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TRADE REGULATIONS
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TRADE REGULATIONS
The United States of America government enforces various acts through various constitutionally formed agencies. Federal administrative agencies are charged with the responsibility of implementation of the various legislative acts enacted by the US congress. They are endowed with authority to supervise and direct on various economic and social matter whose threshold is beyond the legislator’s expertise. The United States of America is vast and has numerous social and economic matters that call for skillful handling. This has resulted in the creation of hundreds of these bodies to ensure smooth running of social and economic affairs. Federal administrative agencies include; the federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The Federal Trade Commission is a government agency that is tasked with enhancing consumer protection and regulating business activities in the USA. This commission was established in the year 1914 by the federal Trade commission act of the US congress (Barry, 2011, 5). The commission consists of a five member group who are appointed by the sitting US president with the assistance of the senate. Each of the members is legible to serve for a non-renewable term of seven years. The appointed commissioners must be from not be from the same political affiliation the Federal Trade commission act prohibits appointment of more than three commissioners from the same political party. One of the commissioners is appointed to head the commission. Its headquarters are in the Washington, D.C in the Apex building. The commission has the mandate and duty to enforce laws that promote a fair competition ground for businesses and protect the consumers’ interests.
The main issue of concern that coerced the US government under the leadership of Woodrow Wilson to establish the Federal trade commission was the corporates. A corporate is a large enterprise that is involved in huge business transactions. Prior to the Federal trade commission establishment, the US congress enacted an anti-trust act duped the Clayton antitrust act (John, 2013, 116). The act outlined the code of conduct of the trusts. Prior to the enactment of the Clayton act, trusts or corporates were being involved in rampant unhealthy competition with the medium and small firm. After its establishment the FTC formed bureaus to facilitate achievement of its core business.
The commission has four bureaus, each mandated with a different task to attain their main obligation as a whole. The bureau of competition was formulated to ensure fair business competition and to eliminate anticompetitive business practices. It is tasked with the enforcement of the Clayton antitrust law (Leonard, 2013, 64). The bureau of consumer protection on the other hand has the obligation of consumer protection. Its main mandate is to ensure that no unfair or deceptive acts are done against the consumers by various commercial firms. The bureau of economics plays a supportive role. It gives advisorial services to the latter bureaus on matters of the economic impact of the FTC’s legislation and their operation. The Federal trade commission is responsible for civil enforcement of various trade acts (Frank, 2012, 146). It works hand in hand with the antitrust division in the department of justice to solve criminal matters arising in their line of duty. The commission’s jurisdiction is all over the federal states of USA.
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Federal Trade Commission regulation of behavioral advertising
One of the regulations imposed by the Federal Trade Commission is the regulation of behavioral advertising. With the onset of technology in advertising, various firms in the United States of America have been using different technological platforms to advertise their products. Behavioral advertising or targeting is a form of online advertising. The web publisher creates a web page that is able to capture the information on the visits done. Mostly it is done without the knowledge of the customers. This practice effectively facilitates collection of in-depth knowledge of consumers preferences according to amount spent online and all the links opened. Interactive profiles are created for prospective consumer which promotes collection of more information about the consumers (Edith, 2013, 64). The advertising firm is then able to analyze consumer preferences based on their consumer behavior.
The federal Trade Commission is involved in the regulation of the behavioral advertising techniques used by various firms. The behavioral advertising regulation restricts the extent to which the firms capture consumer online behavioral data. It promotes the privacy of the consumers who engage in online searches for various products.
Various approaches are used by the Federal trade Commission to curb any violation of the privacy of online consumers (Susan, 2011, 345). It regulates the firms’ usage of online behavioral advertising. It incorporates both federal and self-regulation practices to enforce this law. Self-regulation involves the firm itself. The FTC requests all businesses to monitor their own adherence to various legal limits in behavioral advertising in accordance to various laws as stipulated in the federal constitution. The FTC engages businesses in volunteering to follow these regulations without external coercion by various federal departments. By adhering to the regulations, it means that the company maintains the set levels of behavioral advertising without interfering with the privacy of the consumers (Edith, 2013, 65). On this note the Federal Trade commission holds a series of educative workshops publishes reports and gives various endorsements that the firms ought to adopt.
