In order to discover my overall opinion of this class I believe it is vital to review and evaluate that which we have studied and that which we have written upon as blog topics. It was within the first semester that we studied American Government and it was within this class that I gained a true understanding for the government and the process by which our country has become the way it is through the years and decisions made within the government. American Government taught me the importance to the way in which the government is ran and the value within our justice and foundational system for our country.

As far as the class American Government goes, I found it interesting to learn about the way in which the founders of America wrote and thought about the documents and way the country would be ran. I find it interesting because I feel as though it puts me in that time. Learning about the American Government was specifically interesting because I was able to learn about the different branches of government and the way the Democratic and Republican parties work. I honestly never knew the break down of the political parties and it was through this class that I was able to gain a true understanding of the political process.

To address the topic of Economics I enjoyed it, but found it a bit harder to understand basic concepts and the way in which the economy works. In my opinion, I feel more explanation should be placed on the concepts and a true understanding of the system should be taught during the class period rather than at home, strictly by the student. I thought it was interesting to view the economic movements made by Ray Croc and other multiple leaders within our economy. I would say that the movies that we watched as a class within Economics were an easy way to view and understand the process of economics and how decisions are made within economics that will eventually produce a mass profit.

In reference to blogs, my opinion has changed quite a bit over these assignments. Though they are quite time consuming, I have found that they truly have broadened my knowledge over certain ideas pertaining to the topics assigned while also teaching me time management and how to work my way around the Internet in order to find vital information on the blog topic. Though I walk away with extreme excitement to be done with blogs, I truly appreciate what they have done for me academically and how they have affected my writing skills, time management, and opinion on important topics within society, our government, and the economy.

All in all I appreciate what this class as a whole has done for me within my high school career. Even if it seemed as though there was unnecessary arguing over topics and issues I believe it has influenced me for the better and prepared me for that which will come my way within college. American Government and Economics have been very interesting and educational classes within my senior year of high school and I walk away with a true understanding and respect for that which has been taught to not only me, but as the senior class. Thank you Mr. Lockwood.

Capitalism and communism differ in multiple reasons, the government within these economic philosophies are compared by the control the people have within that country and the way they are able to utilize the freedom they may or may not have within the economy and government.
It is under capitalism that the state is in separation from the production and trade of that which goes on within the economy. Capitalism is the system of of laissez faire. It is the system of political freedom. Communism on the other hand is that in which the government holds control over the people and the economic system which is established within that country. "In modern usage, the term Communism (written with a capital C) is applied to the movement that aims to overthrow the capitalist order by revolutionary means and to establish a classless society in which all goods will be socially owned"

Capitalism promises a future for its people, they may be able to live as they please in the economy and they may be able to buy and sell as they please unlike within communism. "The moral justification of capitalism does not lie in the altruist claim that it represents the best way to achieve the 'common good'. It is true that capitalism does-if that catch phrase has any meaning- but this is merely a secondary consequence. The moral justification for capitalism lies in the fact that it is the only system consonant with man's rational nature, that it protects man's survival qua man, and that its ruling principle: justice." it is within the economic system of capitalism that society has control over their personal gain within the economy which in turn relates to freedom within their finances, and family to do as they please with that which they gain. "Once people succeed in in accumulating a certain amount of capital relative to their incomes, they feel tha they have done their duty by the future and can now turn more heavily Toward enjoying life in the present.(Reismen,106)"

Communism is the complete opposite as that which Capitalism is. Communism stands within the boundaries of no freedom, and no economic system that is for the people, but rather that is simply based on that which beneficial for the government."The Communists, therefore, are on the one hand practically, the most advanced and resolute section of the working-class parties of every country, that section which pushes forward all others; on the other hand, theoretically, they have over the great mass of the proletariat the advantage of clearly understanding the lines of march, the conditions, and the ultimate general results of the proletarian movement." Those living within the economic movement of communism are simply utilized for their ability to produce children, examples are, China, Cuba, Russia, and North Korea etc. This system of economics can not, in any possible way be healthy for the population of the country and it is training them to run as preprogramed agents rather than free agents that may be able to make economic establishments are their own.

