Columbus Essays (354 words) - Christopher Columbus, Age Of Discovery

Columbus In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. And, when he reached his destination he killed, raped and enslaved innocent natives. Was Columbus a villain? The answer to that question, in my opinion, would be yes. Christopher Columbus was a cruel, self-centered, delusional man who does not deserve to be praised for the discovery of America. First, Columbus was a cruel man who enslaved, raped, and murdered the natives of the countries he sailed to. According to an article by John Margolis entitled Goodbye Columbus, Columbus oversaw the killings of some (Indians) and ordered the enslavement of others. Margolis goes on to say that Columbus did not prevent his crewmen from raping the innocent natives, and even that he himself raped an Indian women after beating her with a piece of rope. If these actions do not constitute villainy, I don't know what does. Also, Columbus could be described as a self-centered and delusional man. His critics have described him as not a genius, but a stubborn ego maniac who convinced himself that the world was about 25 percent smaller than it actually is. Columbus believed that he was saving the souls of his captives and granting them eternal life by taking the natives out of their environment and shipping them back to Spain. He even went so far as to believe that he was getting personal messages from above. Columbus does not deserve to be praised for the discovery of America. In short, if he didn't do it, someone else would have within 10 years. He was not the only one who believed that the earth was round, and the ideas of similar voyages had been previously proposed. Christopher Columbus was a cruel, delusional, and self-centered man who does not deserve high praises for the discovery of America. He allowed the killing, rape, and enslavement of innocent natives. Columbus was an ego-maniac who believed that he was doing the natives favors by killing them. If he had not discovered America, it is believed that some other Europeans would have. As one can plainly see, Columbus was a true villain. History

Political Philosophy essays

Political Philosophy essays I am not impressed with Socrates arguments of the Laws, particularly the contract argument. While it is true that there is a certain type of obligation, or contract present between a citizen and the state in which he is a part of, that does not give the state the right to wrong him and treat him unfairly, which was clearly the case in this situation. The city wronged me, and its decision was not right, (26). Socrates obviously believes this and he should in turn fight this injustice. Despite the fact that the contract or obligation forces him to obey the laws of Athens, he should also have an obligation to himself and his believed rights as a human being. A contract works both ways even though throughout his life Socrates has indulged in all the advantages of Athenian citizenship he has also done his part and been a model, if not exemplary citizen of the state of Athens. He has done a great deal for the intellectual and cultural life of Athens and deserves a great deal of respect and gratitude from the state. Athens may have given him a great deal during his life, but does that then give them the right to take away the two most important things to him, his life and his freedom? In escaping, Socrates would violate the laws of Athens, while doing injustice to it. However, in its decision concerning the life of Socrates, Athens has also done him an injustice. Laws are not always fair and in certain circumstances they must be challenged and fought against. If no one ever questioned a law then they could never be changed or modified. Society needs to continually evolve and progress. Changing laws that are unjust ensures this development. If laws were never challenged then society would still be sustained by laws and regulations that are clearly outdated and completely irrelevant to the current time. Socrates must live, if not for himself and his friends, ...

Family Reunion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Family Reunion - Essay Example Stepping out of the car, I could see many faces, which were familiar, even though I was unable to remember the names so as to match the faces. People were mingling and probably conversing about their daily lives and their kids. Some seemed to be gossiping already. At last, the family reunion was here with us, and whether I looked forward to being here for the next one week or not, I had to get the best out of it. Inside the house, I could notice that all the doors and windows were crystal clear. A smell of fresh bed sheets and chlorine filled the air. Someone had done a commendable job in cleaning. Most of the adults talked between themselves while the children played. By this time, I had not realized that my ancestors were beneficial since I had not paid keen attention when the adults spoke. I had always wondered how my forefathers ended up in this small town in Wisconsin anyway. I decided to engage my grandfather on this topic, and I must admit that I was shocked by what I discover ed. He showed me an old picture of a man who I came to understand was the Czar of Finland, who according to my grandfather is my distant relative. My great grandfather came from Kuvlax, Finland. He was born in 1840. When he was twenty three, the Czar of Russia, Alexander I, appointed him to be the Chief Magistrate of Jacodstad. This was after Russia invaded Finland. Jacobstad used to be the second biggest city in Finland. His appointment was so as to keep the Russian’s and Finish in line. His post was the equivalent of the country’s chief of police. He later got married to a Pasalm University of Sweden graduate. They had four sons all of whom remained in Finland until their father, the Chief Magistrate, died. Poverty forced the four brothers and their mother to immigrate to the United States on September 30th, 1908. The mother and four sons settled in a small town in Wisconsin named Medford. Their house still stands up to date. One of my great uncles jokes that it has not changed any bit, only the paint has. The four brothers remained in Wisconsin state. According to my great aunt, the family experienced a few real hardships in Medford even though they were forced abandon the royal lifestyle for an average lifestyle. To support themselves, the family established a shoe making business. My great-grandfather was a craftsman in this job who retired late during his life. I met him when I was a child and although I barely remember him, he is very significant in my family history, and the same thing applies to the city of Medford, Wisconsin. Medford is not only important to me by being a home to my forefathers, but also the city’s progressive community is something which everyone wants to associate with. During my one week stay, I took my time to tour around the city and learn a few things. The city is an industrial hub within the surrounding communities. Medford provides over six thousand, seven hundred jobs in a community with a population of four thousand, four hundred people. This translates to abundance of jobs for the city residents, a phenomenon which is not common. This family reunion was characterized by late breakfasts early evening dinners or afternoon luncheons. Later in the evening people would listen to music, poetry reading, songs, recitals of history and reminiscing, honorary recognitions, educational achievements and community contributions. The older family members seemed to only highlight the family’