On the other hand the federal trade commission sets sector specific statutes with regard to online consumer protection. The first sector specific protection policy is the children’s online privacy protection act. This policy outlines on the collection of personal information by firms from children below the age of thirteen years. The law states categorically about what should be included in the privacy policies of various websites. A privacy policy of a website is a document in which the firm outlines information gathered by the website and how it is used. On this note, various firms set an age limit below which the firm sets entry restriction.
The CAN-SPAM act of 2003 is also used to enforce the behavioral advertising of firms. The CAN-SPAM is an acronym that is used to denote, controlling the assault of non-solicited pornography (Essell, 2009, 468). This act gives regulations to firms that they should seek permission from consumers before sending them marketing messages. The telemarketing and consumer fraud and abuse prevention act stipulates that no deceptive or exploitive forms of tele-advertisement should be done
In line with the three acts, the federal Trade Commission closely monitors advertisement websites. It evaluates and regulates the privacy policies of various websites. It coerces owners of the commercial websites to fully disclose their privacy practices. It constantly holds workshops and recommends to the congress on passing various online privacy legislations. This enables creation of basic levels of consumer protection on personal information. Basically the role of FTC is to give guidelines to the advertising firms which should be strictly adhered to. In this bid the commission also bears the public educative role (Susan, 2011, 235). It passes on knowledge on privacy issues to susceptible consumers.
The commission regularly revises its principles governing privacy matters to keep abreast with the dynamic technological issues. Every tick of the clock and a new technological invention crops up. With this in mind the commission employs technology mavens who keep a sharp eye on any changes in the online advertisement trends that violate the protocols pertaining. It also constantly issues out self-regulatory principles which act as a guideline. Generally their approach is to enhance the consumer protection and eliminate any deceptive method used over the internet by product advertisers and at the same time maintain a healthy competition among businesses (Susan, 2011, 89). The federal trade commission is mostly emphasizing on disclosures. Any advertisement online should not be fishy. All hyperlinks on advertisement websites should be notable or rather disclosed. Scroll links should be avoided especially on the social networks.
Online ventures are the most susceptible to the behavioral advertising principles by the Federal Trade Commission. All the companies that practice some sort of online marketing are subject to these regulations. Social networks including twitter, Facebook and others that carry out some form of advertising are also subject to these regulations (Edgar, 2013, 144). Examples of online ventures in the US include Amazon.com, ATG stores, Bass pro shops, Black phoenix Alchemy lab, Blue Nile Inc., Boston computer Exchange, build.com, drug store, Com, Thrift books and swoopthat.com. Many USA companies have employed intensive advertisement approaches especially targeting online customers. They have created special websites that enable them track any activity of consumers. They also provided interactive platforms through which customers can provide their personal information including their names, contacts, area of residence and their respective states.
The regulation affects various online advertisements by companies. It ensures that all firms avoid fully assertion of deceptive practices in their persuasive advertisements. The regulation also ensures that businesses disclose all necessary information about a product to the prospective customers including the perils of using the product (John, 2013, 117). For instance, a firm advertising about steroids must give full disclosure about the health effects. Advertisers are responsible for ensuring their webpages have sound privacy policies. All advertisers have a moral obligation to regulate their online activity rather than being pushed by the Federal Trade commission. All advertisers should let the visitors be aware of any information obtained rather than doing it secretly. All businesses involved in behavioral advertising should also be cautious of the persons who visit their sites. They should do this by setting age limits for their sites according to the type of product. Setting an age limit ensures that information does not land into the wrong hands of underage children.