Capitalism and communism carry strengths and weaknesses that in result effect the people of the country. As shown, those living within a capitalistic economic society are benefiting for the fact they are reaching their economic goals on their time and doing as they please with this economic freedom. Communism, as shown places the economy before the society that is the foundation of the economy. It is within communism that people are forced to work a certain occupation and the money they receive is only produced to benefit that which the country runs and supplies. Freedom and justice is not heard of within the economic basis of communism and therefore there is no question as to which system serves man better.

With result that capitalism is based upon the economic freedom of the society within a country it is only evident that capitalism serves man better. Who wants to be controlled and told where, when, and how they may spend their money or used as a tool to produce a greater population? The freedom produced within capitalism can only benefit a country along with the people living within it and produce an economic system that benefits the government, the society, and the country as a whole.




Reisman, George. Capitalism:A Treatise on Economics. *No further information was given on this book.

Monopolies and Competition

What is a monopoly? Monopoly power has been called the power to set prices. Monopolists have the ability to charge almost any price they want resulting in the increase of the profitability of monopolistic firms. There are multiple problems monopolists may face within their firm. If prices are too high the number of people who are able to afford the product decreases. High prices and low sales cause the fixed price per item to be large. With this is mind, monopolists may choose to have lower prices and greater volume to reduce the fixed cost per item. The second danger that limits how high a monopolist is able to raise his price is that it will encourage competition or the substitution of other products by the consumer. When this occurs some firms must change their product for a more practical one.

One example of a monopolistic firm is Wal-Mart where they have selections for every need at low prices. Wal-Mart is a corporation in which is in competition with chains such as Target, and Kmart. Wal-Mart advertises they are the low price leader and is in competition to sell that which they sell at better prices for common people than that in which their competitors may sell. As a whole, firms in competition with one another are selling from the name of their for the reason that they all have the same product, but people will want to by from a specific business depending on slight price difference,their customer service, and the way by which the store is ran.

A second example of a monopolistic firm is Target. Target also advertises low prices for any household item, beauty product, or music etc. It is in competition with that which Wal-Mart is able to provide, but for many customers it offers a better environment, and better customer service. "Expect more of everything: More great design, more choices, more convenience, more service and more clothes, housewares and designer-created items that you’ll never find anywhere else. And pay less. It’s as simple as that." This is the general philosophy of the Target chain and it is through their sales and production of the store that keeps the competition going for Wal-Mart as well.

Kmart is the third example of a monopolistic company. They as well offer low prices and the same products that can be found at Wal-Mart, and Target, but it is within each of these stores that something different must be offered in order for there to be business within each corporation. As mentioned earlier, customer service plays a very significant role as well as the general up-keep of the store. Who wants to buy a product where the isles are filthy and products are falling off the shelves? No one does. "OLDE fits into Kmart's philosophy because it is a growth company that is very consumer-oriented." Much of Wal-Mart's production has taken over that which Kmart offered, but many still, depending on preference and the region of the store, continue to purchase their necessary goods from the low prices that Kmart offers.

Wal-Mart, Target, and Kmart offer the same products at either the same or very similar prices, as well as different forms of customer service, and store policies, but each have had positive and negative affects within the economic health of this country. Each corporation has enabled American families to purchase necessities and consumer products such as toiletries, food, small appliances, sporting goods, and clothing at reasonably lower prices. American families, with the influence of these prices and consumer goods, are able to get more for their money. Unfortunately these large, and competitive corporations have put smaller, independently owned stores out of business such as bicycle shops, tire shops, and hardware stores etc. These stores once offered personal and quality customer service that these larger corporations are unable to provide. The government is appropriate in their actions toward monopolies for if it were not, there would be an overflow of large corporations and smaller businesses would not be able to stand within the economy at all.

Bella Mezzo Luxury Hand Car Wash

To the 2008 Senior Class, I would like to ask your attendance to review and consider my business proposal to receive a loan for Bella Mezzo Luxury Hand Car Wash on June 6, 2008. The following is the introductory to Bella Mezzo and includes the details in which the business will be ran and that which is offered to the customer. Thank you for your consideration.

