Financial Market Securities - Free Essay Example

Financial Terms: Definition Role in Finance Primary Market: Primary market is the new issue market of securities. This market brings together the sources and use or supply and demand for new capital funds. The main source of fund for the primary market is the savings of individuals and businesses. In a highly developed capital market, the largest portion of the individuals saving reaches the new issue market indirectly through financial intermediaries (Bhalla, 2005). Role of primary market: In the primary market, Companies directly interact with the investors. Companies raise their new capital in the primary market through public issue and private placements. The basic instruments of raising capital through primary market are debt and equity. Sale of new securities is channeled through the primary market. Both the corporate and government can raise their capital through the issue of new securities. In the primary, market the securities may be issued at face value, premium or discount. The primary market allows the issue of securities in both domestic and international market (Pandey, 2007). Thus, primary market is the market through which the risk capital of issuing company can be circulated. There is no commitment for the interest payment in this market and payment of dividend is also not compulsory and can be paid after fulfilling all kinds of overheads. Listed shares give the benefit of the liquidity to the shareholders. In short, the primary market plays an important role for the companies. Secondary Market: The secondary market is the segment of the capital market, which deals the second hand securities, i.e. securities which are already issued by the companies and have listed in the stock-exchange. In the secondary market, the investors interact with themselves. The secondary market also includes the over- the-counter market and the derivatives market. The secondary market is also called Stock Market. The main instruments of the secondary market are equity shares, security receipts, government securities, commercial papers etc. (Pandey, 2007). Role of Secondary Market: The secondary market determines the price and risk of the issued securities. It provides useful signals to both listed companies and investors to act in the primary market. In the secondary market, the common investors have an effective base for the purchasing and selling of their securities. In the companies, the secondary market performs activities to raise their share value (Bhalla, 2005). Thus the secondary market encourages the individuals and institutions to purchase the new securities. The buyer of the financial securities gets marketability with an executable secondary market. Thus the existence of the firm secondary market raises the efficiency of the primary market (Horne, Wachowicz Bhaduri, 2008). Risk: Risk is defined as the variability of the actual return from the expected returns associated with a given asset/investment. The risk associated with the security is directly proportional to this variability. If the return from the asset is certain, there will be no risk. The risk associated with any asset or security has two components- Diversifiable and Non-diversifiable. The statistical measures of risk of an asset are Standard Deviation and Coefficient of Variation (Khan Jain, 2002). Role of Risk: The unsystematic risks are related to the specific firms such as strike and regulatory actions. These risks can be reduced through effective diversification. Whereas systematic risk arises due to the factors affecting all firms like war, political problems, inflation, etc. These risks cannot be ignored by the firms. All the risks associated with the market portfolio are systematic or unavoidable. Thus only non diversifiable risk is the applicable risk (Khan Jain, 2002). The investors in the market always prefer to invest in those securities which have highest return for a lower rate of risk or the lowest risk for a lower rate of return. Both the return and risk are measured in terms of expected value and standard deviation respectively. Investment: Investment is one of the categories of fixed assets. Investment includes all those consumptions, which are expected to produce profits to the firm over a long period of time and comprehends both intangible and tangible assets. The investment refers to investing funds in the securities of another company. Investments are long term assets outside the business of the firm. The purpose of investment is either to earn return or/and to control another company. The investment decisions come under capital budgeting of the firm (Pandey, 2007). Role of Investment: Investment opportunities are created or identified not occurs automatically. Investment ideas of most of the companies are generated at the plant level. In some countries, investment idea generation is done through a bottom-up process, while in others it is done through both-bottom up as well as top-down process. Once the investment proposals are identified they are submitted for scrutiny. Thus investment decisions are important for the firms long term growth. Investment affects the risk of the firm as it involves commitment of large amount of funds. Investments are reversible or irreversible at substantial loss. Thus investment and investment decisions are the most critical elements of a firms growth. Security: Securities which are also known as financial assets are financial tools like shares, bonds or debentures. Securities are issued to the investors by the companies in the primary capital markets to raise essential funds. The securities issued by firms are traded-bought and sold by investors in the secondary capital markets or stock exchanges. Securities include lease obligations and borrowings from banks, financial institutions and other resources. Role of Securities: References Bhalla, V. K. (2005). Investment Management Security Analysis and Portfolio Management. (12th ed.). New Delhi: S. Chand Company Ltd. Pandey, I. M. (2007). Financial Management. (9th ed.). New Delhi: Vikas Publishing Houses Private Ltd. Horne, J. C., Wachowicz, J. M. Bhaduri, S. N. (2008). Fundamentals of Financial Management. (12th ed.). New Delhi: Dorling Kindersley (India) Private Ltd. Khan, M. Y. Jain, P. K. (2002). Financial Management. (3rd ed.). New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Ltd.

