Information Technology- Security Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Information Technology- Security - Research Paper Example United States, records concerning the use of information indicate that the concept has been fundamental when building the required trust and reliability of the information for consumers. Consequently, the concept has enhanced the availability, integrity, authenticity, confidentiality, and non- repudiation of information as discussed in this piece. An organization defines its information assurance policy as a course of actions pursued to enable organizations to obtain information assurance security. As such, the organizations formulate policies that describe appropriate behaviour concerning the use of information. In the contemporary society, the equipments and processes needed to meet the security requirements assist in the formulation of policies that govern the use of data in research (Herold & Rogers, 2011). Consequently, information assurance limits the risks that the misuses of information pose to organizations. Information assurance policies prioritize information based on the capacity of an organization to disseminate risks. Lastly, the policies concerning the use of information enhance privacy in organizations. The international Facility management association defines facility management as a profession encompassing multiple disciplines that enhances the functionality of the built environment. According ICISA & Park (2009), information assurance helps in making changes to the functional areas of an organization. Customer relation, time management, business continuity and financial awareness are some of the activities that are prone to information insecurities. Therefore, organizations need to monitor their security in order to function effectively. The management should also regulate the transmission of information in its physical form. This guarantees safe storage and usage of information. According to ICISA & Park (2009), quick response to threats changes reduces risks such as obsolescence and misuse of information. Information assurance entails

American Indian Myths And Legends Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

American Indian Myths And Legends - Essay Example Raweno was giving the rabbit some of the specific features he wanted, but the owl, impatient for his chance, disturbed him, and in a fit of anger Raweno smacked him in the eyes which made them very large and punished him, saying henceforth he would stay awake in the nights. â€Å"Butterflies†, In this story, the myth behind the creation of butterflies is shown. They were made by the Creator, when he wanted to preserve the beauty of the fall colors and so he put all the colors together in a bag and gave it to the children playing there, who upon opening it, released the butterflies into the air. â€Å"The Great Race† tells how men became more powerful than beasts. A race decided the fate of animals, where the mighty buffalo was pitted against four birds, fielded by humans instead of them to take part in the race. The defeat of the buffalo by the humble magpie, made animals the food of humans and since then buffaloes have been hunted. â€Å"The Raven† tells how the bird came into being. Raven was a lazy man who ate up an old woman’s clams. The clams made him thirsty and as he searched for water the woman came to know of this and turned him into a bird, which is remembered to this day as the biggest thief. (Sabino, Wu,

William Shakespeare’s Othello Essay Example for Free

William Shakespeare’s Othello Essay William Shakespeare is a talented dramatist, actor and poet whose popularity remains unsurpassed until today.   Until now his plays are still being performed not only in Western countries but also in Asia and in other non-English speaking countries as well.   (â€Å"William Shakespeare 14)   Indeed he is recognized as one of the greatest dramatist of all time. William Shakespeare’s birth place is the town of Stratford-upon-Avon.   His exact date of birth is not accurately known since there are no existing records.   However, based on his baptismal record which is on April 26, 1564 appearing in the parish register of Holy Trinity Church, his birth date could probably be April 23, 1564.    This is because the baptism of children during William Shakespeare’s time happens just two or three days after birth. (Amanda Mabillard 4) The names of his parents are John Shakespeare, a prominent glove maker, and Mary Arden, the daughter of a wealthy landowner.   He is the third among the children of eight.   He started his education at the age of six (6) at the Stratford grammar school.   Latin is the primary language that school uses which is why he learned a great deal about Latin and the works of Latin authors.   (David Ross 2) His wife’s name is Anne Hathaway whom he married at the age of 18.   She is 26 years of age at the time and pregnant fueling speculation that the marriage may have been forced. Nevertheless, William Shakespeare had three children with her whose names are Susanna, Hamnet and Judith who are twins. (Folger Shakespeare Library 1) He eventually decides to leave Stratford and his family to pursue his dreams of becoming an actor.   Not much is known from him for several years until in 1592 where he attains sufficient success as an actor.   However, his rise to fame started because of his poems such as Venus and Adonius (1593), and Rape of Lucrece (1594).   Two years after, he gains recognition for his plays. It must however be stressed that Shakespeare’s fortune came not from acting or from writing poetry or plays.   Shakespeare’s fortune came from his investment in a theatrical company.   After he earns enough money, Shakespeare uses his earnings to invest in a theatrical company known as Lord Chamberlain’s men where he not only acts but also writes plays for the company. Shakespeare dies of a fever on April 23, 1616, the same month and day he is believed to have been born.   (Encarta MSN 1) He leaves to his two daughters Susana and Judith, the bulk of his estate and 300 pounds, respectively.   He gives his wife their â€Å"second-best bed with the furniture.† (Encarta MSN 1)