The FTCs regulations have greatly affected social media marketing. There exists a set of principles which framework the expected limits of advertisement. This has resulted in the social networks eliminating totally some of their advertisement platforms (Emerson, 2011, 357). Social media companies have also revised their privacy policies in line with the FTCs set standards.
The federal trade commission has surely succeeded in regulating behavioral advertising. They have continuously organized workshops to deliberate on the issue of consumer’s safety online. They have set principles that the online advertisers should emulate in their online works. The commission has also allowed self-regulation of companies rather than coercion. The commission has also succeeded in pushing the United States congress to create various legislations on this contentious issue (Edgar, 2013, 144). The commission has also taken an oversight of the social platforms which are known for abusing the privacy of their members especially using advertisements. The commission has also engaged technological experts in a wide research of new trends in behavioral advertisements that violate the consumers’ rights. On the other hand these measures have played a role in crippling the market study measures used by online marketers.
Various recommendations can be made to all the managers of companies. Technology should be utilized effectively to fetch advantage for the company. Managers should ensure they closely monitor the online marketing strategies used by their companies. Some workers who do not have long term goals of the company at heart may be tempted to misuse online advertisement platforms for their own personal gain. Marketing managers should engage employees on their line in educative measures. They should also come up with sound privacy policies to their websites and blogs. Constant consultation with the Federal Trade commission is also vital as it enables the company to remain abreast with the newly set advertisement principles revised time to time. No company would wish to be used as an example in indicating the dangers of violating the rights of online customers. Therefore all companies through the guidance of their managers should strictly adhere to the set principles on online advertising. This will ensure they achieve their marketing goals without any obstruction.
References
Barry, J. (2011) FTC practice and procedure manual. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Edith, K. (2013). Trade online. San Diego business journal. Volume 13, issue 3. Page 64.
Edgar, S. (2013). Business law. New York law journal. Volume 73, issue 13. Page 144.
Emerson, R. (2011). Business law. New York: Oxford university press.
Essell, H. (2009). Principles of business law. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Frank, H. (2012). Online marketing principles. Wall Street journal. Volume 464, issue 6. Page 146.
John, F. (2013). Trade regulation. Bright side global trade journal. Volume 113, issue 2. Page 116-118.
Leonard, J. (2013). Business law today. Harvard business review. Volume 189, issue 15. Page 63-64.
Patrick, E. (2013). Business law. American city business journal. Volume 78, issue 6. Page 18-20.
Susan, W. (2011). Federal Trade Commission. Washington D.C: Thompson publishing LTD.
The connection between food, family, friends and community
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The connection between food, family, friends and community
Introduction
In the daily normal life, it is important to observe proper eating and food preparation methods in order to keep fit, maintain good health by avoiding those illnesses caused by poor feeding habits. This is made more necessary when one has an eating disorder that prompts him or her to observe particular eating as well as dietary habits. When an individual suffers from an eating disorder in it is important to alert family and friends in order for them to provide support. This is important as the kind of therapy provided by the family is the best. The family is also an important unit in making decisions and choices about food as they are the ones who observe and sustain any changes made on the diet.
Observation of proper eating habits normally reflects an individual who is careful and concerned about his well being to the society hence reliable and independent. In the case of an eating disorder, the individual on the other hand should ensure that they observe the correct eating habits. This is because the family and friends involved care and are concerned. Therefore when a character looks after him properly by eating and preparing the right kinds of food it makes them less worried about him hence he becomes more acceptable in the society. They also consequently contribute more to help solve the problem (Voelker, 5).
This can also be depicted in situations of grief and loss whereby the use of the right kind of foods result to the reduction of stress as well as tiredness making one stronger. This gives the family and friends the notion that the person can look after his physical being well and consequently the emotional status (Helpguide, 2).