Architecture Of The Taj Mahal - 1355 Words

Taj Mahal is one the greatest piece of architecture of India. This mosque-mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved resting wife Mumtaz, who died in childbirth. it is also more than a building because the Taj Mahal is the physical manifestation of a man’s everlasting love for his deceased wife, therefore, it be referred to as a symbol of eternal love. The Taj Mahal is a complex of buildings consisting of a beautiful garden, main gate, decoration, a mausoleum, mosque, and some other magnificent buildings. This architectures also carries a rich culture and vocabulary of the Islamic religion and teachings that in essence ties the Islamic believers and brings them closer to their God and values for each other. This paper†¦show more content†¦The great gate (Darwaza-i rauza) stands to the north of the entrance forecourt (jilaukhana) and provides a symbolic transition between the worldly realm of bazaars and caravanserai and the spiritual realm of the paradi se garden, mosque and the mausoleum.The red sandstone structure is surrounded by octagonal towers namely minarets topped by white marble domes on the corners. The white marble is densely used in the arches of the centre while the thin margins around the rectangular panels of the corner towers are only lined. The top of the arches is ornamented with floral patterns. The main entrance is framed in rectangular with sura 89 of the Qur’an, namely al-Fajr (daybreak) inviting the believers into the Paradise. The Gate does not have an outer dome. The miniature eleven domes (cupolas) between the two high columns namely guldastas, framing the entrance from the base are the topping features above the entrance. The central vault inside the gate is ornamented with stars and partial stars. Taj Mahal is a perfect symmetrical design, a beautiful white appearance can be regarded as a pearl. In Islamic architecture, the whole building was decorated, but in India such gaudy decorations were mod est, becoming somewhat sour. Especially in Taj Mahal, the decoration became less conspicuous because it became ascetic. For decoration, a thin line of arabesque pattern and Islamic calligraphy are used and decorated with calligraphy calligraphy patterns such asShow MoreRelatedThe Taj Mahal Essay1371 Words   |  6 Pagessame time entirely decorative (Taj Mahal, 2008).Keyserling went on to say, â€Å"It is perhaps the greatest art work which the forming spirit of mankind has ever brought forth (Taj Mahal, 2008). An American novelist, Bayard Taylor referred to this structure as a castle in the air (Taj Mahal, 2008). Constructed as a tomb for the emperor’s deceased wife, the Taj Mahal stands as one of the greatest manmade creations in the history of the world. The travel website, Taj Mahal, illustrates the origins ofRead MoreThe Taj Mahal Essay994 Words   |  4 PagesThe Taj Mahal The Taj Mahal is a complex of astonishing visualization. People from all walks of life have a fascination with the Taj Mahal. No matter what nationality, preference of religion or lifestyle, people will be mesmerized by this breath taking complex. (Ahmed A. 1993). Scholars, Scientist Geologist, Historians, Poets, photographers, and painters all elaborated in discussion and contributed their opinions pertaining to this wonder of the world. Studies also have been conducted by geologistRead MoreAnalysis Of Taj Mahal1640 Words   |  7 PagesAnalyzing the Dome: An Essential Research Analysis of the Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal, worked by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to celebrate the passing of his better half Mumtaz Mahal, is thought to be a wonder of Mughal development. While the structure has been considered in incredible detail from an architectural point of view, restricted examinations have been directed regarding its auxiliary security. Moreover, next to no data exists as to how the building, particularly its unmistakable dome, wasRead MoreThe Importance and Influence of Architecture in the World of Humanities933 Words   |  4 Pagesof humanities. Taj Mahal is located in Agra, India where it lies in Northern Indian by the river of Jumna. The Taj Mahal was made by Shah Jahan for his wife who he had lost in 1631 due to giving birth to his fourteenth child. Before she died, she wished her husband to, â€Å"not to marry again and to prove their endless love by building a dreamlike beautiful mausoleum† (â€Å"Taj Mahal†). The Muslim army commander and Mogul Emperor kept his promise to his beautiful wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and made this beautifulRead MoreThe Taj Mahal : A Tale Of A Romantic Love Story Behind It Essay1443 Words   |  6 PagesTaj Mahal The Taj Mahal is known largely as one of the most famous and beloved structures in India with a tale of a romantic love story behind it. The magnificent structure is located in Agra, India along the bank of the Yamuna River. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal in 1632 for his beloved late wife Mumtaz Mahal meaning â€Å" Beloved Ornament of the palace† (TajMahal). Mumtaz also known as Arjumand Banu Begum Was born in April 1593 to Abdul Hasan Asaf Khan, her father who was a PersianRead MoreMughal Architecture : The Unmistakable Indo Islamic Building Style Essay1056 Words   |  5 Pages Mughal architecture ï  ¶ Introduction: Mughal design is the unmistakable Indo-Islamic building style that created in northern and focal India under the support of Mughal sovereigns from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century. It is a strikingly symmetrical and enriching amalgam of Persian, Turkish, and Indian engineering. The Mughals were additionally prestigious for making choice gardens in the Persian format, in which the quadrilateral greenery enclosures were separated by walkways or streamingRead More Personal Narrative: My Visit to Agra and the Taj Mahal Essay1190 Words   |  5 PagesTaj Mahal Out of many places I visited all around the world, the place I like the most is the beautiful city of Agra. It’s a quite town located on the North of India. When we talk about Agra one image that comes in mind is Taj Mahal. Yes one of the seven wonders is here. Agra is full of architectural monuments. And I also visited Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and Buland Darwazaand. Food was not really good. Besides Taj Mahal, Agra is famous for handicrafts, leather and fine arts. It was fun shoppingRead MoreShah Jahan and His Architectural Contribution to India5907 Words   |  24 PagesContents Introduction 3 Chapter 1 7 Taj Mahal: Shah Jahan’s symbolism of his eternal love 7 1.1 Who Built It? 9 1.2 Features 10 1.3 The Judgment Day 11 1.4 Conclusion 12 Chapter 2 13 Shah Jahan and his Empire 13 2.1 Religious Changes 14 2.2 Political Changes 15 Conclusion 17 Bibliography 18 Introduction Shahanshah Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Shah Jahan I, Shah Jahan was the 5th emperor of the Mughal Empire after  Babur,  Humayun,  Akbar, and  Jahangir. He reigned from 8th November 1627 to 2ndRead MoreEssay On Taj Mahal1771 Words   |  8 PagesThe Taj Mahal Taj Mahal, a marvelous white marbled mahal, symbolizes the beauty of love, and misery, is one of the seven wonders of the world. Taj Mahal was built during the Mughal Period when Mughals (Muslims) from Persia, Afghanistan, and many parts of middle east conquered India. It was built by fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who ruled India during the early 17th century. He constructed the divine Taj in the memory of his begum (wife) Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal was a Persian Muslim Princess,Read MoreThe Taj Mahal or The Golden Temple820 Words   |  3 PagesTABLE OF CONTENTS Painted Art 1 History 1 Murals and Miniatures 1 Folk and Tribal Art 1 Religious Art 1 Christian Art 1 Buddhist Art 2 Islamic Art 2 Architectural Art 2 Taj Mahal 2 The Golden Temple 2 Humayun’s Tomb 2 Festivals 3 Dance 3 Theater 3 Music 3 India has some of the world’s greatest arts. For example the Taj Mahal, the Golden Temple, and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. In India, art is expressed in many different forms. India has one of the world’s largest collections of songs, music

Kashmir Issue - 1534 Words

I remember when I used to leave my home for school early in the morning my mom used to instruct me not to speak with the cops and when I used to return home safely in the evening she used to treat me as if I had returned after a decade. Today nobody knows whether their near dear ones will return home by the dusk. That’s the fear that the people of Kashmir are living with. Freedom, for Kashmir, is a search for the lost identity of its rich cultural religious class of medieval world. The issue of Kashmir is not as ordinary as most of the people in India think. People of Kashmir are dying dying for the future of their unborn. I just want to convey to the outer world the citizens of India that the common man in Kashmir is not a†¦show more content†¦Britishers gave independence to India without thinking that they have ruled India for Decades. Why cannot India give Independence to Kashmir so that thousands of lives could be saved? Indian Govt. has been claiming for years that Kashmir is their integral part cares for its own people. Now the question is why the politicians are interested in ripping the article 370 from Kashmir why innocent people are being killed on a daily basis- as if they have any sales target (KILLING PEOPLE) to achieve per day or month? Govt. agencies are trying to destabilize the economy of Kashmir and shatter the only