Ronald Reagan - First State of the Union Address free essay sample

Free Essays on Last Of The Mohicans

From implausible, daring escapes to unrealistic accounts of the savagery of the Native Americans, James Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans emphasizes the â€Å"fiction† in historical fiction. The novel is comically littered with contradictory tones and gross inaccuracies in terms of frontier life, but in spite of the aforementioned, Cooper manages to convey his over-used American roughrider, Hawkeye, as a genuine model for nineteenth-century gunslinger heroes. Also appreciable is the author’s brief commentaries on racism, with a unique facility for embedding a sort of linguistic philosophy that are unique to Cooper. The book begins innocently enough, with an introduction that tells us that the setting is the third year of the French and Indian War. The author’s use of historical facts allows the reader to more vividly imagine what is being described, and allows Cooper to draw on the reader’s knowledge of the French and Indian War. Already, the specter of racism has â€Å"reared its ugly head†, as one of the characters of the book exhibits a stereotypical reaction to a Native American, one of both fascination and repulsion. This fear of Native Americans is what fueled, in part, the Jackson-era anti-Native American policies circa 1830. As the beginning of the book progresses, however, we see that Cooper may not be in favor of busting stereotypes; in fact, he may be responsible for quite a few of them. As the focus switches to Coopers beloved character, Hawkeye, the â€Å"cowboys and Indians† sentiment that so clearly defined the mid-nineteenth century manifests itself with great propensity. From gun-toting woodsmen to arrow-slinging Indians, Cooper’s use of broad stereotypes indicates he may have had a hand in creating an anti-Native American culture. His references to the numerous acts of savagery on the parts of the Native Americans are disturbing, and for the most part untrue. The frequent scalpings, the drinking of blood, and... Free Essays on Last Of The Mohicans Free Essays on Last Of The Mohicans From implausible, daring escapes to unrealistic accounts of the savagery of the Native Americans, James Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans emphasizes the â€Å"fiction† in historical fiction. The novel is comically littered with contradictory tones and gross inaccuracies in terms of frontier life, but in spite of the aforementioned, Cooper manages to convey his over-used American roughrider, Hawkeye, as a genuine model for nineteenth-century gunslinger heroes. Also appreciable is the author’s brief commentaries on racism, with a unique facility for embedding a sort of linguistic philosophy that are unique to Cooper. The book begins innocently enough, with an introduction that tells us that the setting is the third year of the French and Indian War. The author’s use of historical facts allows the reader to more vividly imagine what is being described, and allows Cooper to draw on the reader’s knowledge of the French and Indian War. Already, the specter of racism has â€Å"reared its ugly head†, as one of the characters of the book exhibits a stereotypical reaction to a Native American, one of both fascination and repulsion. This fear of Native Americans is what fueled, in part, the Jackson-era anti-Native American policies circa 1830. As the beginning of the book progresses, however, we see that Cooper may not be in favor of busting stereotypes; in fact, he may be responsible for quite a few of them. As the focus switches to Coopers beloved character, Hawkeye, the â€Å"cowboys and Indians† sentiment that so clearly defined the mid-nineteenth century manifests itself with great propensity. From gun-toting woodsmen to arrow-slinging Indians, Cooper’s use of broad stereotypes indicates he may have had a hand in creating an anti-Native American culture. His references to the numerous acts of savagery on the parts of the Native Americans are disturbing, and for the most part untrue. The frequent scalpings, the drinking of blood, and...

