Surviving on Green Energy Essay Example for Free

Surviving on Green Energy Essay The relationship of humans and fossil fuels can be viewed as a strong and binding one that can only end when another party ceases to exist. The humans have settled and have been depending heavily on fossil fuels, and unfortunately, fossil fuels do not seem to reciprocate the feeling. Fossil fuels, unlike humans, will cease to exist soon, and this departure is slowly but surely felt as gas prices are skyrocketing high in the oil market. Our dependence on fossil fuels is greatly evidenced by the technologies that we have developed that require the products of fossil fuels for them to operate. The transportation, machinery, and appliances are just a couple of the technology that we have made to make our lives easier and to make communication available all through out the world; fossil fuels make their existence possible. However, the existence of these technologies was under the premise that their energy sources are unlimited. Regrettably, fossil fuels are not renewable sources of energy, and it is only a matter of time before we feel the real consequence of their limits. Hence, it is important that we get to find alternative sources of energy that are renewable and whose availability is unlimited, like solar power, geothermal energy, wind energy, hydropower, and biomass. Surviving on green energy or alternative energy sources is not only safe for the environment, but is also cheap and available for a very long time. Nonrenewable sources of energy are those sources that cannot be reused and can be depleted, such as fossil fuels and examples of this are oil, natural gas, and coal (Chapter 8: Fossil Fuels Coal, Oil and Natural Gas). They are called fossil fuels because according to research, they were formed from creatures like planktons, or diatoms whose bodies were preserved through heavy sedimentation with their energies intact (Chapter 8: Fossil Fuels Coal, Oil and Natural Gas). The dependence of humans on fossil fuels can be seen on the American’s daily consumption of one of its forms, oil. Oil is a basic commodity for those who own cars, boats, planes, and any other mode of transportation, to those whose businesses depend on it as a raw material, among many others. According to the Petroleum Basic Statistics website, the United States of America consumes an average of 20,680,000 barrels of oil everyday (Petroleum Basic Statistics). This shows how much dependent this country is to nonrenewable energy, and hence should soon find a different means for energy source before fossil fuels become depleted. The combination of the heavy consumption of oil, the soaring prices of oil in the world market, and the limited sources of this commodity prompted some prominent political figures to suggest the lifting of the ban on offshore drilling. This is because they offer offshore drilling as an answer to the high prices and the limited sources of fossil fuels. However, offshore drilling poses a lot of threat not only to the environment, but also to the current monetary condition of the country. First of all, offshore drilling is harmful to the environment on a number of reasonable accounts. The creation of oil rigs in the ocean will entail excavating the earth and in the process will disturb the natural habitat of the sea creatures because of the erosion, kelp bed, coastal, and reef damage (The Case against Offshore Oil). The technology being used in detecting oil deposits is a seismic tester that releases sound waves with 260 decibel levels, enough to cause brain hemorrhaging, disorientation, and beaching in dolphins and whales (Offshore Drilling – It’s NOT the Answer to High Gas Prices at the Pump). Oil isn’t the only element that is released in the process, mercury, lead, and other radioactive material are also released (Offshore Drilling – It’s NOT the Answer to High Gas Prices at the Pump). The threat of oil spills in these oil rigs is also perilous to the wellbeing of the sea creatures for it can cause reproductive troubles (The Case against Offshore Oil). If truth be told, if oil spills do occur, which is always possible, the event have the most terrible, destructive effect on the environment. When gobbled up by animals, oil can cause death and other severe physiologic effects (The Effects of Oil on Wildlife). The environmental havoc does not stop there. The pollution that the machines contribute to the environment during their operation is also significantly dangerous. However, in spite of all of the qualms made by the environmentalists, the government would not give in. This is also why there have been independent people who have started their own endeavors in the area of researching about decreasing energy consumption and creating and using alternative sources of energy. Energy conservation is an available option to all people who would want to help in the campaign towards decreasing the imminent depletion of fossil fuels. Various suggestions are shared by environmentalists on the internet pertaining to cutting back energy consumption. People are told to purchase technology that are more environment friendly, walk instead of drive, or simply turning off appliances that are not in use. Remodeling houses with glass walls to let the sunlight in during the day is a great way to decrease light consumption. However, these tips cannot account for the long term problem. Even if we