Is there any relationship between Corporate Social Responsibilty and financial performance

Is there any relationship between Corporate Social Responsibilty and financial performance The concept of companies about corporate social responsibility (CSR) has changed over the years. Previously it was viewed only as a phrase that meant administrative conformity and observance of rules and regulations. In recent years however that view has changed and companies are increasingly beginning to realize the important role of corporate social responsibility in winning over the trust and confidence of their customers. Today the business practices of large companies are shaped in such a way as to publicize their ethics and values. Therefore it has become a relevant part of business these days. According to the European Commission (2008), corporate social responsibility is a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis. (http://ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm) The various recommendations of the European commission regarding corporate social responsibility were that CSR covers social and environmental issues even though its normally known as corporate social responsibility. In an organization, CSR should not be separate from the organizations strategy and functions as the main motto of CSR is about incorporating social and environmental concerns into business strategy and functions. Therefore it is a voluntary concept. An important part of CSR is about how business concerns deal with their internal and external stakeholders that is their employees, customers, public authorities, neighbours, etc. Despite of the costs it may bring upon the business, there are various advantages of employing CSR as a major tool in the business: A company prominently engaged in CSR will be enjoying a better reputation and respect from the public and the good reputation helps the company indirectly in many ways. For example it makes the company easier for recruitment as there is less difficulty for a reputed company to find willing employees. The employees stay longer in the company and are more loyal to the company which is considered as a blessing to the company as they can reduce the costs and effort incurred by recruitment and training. They are also more productive as they are better motivated. A company practicing CSR will probably comply with regulatory requirements. It also helps the company in attaining a good relationship with the local authorities. This can help the business in many ways apart from smoothing its functions. This engagement with the local authorities is a good way to generate positive press coverage. CSR also helps the company to understand the impact of business on the environment which helps to produce new products that are environment friendly. It can also make the business more competitive. Finally CSR reduces the chances of the business reputation going down due to some scandals or allegations. Aim and Objectives: The objective of this dissertation is to find out status of relationship between Corporate Social Performance and Corporate Financial Performance that is whether it is positive or negative or whether there is no relevant relation between them at all. In order to achieve this objective, it will be necessary to: Examine the previous researches done on this topic Identify an index to measure the Corporate Social Performance of companies in UK Measure the financial performance of the relevant companies Discuss the relationship between financial performance and corporate responsibility. Business in the communitys (BITC) Corporate Responsibility index is one of the leading UKs benchmark for companies that voluntarily practice corporate social responsibility. According to their survey results of 2008, 8 companies in the UK achieved the Platinum Plus status which is awarded to the companies with highest CSR ratings. Some of the companies in the top were BT, EDF Energy, National Grid, etc. there is also another recognition called the Community Mark which is awarded by Business in the communitys for companies that has achieved various milestones in long term sustainable benefits to both business and the community. We want to be known as a responsible business that is making a difference to some of the global challenges society faces. We want to be known as an innovative business that is developing solutions that benefit society while supporting long-term growth, creating competitive advantage and building successful relationships with our stakeholders.(www.bt.com) This defines BTs approach to responsible business. One of the top rated companies in the Business in the communitys corporate responsibility index and has been awarder the Community Mark recognition. Literature review: Various studies were conducted to evaluate the relationship between corporate responsibility and financial performance: Konar and Cohen (2001) founded a positive correlation exists between a firms environmental performance and its intangible asset value. The study was conducted on 321 manufacturing firms of the SP 500 firms. They employed two environmental performance measures namely Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) emission levels and pending environment-related litigation. Changes in the intangible asset value were estimated by viewing changes in the firms market value. The study also found out that a reduction in the toxic chemical release to the environment resulted in increased market value for the firm. Stanwick and Stanwick (1998) conducted a survey on 102 to 125 companies listed in Fortune magazines Corporate Reputation Index that also include a complete set of Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) data for a five year period from 1987 to 1992. A firms profitability was measured by yearly profits and was managed for different sized firms by dividing profit numbers by the firms annual sales. And the firms pollution level was measured as total toxic emissions, and then divided by annual sales to balance variance in firms size. The study discovered a significant relation between low emission levels and high profitability for firms that are reputed for corporate responsibility. Dowell et al. (2000) found that firms adopting global environments standard that are well above the required legal benchmarks have higher market value than firms that have par or below par environment standards when compared to the legal standards. The study scrutinized 89 companies of the U.S 500 (SP 500) that have manufacturing or mining operations in developing countries. The samples of companies were then categorize into three environmental classification according to Investor Responsibility Research Center (IRRC) data namely (a) firms which follow local environment standards when operating in developing countries (30% firms were positive in this regard). (b) Firms which follow U.S standards while operating in developing countries (10% firms achieved this). (c) Firms which apply internal environment standards which surpass U.S requirements when operating abroad (60% of the firms). (Monks and Minow, 2004) Jaggie and Freedman (1992) studied specifically 13 firms involved in the pulp and paper manufacturing for the year 1978. An emission index used to measure the environmental performances of the companies was used. The firms that had the highest emission output were categorized with an index of 100 and the rest of the firms were adjusted regarding to that. Then the net income, cash flow/equity ratio and ROA indices were combined, with each of them having equal weights, with these pollutant indices. The outcome of the study showed a negative association between environmental and financial performance. (Shaw and Barry, 2004) Christmann (2000) conducted a survey in 2000 which came to the conclusion that chemical companies which employed innovative, proprietary pollution control techniques have managed significant cost savings, especially the companies that had existing facilities to innovate. The survey was conducted focusing on both cost management and pollution prevention on 512 business divisions of chemical companies in the U.S. cost management data were compared to Compustat share price and dividend data to ensure that it accurately replicated the firms financial performance Cohen, Fenn and Konar (1997) conducted a survey focusing on SP 500 companies. Their surveyors conducted the survey by creating two industry-balanced portfolios namely the higher polluter and lower polluter. They then compared the accounting and market return of both the sides. Their research found that either there was some positive return from investing in the environment or there was no return at all from investing. Blacconiere and Northcut (1997) particularly researched the chemical companies during a period of eight months and determined that companies which were likely to be impacted by adverse environmental legislation suffered collectively negative price returns during the time of the discussion of the legislation and its enactment. They also established that the firms with the largest potential liabilities suffered the greatest share price declines in this regard. Louche (1998) concentrated his study on 40 European countries from various sectors. The financial measures such as ROE, ROA and earnings per share were regressed in the context of environmental variables like CO2 emissions, water consumption and energy consumption. Their results established that there was no significant relationship between environmental welfare spending and financial performance. The companies selected were the ones with clear environmental reports. (Murphy, 2002) Since 1970s more than 100 papers have been published that has investigated the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial performance. These studies conclude that there is a strong evidence of positive relationship between a company that is financially sound and socially responsible. For example the London Business School conducted 80 studies on CSR, out of which 42 presented with positive impact, 4 showed negative outcome and 19 showed no correlation. The rest presented with mixed outcomes. Methodology: The primary research will be carried out to find the relationship using the market model ÃŽÂ ² for the companies that are listed in FTSE-100. A sample of 35 companies listed in the FTSE-100 taken. The study is conducted using the regression model after taking ÃŽÂ ² for the stock estimated for two periods, one before the inclusion in the BITCs Corporate Responsibility Index and the next after the inclusion. The study design to be employed here is the Regression Model with the ÃŽÂ ² for the stocks estimated for two periods, the first before being included in the BITCs CR Index and the next after their inclusion. Measurement of financial performance: The financial performance is calculated with the assessment of Measures of Financial Risk which is summed up by Total Risk (Standard Deviation of monthly returns) and systematic market risk. Measurement of social responsibility: The Business in the Community launched its Environment Index in 1996 to help companies benchmark their environmental management and performance. In 2002, member companies requested a mechanism to benchmark their other activities, so Business in the Community developed the broader CR Index to assess their impacts on the community, marketplace and workplace through their operations, products and services, and interaction with key stakeholders. Performance Band: Platinum : à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥95% Gold : 90 94.5% Silver : 80 89.5% Bronze : 70 79.5% (www.bitc.org.uk) In addition to this, interviews with the managers of some companies should be conducted to get a detailed view of their policies and opinion. This is done to compare the results of the previous analysis with the managers point of view. Also interviews and email communications with some research agencies should be carried out to get attain relevant information. Some of the agencies are European Academy of Business in Society (EABIS) Business and Human Rights Resource Centre Ethical Investment Research Service (EIRIS) The data resulting from these researches will be examined and analysed. This project will involve the analysis of both the quantitative and qualitative data. The external research will be conducted through reading and identifying the findings of published material like magazines, journals, newspapers and other media. The financial performance will contain both the quantitative and qualitative data. The market model ÃŽÂ ² coefficient will produce the quantitative data while the financial analysis will require the qualitative data as well. The results could be displayed in the form of graphs, spreadsheets and pictures. Therefore it will contain both the qualitative and quantitative data. The qualitative data that comes from the managers, for example the relevance of social responsibility will aid in the analysis, verification and conclusion of the relationship between corporate social responsibility and corporate financial performance. The financial data for the sample of 35 UK companies listed could be obtained from the Financial Times Stock Exchange where the stock prices of the companies are available on a daily, monthly and yearly basis. This will facilitate in the finding of the value ÃŽÂ ². Then the BITCs Corporate Responsibility Index could be used to measure the social responsibility variable of the companies which is available on the internet. Finally data will be acquired from sources like magazines, books, articles, official websites of companies, journals, company reports, research agencies etc. Conclusion: This dissertation aims to find out the relationship correlation between the financial performance and the social responsibility of the companies as there is an increasing need in todays world in the face of issues like global warming, ozone layer depletion, wildlife endangerment, increasing pollution, lack of drinking water, etc. nowadays companies and businesses adopting a policy of social and environmental awareness is essential for making the world a better place to live. REFERENCES: Monks, A.G Minow, Nell, 2004. Corporate Governance. 3rd edition. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. Shaw, William.H Barry, Vincent, 2004. Moral Issues in Business. 9th edition. USA: Thomson Learning Inc. Murphy, Christopher.J, 2002. Profitable Correlation between Environmental and Financial Performance. www.bitc.org.uk www.bt.com http://ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm

The Scarlett Letter Review :: essays research papers

The Scarlet Letter is a movie that has changed many times and in this summary I will try to stick to this one movie, even though I may compare it to the novel. As you already know, The Scarlet Letter was written by Nathaniel Hawthorne dealing with the times of the Salem witch trials and puritan life. It is said that Hawthorne was very focused on these times because he felt guilty because his ancestors sent many men and women through various trails including burning and drowning them. Hawthorne is a great writer and one of my personal favorites, he writes in such a way that a vision is formed in your mind and he shows the feelings of those in his stories, real or imagined.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For preset the movie is told from Pearl’s eyes as if looking back on the lover her mother and father shared and their trials to be together. It begins with Mistress Hester Prin coming to the colonies without her husband, which many viewed as odd anyway. Hester finds her a nice cottage on the coast and precedes to buy help and live fairly normal. Many look down on her because she is alone and they expect something terrible of her. There is a group of women that take her in because they too are shunned from society, this group includes Harriet, she is very helpful and friendly to Hester throughout the movie. One day while Hester is gardening she sees a red bird and follows it to where she sees a young man swimming in the nude. On the Sabbath on her way to church her carriage gets stuck in the mud, and the nude swimmer helps her and admits that he has been trespassing on her property. The two get to town and he disappears before she can get his name. Then she enters and sits and he enters the pulpit. After the service they are properly introduced and he finds out that she is married. You can see in his eyes that this truly hurts him especially since many, many women introduce her to him as Mrs. Roger Prin. The two a obviously very intrigued with each other and eventually their passion is freed on a chance meeting. Hester then realizes she is pregnant and one of the ladies that also joins her at Harriet’s told the elders, because she had saw Hester throw up in the morning hours. Hester refused to reveal the father and lie in prison until her child was born. Rev.

Manchester Airport operates in an increasingly competitive environment

Manchester Airport operates in an increasingly competitive environment and must differentiate itself not only. Finance All organisations must take great care in setting their financial targets. If they are set too low then they will be readily achieved and full potential will not be reached. At present the economic regulation of airports is targeted solely at reducing the charges to airlines. Non-aviation income is not regulated and the Airport, therefore, seeks to encourage the development of such revenue streams to sustain the profitability of the Company. To maintain its reputation as a quality service provider, therefore, Manchester Airport has to ensure that it increases capacity and markets itself to become more attractive as the â€Å"airport of choice†. External factors Which Affect financial Performance Numerous factors influence the financial activities and the financial performance of organisations Five major external factors which affect Manchester Airport are: 1 Constant change 2 Competitive environment 3 Single till 4 Government regulations 5 Economic environment Change Along with all other business the Airport operates in an environment which is constantly changing. For example: 1 The freight market is volatile and can fluctuate annually. Reasons for this include: 1. competitor activity 2. noise considerations – freight only aircraft tend to be noisier and older 3. technological development 2 World events can have an effect dramatic on both freight and passenger travel. For example: 1. Since 11 September 2001 the number o people flying across the North Atlantic has fallen dramatically and this has had an effect in business travel and some airlines. 2. the war in Iraq has also had an effect on travel 3. The SARS virus has had an effect on the number of passengers travelling to the very east of the world. 1 Charter flights are also in a volatile market and are affected by events such as: 1. the general economic conditions 2. foreign currency exchange rates 3. consumer confidence I tour operators 4. competitor activities 5. trades towards off-season holidays 6. weather conditions 1 the Airport must comply with regulations and legislation which is subject to change, for example: 1. The establishment of a single market within the Euro... ...atement, which indicates the broad methodology used and is titled Basis of Opinion. Statement of According Policies Principles of accounting policies are declared in this statement. Details are provided of particular accounting methods used such as description. Trading Account The trading account forms the first part of the Profit and loss Account. It is used to calculate the amount of gross profit or loss. Paying Wages and Salaries The payment of wages and salaries for Manchester Airport plc staff is handled by the Payroll Section which is part of one of the other group companies, Manchester Airport Aviation Service (MAAS), and is located on the Airport site. They hold information about all employees. This includes: 1 Name 2 Address 3 National Insurance Number 4 Starting Salary 5 Salary Scale From this information they are able to calculate the amount to be paid and deductions such as National Insurance payments, pension, tax and union subscription. The majority of staff are salaried, that is their payments are based on an annual figure, but are paid on a monthly basis. Some staff, mainly annual workers , are still paid on an hourly rate.

Discrimination of the Homosexual Essay

A simple look into the history of mankind and one can quickly conclude, discrimination of the homosexual is, quite possibly, one of the earliest forms of discrimination to exist. Centuries later tolerance, acceptance, and equal rights continue to have a stronghold on the homosexual community, often fueling public debate and strong opposition within Congress, the workplace, and even in the confines of the family dynamic. Discrimination of the homosexual quite possibly has one of the greater disadvantages of all other forms of human discrimination because many would argue, according to the Holy Bible, God, Himself, disapproves. From the earliest chapters of the Bible, such as Leviticus 18:22 (New King James Version) which reads, â€Å"Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable. †1 to 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that states, â€Å"Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God. â€Å"2 man quickly comes to the conclusion that God clearly sees the homosexual as unacceptable. Therefore, many feel entitled to discriminate against the homosexual community believing if God says it is wrong, one is somehow given permission to act as they are God and carry forth hatred and zero tolerance for the group. However, if one truly studies or reads the Bible, one will find that God detests quite a few things, one being â€Å"hatred†. And, where one may point to a few of these scriptures with regard to homosexuality, the very group tends to forget to include the many other scriptures that support God’s mandate for all to love one another, to forgive one another, and to avoid judgment of all humankind. Discrimination is painful – it stirs hatred, it destroys individuals, families, communities, nations, and the world at large. Discrimination of homosexuals, in particular, has resulted in countless deaths, suicides, assaults, and shattered lives yet this discrimination continues and shows little signs of coming to an end. And, it remains fact that one of the greatest tools many have to show just cause for their hatred and discrimination continues to be the Bible. Often taken out f context, or neglecting to study the historical or geographic reasoning behind various scriptures, entire churches and denominations band together in direct opposition of the homosexual community all while forgetting God’s direct words, â€Å"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. † (John 15:12)3 This one scripture is a far cry from God’s permission to allow homosexual discrimination. Yet, many â€Å"Christians† are quick to dismiss the scripture and opt to use the Holy Bible to support displays of hatred and bitterness all while destroying families and contributing to the suicide rate of the world’s youth in alarming numbers. Discrimination can be defined as â€Å"the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex. †4 Discrimination shows little room for tolerance or a desire for understanding, compassion, or respect for an individual’s right to chose his or her path in life. Discrimination stirs anger and hatred as evidenced by many acts of violence that have taken place for centuries. Discrimination causes individual self-doubt, feelings of hopelessness and lack of security. Discrimination of the homosexual often leaves an individual feeling out casted by everyone; often alienated by his or her very own family. For the young individual facing such scrutiny and hatred, there often seems no way out, especially for those surrounded by others who have lost compassion and a true loving heart. With no one to turn to, no one to fully understand or provide support, many of these youth turn to the unthinkable: suicide. It is a burden and pressure far too overwhelming for many – often much more so when you belong to an organization that feels they’ve been granted biblical permission to target an individual. Such was so in case of young Eric James Borges. Eric James Borges endured a life-long struggle with coming terms with his sexual identity. Feeling â€Å"different† and unlike other boys from the time he was a young child, he quickly learned to suppress his feelings and emotions for fear of others finding out he was a homosexual – a gender identity that had been made clear to him was unacceptable to society, to his family and, above all, to God. But, it wasn’t long into his life where this became difficult to mask, far too overwhelming of a task to keep hidden. His less han masculine mannerisms and attractions to activities associated as girlish made him a quick target. And, soon came harassment. As though not difficult enough to deal with the bullying, emotional and physical abuse of his peers, young Eric’s fundamentalist Christian home provided little by way of a haven from the pain. If anything, the home provided added reinforcement and strengthened Eric’s certainty that something was deeply wrong with him. Unfortunately, the adults in Eric’s life, including his Christian parents, made life dramatically worse for the young man. Growing up in a home where Christian values and standards were strictly enforced, Eric’s parents viewed his sexual orientation as defiant and wrong in the eyes of God. Eric began a life on display, often the subject of family prayer during which time family members would pray for his â€Å"healing† and â€Å"deliverance† from the â€Å"curse† placed on his life. His family, too, endured pressure by many within the church, some accusing the parents of living a sinful life of their own that resulted in the curse. Rather than learn to love their son and support, guide, and encourage him with compassion and loving arms, Eric’s parents succumbed to their own inner insecurities, often applying far more pressure on the youngster and accusing him of choosing an immoral life, at one point calling upon divine intervention: an exorcism. When performing the ritual exorcism with the anticipation of curing him of his cursed sexual orientation failed, his parents chose the next best course of action: demanding he leave the household. Shattered, torn, and disowned, the young Eric found support in a few who showed him love and compassion. He joined and participated in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Questioning (LGBTQ) groups which introduced him to others who had led difficult lives – some less devastating than Eric’s, but others just as tragic. During this time, he participated in a movement designed to educate and create awareness and provide information to the public that the homosexual life was neither a â€Å"curse† from God neither the demonic lifestyle so often portrayed by many within the world’s churches. Eric became a guest speaker, a young author, a figure among struggling homosexual youth and a noted survivor of a life targeted by discrimination. But, despite all the advances and his personal accomplishments, the damage had been done to Eric. Without the love and support of his family and relatives, with the pain associated with a lifetime of abuse, Eric, could no longer endure his internal suffering. Young Eric James Borges committed suicide January 14, 2012 at age 19 near his hometown of Visalia, California. Discrimination of the homosexual continues, and it must end. But, will it? Consider the recent development in Australia. Prime Minister Julia Gillard has very recently assured religious organizations new rights under a recently-passed bill will ensure they have the freedom to discriminate against those they have deemed â€Å"sinners,† including homosexuals. Under this law schools, hospitals, and faith-based organizations will be able to refuse to hire â€Å"sinners† with minor stipulations. Discrimination by religious organizations throughout Australia has been a long-standing issue and has now only strengthened its case by the passing of this new law. This law, alone, could produce many with the future of Eric James Borges – one that ends in tragedy largely due to people’s harsh, unkind, and inhumane words – words many feel entitled to use because they use God as means to support their hatred. God is a God of love, mercy, and compassion. In His eyes we are equally and beautifully-made, a perfect Masterpiece, a wondrous work. It’s time for this discrimination to end and for us to embrace the homosexual community with love, compassion, understanding and the true Heart of God.