Company Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Company Law - Essay Example   Explanations of the options available to John with reference to relevant statutory provisions and case law On the initiative undertaken by John with regards to changing the legal formality of the business, there are a number of options available; I would advise him to incorporate his business since it will offer him a number of advantages relating to returns and management of the business. Incorporation entails the aspect of registering a business entity under the companies’ Act where it runs its activities as a separate legal entity in which the owner is free from the liabilities of the business. The following are the benefits attached to incorporation of a business: a. The business once registered as a separate entity i.e. as a company, it acquires independent corporate existence features, upon these features, the owner is distinct from the company and therefore cannot bear any liability of the company or be compelled to pay any debt owed by the entity.1 b. The business once registered will start living its own legal life upon which all the liabilities which John in his earlier sole proprietorship, would to bear as an entrepreneur. He will be protected by having limited liabilities in that only the charges for shares and capital he will incur after which his personal property, is safeguarded from any liability the company may suffer. c. A company has a characteristic of perpetual existence and under this feature cannot end unless under the provided legal mechanisms. Once he registers his business as a company, it has ability to never die as the death of the owner cannot affect the existence of the company.2 d. The company once registered, is required to be run by professionals and proper management will be achieved unlike other modes of running business activities. e. Unlike in his current business organisation, a company once registered under the Act t acquires the ability to own separate property in that, it can hold the property in its own name and this deters any other persons even its directors, from claiming the company’s assets. f. Also, with the ability to transfer the shares of the company, there is a room to raise more capital further facilitating the aspect of increasing production by expanding business activities. g. The aspect of incorporation also attracts numerous merits of taxations. This achievement of saving taxes is done through for instance, leasing company’s property from which one reduce the amount of tax paid since the holders of such leases are to pay property taxes. This advantage has been well developed in our jurisprudence such as in the case of Macaura V Northern Assurance ltd, whereby in this case the claimant who had the majority shareholding of the company had gone to court to claim for compensation from an insurance company upon the fire tragedy which burnt all the company properties, their honourable justices were of the opinion that the companies properties belong to the company and not the holder of the large number shares and only the company through its agents can claim this compensation. This position clearly outlines the fact that the properties of the company are safeguarded as those of the company and in case of any damage on them still the members of the company cannot be held liable of the same. h. By creation of an independent corporate existence, the owner will be able to keep a private and confidential identity away from that of business.3 i. Also when he

Policy Choices under IFRS in UK and German Context Essay

Policy Choices under IFRS in UK and German Context - Essay Example The present research has identified that after the mandatory adoption of IFRS by the public listed companies in 2005-06 especially in the Euro zone, the companies develop their financial statements in accordance with the guideline provided by the IFRS. IFRS, however, allows different policy choices for the companies to make. For example, in measuring the inventory, IFRS has provided a policy choice of measuring inventory amount on the basis of either FIFO method or on weighted average method. Similarly, some other choices have also been framed by IFRS to the companies, like they can value their property, plant and equipment either on cost model or revaluation model etc. Nobes studied this area of research and outlined 16 policy choices that are mostly available to the companies. The four choices have been eliminated from this analysis as some of them are industry specific and some of them are commonly used by every company no matter in which industry they operate. The rest of twelve policy choices do have some issues with them as some organizations do not disclose their policies at times. The most common examples are of â€Å"investment property† and â€Å"inventory† such that in relation to investment property, organizations do not disclose whether these investment properties are valued at cost or fair value, and in case of inventories, organizations at times do not disclose whether the inventories are valued at FIFO method or weighted average method. ... ing pro?t (b) no such line 3 (a) equity accounting results included in ‘operating’ (b) immediately after (c) after ?nance 4 (a) balance sheet shows assets = credits (b) showing net assets 5 (a) liquidity decreasing in balance sheet (cash at top) (b) liquidity increasing 6 (a) Statement of Changes in Equity, including dividends and share issues (b) SORIE, not including them 7 (a) direct operating cash ?ows (b) indirect 8 (a) dividends received shown as operating cash ?ow (b) as investing 9 (a) interest paid shown as operating cash ?ow (b) as ?nancing 10 (a) only cost for PPE (b) some fair value 11 (a) investment property at cost (b) at fair value 12 (a) some designation of ?nancial assets at fair value (b) none 13 (a) capitalisation of interest