. Reynolds in the Civil War

Major General John F. Reynolds was a noted commander in the Union Army during the Civil War. A native of Pennsylvania, he graduated from West Point in 1841 and distinguished himself during the Mexican-American War. With the beginning of the Civil War, Reynolds quickly moved up through the ranks of the Army of the Potomac and proved to be one its finest field commanders. Despite his battlefield record, he was frequently frustrated by the political restraints placed on the army and likely turned down command of it in 1863. Reynolds was lost on July 1, 1863, when he was killed leading his men onto the field during the opening stages of the Battle of Gettysburg. Early Life The son  of John and Lydia Reynolds, John Fulton Reynolds was born at Lancaster, PA on September 20, 1820. Initially educated in nearby Lititz, he later attended the Lancaster County Academy. Electing to pursue a military career like his older brother William who had entered the US Navy, Reynolds sought an appointment to West Point. Working with a family friend, (future president) Senator James Buchanan, he was able to obtain admission and reported to the academy in 1837. While at West Point, Reynolds classmates included Horatio G. Wright, Albion P. Howe, Nathaniel Lyon, and Don Carlos Buell. An average student, he graduated in 1841 ranked twenty-sixth in a class of fifty. Assigned to the 3rd US Artillery at Fort McHenry, Reynolds time in Baltimore proved brief as he received orders for Fort Augustine, FL the following year. Arriving at the end of the Second Seminole War, Reynolds spent the next three years at Fort Augustine and Fort Moultrie, SC. Mexican-American War With the outbreak of the Mexican-American War in 1846 following Brigadier General Zachary Taylors victories at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Reynolds was instructed to travel to Texas. Joining Taylors army at Corpus Christi, he took part in the campaign against Monterrey that fall. For his role in the citys fall, he received a brevet promotion to captain. Following the victory, the bulk of Taylors army was transferred for Major General Winfield Scotts operation against Veracruz. Remaining with Taylor, Reynolds artillery battery played a key role in holding the American left at the Battle of Buena Vista in February 1847. In the fighting, Taylors army succeeded in holding off a larger Mexican force commanded by General  Antonio Là ³pez de Santa Anna. In recognition of his efforts, Reynolds was brevetted to major. While in Mexico, he befriended Winfield Scott Hancock and Lewis A. Armistead. Antebellum Years Returning north after the war, Reynolds spent the next several years in garrison duty in Maine (Fort Preble), New York (Fort Lafayette), and New Orleans. Ordered west to Fort Orford, Oregon in 1855, he took part in the Rogue River Wars. With the end of hostilities, the Native Americans in the Rogue River Valley were moved to the Coast Indian Reservation. Ordered south a year later, Reynolds joined Brigadier General Albert S. Johnstons forces during the Utah War of 1857-1858. Fast Facts: Major General John F. Reynolds Rank: Major GeneralService: US/Union ArmyBorn: September 20, 1820 in Lancaster, PADied: July 1, 1863 in Gettysburg, PAParents: John and Lydia ReynoldsConflicts: Mexican-American War, Civil WarKnown For: Second Battle of Manassas, Battle of Fredericksburg, Battle of Chancellorsville, and Battle of Gettysburg. The Civil War Begins In September 1860, Reynolds returned to West Point to serve as Commandant of Cadets and an instructor. While there, he became engaged to Katherine May Hewitt. As Reynolds was a Protestant and Hewitt a Catholic, the engagement was kept secret from their families. Remaining for the academic year, he was at the academy during the election of President Abraham Lincoln and the resulting Secession Crisis. With the beginning of the Civil War, Reynolds initially was offered a post as an aide-de-camp to Scott, the general-in-chief of the US Army. Declining this offer, he was appointed lieutenant colonel of the 14th US Infantry but received a commission as a brigadier general of volunteers (August 20, 1861) before he could assume this post. Directed to newly-captured Cape Hatteras Inlet, NC, Reynolds was en route when Major General George B. McClellan instead requested that he join the newly-formed Army of the Potomac near Washington, DC. Reporting for duty, he first served on a board that assessed volunteer officers before receiving command of a brigade in the Pennsylvania Reserves. This term was used to refer to regiments raised in Pennsylvania that were in excess of the number originally requested of the state by Lincoln in April 1861. To the Peninsula Commanding the 1st Brigade of Brigadier General George McCalls Second Division (Pennsylvania Reserves), I Corps, Reynolds first moved south into Virginia and captured Fredericksburg. On June 14, the division was transferred to Major General Fitz John Porters V