hope Kashmiris have. The entire world is of the opinion today that the best solution to the problem of Kashmir is to allow them to make their own choice. Why not Referendum? Trust me they have only two choices, either INDIA or INDEPENDENT KASHMIR. The problem arose from the day the British through its East India Company wanted to establish its rule over India for which in order to improve its economy sold Kashmir for a meager Rs.75 lacks to then Dogra Ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh under Amritsar Treaty. This led to â€Å"QUIT KASHMIR† movement for a long period. During the course of time, India Pakistan got liberated from the British in 1947. However, 642 princely states of United India were given the right to exercise option of either joining India or Pakistan. On 26th October, 1947 the state of Jammu and Kashmir was accessioned to India and this accession of the state ofShow MoreRelatedKashmir Issue2031 Words   |  9 Pagesside sticks to its claims over Kashmir, the Kashmiri Muslims continue to pay a heavy price for their defiant struggle against overwhelming odds in order to exercise their right of self determination. For more than half a century the Kashmiris are oscillating between uncertainty and destitution. They continue to suffer misery and repression under illegal Indian occupation, and despite a stream of strong words and resolutions passed by the Security Council the Kashmir issue is still a bone o f contentionRead MoreSpeech on Kashmir Issue2152 Words   |  9 PagesJAMMU amp; KASHMIR DISPUTE Honourable Course Director, Respected Deputy Course Director and Dear Colleagues Assalam-o-Alaikum My topic of speech is Kashmir Issue. Today, There are many issues which are threats to World peace the The Kashmir dispute is the oldest, unresolved, international dispute in the world today. Pakistan considers Kashmir as its core political dispute with India. The exchange of fire between their forces across the Line of Control, which separates Azad Kashmir from OccupiedRead MoreKashmir Issue and Mediation Essay3467 Words   |  14 PagesKashmir Issue and Mediation The record of the international mediation (Third Party role), or meditative interventions in regard to the Kashmir dispute is clearly mixed: These interventions achieved both some successes and some failures. Among the successes were the cease-fire and truce agreements, arranged by UNCIP in 1948 and 1949.The cease-fire agreement did not hold for long, and peacekeeping operation that emerged from it failed in large measure to keep the peaceRead MoreIndia s Issue Of Kashmir1558 Words   |  7 Pagesthinks that Kashmir is not the issue for an international concern and India does not consider UN’s take on any political action over Kashmir. India’s apprehension of Kashmir is reasonable somehow because India has fought three times with Pakistan regarding Kashmir’s issue. On the contrary, resolution does not come through military action. According to India, if India is ready to establish Kashmir as a democratic province with all the privileges of an autonomous, there is no guarantee to Kashmir will beRead MoreThe Kashmir Issue Bedeviling India And Pakistan856 Words   |  4 Pagesmakes some truths universal? Also, how does this truth triangle apply to the Kashmir issue bedeviling India and Pakistan? For starters, Pakistan’s â€Å"truth† on Kashmir is absolutely majoritarian. The â€Å"Dushman Hindustan† (Nemesis India) narrative is the national gospel and any political rhetoric wrapped around the â€Å"Kashmir banega Pakistan† (Pakistan will conquer Kashmir) chant preaches to packed crowds. I have no issues with this overblown patriotism. It is imperative for an artificial nation stateRead MoreThe War in Kashmir a Religious Conflict? Essay1687 Words   |  7 Pages Kashmir is conflict territory after the partition of India and Pakistan. Conflict is not only between India and Pakistan but also India and the religious militants. Religious Militants are conducting a jihad to govern by the religious law. Historically, Kashmir included Sufis Muslim not orthodox Muslim. Numerous international events had influenced in the growth of Islamic fundamentalism in Kashmir. Jihad is not originally from Kashmir but they are foreign militancy bought duringRead More Pakistan Essay861 Words   |  4 Pagesremittance of profits/dividends and maintenance of foreign currency accounts (www.mofa.com). Now because of this, various cities in Pakistan have developed stock exchanges with major corporations in the U.S. Security in Pakistan has been a major issue since the origins of the country and its controversial creation. The overriding objective of Pakistans foreign policy is the safe guarding of its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. This is underpinned by its firm adherence to immutableRead MoreThe