on construction (b) expensing 14 (a) FIFO for inventory cost (b) weighted average 15 (a) actuarial gains and losses to SORIE (b) to income in full (c) corridor 16 (a) proportional consolidation of some joint ventures (b) only equit y method The following table reflects the 6 big corporations of UK which represents their policy choices of IFRS. Policy Changes GSK Astra Zeneca BAE British Airways Rolls Royce SAB Miller Total Percentage 1 (a) income statement by function 1 1 1 1 1 5 83.33% (b) by nature    1 1 16.67%    (c) Neither                   0 0.00% 2 (a) inclusion of a line for EBIT or operating profit 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 100.00%    (b) no such line                   0 0.00% 3 (a) equity accounting results of associates and joint ventures included in ‘operating’    1 1 16.67% (b) immediately after    0 0.00%    (c) after finance 1    1 1 1 1 5 83.33% 4 (a) balance sheet showing assets = credits    1 1 16.67%    (b) showing net assets 1 1 1    1 1 5 83.33% 5 (a) liquidity decreasing (cash at top)    0 0.00%    (b) liquidity

Personal Dietary Analysis Two Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Personal Dietary Analysis Two - Essay Example I was always either within the limits or under the target limit. However, I somehow overshot the daily limits pertaining to the total calories, saturated fat, and cholesterol intake. I believe that was an accidental occurrence as I would never willingly go over my target limitations per day. The target daily limit for cholesterol was set at 300 mg and I overshot it at 426 mg. I also went over the saturated fat limit of 10 percent. I clocked in at a maximum of 12 percent instead. The AMDR for carbohydrates is actually 130 g and I consumed 322 g while the percentage of carbohydrate calories clocked in at 45-65 % with me consuming 49 percent of calories. I actually feel good about these results because I was able to prove that my metabolism actually burns the carbohydrates that I consume in a day. I felt very happy and satisfied knowing that I can easily lose weight if I want to because my metabolism is working just fine. The target grain consumption for my daily time period was 7 ounces. Since I averaged 10 ounces per meal, I was over the target by 3 percent for that particular time frame. While the vegetable consumption was targeted at 3 cups and I consumed 2 1/4 cups which was within the acceptable limits of my 2200 Calorie allowance. MY maximum daily fruit allowance was supposed to be only 2 cups but I often overshot and ended up eating about 2 1/2 cups of fruit instead. That was not a problem at all since fruits are very healthy for the body and actually help in the digestion of my food and increase in my metabolism. The suggested daily fiber intake for me was set at 26 g but I only managed to consume 23 g which was just alright for my target group. I am actually quite pleased with myself as I was able to get that close to the target daily intake considering that I was constantly watching my food intake. I believe that was a job well done on my part because I was able to consume the right amount of fiber in a day

Causes of Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work Practice

Causes of Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work Practice Shaun Wharton Understanding the term ethical dilemma and how such dilemmas arise in social work practice. The paper will begin by explaining the term ethical dilemma and how such dilemmas arise in social Work practice through; what conditions and components are needed for an ethical dilemma to develop, and by explaining how ethical dilemmas occur within agency policy, law, professional ethics and personal values. Furthermore the paper will apply agency policy and law to the case study of Jack, a 62 year old white man, in order to explore how ethical dilemmas arise within social work. The paper will then explore risk verses autonomy, by weighing up the consequences for and against supporting Jack, through utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. This will then lead to explore a new proposed action. Finally the conclusion gives a brief summary and critique of the findings. The first part of this essay will explain the conditions and components needed for an ethical dilemma to develop. Firstly there has to be a difficult decision made with two or more unwelcome courses of action avail able (Banks, 2006, p.8). Secondly no matter what course of action has been undertaken, an ethical principle has been bent or broken (Allen, 2014). Once you have made a decision then the social worker is left responsible for choosing an imperfect answer and the inevitable unwelcome out comes (Banks, 2006, p.9). This paper will now explain when an ethical dilemma occurs, firstly through agency policy and law, these are integrated into every course of action, and decision made. One important act is the Human Rights Act and is integrated into UK law. This means that every person can protect their rights in court and public organisations have to treat everyone equally. (Minister of Justice, 2006). Social workers often only have one course of action to take and that’s to follow the law and agency policy (hcpc, 2012). Sometimes social workers professional codes of practice might come into conflict with law and agency policy, this is not an ethical dilemma because there is only one course of action to take, for example they should follow the law. Additionally due to the social workers codes of professional practice you are obligated to lobby against such law (hcpc, 2012). In contrast Braye and Preston Shoot (1997) suggest the law is vague, leaving the social workers to decide what course of action to take, producing ethical dilemmas (Banks, 2006, p.8). Secondly Professional ethics can result in ethical dilemmas for example, when trying to choose the best course of action in