Corps which was taking part in McClellans Peninsula Campaign against Richmond. Joining Porter, the division played a key role in the successful Union defense at the Battle of Beaver Dam Creek on June 26. As the Seven Days Battles continued, Reynolds and his men were assaulted by General Robert E. Lees forces again the next day at the Battle of Gaines Mill. Having not slept in two days, an exhausted Reynolds was captured by Major General D.H. Hills men after the battle while resting in Boatswains Swamp. Taken to Richmond, he was briefly held at Libby Prison before being exchanged on August 15 for Brigadier General Lloyd Tilghman who had been captured at Fort Henry. Returning to the Army of the Potomac, Reynolds assumed command of the Pennsylvania Reserves as McCall had also been captured. In this role, he took part in the Second Battle of Manassas at the end of the month. Late in the battle, he aided in making a stand on Henry House Hill which assisted in covering the armys retreat from the battlefield. A Rising Star As Lee moved north to invade Maryland, Reynolds was detached from the army at the request of Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtain. Ordered to his home state, the governor tasked him with organizing and leading the state militia should Lee cross the Mason-Dixon Line. Reynolds assignment proved unpopular with McClellan and other senior Union leaders as it deprived the army of one of its best field commanders. As a result, he missed the Battles of South Mountain and Antietam where the division was led by fellow Pennsylvanian Brigadier General George G. Meade. Returning to the army in late September, Reynolds received command of I Corps as its leader, Major General Joseph Hooker, had been wounded at Antietam. That December, he led the corps at the Battle of Fredericksburg where his men achieved the only Union success of the day. Penetrating the Confederate lines, troops, led by Meade, opened a gap but a confusion of orders prevented the opportunity from being exploited. Chancellorsville For his actions at Fredericksburg, Reynolds was promoted to major general with a date of November 29, 1862. In the wake of the defeat, he was one of several officers who called for the removal of army commander Major General Ambrose Burnside. In doing so, Reynolds expressed his frustration at the political influence that Washington exerted on the armys activities. These efforts were successful and Hooker replaced Burnside on January 26, 1863. That May, Hooker sought to swing around Fredericksburg to the west. To hold Lee in place, Reynolds corps and Major General John Sedgwicks VI Corps were to remain opposite the city. As the Battle of Chancellorsville commenced, Hooker summoned I Corps on May 2 and directed Reynolds to hold the Union right. With the battle going poorly, Reynolds and the other corps commanders urged offensive action but were overruled by Hooker who decided to retreat. As a result of Hookers indecision, I Corps was only lightly engaged in the battle and suffered just 300 casualties. Political Frustration As in the past, Reynolds joined his compatriots in calling for a new commander who could operate decisively and free from political constraints. Well-respected by Lincoln, who referred to him as â€Å"our gallant and brave friend, Reynolds met with the president on June 2. During their conversation, it is believed that Reynolds was offered command of the Army of the Potomac. Insisting that he be free to lead independent of political influence, Reynolds declined when Lincoln could not make such an assurance. With Lee again moving north, Lincoln instead turned to Meade who accepted command and replaced Hooker on June 28. Riding north with his men, Reynolds was given operational control of I, III, and XI Corps as well as Brigadier General John Bufords cavalry division. Death of Major General John F. Reynolds at the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 1863.   Library of Congress Death at Gettysburg Riding into Gettysburg on June 30, Buford realized that the high ground south of the town would be key in a battle fought in the area. Aware that any combat involving his division would be a delaying action, he dismounted and posted his troopers on the low ridges north and northwest of town with the goal of buying time for the army to come up and occupy the heights. Attacked the next morning by Confederate forces in the opening phases of the Battle of Gettysburg, he alerted Reynolds and asked him to bring up support. Moving towards Gettysburg with I and XI Corps, Reynolds informed Meade that he would defend â€Å"inch by inch, and if driven into the town I will barricade the streets and hold him back as long as possible.† Arriving on the battlefield, Reynolds met with Buford advanced his lead brigade to relieve the hard-pressed cavalry. As he directed troops into the fighting near Herbst Woods, Reynolds was shot in the neck or head. Falling from his horse, he was killed instantly. With Reynolds death, command of I Corps passed to Major General Abner Doubleday. Though overwhelmed later in the day, I and XI Corps succeeded in buying time for Meade to arrive with the bulk of the army. As the fighting raged, Reynolds body was taken from the field, first to Taneytown, MD and then back to Lancaster where he was buried on July 4. A blow to the Army of the Potomac, Reynolds death cost Meade one of the armys best commanders. Adored by his men, one of the general aides commented, I do not think the love of any commander was ever felt more deeply or sincerely than his. Reynolds was also described by another officer as â€Å"a superb looking man†¦and sat on his horse like a Centaur, tall, straight and graceful, the ideal soldier.†