are able to slow down the forthcoming depletion of nonrenewable energy sources, it would still be a futile attempt to give energy to the next generations to come. Assortments of solutions are being put forward by scientists and environmentalists today. One suggested idea that could be plausible as an answer to the energy crisis is to tap into renewable energy sources or alternative energy sources (Offshore Drilling – It’s NOT the Answer to High Gas Prices at the Pump). Geothermal energy, wind energy, solar energy, Biomass and hydropower are the five most developed renewable energy sources that are available (Renewable Energy). Heat released from the earth is being utilized as geothermal energy by direct use, geothermal heat pumps and electricity (Geothermal Energy). Basically, geothermal energy is the heat that is being released from the hot springs, geysers, among many others. The nice thing about the usage of geothermal energy as a renewable energy source is that it little impact on the environment pollution-wise and because most of the geysers have been turned into parks, they are protected by the constitution (Geothermal Energy Energy from the Earths Core). The only disadvantage geothermal energy has is that it only emits little, so it can only supply at a limited amount each time (Geothermal Energy Energy from the Earths Core). From heat being released by the earth, the next green energy available for use is wind power. Wind is everywhere; it never runs out, it is the oldest energy source of all as evidenced by the popular windmills being used a hundred years ago. We can see a lot of windmills and wind turbines across the country, and there are even wind farms being put up because of the great energy contribution wind is capable of (Chapter 16: Wind Energy). With great advantage to us, wind power is already used in lighting homes in California. On the other hand, a disadvantage of using wind power is its known disturbance in the migratory patterns of birds (Wind Energy Energy from Moving Air). It could affect their directions and their natural habitats. But nevertheless, wind power is pretty much useful. From wind we go to another object found in the sky, the sun. Solar energy is energy produced by the sun, and can be transformed into usable energy by way of solar cells and solar power plants (Solar Energy Energy from the Sun). The only problem with solar energy is also the only reason it gives us energy, the sun. Since the sun is not consistently shining above us, hence nighttime, we cannot maximize its use for the whole day. Plus, weather changes occur every now and then, which can also alter the effect of solar energy throughout its use (Solar Energy Energy from the Sun). Other than weather disturbances that are naturally occurring, solar energy does not interfere with the environment in any possible way. From the shining sunlight we proceed to natural, physiological waste, Biomass. Biomass is mostly made up of biological material derived from living or recently living organisms (What is BIOMASS? ). Virgin wood, food waste, energy crops, industrial waste, and agricultural residues are the raw materials being used for producing Biomass (What is BIOMASS? ). This is also an excellent green energy alternative source because the raw materials needed to produce this energy can be found anywhere and everywhere. It utilizes waste products, hence, less trash and pollution. Its use can lower down carbon dioxide emissions, provide 15% of the demands of electricity in 2020 in industrialized countries, and can give 400,000 jobs (Biomass Energy). And like any other source of energy, Biomass has its own disadvantage. Utilizing Biomass entails the allocation of land for its production centers. And if this means more plantation of Biomass for its usage, more land will be used up instead of allocating this land for food production (Global Limits of Biomass Energy). Last but certainly not the least is hydropower or water energy. Hydropower seizes the energy of falling water and transforms it into electricity (How Hydropower Works). However, conditions have to be met for this energy transformation to take place. The height of the waterfalls and the quantity of water that is falling is to be taken into account (How Hydropower Works). The water falls should be high enough and it should be releasing a certain amount of water for it to produce enough energy (How Hydropower Works). It seems that of all the five green energy sources, hydropower is the only one that does not offer a disadvantage, which is why it is mostly utilized today. Fortunately, most waterfalls around the world are so named, because of their height and the amount of water that falls, so there can be no problem with that except of course in dessert countries. But it does not mean that hydropower should be the only one that can be invested in. Right now, as this is being read, there are numerous scientists and environmentalists who are keeping their hands full with research and experimentation on how to find renewable energy sources. They are the ones that we should idolize and look up to, because these people do not want just a quick fix to a lifelong problem, they want change. And we all know that change is inevitable and that we should always be ready for it when it comes. Our lives have been dependent on technology, mankind’s answer to making life easier and faster, maximizing time on earth to its full potential. Our dependence on it is making our environment suffer. Maybe it is not yet too late to make the change and go green, go environmental. It doesn’t really mean requiring oneself to go caveman and abandon the city and retreat to the forests. It just means that even in our own little way we can contribute to the solution, instead of contributing to the problem. We all know it’s a jungle out there, and some of us are not equipped to embrace change especially once fossil fuels really run dry. Maybe, as early as now, we should embrace these changes and practice our energy saving methods, and soon enough, we can all survive on green energy. Works Cited: BIOMASS, What is BIOMASS? Biomass Energy Centre. 