The American Indian Movement and Occupation of Alcatraz Research Paper

The American Indian Movement and Occupation of Alcatraz - Research Paper Example The American Indian Movement (AIM), an armed American Indian civil rights organization, was formed in 1968 in Minneapolis by Dennis Banks, George Mitchell, Eddie Benton Banai, and Clyde Bellecourt. In following years, Russell Means emerged as the leading spokesman for the organization (â€Å"American Indian Movement†). The organization was established in response to police brutality against Native Indian Americans. However, its origins can be traced to the civil right movement of the National Indian Youth Council (NIYC) in the early 1960s. In 1854, Governor of Washington, Isaac Stevens signed a treaty that allowed the native tribes to do fishing according to own traditional styles and preserve the cultural heritage. However, according to the 1960s law reformation, cultural heritage and fishing rights are independent issues and hence, it was prohibited to use traps, nets, and spears (which were the traditional means of fishing for Native Americans) under the state laws (Shepher d 1-2). Also, the federal government’s â€Å"termination policy† brought the tribal lands under state control. Native Indians tribes that came under state jurisdiction suffered the immense loss of land and increased poverty. Many Native men migrated to urban areas for livelihood, however, their poverty continued (Shepherd 1-2). In urban cities, Native Americans suffered a massive oppression, discrimination, and racism. In urbanized surroundings, Native Americans became increasingly restless and knowledgeable about their rights and injustice.

New York Times Article Review in environment Essay

New York Times Article Review in environment - Essay Example New technologies, such as high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment in office buildings, pumps and motors in industrial settings, compact fluorescent bulbs and low-emitting diodes, etc., provide an opportunity to slash energy use, reducing emissions from electricity generation. However, high prices do not allow any considerable re-equipment of the US population. The new initiative offers a wonderful solution of the problem. The auction is to bring hundreds of millions of dollars annually. This money can be used to assist residential and business customers to upgrade their equipment. The author of the article fairly suggests that the initiative should become the foundation of federal-state partnership. Conducted by the federal government, the auction is likely to raise much more money, leading to a significant reduction of energy use and gas emissions. Set under a national cap and run by the federal government, the auction could bring tens of billions annually. The states could get funds for implementation of their decisions and regulation on utilities, the location of power plants, building codes and land use. Many states take steps in the direction of energy efficiency. So Massachusetts has cut the annual growth in electricity demand by nearly one-third. Rebates, low-interest loans and incentives allowed residential and business customers reequip their settings reducing the use of energy and saving their money. California promotes solar power installations and energy efficient building designs. Connecticut has issued a law making utilities to re-equip and inve st into energy efficiency projects. The International Energy Conservation Code and its equivalents for residential and commercial buildings have become the guidelines for action in many states. According to the Clean Air Act states should get federal funds to carry out their local strategies on pollution prevention. The federal-state