Feasibilty study of a proposed new Thames river crossing Free Essays

Introduction Thames River is the longest river in England and second longest river in United Kingdom. The significance of the river is that it flows through the London. It starts from Thames head in Gloucestershire with an elevation of 110m and ends at Thames Estuary, Essex with an elevation of 0m. We will write a custom essay sample on Feasibilty study of a proposed new Thames river crossing or any similar topic only for you Order Now The length of river is 346km. It consists of 214 bridges and 17 tunnels which are very helpful in development. These bridges and tunnels are helpful in providing good transport facilities to the public and also for the supply of goods and cargo. By this the bridges and tunnels play vital role in development and also they are helpful in creating great opportunities for the development of industrial areas, education and also increase in the number of jobs. Thames gateway is a largest gateway in Europe. It is a largest regeneration programme. Thames gateway is of 40 miles starting from the estuary from canary wharf in London to south end in Essex and Sittingbourne in Kent. It is a very best place to invest, work and live. The world first under water tunnel was constructed in the Thames River. And the latest tunnel constructed on Thames River was Dartford tunnel. Our proposal is to connect the A130, Canvey Island in Essex with the M2/M20 in Kent. In order to reduce the traffic volumes on the existing bridges and tunnels and also for providing the better transportation facilities for the public a proposal of new river crossing across the river Thames is made. The United Kingdom government wants to construct a new river crossing. Some of the other organisations are also helping in constructing a new crossing they are Kent council, Essex council, department for London (DFT), Thames gateway south Essex partnership (TGSEP). The main aim of these organisations is to develop and help in getting more number of jobs and in the construction of new homes in the future. Although there are two existing routes which are Queen Elizabeth 2 bridge and the other is Dartford tunnel which are serving the same purpose. The new proposal is made to get more benefits to the people and also to meet the traffic volumes in future. Bridge is the best solution for the new river crossing. Cable stayed bridge with approximately 4.5 km length and a dual carriage way and also the new roads should be constructed in order to link the existing routes. The length of the new roads is approximately 3 km. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: Environment plays a major role in construction industry. Environmental issues are to be considered carefully before the construction process is going to start and also the environmental impact assessment is to be done to the particular area where the construction is going to take place. After the environmental impact assessment done then only the project is to be started it should not start before it. The environmental issues which are to be considered for the new project Geological considerations Ecology problems Land contamination Landscape Water pollution Noise pollution Air pollution Traffic and transport considerations. The construction process involves the emission of co2. The construction process is responsible for air pollution because construction works generates dust largely because of the materials which are useful for construction contains more number of dust particles. And also by the use of diesel, petrol, demolitions, burnings these all involves in air pollution. This air pollution causes damage to the public in their healths. The construction process is also responsible for noise pollution because of the machinery, vehicles and also the other useful equipment for the construction creates lots of noise that makes people to face lots of problem. By these health problems arises. Water pollution is also arises due to construction because the use of diesel, petrol, toxic materials, chemicals, solvents, cleaners, paints everything which are used in the construction process involves in water pollution. The polluted water cause great damage to the aquatic life and also to the