Bella Mezzo, translating to beautiful vehicle,is a Tuscan, Italian themed car wash which includes a coffee, snack, and fruit bar, comfortable inside seating, and a cobblestone courtyard with seating and a fountain outside. Everyone takes pride in their car, from the moment they know that it is their dream car to the moment they realize it needs a good scrubbing along with the tender touch of soap and bubbles. A car is a person's pride and joy, some even call it their "baby" and if they call it that, well it should be treated as one. My car wash will treat every customer with care and respect while also treating their car as if it were my own.

Bella Mezzo Car Wash will include a coffee bar which will serve cappuccinos, crepes, danish, and deli sandwiches which may be purchased over the counter, or served to those who would like to wait outside in our courtyard. The setting of the courtyard is specifically Tuscan, Italian themed with a grass patch, cobblestone floor, and ten small tables where customers may enjoy their snacks or beverages as they wait for their car.

The philosophy to my business is that the customer comes first just as their car, and Bella Mezzo will ensure complete satisfaction for the customer as they drive away. I plan to offer ten scents of air freshener for the vehicle which will be chosen when selecting the specific wash the customer would like to purchase. They are as follows: pina colada, coconut, surf and sand, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon, peach, cherry, strawberry -banana, and new car.

Bella Mezzo will be a full service hand car wash, the customer will drive up, park their car in the specific unloading zone,where a specially trained employee will vacuum the inside of the car, and continue to drive it into the washing area. The customer will be able to choose specific washes for their car before it is taken into the washing zone. The wash area will have the specific equipment needed to meet that which the customers requested for their car.

Bella Mezzo is the perfect getaway for a car and its driver. The customer will be able to eat, drink, and relax all while their car is getting the treatment it always deserves. My goal for this business is to continuously meet the needs of the customer and their car, all while running my business with devotion, integrity, and honesty towards my employees, and customers.

My spring break consisted of two weeks in Europe with my senior class where I was able to see beautiful historical sites within Florence,Rome,Delphi, Serento and Athens. Spring break was a trip of a lifetime, and I was able to truly see different aspects of the world, cultures, and religion. The trip was extremely eventful, yet tiring for reasons that there was so much to see and were on the go constantly.


Our main source of transportation was a bus that took us all over Italy and Greece. While in the bus we were still able to view the beautiful sites while our tour guide Judy informed us of the interesting facts about the surrounding ancient buildings. The facts I learned about the Roman Empire and Greek mythology were very interesting, and I was extremely impressed with the architecture by which the people were able to utilize and learn within their time. Seeing the Coliseum and the Trevi Fountain in Rome was amazing. The beauty of the art and the imagination that the artists of that time had is unique and original especially with the fact that all the buildings are still in place.

Viewing the ruins of Pompeii were specifically interesting for the tracks that the chariots would make in the stone ground and the frescoes that were still visible through all the years and ash that had once covered the city. The architecture between both Italy and Greece were interesting, but in my opinion Greece was not as impressive as Italy. I loved the atmosphere of Italy with its beautiful cobblestone streets and though it rained everday during our trip I still consider it a wonderful experience, and I would go back in a heartbeat. The fact that Italian men are quite pleasing to the eye does not interfere with the fact that I would go back. The Europe trip was extremely eventful and I learned a tremendous amount of information that I most likely would not have been able to learn anywhere else.

It is a very interesting thing to think of how different the country of America is. We are very diverse, our food is based upon all other countries, and we hold complete different values that relate to the body, and human behavior. It was strange when it is considered a compliment of men watching your every move because they find you different, and it is also very, let me say, surprising to turn and see out in the open pictures of the human anatomy. The culture is simply comfortable with sexuality and the freedom of life. There seems to be no room for judgment. I loved the fact that the people were very sociable within Italy, whether they be greeting you with a kiss on the cheek or they hold your hand and leave you saying "have a blessed day, or Happy Easter". The countries of Italy and Greece are definitly strong within their religions and they take the matter of family, friends, and their country very seriously.

My spring break was amazing and I love the fact that I was able to share this experience with my senior class, and even more excited that Miss Evans was able to share the experience with us. She was very thoughtful and patient with us and always making jokes through the long bus trips, and times standing in the rain. My spring break was a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget.

Increasing the enrollment while holding onto the Philosophy of AVC

As Marketing Director at AVC in order to not compromise the quality of the product that the school is currently providing, but increase the enrollment of the school I would begin by advertising the key qualities of the school along with its success within education and athletics. AVC provides students with a key foundation in religion and the Christian worldview and prepares students for the mindset that they will face within the culture against religion, faith, and truth.

To present an advertisement that would capture the interest of families to enroll their children in this school I would begin by providing the statistics of the alumni and where they are today. Families want to know where their children will be when they graduate and the preparations they will have to face the real world and being able to review alumni would provide families with the comfort in knowing that they are well off within college and family life. I would also present the facts about the school and where it lies exactly within its finances and the intentions they had for the future of their children. To ensure integrity and quality I do not believe any facts about the school or its students should be pushed under the rug. What family would want to find out facts about the school that are negative and were not presented when their child was enrolled for this is the case in many situations now.

Where would we advertise? I know the type of advertisement that would be provided for the school as Marketing Director, but who and where does this happen? It can not just be sent out to families who are already enrolled. Sure, families who are enrolled within the school will talk about the school and share the benefits, but this would not be enough talk to increase the enrollment. How much more enrollment is enough? As of right now, in being the Marketing Director I can share the information that small enrollment is not enough, that we need to expand in the size of classes and students and increase the demand of students coming into the school. the issue is that we have a small campus. How would we fit 450-500 students in such a small campus? The answer to expand though it costs a pretty penny to expand it would be the only option for the school. Would a larger student body effect the philosophy of the school and its main focus upon excellence within education?

To increase enrollment AVC needs huge advertisement and the ability for families to talk it up tremendously. AVC is its own family and holds fast to the ideas of the core values that create this family realm and the relations between students and their teachers and it is students and families that would expand this enrollment. It is evident that throughout the years those who are not fit for this school realize it and leave which results and proves that the school can still expand its enrollment while still holding strong to its integrity and philosophy of training Christian leaders committed to excellence.

Increasing the enrollment of the school requires the participation of the parents and families that are involved within the school and the passion and diligence to be devoted to that which AVC has to offer. As Marketing Director at AVC I would ensure that the feeling of community is specifically brought to every event and that the advertisement of the school is profound and touches the hearts and minds of the surrounding community. AVC is built upon the idea of striving for excellence and obtaining the qualities of integrity and unity that produces a student body that is made up of Christian leaders committed to excellence. In doing so we create a growing enrollment that will only proceed to reach the community and spread the committed excellence of AVC to others.

The Issue of Citation

Well when I first read this question I think how hard is it to simply cite an author? To paraphrase an author without citation is to take away credit from not only the author, but respect for yourself in being able to share your thoughts and show off your intelligence. Why would it be necessary to bend the rules, maybe I'm not thinking outside of the box or a way that I can make life easier, but when it comes to school work I am a perfectionist and to bend the rules just in order to save time I would not take credit without citation.

Does the question come down to ethics? Those who are willing to bend the rules in order to have a great grade would then be willing to bend the rules on something else in my opinion, but I understand that this question is being addressed to and not the other people. When it comes down to it I would not put the paragraph at all because then I would be winning both ways. I would not have to deal with the guilt of not citing the author and I would not be paraphrasing so that I would have to cite. If it were possible to create a paragraph of my own thoughts and opinion I would so rather than paraphrasing.

I do not believe if there was not enough time to even simply cite an author then I would not have time to do the paper as a whole. It truly is a tough question though because it comes down to a great grade or the ability to say that you have not stolen the words from another writer. To get the good grade sounds wonderful, but I would simply read enough information to come up with an opinion for then I would not be taking any one person's ideas and opinion.

Say I were to use the author's idea without citation would it even be beneficial? Technically I would not even be benefiting myself because I would be proving to the teacher that I would not prepared to distribute my time in order to cite the author which would then become a habit being carried into college. Time should not be an issue and I understand that within the question it is, but I think that the time it takes to cite the author would take less time than writing your name on the paper along with its introduction. In result then, it is possible to cite the author.

The answer I therefore have for this question, as mentioned previously is no, it is not valid to paraphrase an author without citation in order to get a good grade on the key project of my class. It would take away the validity of my paper and the amount of time and thought I put into it. Now, I'm not saying I have not accidentally done this, but I would never purposely plan to not cite an author specifically when the words I used were completely out of my league and the idea was that in which I thought differently thst would just set myself up to have no opinion on the idea of the paper.