The Execution of the Rosenbergs Essay Example for Free

The Execution of the Rosenbergs Essay During the Cold War, Americans lived in a society where the tension between the Soviet Union was at its peak in history. It was a time when the hatred against communism and the idea of nationalism were growing exponentially. Meanwhile, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were arrested for the accusations of helping the Soviets create the atomic bomb, which was the United States’ only advantage over the Soviets. Their arrest eventually led to the first ever execution of espionage in United States history. However, the justification of their execution is still being debated to this day. Did the Rosenbergs deserve such a harsh sentence or was it a misjudgment driven by the fear of communism? The political and social aspects of society certainly directed the fear of communism to overshadow the innocence of the Rosenbergs, making them the most controversial spies in American history. During World War II, many countries including the Soviet Union were skeptical about the existence of the atomic bomb. However, after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the strength of the atomic bomb became well-known. It was clear that as long as the United States had this weapon, no country would challenge them. This weapon was one of the few advantages the United States had against the Soviet Union going into the Cold War. It was as if the atomic bombs were the United States’ shield and armor against the Soviet Union’s attacks. Meanwhile, the power of communism was steadily rising in Eastern Europe and along with that, the American’s fear of communism was growing in parallel. â€Å"Communists were demonized; demons had no souls; no love in their hearts† (Garber/Walkowitz 25). The situation called for the â€Å"blueprint† of the atomic bomb to be safely put away from the communists. The U. S. overnment feared that the Soviet spies might get their hands on the secret information. However, it was only a matter of time that the Soviet Union would â€Å"somehow† develop its own atomic bomb†¦ Eventually on August 29th 1949, news was reported that the Soviets have successfully tested an atomic bomb in Kazakhstan. Americans were shocked, furious, and frightened. â€Å"When news came that the Soviets tested a bomb, years before it was expected, there were indeed many demagogic calls, in the media and on the stump, to find and severely punish, even execute, the thieves, the traitors† (Cohen 49). The American people did not stop to think once that the Soviet Union could have created the atomic bomb with their own power and technology. Most people just assumed that it was done through a work of spies that sold the secret information for money. Therefore, the government did not waste any time to find the person who was responsible for passing information about the atomic bomb. The growing fear of communism eventually reached its peak and the government was started taking actions to prevent any acts of espionage. After months of investigation by the FBI, Julius Rosenberg was called for questioning. He has previously been in communist groups and there were confessions from the Soviet spies that he was responsible for sending couriers and information from Los Alamos, where the Manhattan project was run. His wife, Ethel Rosenberg, was not accused at first because there was no proof of her activity in any illegal acts. She was only as a full time worker as a secretary and a mother of two kids. However, she was later called for questioning when her brother, David Greenglass, was also arrested for espionage. As the investigation went on, the media was starting to heat up and draw national attention to the Rosenbergs. The Rosenbergs were to be remembered the biggest scandal makers in U. S. history. As the fear of the Soviet Union grew after their development of the atomic bomb, the U. S. government was not going to let the investigation go smoothly. After multiple confessions from Soviet spies that Julius Rosenberg was responsible, he was sent to jail. A few months later, the FBI also arrested Ethel Rosenberg with the idea that she might have helped out her husband. The Rosenbergs were eventually both arrested and sent to court under Judge Kaufman. However, there were not enough evidence going into court that the Rosenbergs were legitimately guilty. â€Å"No documents linking the Rosenbergs with espionage were produced, despite a thorough search of their home by FBI agents, who placed in evidence only a collection can for the Spanish Refugee Appeal, licensed by the City of New York, found in their home† (Rosenberg 15). For this reason, the trial took a very long period of time. The only evidences going against the Rosenbergs were that David Greenglass and other Soviet spies have confessed to the Rosenbergs’ involvement in espionage. But even if there were any acts of espionage by the Rosenbergs, it was later revealed that none of the information