other animals. The polluted drinking water may cause damage to human lives. Use of sustainable materials: We can reduce the wastages in the construction process by using sustainable materials. The following are some points considered. Shortage of raw materials is to be considered Consider the ecological damage caused by the extraction of raw materials Consider the amount of energy consumed at all stages Consider the amount of water consumption. FINANCING AND EVALUATION OF A PROJECT: Finance is the most important and the key factor in the construction process. In order to maintain or run a project finance is badly needed. The generation of finance can be made from different sectors such as public or private sectors. In this type of proposals the public sector involvement is more because in order to make public more comfortable with the services provided. And the private sectors also involve largely gaining more profits. Finance from government Funds from private sector By the contributions from different organisations. Economic evaluation: Better solution is to be adopted in order to provide good service and to balance economically. Cost benefit analysis is to be adopted. Generation of extra revenue from taxes. RISK ASSESSMENT: Risk assessment is the process of evaluating that a specific site poses risk to human environment or to human health. The purpose of all hazardous waste site remediation is ultimately to render a site safe for human or ecological populations. Consequently, risk assessment, as the process used to measure the effectiveness of the remediation process, is critical to all hazardous waste-site work. Risk assessment depends upon the following: Finance: It is the most important in the process, make sure of the finance. Site investigation: It is to be done properly before the project is to be started. Estimation of the project: Proper estimation should be done. Proper use of code: The code should be used properly if not it leads to great damage. Design criteria: we should follow the design criteria properly in order to avoid delays and loss in the projec Health and safety: It is the most important thing in the entire process. It deals directly with the public we should be more careful and follow the rules strictly to provide good safety measures. Environmental impact assessment: First we have to consider the environmental issues and the proper environmental impact assessment should be made properly in order to avoid delays. Natural hazards: If the natural hazards take place the project gets disturbed depending upon the severity of the hazard. If it is less small amount of loss occurs if it is more the project takes more time and money to reconstruct. Land acquisition: It is to be done properly in order to avoid delays and loss in the project. Quality of work: The quality of work is to be maintained properly in order to avoid damages to the structures and delays in the work. Transportation concerns: Proper transportation facilities are to be made before the project is going to start in order to make the work continue with out any risks or problems. Proper management: The proper management should be there in order to avoid risks and delays and also the proper running of project. FEASIBILITY PROGRAMS: Depending upon the volume of traffics, surveys are to be made. Time based traffic surveys are to be made to know the volume of traffic and proper design is to be prepared. Automatic data collection surveys are to be made. Parking surveys are to be done. Pedestrian traffic surveys are to be made. Proper investigations are to be made depending on the studies and the required information. Site investigation is to be done properly in order to avoid further delays. Proper maps of the site are to be gathered. Suitability of site is to be considered depending up on the investigations. Because to adopt the proper suitable methods which can be suitable for the project. Availability of materials is to be considered properly on the site. Consider the design parameters properly in order to maintain the standards of the project. Soil classifications are to be considered and type of soil is to be considered in order to safe guard the site from failures. Ground investigations are to be made in order to study the entire required information. Geological considerations should be followed properly. LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED BRIDGE: The proposal for a new river crossing across the Thames River. A bridge is going to be constructed which connects a link between A130, A13 near a round about in Canvey island and A228 passing through A226 and joins with M2 which builds a link to M20, Kent. The attachment shown below is the location of a proposed bridge on the Thames River. The proposed bridge length is approximately 4.5 km. BUDGET COSTS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS: Considering the cost of the proposed bridge. It can’t be estimated exactly as it is a proposal and it can be estimated