2008. UK Forestry Commission. 9 December 2008 http://www. biomassenergycentre. org. uk/portal/page? _pageid=76,15049_dad=portal_schema=PORTAL. California Energy Commission, Chapter 16: Wind Energy. Energy Story. California Energy Commission. 9 December 2008 http://www. energyquest. ca. gov/story/chapter16. html. Carnegie Institution of Science. Global Limits Of Biomass Energy. 14 June 2008. ScienceDaily. 9 December 2008 http://www. sciencedaily. com ¬ /releases/2008/06/080611181214. htm. â€Å"The Case against Offshore Oil. † 2002. Rainforest Action Network. 9 December 2008 http://www. culturechange. org/caoe. html. â€Å"Chapter 8: Fossil Fuels Coal, Oil and Natural Gas. † 2006. California Energy Commission. 9 December 2008 http://www. energyquest. ca. gov/story/chapter08. html. â€Å"The Effects of Oil on Wildlife. † 2003. Marine Environment Protection. 9 December 2008 http://www. amsa. gov. au/marine_environment_protection/educational_resources_and_information/teachers/the_effects_of_oil_on_wildlife. asp. Energy Information Administration, Geothermal Energy Energy from the Earths Core. Energy Kids Page. 2008. Energy Information Administration. 9 December 2008 http://www. eia. doe. gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/geothermal. html. Energy Information Administration, Renewable Energy. Energy Kids Page. 2008. Energy Information Administration. 9 December 2008 http://www. eia. doe. gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/renewable. html. Energy Information Administration, Solar Energy Energy from the Sun. Energy Kids Page. 2007. Energy Information Administration. 9 December 2008 http://www. eia. doe. gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/solar. html. Energy Information Administration, Wind Energy Energy from Moving Air. Energy Kids Page. 2008. Energy Information Administration. 9 December 2008 http://www. eia. doe. gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/wind. html. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Geothermal Energy. Ren

Othello †Racism Expressed in Words Essay -- Othello essays

Othello –   Racism Expressed in Words  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   The Bard of Avon’s tragic play Othello expresses racism; there is no doubt about this among most critics. However, to what degree – to a vulgar extent? Or to an excusable level?    In her book, Everybody’s Shakespeare: Reflections Chiefly on the Tragedies, Maynard Mack comments on the audience’s reaction to the black-white union in the play:    That a beautiful Venetian girl should fall in love with â€Å"a veritable negro† seemed to many implausible, in fact â€Å"monstrous.† The words are Coleridge’s, but the sentiment was widely shared and, on the nineteenth-century stage, was increasingly taken into account by â€Å"orientalizing† the hero, making him appear to be what one of the century’s best-known actor-directors declared he emphatically was: â€Å"not a negro† but â€Å"a stately Arab.† (129)    In the opening scene, while Iago is expressing his dislike, or rather hatred, for Othello for his having chosen Michael Cassio for the lieutenancy, he contrives a plan to partially avenge himself (â€Å"I follow him to serve my turn upon him†), with Roderigo’s assistance, by alerting Desdemona’s father, Brabantio, to the fact of his daughter’s elopement with Othello. Roderigo shares Iago’s prejudiced attitude toward Othello: â€Å"What a full fortune does the thicklips owe / If he can carry't thus!† The word thicklips is a disparaging reference to a facial characteristic of many members of the black race. David Bevington in William Shakespeare: Four Tragedies describes how racism is obvious from the very outset of the play:    Othello is unquestionably a black man, referred to disparagingly by his detractors as the â€Å"thick-lips,† with a â€Å"sooty bosom† (1.1.68; 1.2.71); Elizabethan usage ap... ...rsity. 1996. http://www.eiu.edu/~multilit/studyabroad/othello/othello_all.html No line nos.    Wayne, Valerie. â€Å"Historical Differences: Misogyny and Othello.† The Matter of Difference: Materialist Feminist Criticism of Shakespeare. Ed Valerie Wayne. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1991.    Witt, Mary Ann Frese, et al., eds. â€Å"Black and White Symbols in Othello.† The Humanities: Cultural Roots and Continuities. Vol.1. Lexington, MA: D.C. Heath, 1985. Rpt. in Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1996.    Wright, Louis B. and Virginia A. LaMar. â€Å"The Engaging Qualities of Othello.† Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1996. Reprint from Introduction to The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare. N. p.: Simon and Schuster, Inc., 1957.      

Impact And Strength Of Communication In An Organization Education Essay

Initially in 1984 a young person larning Centre was established in Greymouth under the administrative control of the Nelson Polytechnic to supply ACCESS classs on the West Coast. In 1987 the young person larning Centre was upgraded to a senior proficient division of the Greymouth High School and began to supply some mainstream programmes. Finally, in October 1989, Polytechnic was gazetted and began a period of rapid growing with associated development of its ain individuality and installations. This development culminated in the gap of the current cardinal campus in Tainui Street, Greymouth in May 1991. This campus provides the degree of installations that could be expected in a third establishment, and at that place has been considerable committedness to its hereafter with the building of to the full equipped music studio, kitchen, and eating house, automotive and edifice workshops. During 1990 six mainstream programmes were offered. Provision was expanded to 10 programmes in 1991, 13 in 1992 and 15 in 1993. Tai Poutini Polytechnic ‘s growing and development continued with 18 in 1995 and for the first clip two twelvemonth programmes were offered. In 2002, 28 mainstream programmes were offered. In footings of pupil Numberss, Ministry of Education EFTS has increased from 143 in 1991 to 2700 in 2003. In 1995, Tai Poutini Polytechnic opened a campus in downtown Auckland for music and audio technology programmes. In 1998 Tai Poutini Polytechnic council endorsed the name of the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand ( MAINZ ) , a division of Tai Poutini Polytechnic which refers to our music and audio technology programmes. In 2001 a determination was made to open a MAINZ campus in Christchurch and in February 2002 an extended recording studio and schoolroom installation in cardinal Christchurch, commenced offering programmes. In 2003 a Reefton campus was established with immediate end of supplying preparation in civil building, heavy works operation and the excavation industry. 2004 and 2005saw the gap of extra orbiter campuses on the West Coast, in Hokitika and Westport, both of which are strongly focused on run intoing the demands of their local communities. Tai Poutini Polytechnic is committed to offering a broad scope of vocational programmes and niche programmes, particularly in the pre-employment and foundation country, but besides up to National Framework degree seven in some of our countries forte. Most pupils go on to farther survey at another establishment or to employment. The West Coast has one of the highest degrees of unemployment in the state. Coupled with a really low general degree of instruction in the part. Tai Poutini Polytechnic has besides pursued national accreditation for its programmes and faculties, and has successfully gained local and National Qualifications Framework accreditation for virtually all mainstream programmes.Business DemographicsIn order to do an effectual communications amongst their 10 subdivisions a broad scope of communicating accomplishments is being used amongst Tai Poutini Polytechnic. They use e-mails to chew the fat about their advancement or to any work related issues. This medium is really effectual in communicating. Another preferable method is through phone calls and texting. This medium of communicating is used when straight speaking to anyone with a really of import vision or to do people cognize about something by a text message. Courier packs is another manner of communications. This method is normally used to reassign paperss from one subdivision to another. This chiefly consists of heavy packages. Internet picture conferencing is used when all of a sudden any of import issues arises and people need to speak face to confront so this medium of communicating is used by Tai Poutini Polytechnic staffs. Conference class face to face. This is another really of import manner of communicating used by Tai Poutini Polytechnic staffs. This medium requires renting of airplane services to be at a really of import scene or meetings, which is conducted all of a sudden. Organizational GoalsThe organisational end of Tai Poutini Polytechnic is to back up pupils and staffs to work, larn, learn, develop and accomplish together in a positive, culturally inclusive environment. Tai Poutini Polytechnic will supply an authorising acquisition environment for the pupils to enable them to derive vocational instruction and applied accomplishments through a portfolio of programmes that are delivered locally and nationally in an efficient and effectual manner. Tai Poutini Polytechnic ‘s function is to: deliver vocational instruction that provides accomplishments for employment assist patterned advance to higher degrees of acquisition or work through foundation instruction undertake applied research as appropriate that supports vocational acquisition and engineering transportation Tai Poutini Polytechnic: believe all people have the right to the highest quality service based on honestness, gratitude, and listening in a non-judgmental environment believe in the power of instruction will transport out their responsibilities with the highest unity are passionate about offering pupils choice instruction strive to supply scholars with the cognition they need to accomplish their ends and dreams supply the best possible service without fright or bias for all peopleOrganizational Culture and Ethical motivesTai Poutini Polytechnic will be widely recognized for its alone topographic point in the national web of third proviso through its ability to react to learner demand by supplying high quality, relevant, cost effectual and advanced applied vocational instruction delivered through collaborative partnerships with our communities, other instruction organisations, industry organisations and other stakeholders. Tai Poutini Polytechnic will supply high quality and relevant applied and vocational instruction to heighten our scholars ‘ hereafters to enable them to lend to the West Coast ‘s and New Zealand ‘s economic and societal development. Tai Poutini Polytechnic believes: instruction is a right in a focal point on the pupil the rules of the Treaty of Waitangi underpin what we do and how we do we are antiphonal to the demands of our stakeholders our Polytechnic is our people in a dedication to service in a spirit of regard Ongoing communicating with: Clients: pupil and buying agents ( MoE, ITOs, Skill NZ, private contractors ) and Stakeholders. Development and application of appropriate policies and processs in the Fieldss of: Fiscal direction Operational direction Human Resources Coverage demands Resource planning Academic direction Management of all pupil -related affairsManagement of Knowledge resourcesTai Poutini Polytechnic ensures that cognition is shared within the organisation by: extended preparation programmes through refresher classs through hebdomadal intelligence letters every Monday about what is go oning in each section in the state. a sum-up of cross referencing is included. This shows the relationship between accreditation standards and Tai Poutini Polytechnic. braces of tabular arraies are so given to provide information on how Tai Poutini Polytechnic meets accreditation standard and sub-criterion. statements on Purpose, Procedures, Evidence, Responsibility, Implementation and last reappraisal grounds in the system in usage by Tai Poutini Polytechnic including: mentions to points of grounds such as completed signifiers, programs, memos, proceedingss, correspondence, studies etc internal mention Numberss for points of grounds descriptions and remarks associating to the points, typically depicting their intent and beginning. Where grounds is non available for the programme in inquiry ( e.g. because the programme is under development ) it is sourced from similar countries of proviso within the board of directors. Locations of affiliated points of grounds. Most points are filed under appendix 3 and grouped in pockets associating to the lowest-numbered accreditation standards e.g. the pupils Information book contains grounds for standards 4,5,7, and 8, and is filed under Appendix 3 in the pocket incorporating grounds for standard 4.Group DynamicsTai Poutini Polytechnic strongly believes in effectual communicating for squad support and handling of struggle. There is a dependable system for file awaying information on concluding pupil accomplishments to guarantee consistent pattern in the issue of consequences to pupils. There is besides a system for guaranting that appraisal is just, valid and consistent to avoid any misinterpretations or struggles. The applier has policies in topographic point that guarantee that all staff responsible for preparation and appraisal maintains cognition of current industry tendencies and patterns. Policies and processs province that where a appropriately qualified individual is non available that learning programmes will non continue. An appropriate coverage and monitoring process is in topographic point, and assessment duties are clear A transcript of memoranda of understanding to be supplied. As portion of the site visit an industry voucher will inspect such nominative premises for conformity The applier has policies in topographic point that guarantee that all staff involved in preparation and appraisal have a making in grownup instruction, and to guarantee that staff involved measuring against Hospitality unit criterions have completed an assessor preparation class and gained recognition for unit criterions required for. Evidence of audience with industry to verify current and future preparation and employment demand is submitted. Evidence is submitted bespeaking how industry is or will be involved in programme development and rating and how currency of industry patterns and tendencies will be maintained. An applicant intend to offer Hospitality programmes of one twelvemonth ‘s survey, or more will hold grounds of formalistic industry affair and advice. This may either be by an Advisory Committee, or other formal affair links These are some of the many tactics used by Tai Poutini Polytechnic to guarantee that everything is running swimmingly from instructors, direction, and other staffs and pupils point of position.Meeting ManagementIn order to guarantee that meetings are run efficaciously it should be noted that: Meetings are merely held when necessary Invite merely those who need to be at that place Prepare and direct docket in progress Lead the meeting Document and follow upon meeting determinations and assignments every programme is supported by sound certification. Make appropriate referrals when necessary and rapidly react to crises state of affairss, which arise in the fold. Construct a sense of teamwork and keep regular leader ‘s meetings to organize and ease communicating. steer the leaders as they exercise their leading oversee and promote congregational benevolence and mission through ongoing synod cal support and by run intoing community demands as they arise. be expected to work towards agreed ends or marks and do such