that was passed by Julius Rosenberg was even useful in the development of the atomic bomb. If any information that was passed off was not useful, why punish or even kill that person? The trial was just a vicious circle between a couple of American civilians and a political bully that was blinded by war. If there was so much more supporting evidences for the Rosenbergs’ evidence, why did the United States government kept containing the Rosenbergs? It was all because the U. S. government did not want to seem weak in the eyes of the Soviet Union. Neither country wanted to show any weakness and lose the fight like in a boxing match where neither fighter wants to show their signs of fatigue and injury. Both countries tried to look stronger and richer than the other. â€Å"In turning down Ethels emotional appeals, Eisenhower said repeatedly that we could not appear weak† (Cohen 50). The Cold War was changing a lot of people’s views. Even President Eisenhower’s mentality shows how much he has lost the patience and the value of human beings because of the intensity of the war. Eventually on April 4th 1951, the Rosenbergs were sentenced to execution by Judge Kaufman. The final words of Judge Kaufman were cold and unsympathetic. â€Å"Your crime is worse than murder, for you put into the hands of the Russians the A-bomb years before our best scientists predicted Russia would perfect the bomb has already caused, in my opinion, the Communist aggression in Korea, with the resultant casualties exceeding 50,000 and who knows but what that millions more innocent people may pay the price of your treason. Indeed, by your betrayal, you undoubtedly have altered the course of history to the disadvantage of our country† (Wexley 67). In an important case like this, it is essential for the judge to consider all the evidence that is brought up in the case, but instead, Judge Kaufman ignored the evidences that supported the Rosenbergs. The judge was under too much control of President Eisenhower and the American government. Also, many believe that blaming the Rosenbergs for the cause and deaths of the Korean War was way over the top. A crime in that type of scale cannot be proven in court, which makes this trial a â€Å"scandal† more than an actual â€Å"crime†. And yet the Judge stated the â€Å"unproven crime† in the final sentence and considered it in the Rosenbergs’ execution. Judge Kaufman blamed them for the Korean War, and President Eisenhower held them responsible for the slaughter in any possible future nuclear war with the Soviet Union. These extreme accusations were never authenticated and, while there is no law requiring, they should have been† (Root 292). There was simply no proof that the Rosenbergs were responsible for all these tragedies. Although they were Americans with communist views, they were only a small percentage of the communist population in the United States during that time period. Also, the United States being involved in the Korean War was solely the government’s decision. Having to say that a future nuclear war is entirely their fault is too much of an overstatement to make on two innocent civilians who were just sentenced to death. Looking back fifty years from now, the media was also very biased and reported false information about the Rosenbergs that had significant impact on the ruling of the death sentence. â€Å"It is imperative that the true facts be known to all. Sadly, the information in the press and other mass media is not the truth, but instead is a distorted, truncated, myopic aberration of our case. It is clear that the primary use being made of our case is to coerce political dissident, and to secure conformity† (Rosenberg 132). That was a quote taken from an actual letter written by Ethel Rosenberg to her husband right before their execution. Telling from the tone of the letter, the Rosenbergs were despaired from the way the media was reporting false information and making the trial even harder for them. The media has always been an key factor on political and social issues. Because of the growing fear of communism, the media did not want to promote communism and espionage in any way to the public. As a result, the Rosenbergs were once again victims of the biased society and its false reporting media. The media was not the only influence on the social bias against the Rosenbergs. Many books were published to summon up the American’s anger against the Rosenbergs at that time. For example, there was the book, â€Å"Betrayers: the Rosenberg Case – a reappraisal of an American crisis† and â€Å"The Rosenberg Case: Fact and Fiction†, which was published on the same year of the execution. One of the quotes from the book was â€Å"Yes. The Rosenbergs’ case is ended, but the evil that they did is endless† ( Fineberg 148). If the evil that they did is endless like the author said in his book, there would certainly have been a nuclear war or a World War III by today, in the year 2008. However, that is not the case. The