relation to a service user (Allen, 2014). Ethics are a professional guide (morals actions) set out to help people in groups or within a professional organisation to make right decisions, when an ethical dilemma presents itself. In social work this is the health and care professions council (hcpc) and offers a set of ethical principles to determine the right course of action and therefore produces a logical thought process, resulting in consistency throughout the profession. (Parrott, 2011, p.79). In contrast, the social workers, hcpc codes of practice covers a large range of codes of behaviour and conduct (Banks, 2006, p.78), therefore blurring professional boundaries, (Banks, 2006, p.16), which result in ethical dilemmas (hcpc, 2012). Finally Values are something that can produce personal ethical dilemmas. Values are what people hold close to their heart and are seen as valuable to them for instance, someone’s cultural beliefs of right and wrong (Oxford, 2014). It’s very important to understand personal ethics and values through critical-reflection (BASW, 2014). Through identifying personal values, ethics and acknowledging the power a social worker holds, you can expose bias views and dominant discourses (Banks, 2006, p.159). Thompson’s PCS Model can help explore any anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practices, not just on a personal level, but cultural and social/structural level too (Barbra, 2010, p.12). It’s then possible to reflect and change further professional judgements (Banks, 2006, p.159). Personal values are used to inform every day practice as long as there are within the hcpc. Therefore making the social workers job very complex, because they have to balance their own moral integrity, to society, service users and the agencies they work with in, causing personal ethical dilemmas (Banks, 2006, p.17). To understand how ethical dilemmas arise in social work practice, this essay will apply agency policy and law to a case study. Jack is a 62yr old white man who lives alone in a privately rented flat; Jack has asked if his carer could support him to visit a paid prostitute as part of his assessed care plan; paid for by public funds. The first thing to ascertain is whether any laws or agency policies will be broken. The actual act of visiting a prostitute is not illegal (GOV.UK 2014). The second question to ask is whether local authority procedures allow for the payment of a prostitute. Service users receive direct payments, this can be spent on personal care, social activities, respite care and may vary from one local authority to another (Royal Borough of Greenwich, 2014). So the local authority’s payment would likely cover Jack’s suggestion. The local authority also has a legal duty of care to make sure Jack is not financially exploited (The National Archives, 2014). A social worker has to support Jacks autonomy, even if this puts him in danger (Parrott, 2011, p.90). Jack has become socially isolated because of his disabilities and it is the social workers responsibility to promote social inclusion (hcpc, 2012). In contrast even though it’s not illegal to visit a prostitute there are many laws, professional codes of ethics and personal values against actions involving Jack with prostitution. This is especially relevant to Jack as he has already been warned by the police not to get involved sexually with any underage woman. This causes an ethical dilemma (Banks, 2006, p.12), between promoting Jacks autonomy and protecting Jacks welfare (BASW, 2014). Whilst the local authority’s payment would likely cover Jack’s suggestion, this still could cause an ethical dilemma, between the public generally thinking it’s wrong to use public money visit a prostitute, and the local authority who needs to promote Jacks inclusion in soci ety. Also the actual interaction with the prostitute is beyond the help of a social worker and proposes health risks. Several ethical dilemmas have developed (Banks, 2006, p.14). Whenever a social worker is faced with risk, they would perform a risk assessment (legislation.gov.uk., 2010). The risk assessment would weigh up the consequences for and against supporting Jack. The social worker could use an ethical framework to assist decision making for example, Lowenberg and Dolgoffs, (2005) Ethical Principles Screen, which attempts to put ethical principles in order of importance (Lowenberg and Dolgoffs cited in, Learning Portal, 2013). The social worker would start by examining the risks of not supporting Jack through applying the human rights acts and any other laws. Jacks right to liberty and security would be affected, Article 5; it would also affect his right to the prohibition of discrimination, Article 14 and the right to private and family life, Article 8 (GOV.UK 2014). This would lead to the social worker failing to uphold the Equality Act 2010 (legislation.gov.uk., 2010) and the Local authority would fail in its duty of care (legislation.gov.uk. 2010) . The social worker would then apply professional codes of practice and would be failing in, article five of the hcpc, be aware of the impact of culture, equality and diversity, this is because of Jacks disabilities and a social worker should promote equality for example, equal access to society. The social worker would fail to adhere to article six of the hcpc, also fail to practise in a non-discriminatory manner (hcpc, 2012), this is because the social worker would be withholding funds, not letting him make his own choices, and also limiting his access to society (hcpc, 2012). The social worker would also apply the British Association of Social Workers codes of ethics (BASW, 2014), for example, BASW outline that all social workers should respect human rights and be committed to promoting social justice (BASW 2014). Under BASW the social worker would be compromising values and ethical principles, through