According to Marian in (Atwood, 338), there is a strong connection between food, family, friends and the community as a whole. This is because it acts as a bond between an individual and the society as well as other specific people such as her boyfriend in the story. The choice of food can be at times determined by certain social determinants which include family, peers and cultural background. Food plays an important role in the society as it symbolizes oneness as in the case of cultural and religious aspects. When these are observed they bring about a sense of belonging to a particular community. Certain kinds of food also illustrate specific festivities observed by various cultures during which time people come together to celebrate. This brings about a feeling of socialism and interaction between people.
It can as well be used as a sign of welcome. This is portrayed by (Chang, 7) whereby Mr. Rhee offers Tom three grapes at no charge when they first meet at the grocery. On the other hand, it signifies unity as in the case of workmates where Tom and his employers join to share meal at lunch time (13).
The degree of importance of food as well is depicted in (Esquivel, 147) where it is compared to one not performing an activity that he loves so dearly.
Although the preparation of food may at times be tiring, it is important to do it the right way so as to feel connected to the intended society.
In conclusion, it is important that a character follows the correct eating habits and food preparation methods according to his society as a sign of respect and discipline towards the set rules. This brings about acceptance and incorporation as well.
Works Cited
Atwood, M. The edible Woman. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 1999: p.338
Chang, L. The Fruit ‘n Food. Washington: Black Heron, 2006: p.147
Esquivel, L. Like Water for Chocolate. New York: Anchor Books, 1994: pp. 7-13
Helpguide. “Coping with Grief and Loss.” 2001. Helpguide.
<http://www.helpguide.org/mental/grief_loss.htm>. Accessed 14 April 2011: par. 2
Voelker, M. “How to Tell Friends and Family about an Eating Disorder.” 1999. eHow family.<http://www.ehow.com/how_4615935_tell-friends-family-eating-disorder.html>.Accessed 14 April 2011: par. 5
Newmans view of the existence of God
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Newman’s view of the existence of God
God’s existence has been and still a matter of debate that has proved to beyond man’s understanding. Thus God’s existence has for long been regarded as a metaphysical question; that is a question beyond human comprehension and understanding. There have been several theories and suggestions that have been advanced to explain this phenomenon. John Henry Newman argues for God’s being in the presence of conscience in normal beings. According to Newman, conscience is the standard way by which many people come to be informed about God (Robert, 2). Newman asserts that conscience is neither a long-sighted self-centeredness, nor is it a wish to be dependable on oneself; but it is a communication from God. He continues to say the God speaks to us through His grace and nurture which usually is in a hidden manner. Besides, God governs us through his people who represent him (Robert, 2).
Newman also emphasizes that faith starts with a personal experience with God through the individual’s moral conscience. He believed that consciousness can lead one to vividly see the image of God. Besides, he adds that God’s image is real, concrete and personal. Thus, on the basis of the image of God that one sees; he can have a real assent to God’s existence and the single identity of God (Connolly, 83).
Russell’s view of the existence of God
Contrary to Newman, Bertrand Russell’s does not buy the idea of God’s existence. He was a professional mathematician; who used several ideas including mathematical principle of set theory to disapprove the idea of God’s existence. He disapproved several theories that have been advanced by several people in an attempt to explain God’s existence. For example, the moral argument, the argument from reason, and the argument from desire. Concerning Newman’s postulation on God’s existence as reflected through our conscience, Russell asserted that he wished he believed in eternal life but this belief may make him miserable. He argued that accepted wisdom that man is a kind of machine that is endowed unhappily for himself with consciousness is what actually made him oppose Newman’s theory (Russell and Mumford, 16).
Mencken‘s view of faith
Mencken defined faith as irrational conviction in the occurrence of unbelievable. He finds it hard to believe in the words miracle, curative nature of faith, and the likelihood of unlikely occurrences. He further argued that the requirement, according to various faiths, for one to be sure of a place in the alleged kingdom of God are so indistinguishable and he highly doubted if any rational human being is sure of entering the kingdom (Henderson, 58). Thus Mencken’s view concurs with that of Russell’s.