Soviet Union was surely to develop the atomic bomb with its own resources and power but all the blame went to the Rosenbergs in this state of affairs. The Rosenbergs were though not all alone through the fight in trial and against the coercion by the politicians. Soon after the death sentence by Judge Kaufman, countries all over the world protested the sentence. â€Å"Seemingly overnight, the whole world rose in protest against the death sentences that had been imposed on Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. By then end of the year, there were pro-Rosenberg committees in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, Israel, and of course- Eastern Europe. † ( Radosh/Milton 347) Powerful leaders were forming organizations and committees to convince the United States to set the Rosenbergs free. Also, there were famous individuals who were protesting against the death sentence. Even the main creator of the atomic bomb, Albert Einstein, believed that the United States government was killing innocent lives in the fight against the Soviet Union. â€Å"An appeal for executive clemency was sent to the White house, supported by many prominent Americans, including scientist Albert Einstein, Dr. Harold C. Urey and more than 3,000 clergymen of 26 denominations† (Rosenberg 18). This would have had significant support for the Rosenbergs in trial but the media was once again preventing it from happening. These protests were not broadcasted to the public because of the biased media. However, the protests did not end there. Millions of petitions from all over the world were being sent to the White house. The world believed that the Rosenbergs should not end up being â€Å"political victims† of the meaningless war. â€Å"Millions of people view the refusal of the courts to grant the Rosenbergs relief as an affirmation of our insistence after nearly two years in the death hours that we are political victims of the Cold War† (Rosenberg 126). Despite all these protests and petitions, the government stuck to their belief that the Rosenbergs deserved the death sentence. But why were the allies of the United States protesting against the United States? Why was the United States not listening to anyone but themselves? Once again, the political leaders of the United States were too blinded by their focus to win the Cold War against the Soviet Union. Realistically, would the Rosenbergs have received the death sentence if they did not live during the Cold War era? They would have certainly received a much lighter sentence if they lived in today’s time period. This was the thought of Dorothy Thompson, a former journalist of Times magazine. Dorothy Thompson has once stated that: â€Å"The death sentence†¦ depressed me†¦ in 1944 we were not at war with the Soviet Union†¦. Indeed, it is unlikely that had they ( the Rosenbergs) been tried in 1944 they would have received any such sentence† (Rosenberg 9). 1944 was certainly that time in history where any act of espionage was not forgiven by society. If anyone was suspected to be a spy, they would be immediately called to questioning. Historians refer to this period as almost like the â€Å"witch hunt† era in Salem driven by â€Å"McCarthyism,† a strong idea of anti-communism that was popular at the time. The â€Å"massive witch hunt† eventually led to the Rosenbergs, which shows that the social aspects during the Cold War era had a biased impact on the ruling of the trial. Behind all the accusations, there was an individual who made the scandal even more controversial. His name was Klaus Fuchs and he was one of the main nuclear scientists that developed the atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project. It is still believed to this day that Klaus Fuchs sold important secrets of the atomic bomb to the Soviets for money. Even history books are being written over again about his betrayal. â€Å"In England, Klaus Fuchs, the German-born scientist who provided the Soviets with far more accurate and useful information on the atomic bomb than anything that might have come from the Rosenbergs, got only 14 years† (Cohen 48). For someone who obviously provided more information to the Soviet Union, it is certainly not fair that Klaus Fuchs only received 14 years in prison. How did this happen? We can see that Klaus Fuchs was ruled a lighter sentence because he was trialed in England. Although England was our closest ally, they did not see any justification that Klaus Fuchs should receive a sentence of anything more than 14 years. Therefore, just because the Rosenbergs were trialed in the United States, they had to end their lives. 14 years in prison and being electrocuted to death is definitely a huge difference; one is given a second chance to live and one is put to death. For a certainty, the Rosenbergs would have received a much lighter sentence in England. It is an embarrassment of the court to say that the only justification for Julius and Ethel Rosenberg’s death is that they were just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Another huge controversy of the scandal is the death of Ethel Rosenberg. The reason the scandal is called â€Å"the Rosenbergs Case† is because both Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed for being accused of committing the same crime. However, years after the execution, there were a lot of speculations to why Ethel had to suffer the consequences for something her husband was caught doing. It was later revealed that the FBI was using her as a â€Å"lever† to force Julius Rosenberg to confess to his acts of espionage. â€Å"Hoovers biographer suggests that the Director now regretted the strategy of using Ethel as a lever to induce Julius to confess, and thought that it would be terrible public relations to execute a mother of two young children† (Aiuto 5). It became obvious that Ethel Rosenberg did not commit any crime or spied for the Soviet Union. She was only caught up in the accusation because her brother, David Greenglass, and her husband, Julius Rosenberg, were both spies in the past. The FBI saw her as a useful â€Å"tool† to threaten her husband also they arrested her along with him. Because of the FBI’s cruel and brainless strategy, a mother of two sons had to rot in jail and die on the electric chair. â€Å"Julius went to his death pale, shaken, but quietly. Ethels execution was to follow, and she walked calmly to the electric chair, gently kissed one of the prison matrons on the cheek, and was electrocuted. However, Ethel was not dead after the first jolt. She had to be electrocuted a second time† (Aiuto 11). According to this article, Ethel had to be electrocuted â€Å"twice† before she was killed. The irony of her second electrocution will forever remembered as a symbolism to her evident innocence. Being the first ones in American history to be executed for espionage, the Rosenbergs did not deserve the death sentence. Although they were communists living in the United States, there was no significant evidence that they were responsible for the Soviet Union’s ownership of the atomic bomb. They were unfortunate to live in the time period of anti-communism and in the country that was in war with a communist state. In political aspects, the government was only interested in using the Rosenbergs to scare the Soviets and display its strength and power. In social aspects, the media constantly reported false information and the people of America were too biased to believe that the accused communist spies deserved anything less than the death penalty. Many factors played against the trial of the Rosenbergs that led to the unfair trial of the Rosenbergs case but they will be remembered as those who were innocent victims of the Cold War’s political and social defeciency.

Investigating the Communicative Phenomena in Multi-User Dimensions :: Internet Computers Technology MUDs Essays

Investigating the Communicative Phenomena in Multi-User Dimensions CHAPTER 1: Rationale and Literature Review Magnafix says, "Have you figured out the secret entrance to Kahn Draxen's castle?" Newtrik sighs deeply. Newtrik says, "I think so, but I haven't found the stone key yet!" Magnafix grins mischievously. Magnafix gives a stone key to Newtrik. Newtrik smiles happily. Newtrik shakes hands with Magnafix. Newtrik says, "Thanks!" Magnafix grins broadly and says, "No problem..." Newtrik leaves west. Introduction Purpose The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the communicative phenomena to be found in those environments known as Internet MUDs, or Multi-User Dimensions. These text-based virtual realities are presently available to students and faculty at most learning institutions, as well as anyone with a computer and a modem. Though the term "virtual reality" has become connected for many with visions of fancy headgear and million dollar gloves, MUDs require no such hardware. They are, however, a form of virtual reality, "because they construct enduring places, objects, and user identities. These objects have characteristics that define and constrain how users can interact with them," (Holmes & Dishman, 1994, p. 6). Having been created in their most rudimentary form nearly two decades ago, the technology that supports MUD interaction is well developed and has spawned a new variety of communicative environment, one that thousands if not millions of users have found fiercely compelling. Since MUDs are generally restricted to text-based interaction (some support ANSI codes, and the graphical MUDs are gaining popularity), one might expect that the interactions therein are characterized by a lack of regulating feedback, dramaturgical weakness, few status cues, and social anonymity, as Kiesler and her colleagues have suggested (Kiesler, Siegal, & McGuire, 1984). While these characteristics may be readily attributable to the majority of interactions within experiments on computer conferencing and electronic mail, such is not the case for MUDs, as each (there are hundreds) is a rich culture unto itself, as will be shown. This thesis is meant to explore the modalities by which MUD users avoid the drawbacks mentioned above, specifically, how nonverbal communication takes place in a virtual world composed solely of words. Background History of network computing The first computer network was created in the late 1960s in an effort by the Department of Defense to link multiple command sites to one another, thus ensuring that central command could be carried on remotely, if one or several were disabled or destroyed. Once the hardware was installed, the military allowed educational institutions to take advantage of the research resources inherent in multiple site networking. This interlaced network of computer connections spread quickly, and in the early 1980's, the network was divided into MILNET, for strictly military uses, and ARPANET, which, with the advent of

Energy drink lab Essay

Questions: 1. When we say that something gives us â€Å"energy,† what does that mean? What is a biological definition of energy? When we say that something gives us â€Å"energy† it means that, that drink gave us power to get up and do things. It energizes us so we can accomplish something. The biological definition of energy is the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity. 2. What is the physiological role of each of the molecules in your table? The role of each of the molecules in my table is to 1. Which ingredients provide energy? How do they do that? Caffeine, sugars and many more provide energy by stimulating the central nervous system giving the body a sense of alertness. It can raise heart rate and blood pressure while dehydrating the body. 2. Which ingredients contribute to body repair, I.e., which help build or rebuild muscle tissue? Glucose (sugar) to provide energy quickly to the muscles. Because sugar is short-lasting, the resulting energy burst is also short-lasting. Ingredients with protein repairs, and Folic Acid, since it helps with DNA synthesis which makes protein. In our case the amino acid group help build muscle tissue in the drink Nos. 3. In what ways might the one that does not have a metabolic energy source provide the perception of increased energy after consumption? The main purpose of an energy drink is to increase stamina and physical performance. With the consumption of caffeine the person will increase performance. 4. How are the ingredients in these drinks helpful to someone expending a lot energy a runner? I believe the ingredients in these drinks are not helpful to someone expending a lot of energy because it’s not healthy and the energy that’s given off these energy drinks do not last long. Therefore it’s unreasonable to drink energy drink when you can drink water and maybe Gatorade or Powerade. 5. Does your analysis substantiate the claim that this is an â€Å"energy drink†? If so, what molecules are the sources of energy? 6. Yes the claim substantiate that Nos is an energy drink. The sources of ener gy in are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, being burned in the presence of oxygen. But the chemical reactions required to consume this energy do require water. 7. Could you drink serve different  purposes for different consumers? Explain. Nos energy drink could be used to provide energy to those who play sports and need the energy, those who need the energy because of lack of sleep, or those who simply enjoy the taste of it. 7. What is the normal physiological response to increased intake of sugars? To increased intake of caffeine? The glucose levels in the blood increase and cause and increase in insulin production with and increased amount of sugar intake. With an increase of caffeine intake the heart rate increases and cause anxiety, insomnia, and the blood vessels to expand. 8. Is there such a thing as â€Å"sugar high†? Explain your answer. No, there is no such thing as sugar high. Many people believe sugar makes people hyper but that is a myth. It is because some people are low sugar tolerant and some have a higher toleration for sugar. 9. Evaluate, in terms of basic physiology and biochemistry, the statement: A lack of sleep causes a lack of energy. Sleeping is essential for everyone and we at least need 6 hours of sleep a day to let our body rest after it has been active for many hours. One lacks energy because your body and brain did not have enough time to fuel up again so therefore one feels tired. 10. Are the product claims legitimate? Why? No, they are off because the amount of caffeine listed is much lower then what it actually has 11. Should you simply buy a can of coke rather than one of these energy drinks? Why/ why not? Yes, but then again no because coke products are honest about what the drink has in so therefore you know what you are consuming and how much but then again it can still affect your health. Coke is a better then Nos but not the healthiest choice. Assessment: Claims: Enhances mental focus High performance Fuels gamers Natural caffeine People should really think about the things they put in their bodies. Many are not aware of the risks that one put themselves in because of the products they consume. Energy drinks are an example of beverages that many  people drink but not everyone knows the risks. A lot of young adolescents enjoy drinking these type of beverages. Energy drinks have high caffeine but the product does not inform you of how much caffeine one is actually consuming. High levels of caffeine cause the heart rate to increase and it could cause death if people are not careful. The claims say that it enhances the mental focus; however the drink cause anxiety problems and insomnia. The high levels of caffeine cause these side effects and increase the consumers heart rate. The claims also state that it is high performance, which is partially true. The caffeine makes one feel wide awake and have more energy but deep down their body is forcefully being told to act that way. The Nos Energy drink tries to catch the eye of adolescents by the logos on the drinks such as â€Å"Nos fuels gamers.† The drink states that it has natural caffeine and even though it may be natural, it has 260 mg of caffeine. A girl in Missouri drank 2 Nos drinks and passed out which caused her to be hospitalized according to EnergyFiend.com. This is why consumers need to be careful when buying these types of beverages because they could end up hospitalized or possibly dead. It clear states on the can that it is only recommended for adults, but yet anyone is allowed to buy not matter what age they are which is unbelievable. Sources of Energy Amino Acids Stimulants & Vitamins Other-Please Categorize Caffeine Citric Acid Acesulfame Potassium Fructose Glucose Glucuronolactone Inisotol Pyridoxine HCL Sucralose Sucrose Aspartame (Carnitine) 1-Glutamine (B12) (B6) (Taurine) (Guarana) Cyanocobalamin Folic Acid Niacin Niacinamide Pantothenic Acid (Potassium Sorbate)- Salt of sorbic acid Water

King Philip II of Macedonia

King Phillip II of Macedon reigned as King of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon from 359 BC until he was assassinated in 336 BC. King Phillip II was a member of the Argead dynasty. He was the youngest son of King Amyntas III and Eurydice I. Both of Phillip II’s older brothers, King Alexander II and Periddiccas III, died, thus allowing Phillip II to claim the throne of King as his own. King Phillip II was the father of Phillip III and Alexander the Great. He had many wives, although the exact number is disputed. The most famous of his unions was with Olympias. Together they had Alexander the Great. Military Prowess King Phillip II is noted for his military savvy. According to ancient history professor, Donald L. Wasson:   â€Å"Although he is often only remembered for being the father of  Alexander the Great,  Philip II of Macedon (reigned 359 BCE - 336 BCE) was an accomplished king and military commander in his own right, setting the stage for his son’s victory over Darius III and the conquest of Persia. Philip inherited a weak, backward country with an ineffective, undisciplined army and molded them into a formidable, efficient military force, eventually subduing the territories around Macedonia as well as subjugating most of Greece. He used bribery, warfare, and threats to secure his kingdom. However, without his insight and determination, history would never have heard of Alexander.† King Phillips Assassination King Phillip II was assassinated in October of 33 BC at Aegae, which was the capital of Macedon. A large gathering was taking place to celebrate the marriage of Phillip II’s daughter, Cleopatra of Macedon and Alexander I of Epirus. While at the gathering, King Phillip II was killed by Pausanias of Oretis, who was one of his bodyguards. Pausanias of Oretis immediately tried to escape after murdering Phillip II. He had associates stationed directly outside of Aegae who were waiting for him to make an escape. However, he was pursued, eventually caught, and killed by other members of King Phillip II’s bodyguard crew. Alexander the Great Alexander the Great was the son of Phillip II and Olympias. Like his father, Alexander the Great was a member of the Argead dynasty. He was born in Pella in 356 BC and eventually went on to supplant his father, Phillip II, on the throne of Macedon at the young age of twenty. He followed in his father’s footsteps, basing his rule around military conquests and expansion. He focused on expansion for his empire throughout Asia and Africa. By the age of thirty, ten years after he had taken over the throne, Alexander the Great had created one of the largest empires in the entire ancient world. Alexander the Great is said to have been undefeated in battle and is remembered as one of the greatest, strongest, and most successful military generals of all time. Over the course of his reign, he founded and established many cities that were named after him, the most famous of which being Alexandria in Egypt.