approximately with the comparison of the other bridges which are already constructed and also with the help of some other books and the information available on the websites some data is collected and the approximate estimation of the bridge is made. The funds can be raised from different sectors like public and private sectors. The approximate cost of the proposed bridge is ?3.8 billions along with the connecting roads. REFERENCES: 1)` http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Thames#Summary 2)http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/157989.pdf 3) http://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=enlr=id=O7klw-QUraECoi=fndpg=PA1996dq=sustainable+methods+of+constructionots=PH3J0dqGGUsig=z-YFjDsYfDNRQR-GEdff9YuzB-0#PPA2007,M1 4) http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=povFlfv82O8Cdq=risk+assessment 5)http://www.rta.tkk.fi/Kurssit/240/Risk%20Assessment%20in%20Construction%20Schedules.pdf 6) http://www.nltdc.co.uk/ 7) http://www.dur.ac.uk/~des0www4/cal/roads/si/si.html 8) http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=entab=wl 9) http://www.sustainablebuild.co.uk/ 10)http://www.ciria.org/service/Home/AM/ContentManagerNet/HomePages/CIRIA_1502_20080929T115140HomePage.aspx?Section=Home How to cite Feasibilty study of a proposed new Thames river crossing, Essay examples

Describe A Person Who Has Significantly Effected You Essay Example For Students

Describe A Person Who Has Significantly Effected You Essay I shudder at the sight of it. Id rather see them steal that salad than throw it away, my father bellows in consternation after witnessing the closing rituals at Wendys. Pa, they do it so they can serve fresh food tomorrow, I defend the fast food employees actions. Despite our past four and a half years in the Land of Plenty, my father clings to his frugality and tremendous respect for food, acquired by necessity throughout his life in the Soviet Union. The sharp contrast between my Americanized perspective and old views and habits retained by my father makes such debates a common occurrence. Besides performing all the prescribed functions of a parental unit, my father helps me attain objectivity in my judgments by demonstrating how cultural background affects our view of situations. Coming to the United States at the age of thirteen felt like falling into a roaring stream without any swimming skills. Dog paddling, panting, and swallowing gallons of water on the way, I learned to keep myself afloat and gradually gained experience. Cultural adaptation was not a choiceit was a survival need. Along with comic strips and smiles at supermarkets, my mind absorbed such elements of American culture as equal opportunity and self-confidence. The existence of programs such as English as a Second Language at my junior high school persuaded me that these concepts were implemented in daily life. I was thrilled that someone had toiled to ensure that foreigners like myself had the same access to education as the other students. Thus convinced of the tangibility of American beliefs, I began to deem them universal. On the other hand, my father, a 45-year old when we arrived, still perceives reality in Soviet terms, with American customs being an exception to the rule. His comments on the news radically differ from what my American friends have to say. When the hospitalization of the Russian President Boris Yeltsin had the world pondering Russias future, my father inferred latent meanings from newspaper articles. I can only trust half of what they say, he would grumble. Here they say the President doesnt have a liver condition, which, of course, means that he does. Stemming from the paucity of integrity in the old Soviet Union, disbelief and sarcasm permeate Papas personal philosophy. Dismissing all things immaterial as irrelevant, my father often ridicules the ideas I hold dear, such as political correctness. Some of my activities he does not question, but admits that their value is a mystery to him. Why do you want to take literature classes? he asks me with genuine amazement. You can read on your own, why do more homework? Yet my enrollment in numerous math and science classes does not baffle him, math and science being matters of substance. When I challenge the legitimacy of Papas beliefs, he rolls his eyes and says, I am too old to change my typical Soviet mind. At first that seemingly feeble excuse infuriated me, but then the validity of it started to register. While verbally crossing swords with my father, I realized that only four years ago, I would have sincerely supported his every word. Further reflection upon this thought led me to be more attentive to others point of view. Now, when engaged in a discussion, I ask myself, what causes this person to think this way? Viewing the issue from several aspects, I gain a more profound and objective insight. My father provides a point of reference, reminding me of unique circumstances that shape everyones perspective.