Growth And Poverty Improvement Of A Country Essay1539 Words   |  7 Pagesno Bank branches, opening of no frills account. In 2006 another committee gave recommendations under the leadership of Dr. C. Rangarajan (popularly known as Rangarajan Committee - 2008) this commeitte was made by the Govt. of india to find out the issues of financial exclusion. The Committee recognised that the developments in the technology and increasingly sophisticated customer segmentation technology have led to limited access to financial services for several groups. This partition has increasedRead MoreThe Struggle Over Kashmir, By Mohandas Gandhi1096 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction The name Kashmir has become synonymous with slaying, destruction and religious massacre in South Asia. Ever since the partition of India in 1947, when Britain dismantled its Indian empire, India and Pakistan have been archrivals. What makes this conflict interesting, conversely, is how much they hate one another. The hostility between these two has been rooted not only in religion and history, but is exemplified by the long-running battle over the control of Jammu and Kashmir. Which has recentlyRead MoreThe Kargil War : A Conflict Between India And Pakistan1536 Words   |  7 Pagesand Srinagar, and to interrupt NH-1A. All these were meant to set the stage for attacking the valley through military and terrorist actions with the main objective of executing their main agenda dubbed ‘Op Topac’ – which was to gain control over Kashmir valley. As discussed by Raghavan Shorey (2002), the Pakistani troops could not approach the valley directly by taking the routes through either Kupwara or Baramulla because of the presence of heavy snow and Indian troops. Therefore, the country’s

Euthanasia4 Essay Example For Students

Euthanasia4 Essay Euthanasia has become an issue of increasing attention because of Dr. Jack Kevorkians assisted suicides. Dr. Jack Kevorkian, an U.S. physician, has injected physician-assisted euthanasia sharply into the agenda of public issues widely discussed in the United States. His activities have brought with them several moral, ethical and legal concerns regarding this controversial topic. Who has the right to choose death, and under what circumstances? What responsibility does a physician have to sustain life when witnessing a patient suffering? What role should law play in this personal matter, and who should have the authority to control individual wishes regarding his or her own body? Euthanasia should be legalized so, if we ever have a loved one that is suffering and death is certain, that we have the choice to ease their pain. With the passing of this law that most people would be against the right-to-die, not so. In a poll cited in a 1998 issue of USA Today, eighty percent of Americans think sometimes there are circumstances when a patient should be allowed to die, compared to only fifteen percent think doctors and nurses should always do everything possible to save a persons life. It also showed that eight in ten adults approve of state laws that allow medical care for the terminally ill to be removed or withheld, if that is what the patient wishes, whereas only thirteen percent disapproved of the laws. Also seventy percent think th4e family should be allowed to make the decision about treatment on behalf of the patient, while another five percent think this is suitable only in some cases (Colasnto 62). Seventy percent think it is justified at least sometimes for a person to kill his or her spouse, if he or she is suffering terrible pain caused by a terminal illness. About half the public think a oral right to suicide exists if a person has an incurable disease or is suffering great pain with no hope of recovering (Colasnto 63). And about half of those with living parents think their mothers and fathers would want medical treatment stopped if they were suffering a great deal of pain in a terminal disease. Or if they became totally dependent on a family member, then forty percent of their parents would want medical treatment stopped if daily activities became a burden (Colasnto 63). Each viewpoint is supported by many reasons. Those who oppose euthanasia argue that the medical profession must always be on the side of preserving life (Schofield 24). Another reason is euthanasia will lead to the devaluation of life (Low 37). Also they think it will force doctors and family members to j udge the value of a patients life. Critics also say that acceptance will spread from the terminally ill to the less serious ill, the handicapped, or the mentally retarded (Russ 117). A person has the right to die with dignity. People should be allowed to control their own deaths. Why should a patient be forced to live if they think their present standard of life has