Huxley’s view of faith
Huxley stressed that faith requires psychological analysis. He defined faith as the total of our belief that predisposes us to think and act. He believed that Freudian “super-ego” was a developed moral sense that replaced the conscience. And therefore, sin arose from the disagreement between our intuition and self-restraint and philanthropy. Huxley was resolute that his mission to put man in the accepted order required to be supported on the progressive technical discoveries that have proofs. With this, he argued would combat the power of dualism formed by the unrelenting belief in the supernatural (Phillips, 10). Huxley meant that there is need for a modern religion or faith created by scientist that is universally accepted to all human being (Phillips, 1). Huxley thus supports Newman’s view that God actually exists.
In conclusion, issues of God’s existence and faith have seen a lot of debates. These debates usually leave even further confusions and even contradictions. To date the two issues are still and will remain a matter of metaphysics; that is they are, among others, matters that are beyond human comprehension and understanding.
As to the question whether films have lessened the value of written literature? It is a matter of debate. To start with, looking at the above media both has advantages and disadvantages. For example, film has the advantage, over the over media, of the possibility to include, remove, supplement, or record sound at any given time (Ferrell, 43). Films provide scenes wich are easy to discern compared to the written literature where the scene is a mental creation as it is described in a novel or play. The scene helps the viewer of the film to feel the characters and their character traits instantly (Ferrell, 39). This means that understanding is faster and easier.
On the other hand, written literature is more valuable than films; although not popular. Written literature involves reading which is a mental process that helps us make use of our brains and thus become more mentally alert and intelligent. Through reading, we find not only knowledge but a better understanding of various phenomena and the intellectual explanation behind them. Written literature s opposed to films helps us build and sustain our vocabulary. Because comparing watching films and constantly reading reveals that we have better writing skill than when we engage in watching films. Those who do not read actually forget their ability to write may be due to disuse. This is a theory that postulates that we often forget certain things simply because we constantly do not put them to use.
Besides, film watching does not require as much attention as compared to reading literary works. Reading actually, improves our attention and makes us more focused. Reading in general, increases our level of self-esteem. Comparing what one reads and what they hear, one can easily see that it is easier to remember what we read as compared to what we hear. This means that our visual memory is comparatively more powerful than our visual memory. Therefore, those with reading culture become more self-confident than those who watch films because of their improved memory. In reading literature, one is required to remember plots, character and character traits and themes. In this regard, reading further improves one’s memory; since in recalling the above; you actually stretch your brain muscles. As opposed to watching film which does not engage our brain muscles and therefore leaves our mind inactive. Written literature can be read at ones pace, and are almost portable to anywhere; which brings about the convenience that they have compared to films which need sophisticated machines and electricity so as to function. On the other hand films make communication easier, interactive and fun. Films are more popular since they accompanied with excellent audiovisual stimulation that brings about enjoyment and fun.
In conclusion, written literature and films both are important in our society because they supplement each other to our virtual satisfaction. Thus, they all are indispensable in the contemporary society for both communication and intellectual information. However it requires one to learn the act of balancing so that he maximizes on the benefits of each.
Works Cited
Connolly, John R. John Henry Newman: a view of Catholic faith for the new millennium. Lanham, Md: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2005.
Ferrell, William K. Literature and film as modern mythology. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2000.
Henderson, John A. Fear Faith Fact Fantasy. North Carolina: Parkway Publishers, Inc., 2004.
Phillips, T. Paul. “One World, One Faith: The Quest for Unity in Julian Huxley’s Religion of Evolutionary Humanism.” Journal of the History of Ideas (2007): 1-22.
Robert, Noel Keith. “Newman on the Argument from Design.” Academic journal (2007): 1-12.
Russell, Bertrand and Stephen Mumford. Russell on metaphysics: selections from the writings of Bertrand Russell. London: Routledge, 2003.