written and or verbal studies. be expected to work towards the fulfilment of the vision and schemes Theological instruction with experience and proved ministry effectivity is a demand.StakeholdersStakeholder direction is an of import subject that successful people use to win support from others. It helps them to guarantee hat their undertakings win where others fail. Identify who your stakeholders are. The following measure is to work out their power, influence and involvement, so you know whom you focus on. Prioritize your stakeholders and understand your cardinal stakeholders. For effectual communications with stakeholders Tai Poutini Polytechnic conducts meetings with caput of sections. Have studies, proceedingss and record of the activities of the administration organic structure Keep records and studies of audience e.g. with whanau communities, concern Shares strategic and concern programs with grounds of the attack to run intoing identified demands and aspirations Keep consequences of analysis of stakeholder feedback Entry demands for class and programmes Provide employer feedback on alumnuss Feedback from alumnuss in employment Learner achievement information ( trends over clip ) Learning tracts Learner and staff sentiment Surveies on support services Learner finish informationsNetworksOther webs used with pupils who are visually impaired or have disfunction may utilize a assortment of methods to entree or synthesise class stuff. These include tape recording equipments, Dictaphone, lap top computing machines with address or big print readers, taped text editions, raised line documents, big print books and computerized bailers. Students who appear to hold light sensitiveness and trouble with print declaration may profit from a referral to an Irlen Screener. Be verbally descriptive say for e.g. 70+9=79 instead than stating this figure + that figure = 79. Non verbal communicating, ever place yourself when run intoing a pupil with ocular damage because they may non acknowledge who is talking, peculiarly if you are run intoing out of your normal context. Indicate to the pupil that they are being addressed by utilizing their name, and express everything prescriptively and in item as the pupil may non be able to see non-verbal cues. If a pupil is unfamiliar with a new topographic point describe the environment utilizing specific phrases such as â€Å" to the right † or â€Å" shaped like a rectangle † When giving waies, indicate â€Å" right † or â€Å" left † â€Å" up † or â€Å" down † in relation to where the pupil is, or utilize the clock method, whereby three O ‘ clock means straight to his or her right.DecisionIt can be concluded that communicating is a critical portion of concern and in order for a concern to be successful they need to hold an effectual communicating with everybody who contributes in the concern some how or the other.Tai Poutini Polytechnic believes â€Å" Where there are other suppliers we do non seek to vie with them ; instead, we look to work in partnership in order to supply an appropriate stairway for their pupils. † Remember the Association is run by pupils for pupils and your input is of import to us. As one I can travel a rock, together we can travel mountains. Above all please bask the installations and strive to make your ends.

Determinants Of The Crisis Of Colander s A Manifesto For...

Though there are numerous determinants that resulted in the Financial Crisis of 2008, wage stagnation for the majority of Americans and increasing income inequality are among the most influential. The housing bubble that was fueled by subprime lending and indebtedness was a subsequent result of these two determinants. This essay will analyze the two factors (income inequality and wage stagnation) that contributed to the onset of the crisis, factors that are prolonging the crisis--expressed from the position of Colander’s â€Å"A Structural Stagnation Policy Dilemma† and â€Å"A Manifesto for Economic Sense†--as well as provide a link between inequality and unemployment. Ultimately, this analysis will evaluate several hypotheses to further identify†¦show more content†¦Moreover, as the top percentage of Americans accumulated more wealth, the remaining percentage (primarily the middle-class) wages stagnated. This furthered the income inequality between the wealthy elite--those who had the financial means to significantly influence politics--and the middle and lower classes--those who struggled to maintain the basic welfare of their families and their social standing. As the gap increased and financial policies began to benefit primarily the top percent of wealthy Americans, the remaining percentages were forced to spend more for critical services like education and health care even though their wages were stagnated. This resulted in households spending larger portions of their incomes and saving less for the long run. Debt accumulation for middle-class and lower-class households rose significantly in the decades prior to the crisis. (Within the financial sector, debt rose from â€Å"22 percent of GDP in 1981 to 117 percent in 2008). As households spent more and saved less, they began relying heavily on loans and speculation to sustain their spending. The housing market in the late 1990s and early 2000s became the primary focus of spending--with banks giving out loans for houses far beyond the financial means of the one’s acquiring them. As J. D. Wisman asserted in Wage Stagnation, Rising Inequality, and the Financial Crisis, â€Å"the housing market was greatly stimulated by very low interest rates