degenerated to the point of meaningless, when doctors can no longer help, and perhaps the pain has become unbearable? At this point, they should have the choice to continue on or to peacefully die, even if they need assistance in doing so (Larue 153). The doctor should be allowed to decide if the patient has reached the point of only getting worse and in considerable pain. In any of these situations a doctor should be at least an advisor, they are the ones with the medical knowledge, and know the present condition of the patient and the alternatives. In any humane or humanistic view of what is good, it is morally wrong t o compel hopelessly suffering or irreversible debilitated patients to stay alive when death is freely elected (Larue 151). .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6 , .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6 .postImageUrl , .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6 , .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6:hover , .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6:visited , .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6:active { border:0!important; } .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6:active , .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6 .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u7472723f368d4cca6ed8615fe0cb9de6:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Electroplating EssayIn some cases, like terminal illness, death is often better than dyeing, mainly due to the way that the person will die. They may have to go thorough a long period of pain and suffering. Ask yourself which you would choose, early or prolonged death (Larue 153). Even if you do not think that you would end your life or anothers life should personal views decide that it is not the right thing for another to do. Does any person have the right to control the choices of others? Not all the should everything be done to preserve a life. The advances of technology have disturbed the natural balance of life and death. No longer does a person die when they are sup posed to; life-support now prevents that. Opponents say doctors should not play God by killing patients, but do they realize that by prolonging death the medical profession is doing exactly that? Christian Barnard, at the World Euthanasia Conference, was quoted as saying, I believe often that death is good medical treatment because it can achieve what all the medical advances and technology cant achieve today. And that is stop the suffering of the patient (Battin 21)A different version of the same argument is, doctors are not always responsible to do everything they can to save somebody. If a doctors duty is to ease the pain of his patients, then why should this exclude the possibility of letting them die? If a patient has a termianl illness and is in great pain and the patient thinks they would rather die now than continue living with the pain, the doctor should be allowed to help. What about a person who is in a vegetative state for a prolonged period of time with no hope of recov ery, should the doctor do everything? Howard Caplan gives an example of this;I have on my census a man in his early 40s, left an aphasic triplegic by a motorcycle accident when he was 19. For nearly a quarter of a century, while most of us were working, raising children, reading, and otherwise going about our lives, hes been vegetating. His biographical life ended with the crash. He can only articulate only make sounds to convey that hes hungry or wet. If he were to become acutely ill, I would prefer not to try saving him. Id want to let pneumonia end it for him (Battin 92). Opponents also claim that euthanasia is against God, therefore it is unethical. Yet passive euthanasia, or refraining from doing anything to keep the patient alive, has been in practice since four centuries before Christ; and in the centuries that followed neither the Christians nor the Jews significantly changed this basic idea. It was killing they were opposed to. Also in 1958 Pope Pius XII emphasized that we may allow the patient who is virtually already dead to pass away in peace (Rachels 43). How can anybody say mercy is against God? But God would want people to die in peace and without pain. If anything is against God, then it is trying to live longer than God had intended people to. The United States was founded because people wanted to be free. Americans have fought for freedom ever since. If euthanasia is made illegal, it will take away one of the founding freedoms, the freedom of choice, the freedom for a person to choose a death with dignity and free of pain and suffering for themselves and their families. As Seneca quoted in Bolander writes, A punishment to some, to some a gift, and to many a favor (Bolander 24). Bibliography: