Wednesday, October 30, 2019

H.R. and line managers interaction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

H.R. and line managers interaction - Essay Example This suggests that the line managers should be aware of the link between the management of human resources and the strategic direction designed by the top management. However, the contribution of the line managers in playing the role of HR functions has been challenged. The middle managers or the line managers interact most frequently with the employees and hence play a vital role in any organization. The top management is busy formulating the strategies, goals and objectives and plays the role of transformational leaders (Thornhill & Saunders). Under the circumstances the line managers are expected to have the ability to inspire, motivate, direct and facilitate change by encouraging the employees to become committed to the organization. Bond and McCracken (2006) contend that the line managers should become more involved in HR functions at the operational level. A study at the NHS revealed that the middle managers did use their discretion on a number of issues which implies that the HR strategy is operationalized at the NHS. Line managers are definitely in a position to translate the HRM policies in an organization at the operational level. However, line managers may not be able to cope with the additional responsibilities given to them. They may feel stressed or may be unable to handle the HR functions (Renwick, 2003) and doubts have also been expressed whether they possess the necessary skills and knowledge (Whittaker & Marchington, 2003). This situation, according to Bond and McCracken, can arise when the line managers are not adequately trained and hence lack discretion and maturity. When a subordinate asks for leave the line managers are between positioned to ascertain how this leave would impact the work at the organization. The line manager must also have the ability to motivate the leave applicant to work extra hours in case of emergencies. This requires the use of discretion and calls for maturity on the part of the line managers. When line managers ar e not adequately trained they are not competent enough to make the right decisions and this situation may not be fair to the staff. At the same time, the line managers may be unable to embrace HR functions as they remain preoccupied with their primary responsibilities and the HR duties remain low on priority, emphasize Brandl et al (2009). Thus, the HR personnel must know the areas of priorities of the line managers before assigning responsibilities so that the right functions are delegated to them. Brandl et al also find that the line managers are keen to handle HR functions such as motivation and staff welfare but they are not keen to take on responsibilities of team building and coaching or in managing conflicts. The purpose of involving the line managers is to free the HR personnel for policy matters, to reduce costs and to enhance employee motivation. This is in view of the belief that direct interaction with the employees enhances competitiveness and production (Larsen & Brews ter, 2003). The input from the line managers is significant as it enables the HR to institute and frame the rewards policies. Moreover, certain issues may be too complex for the HR personnel to manage. Since the line managers are in direct contact it may be easier for them as it enhances the decision-making process which according to Budhwar (2000) is one of the most effective tools for employee motivation. For best results the line managers have to work in conjunction with the HR practitioners as it could lead to greater achievement of corporate

Monday, October 28, 2019

Fuge in C Minor- Bach Essay Example for Free

Fuge in C Minor- Bach Essay Johann Sebastian Bach’s was born on the 21st of March 1685 and died in 1750. He was a German composer, during the Baroque period. His Fugue in C minor was written in the middle years of his life, 1722. A fugue is a contrapuntal composition, where a subject is developed. It has 3 main parts an Exposition, Middle section and the Final Section. The exposition is where the subject/theme of the piece is first announced, and is then answered by other voices. In Bach’s Fugue in C minor it is written for three parts, the Soprano, alto and bass. It is the alto who first states the subject in bar 1. The subject is the theme of which the fugue is established. This subject finishes on the first beat of bar 3. After this subject is stated the alto starts with a counter subject (accompanies the subject), while the soprano voice answers the subject with the answer (transposition of the subject). This answer is tonal, because the intervals are not exactly the same and it is in the dominant key of G minor. Between where the final voice, the bass enters with the subject and where the answer finished is a small 2 bar codetta, where both the soprano voice is based on the subject in sequence and the alto voice is based on the counter subject in sequence. Jus before the bass enters there is a false entry in the alto voice. When the Bass enters with the subject at bar 7 in it’s original form and both of the other parts continue with countersubject material. At the first down beat of bar 9 the exposition finishes. The middle section is where subject is developed it is also where episode 1 starts. An episode is a connecting passage, developed from previous material. Episode 1 starts off with the soprano and alto voice in stretto, where one voice comes in before the other has finished, and the bass is accompanying them with scalar passages based on the countersubject material. Bar 11 is the first middle section is heard. It consists of the soprano voice having the subject, but in a different key. The bass with counter subject material accompanies it. Episode 2 where soprano voice has the contrary motion of the counter subject and the lower two parts are in thirds ccompanying. Bar 15 is the 2nd middle entry in G minor, where the subject is heard by the alto with the soprano with counter subject material. The third episode starts in bar 17 where the soprano and bass voices have the subject material in rising sequence. The alto part is based on the counter subject but in contrary motion to the original counter subject. At bar 18 the alto and bass parts swap parts. The final section (where the piece returns to it’s original key) starts at the 3rd middle entry in bars 20. The 3rd middle entry goes from bar 20 to the first downbeat of bar 22. It has the soprano voice with the subject, while the bass and alto hold the countersubject. Episode 4 is the longest as it goes from bar 22 to half way through 26, it is in C minor. At the start of this episode the soprano and alto voices are in stretto like they were in episode 1. The bass part continues with the counter subject material until the end of the episode 4. At bar 25 the soprano has the subject. The soprano and bass swap parts half way through bar 26 and this is the start of the 4th middle entry. The 4th middle entry returns to C minor, here the soprano and bass swap parts and the bass has the subject. In bars 29 to the end we hear a coda. This is where we hear the subject for the last time after a short cadential phrase. This is accompanied by a pedal not in the bass. Overall Bach’s Fugue in C minor is written very similar to what generally a fugue is. Fugue in C minor has an Exposition, middle section and final section. He has also put in four episodes and four middle entries. The four episodes are bars 9-13, 14-17, 18-21, 22-31. The Four middle entries are bars 11-13, 15-17, 19-22, 26-28. This fugue ends like many other fugue’s with the subject heard one last time in the original tonic key.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

tempnature Duality Between Nature and Society in Shakespeares The Tem

Duality Between Nature and Society in The Tempest  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚   One of the essential themes of The Tempest is the duality between nature and society.   This is made evident through the character of Caliban: the disfigured fish-like creature that inhabits the island upon which the play takes place.   Caliban lacks civility because he was born on the island deprived of any social or spiritual morality other than nature and instinct.   He is literally man untamed.   Caliban is not monstrous simply for the sake of being frightening; his ghastly appearance is intended to literally depict the essential differences between civilization and natural instinct.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Caliban represents man, instinct, and nature in their rawest forms.   Part fish, part man, but not really either because he is more mentally sophisticated than a fish, but devoid of any characteristics generally associated with civilized beings.   He displays promise in becoming civilized, but eventually it becomes evident that it is impossible to fully tame a wild animal, which is what Caliban essentially is.   Caliban is more of an animal rather than a monster.   While he is labeled a monster throughout the play due to his appearance, he is in fact an animal.   He is not inherently evil or malicious, but relies on his own instincts and skills that he has learned to adapt to his surrounding and survive.   What is vital to survival in society is not necessarily important in nature; and vice versa.        Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In nature only the most basic aspects of survival are required.   Nature is all about survival, at any cost.   Society is not.   Civilization was developed out of convenience with the mental and physical skills of man.   It h... ...ay. Bibliography    Primary Texts William Shakespeare, The Tempest, ed. Frank Kermode, with an introduction by Frank Kermode, (Arden, 1964)    Montaigne, Selected Essays of Montaigne, trans. John Florio (1603) ed.Walter Kaiser, with an introduction by Walter Kaiser, (Riverside, 1964)    Secondary Texts Eric Cheyfitz, The Poetics of Imperialism: Translation and Colonization from The Tempest to Tarzan, (Oxford University Press, 1991)    Jeffrey Knapp, An Empire Nowhere: England, America, and Literature from Utopia to The Tempest, (University of California Press, 1992)    Gail Kern Paster, 'Montaigne, Dido and The Tempest: How Came that Widow in?',Shakespeare Quarterly, 35, no.3 (1984)    Deborah Willis, 'Shakespeare's Tempest and the Discourse of Colonialism', Studies in English Literature 1500-1900, 29, no.2, (1989)

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Acct553 Homework Es

1. (TCO A) A taxpayer may litigate a tax dispute without first paying the tax in the:  (Points : 5)|   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  U. S. District Court. U. S. Tax Court. U. S. Court of Federal Claims. All of the above | 2. (TCO F) A business bad debt is deductible for tax purposes as a(n):  (Points : 5)|   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  ordinary business deduction. short-term capital loss. long-term capital loss. miscellaneous itemized deduction. | 3. (TCO I) Under the cash method of tax accounting, tax deductions are generally taken when:  (Points : 5)|   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  payment is made. the liability arises. there is net income to absorb the expense.None of the above | 4. (TCO A) Which of the following constitutes tax evasion? (Points : 5)|   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Arranging your affairs to keep your tax liability as low as possible under the tax law   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Failing to disclose a tax liability from a completed transaction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Trying to maximize profits Trying to minimize your tax liability. | 5. (TCO C) Which of the following items is subject to federal income tax? (Points : 5)|   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Interest on U. S. Treasury bonds Gambling winnings Interest on loans made in the ordinary course of business   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  All of the above | 6. (TCO B) Sam owes Bob $8,000.Bob cancels (forgives) the debt. The cancellation is not a gift, but Sam is insolvent. Which of the following statements is correct concerning the impact of this transaction? (Points : 5)|   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Both Bob and Sam recognize $8,000 of taxable income. Bob recognizes $8,000 of taxable income. Sam recognizes $8,000 of taxable income. Neither Bob nor Sam has any taxable income from this transaction. | 7. (TCO I) David, a cash basis taxpayer, owns two rental properties. Based on the following information, compute the amount that he must include in his 2012 gross rental income.Property #1, security deposit on one-year lease received 2/1/12 All of deposit returned at lease end: $1,000 Property #1, payment received 2/1/12 for last month of lease(1/13): $900 Property #1, rental income received in 2012 2/12-12/12: $8,000   Property #2, rental income received in 2012 1/12-12/12: $9,600 Property #2, security deposit received 1/1/12 to be used for last month's rent: $800 Property #2, rent 1/13 received 12/28/12: $800  (Points : 5)|   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  $21,100 $19,300 $18,500 $20,100 | 8. (TCO F) Section 197's intangible assets, such as patents and trademarks, are amortized for tax purposes over:   (Points : 5)| years. 15 years. 10 years. 20 years. | 9. (TCO E) Explain the constructive receipt doctrine. (Points : 17)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  | 10. (TCO G) Answer the following questions concerning tax laws. a. What roles do the U. S. Constitution and U. S. Congress play in creating the tax law? b. What does the common body of tax law (CBOTL) consist of? Br iefly explain how a tax bill becomes a tax law. c. What role does the Internal Revenue Service play in interpreting, and providing guidance on, the tax law? What types of tax law guidance are published by the IRS? (Points : 18)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  |

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Marketing Management- Marketing Plan

This plan is designed to report the external and internal factors that will influence the company's success in Haiti market. The topics covers in this plan include situation analysis, marketing strategy, tactical programs, implementation and budgets in carrying out the marketing activities which differentiate the business and product offering from our competitor and marketing strategy that drive the business to earn above average profit. 3 Company Summary 3. 1 Company Overview Seoul-Roy is a Haiti based restaurant serving Korean cuisine, the name Seoul-Roy is easy to remember and easy to pronounce.Seoul reflects the theme of the restaurant for serving Korean cuisine which is a famous destination in Korea, a megabits with a population of over 10 million and a leading global city in the world. Furthermore, â€Å"ROY' means â€Å"Delicious† in southern Thai dialects, to have a name meaning â€Å"Delicious Seoul†, conveyed the message that the restaurant having very high s tandard food. The restaurant name Seoul-Roy will surely leave an impressive memory in potential customer first impression that will attract the customer to visit the restaurant for the first time.Seoul-Roy will be operating seven days a week inclusive public holiday in operation 365 days throughout the year to ensure that customers have the opportunity to enjoy our delicious whenever they feel like it. Seoul-Roy is a medium size restaurant enhanced with cozy, comfy, friendly, and appetite tempting atmosphere for patrons through its modern contemporary casual dining style to unearth the feeling of refreshing and energize to dinners. The facility will be divided into indoor area for customer that is seeking cool comfy ambient and outdoor area for customer seeking a breath of fresh air.The cafà © will feature seating for approximately 100 patrons, desert bar, water fountain and liquor bar. 3. 2 Location This restaurant is planned to be situated at the empty land on Outthinking Road, n Clonk Rein area which is approximately 500 m from Tests and Prince of Songbook University. With hundred and thousand of local resident, university student and shoppers from other suburb visiting this area on everyday basis, it does instigate this area to be the perfect sites in town.Page | 2 Heretofore, I nonviolent Road Is one AT ten major connector Detente ten roads on the external circuit to the Haiti city which have high traffic concentration. In spite of this, there is ample parking space along the road that makes it handy for by passer to stop for dine in and appear to be a profit potential site. Moreover, the rent in this area is much cheaper comparing to the retail shops in major shopping complex such as Tests, Big C, Lee Garden Plaza and Central. 3. 3 2. Objective The objective to startup Seoul-Roy includes the following: A. B. C. D. E. Become premier food franchise serving fusion of Korean food and Thai Food. Provide highest quality fresh and delicious food. Ensure that e very prospect in promoting â€Å"Seoul-Roy' brand are explore and implement. Maintain and expand every possibility to achieve outstanding reputations. Create an ideal working environment for employee in promoting good communication and great team work. F. Achieving profitable investment return between 4-6 years. G.Achieving total daily customers of 7,000 patrons/month by the end of second year of operation. The objectives of marketing activities include: 0 To introduce Korean Cuisine to Haiti community and Songbook Province area. 0 To attract 50% of the target market and forecast potential customer. 0 To be perceived as the cleanest restaurant in the region. 0 To be perceived as restaurant serve delicious, quality, and tasty Korean cuisine in the region. 3. 4 2. 2 Vision and Mission Seoul-Roy mission is to bring to the market finest, freshest, and tastiest FusionKorean cuisine that is inspired by a combination of Korean and Thai cuisine in the Haiti. In conjunction to Seoul-Roy hig h standards of quality and cleanliness will ascertain Seoul-Roy growth into a reputable premier Korean cuisine in Haiti. The mission of Seoul-Roy includes the following: Page | 3 To bring to the market finest, freshest, and tastiest Korean cuisine. To ensure that all foods are serves to its highest level of freshness, nutrition, and gastronomic. To ensure that all order are serve with efficiency and effectiveness.The value proposition that the target market will pay for this 50% premium price is the superior customer service experience and high quality Korean cuisine. The company will ensure that the restaurant is always has a clear proposition of the claimed benefit for the services and products. In this, the company will always monitor the quality of the food produce to Page | 4 Seoul-Roy marketing Plan ensure mouth watering experience is offered to the customer and consistently advertise on the value proposition of the restaurant through advertising media. Situation Analysis Situ ation analysis involves evaluating the situation and trends in of Korean Cuisine in Haiti City which defines and interprets the state of the environment of the organization. A situation analysis provides the context and knowledge for planning and achieve above average profit for the organization. The analysis describes Seoul- Roy competitive position, internal environment, external environment and critical issues.In portraying a clearer understanding of the situation of Korean Cuisine industry in Haiti, the report further outline SOOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats) analysis of the organization. The situation analysis includes in this marketing plan includes: 0 0 0 External Environment Internal Environment SOOT Analysis 5. 1 External Environment The external environment affects firm growth and profitability which also a condition that creates threats and opportunities for firms that have major effects on organization strategic actions.The organization understands of external environment coupling Walt Knowledge on Internal environment Tort Its villous to develop Its mission and to take actions that result in strategic competitiveness and above- average returns. As shown in Figure 1, an organization's external environment is divided into three major areas which include the general, industry environment and competitor environment. The general environment is composed of dimension of broader society that influences an industry.As a result of this, the economic and population growth of Haiti will increase very rapidly. An increase people migrating to Haiti City coupling with vivid economic outlook of the city, it is righteous decision in investing in food business in Haiti City. Economic growth and population growth nutrient to better population income and demand for food as basic needs of life, therefore investing in Seoul-Roy will prove to be a successful investment. 5. 1. 1. 3 Socio-cultural Over the past decade, Korean Wave started to sweep acros s Asia country.The wave started with the popularity of Korean drama, Korean Language, Korean Cuisines and Handbook, the traditional Korean dress. CNN describe this phenomenon as kind of a syndrome where Asian people love to enjoy Korean stuffs. The Korean wave in Thailand got underway back in 2005 with â€Å"Dad]engaged†, a sop opera about the first female royal physician of Koreans Jones dynasty. The series gave Thailand a taste for traditional Korean culture, including Korean court cuisine and traditional medicine.Inevitably, Korean cuisine became popular and Korean culture started getting attention. As increasing growth of Korean Wave sweeping across Asia region and Thailand in particular, the startup of Korean Cuisine in Haiti which in the fourth densest city in Thailand will prove to be successful investment. 5. 1. 1. 4 laconically The increasing growth of electronic ordering system in the hospitality industry to increase employee efficiency and effectiveness has exerted a technological stress on he new establishing restaurant.Seoul will adopt ‘Gourmet Restaurant Management system standard, optional and hardware modules to manage the smooth flow of restaurant operation, promotion activities, member service and inventory management. The adoption of gourmets will enable Seoul-Roy to manage it cost effectively, carry out promotion activities smoothly and service member efficiently. 5. 1. Competitor Environment Hatchway's Korean Cuisine industry is still emerging, there is only one competitor in the market, Domino located in Diana shopping complex which serve Korean BBC cuisine.Of course there will be minor modification on the taste of the food to suite Thai culture appetite or definition of delicious food. In spite of this there are many competitor in the market if considering Thailand as a whole, this competitor includes: 0 0 0 0 0 Hanging restaurant Sang Goon Restaurant Slang BBC Buffet Drum Restaurant Adored @ Korean Town 5. 1. Industry Envir onment Although there is only one establishment providing the similar service to the market in Haiti, it is important that Seoul-Roy is establish soonest possible to be the market leader in this region before any competitors enter the market.In Haiti city, the Korean Wave Syndrome has Just sweep the communities, It is essential that this company is born in nearby future in ensuring company market competitiveness. 5. 2 Internal Environment Resources, capabilities and core competencies create the foundation of competitive advantage. Resource can be classified into two main categories include tangible and intangible resource, it have to cover spectrum of individual, social and organization to Wylye competitive advantage. Capableness exalts when resources nave Eden purposely integrated to achieve a specific task or set of tasks.Capabilities are often based on developing, carrying, and exchanging information and knowledge through people in an organization. Core competencies are capabilit ies that serve as a source of competitive advantage for an individual or organization over its competitors. 5. 2. 1 Resource Resources consist of two components, one is tangible and the other is intangible. As the company is currently in the preliminary planning stage, the company only have tangible asset of Baht 20,000,000.The intangible asset consists of the knowledge and management capabilities. Furthermore, the company group of people possesses period innovation, interest and passion in the Korean food. Although in the initial establishing stage the company has to hire a professional chef from Korea in designing the menu, Seoul-Roy management personal inclusive the chairman of the company will continuing learn the technique of Korean Cuisine culinary skill in mitigating these threats of skill impotency and dependence on external resource.Page | 9 5. 2. Capabilities Although the company is currently in the preliminary planning stage, the capabilities that the company possesses in clude: 0 Management Information System The many possesses effective and efficient data collection and information management system that will surely increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the company staff.Management The company has the ability to envision the future of Korean Cuisine in Haiti city, background in business management, years of experience in hospitality industry and information technology will be a competitive advantage in managing the company effectively. 5. 3 SOOT Analysts Strength 0 0 0 0 0 0 Seoul-Roy exterior is tidy and clean. Food price are delicious and tasty. Offer a good choice of menu variation. Knowledge in Business Management. Seoul-Roy employs well-trained staff.Financial resource Weakness 0 Seoul-Roy is newly established in the market. 0 Low profit margin. 0 Absence of important skills. 0 Management. Opportunities 0 Growth in Haiti population. 0 Increasing influence of Korean Wave in Thailand. 0 Haiti as centre of economics and tourism in Southern Region. 0 Economy growth of Haiti ensures long-term profitability. Threats 0 Stable of political unrest in Southern region. 0 Decreasing influence of Korean Wave. 0 Economy down-turn of Haiti city.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Poll Tax Definition and Importance

Community Charge / Poll Tax Definition and Importance The Community Charge (Poll Tax) was a new system of taxation introduced in Scotland in 1989 and England and Wales in 1990 by the then ruling Conservative government. The Community Charge replaced the Rates, a system of tax where a certain amount was charged by the local council depending on the rental value of a house - with a flat rate charge paid by every adult, earning the nickname Poll Tax as a result. The value of the charge was set by the local authority and was intended, as was the Rates, to fund each local council’s provision of the infrastructure and services needed by each community. Reaction to the Poll Tax The tax proved deeply unpopular: while students and the unemployed only had to pay a small percentage, large families using a relatively small house saw their charges go up considerably, and the tax was thus accused of saving the rich money and moving the expenses onto the poor. As the actual cost of the tax varied by council – they could set their own levels – some areas ended up charging a great deal more; councils were also accused of using the new tax to try and obtain more money by charging more; both caused further upset. There was a widespread outcry over the tax and opposition groups formed; some advocated a refusal to pay, and in some areas, large quantities of people didn’t. At one point the situation turned violent: a major march in London in 1990 turned into a riot, with 340 arrested and 45 policemen injured, the worst riots in London for over a century. There were other disturbances elsewhere in the country. Consequences of the Poll Tax Margaret Thatcher, the Prime Minister of the period, had personally identified herself with the Poll Tax and was determined it should remain. She was already far from a popular figure, having exhausted the bounce from the Falklands War, attacked trade unions and other aspects of Britain associated with the labour movement, and pushed on a transformation from a manufacturing society into one of service industry (and, if accusations are true, from community values to cold consumerism). The communitys disdain was directed at her and her government, undermining her position and giving not just other parties a chance to attack her, but her colleagues in her Conservative Party. In late 1990 she was challenged for the leadership of the party (and thus the nation) by Michael Heseltine; although she defeated him, she had not won enough votes to stop a second round and she resigned, fatally undermined by the tax. Her successor, John Major, became Prime Minister, withdrew the Community Charge and replaced it with a system similar to the Rates, once more based on a house’s value. He was able to win the next election. Over twenty-five years later, the Poll Tax is still a source of anger for many people in Britain, taking its place in the bile that makes Margaret Thatcher the most divisive Britain of the twentieth century. It has to be considered a massive mistake.

Monday, October 21, 2019

The Modern KKK Essays - Holocaust Deniers, KKKK, Free Essays

The Modern KKK Essays - Holocaust Deniers, KKKK, Free Essays The Modern KKK Although the modern Ku Klux Klan, or KKK, is not the same group that terrorized African - Americans in the late 1800s and early 1900s, they still have the same basic goals and ideas. There are many local and regional KKK groups such as the Oregon Knights of the Ku Klux Klan and the New Order Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. The Knights of the Ku Klux Klan is the national and largest organization, but the only one seeking a political agenda. They are the group that claims they are keeping alive the spirit and ideas of the original Klansmen. The Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, or the KKKK, was formed in Louisiana in 1956. They have had many national directors, or Grand Wizards that led the group. The first Grand Wizard of the KKKK was former Louisiana State representative David Duke. Another notable Grand Dragon was Tom Metzger, who now heads a White supremacy group called the White Aryan Resistance. Today, the Grand Dragon of the KKKK is Pastor Thomas Robb. The KKKK claims that they are not racist, but rather they are "racialist." This means that they do not necessarily hate any one particular race based on skin color, but they love the White race and have "White pride." Most of their ideas are centered on this concept. Therefore, the first and foremost thing that the KKKK stands for is the White Race. They say that the White Race is the "irreplaceable hub of our Nation, our Christian faith, and the high levels of Western culture and technology" ("Intro to the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan"). The KKKK believes that the only way to achieve their goals is to have a United States with all White people living in it, and there should be absolutely no integration. Another thing that the KKKK stands for is "America first." This means that they think the interests of the United States should be put before those of any other nation. It is basically a policy of protectionism because the KKKK also does not want any foreign influence or interests in the United States. Another aspect of the "America first" policy is that there should be a foreign policy of military non-intervention ("Intro to the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan"). The KKKK does not want to get involved with anything "non-American." The KKKK's stand on foreign aid and trade relates to their "America first" policy. They believe that all foreign aid should be stopped immediately because while the United States' tax dollars are being given to other countries, Americans themselves are still needy ("The program"). The KKKK believes that the money being spent on foreign aid should be kept within the United States and should be put into things like Social Security and Medicare. As for trade, the KKKK believes that NAFTA and GATT should be done away with because they take jobs away from American workers and will put "millions upon millions" into poverty ("The program"). Christianity is an important part of the KKKK?s ideas and beliefs. In fact, one of the things that the KKKK claims is that the United States was formed as not only a White Nation, but as a Christian nation. They quote James Madison saying this about the founding of the United States on their web page (?The program?): We have staked the future of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God. Therefore, the KKKK?s views on abortion and homosexuality reflect those of the Bible. They are against abortion and believe it should be illegal unless the mother?s life is endangered or the woman was raped or a victim of incest. And since the United States is a ?Christian nation? and the Bible is against homosexuality, there should be a national law against it. They also believe church and state should no longer be separated, making prayer in public schools legal. Because the KKKK is so heavily involved in Christianity, they often light a large wooden cross on fire at their rallies. They say that they are not desecrating the cross but