failing to uphold and promote human dignity and well-being, respecting the right to self-determination, promoting the right to participation and treating each person as a whole. A social worker is also expected to promote social justice and would be failing in challenging discrimination, distributing resource and recognising diversity (BASW 2014). The social worker would then explore the risks of supporting Jack. For instance this course of action could result in a public moral outcry. This is because there have been several media campaigns, to stop local authorities from using public money for prostitutes (Donnelly, Howie, Leach, 2010). Social workers have a duty to protect the reputation of the profession through the British association of social workers (BASW, 2014). Many of the human rights above are not absolute rights; they are qualified rights and in certain circumstances can be broken, for example when protecting public health or when protecting other people’s human rights. This is evident with Jack potentially taking advantage of a vulnerable person (prostitute) (SHRC, 2014). By applying utilitarianism to the assessment above the theory would suggest finding all the different courses of action available. Second would be to calculate all the positives and negatives that can result from these actions and thirdly this theory suggests to choose the course of action that produces the most benefits and the least damage for all involved (Parrott, 2011, p.54). Supporting Jack would limit for his financial risk, reduced the risk committing an offence, and reduce many of the health risks involved with visiting a prostitute. Also the social worker could make sure the prostitute was making an informed choice (HCPC, 2014). Over all the risk assessment would support Jack, but as mentioned above, the social worker is left with an imperfect answer and the inevitable undesirable effects. But because a risk assessment isn’t an exact science there are additional ways to inform social work practice (Banks, 2006, p.25). The decision to support Jack could compromise the social worker’s personal values causing an ethical dilemma; between personal values and supporting Jack. The social worker could support the idea that Jack should not just seek pleasure. The social worker would be applying virtues ethics (Banks, 2009, pp.38-49), because this ethical theory is more concerned with character not actions. This theory suggests the individual should avoid extremes, this is not to say Jack should not want sex, it just should not come before everything else (Parrott, 2011, p.58). The social worker could also incorporate Kant’s deontological theory. This is an absolutist theory which argues once something is wrong it’s always wrong, for instance, â€Å"you should not take advantage of a vulnerable person† (Parrott, 2011, p.54). This theory is linked to duty. This is called the categorical imperative that indicates we should only conform to an action, when it can be applied to the re st of the world, for instance, if one person lies the rest of the world can lie, this would produce mistrust throughout society. So lying cannot be applied to society universally (Banks, 2006, pp.29-30). In addition there is the concept of reversal, for example, if you were vulnerable would you like someone to take advantage of you? If not, then you shouldn’t do it to anyone else (Parrott, 2011, pp.50-51). The social worker could use the theories above to propose a new course of action based on personal values, in accordance with the law and the professional code of ethics (HCPC, 2014). This course of action would offer a viable alternative. If Jack refused, new ethical dilemmas would arise, similar to the ones discussed above (The National Archives, 2014). This action would limit the risk above and solve most of the ethical dilemmas. For example, one of BASW ethical principles is to identify and develop strengths (BASW, 2014). Jack could be introduced to a wider network of friends, enabling him to find what he needs through clubs, hobbies and dating agencies etc. The consequences of this action is time related, it could take some time for Jack to fulfil his needs. The actual implementation of the action would be governed by utilitarianism, most benefits and the least damage for all involved (Mill, 2004). This paper has shown how ethical dilemmas can arise through agency policy, law, professional ethics and personal values. The paper then applied agency policy and law to a case study to show how ethical dilemmas arise in social work practice, by exposing ethical dilemmas between promoting the welfare of the service user verses promoting the service users right to make their own decisions. The paper proceeded to assess the risk of both courses of action by using theories of ethics through, utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics; this led to explore a more viable solution, through personal values, resulting in a new course of action. The paper can conclude that an ethical dilemma results from conflicting laws, agency policies and personal values, to address these issues a social worker will combine several different ethical theories, with this becoming a mechanical matter for some, informed by personal values for others and sometimes mixture of both. (Words 2186) References Allen, K, Ph.D. (2014).  What Is an Ethical Dilemma?.Available: http://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/ethics-articles/What_Is_an_Ethical_Dilemma%3F/. Last accessed 15th Dec 2014. Banks S, (2006) British Association of Social Workers. Ethics and values in social work. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Banks, S, Gallagher, A (2009). Ethics in Professional Life. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. Barbra, T (2010). An Introduction to Applying Social Work Theories and Methods. Berkshire: Open University Press. Donnelly, L, Howie, M, Leach, B. (2010). Councils pay for prostitutes for the disabled. Available: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/7945785/Councils-pay-for-prostitutes-for-the-disabled.html. Last accessed 12th Dec 2014. GOV.UK. (2014). Prostitution and Exploitation of Prostitution. Available: http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/p_to_r/prostitution_and_exploitation_of_prostitution/#a01. Last accessed 11th Dec 2014. hcpc. (2012). Social workers in England. Available: http://www.hpc-uk.org/assets/documents/10003B08Standardsofproficiency-SocialworkersinEngland.pdf. Last accessed 16th Dec 2014. Health and Care Professions Council. (2012). Guidance on conduct and ethics for students. Available: http://www.hpc-uk.org/assets/documents/10002C16Guidanceonconductandethicsforstudents.pdf. Last accessed 16th Dec 2014. J. Leuven,T. Visak. (2013). Ryder’s Painism and His Criticism of Utilitarianism. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics. 26 (2), 409–419. Kathleen E. Murphy, Ph.D. (1997). Resolving Ethical Dilemmas. Available: http://www.naswma.org/?114. Last accessed 16th Dec 2014. Learning Portal . (2013). Ethical Practice – Defining the Process. Available: http://www.elearnportal.com/courses/psychology/ethical-legal-and-professional-issues-in-counseling/ethical-legal-and-professional-issues-in-counseling-ethical-practice-defini. Last accessed 12th Dec 2014. legislation.gov.uk. (2010). Equality Act 2010. Available: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents. Last accessed 5th Nov 2014. Mill, S. (2004).UTILITARIANISM.  Available: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/11224/11224-h/11224-h.htm#CONTENTS. Last accessed 16th Dec 2014. Minister of Justice. (2006). Making sense of human rights. Available: http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/human-rights/human-rights-making-sense-human-rights.pdf. Last accessed 15th Dec 2014. Oxford Dictionaries. (2014). Oxford Dictionaries. Available: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/. Last accessed 29th Nov 2014. Parrott, L (2011).  Values and Ethics in Social Work Practice. 2nd ed. Glasgow: Learning Matters Ltd. Royal Borough of Greenwich. (2014). Direct payments. Available: http://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/info/200050/help_for_adults/262/direct_payments/3. Last accessed 17th Dec 2014. Scottish Human Rights Commission. (2014). Welcome to Care about Rights. Available: http://www.scottishhumanrights.com/careaboutrights/. Last accessed 12th Dec 2014. Sokol, B. (2006).  What if.  Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4954856.stm. The National Archives. (2014). Human Rights Act 1998. Available: http://www.scottishhumanrights.com/careaboutrights/section1-page11. Last accessed 11th Dec 2014. The National Archives. (2014). National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990. Available: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/19/contents. Last accessed 11th Dec 2014. The Policy, Ethics and Human Rights Committee. (2014). The Code of Ethics for Social Work. Available: http://cdn.basw.co.uk/upload/basw_95243-9.pdf. Last accessed 12th Dec 2014.

Baron Von Steuben :: essays research papers

The Prussian Baron von Steuben, being a newcomer to the Revolutionary cause in America, was in a position to see many of the deficiencies in military discipline and their causes. The reasons for his unique insight may have been due to the fact that he was distanced from the revolutionary ideals in America, and as a result, was able to better observe and understand them; and ultimately use them to shape his new and successful form of discipline in the Continental Army. Most of the commanders of the Continental Army, from the commander in chief to the lower officers had subscribed to the traditional European method that relied on fear to achieve discipline. This method of fear was probably not essential, and had little if any effect in the early days of the war because the soldiers were mostly fighting for their own ideologies. To the soldiers, the commanders were of little importance. The soldiers were going to fight their own fight, and leave the battle when they felt it necessary. The soldier saw himself as a volunteer, a citizen fighting in a group of citizens, and as a result did not respond well to the traditional forms of discipline. The soldier knew it wasnÕt necessary for him to serve, and he knew that he would not be looked down upon for not serving or leaving the army by his fellow revolutionaries. He had the freedom to chose how he wished to serve the revolution, and military service was not an obligation. One aspect of the traditional European system that Baron von Steuben felt needed change was the relationship between the officers and the soldiers. Officers in the Continental Army felt it was necessary to distance themselves from the common soldiers, as an officer had an obligation as a gentleman as well. This division was along social lines, and by separation, the officers felt the common soldiers would show even greater respect. Royster describes this accurately by saying that the officers tried Òto make themselves haughty objects of the soldiersÕ awe.Ó (215) Steuben did several things to put the officers and the soldiers on common ground. First, sergeants were no longer to do the training and drilling of soldiers. Officers were encouraged to train, drill, and march with their soldiers. They were also encouraged to eat with the common soldiers as well, whenever possible. The officers needed to show love of the soldiers to earn their respect, and in doing this the officers needed to set themselves as an example to the soldiers by overachieving, rather than distancing themselves and underachieving in the eyes of the soldier. Before Steuben arrived, the forms of drills, training, and discipline in the