Graduation Speech: Use Your Strengths to Help Others :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

Wow! 12 years of hard work, 12 years of perseverance, 12 years of dedication! A great king once said, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel." We each have mentors in our life who give us this counsel. What we choose to do with it determines if we are considered foolish or wise. Naturally, we tend to think we are always right, and even on the occasions when we are right, there is always something to learn from a second opinion. Take just a second to think back over the last 18 years of your life. Think of all the second opinions you've received. These opinions and the people who shared them go you to this point. While you may think you got here through your own doing, think a little harder and consider those days when all you wanted to do was climb trees, play with Barbie dolls or watch "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" all day long. What changed that? Was there one day when, suddenly, in your most mature five-year-old voice you said, "Mom, Dad, I've made a decision. I want to start saving for college. Could you please put my allowance in a bank account for me?" Personally, I can say that I did not have one of those days. As diligent as you may think I am to my studies, I can say for certain that I would have loved to just play outside all day and stay up late watching movies. However, as much fun as I would have had, I would not have gotten very far. Thankfully, I had numerous people in my life who showed me, at just the right times, how to grow. Think of your teachers, preschool through high school, who cared enough each day to come to school to a class of at least 30 kids who each had their own agenda and were able to make each child's agenda important. Think of your friends, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, grandparents and others who have showed you how to be a good friend and how to grow in relationships, simply by being there. Think of coaches and instructors you've had who pushed you to do things you didn't want to do so that you would achieve the things you wanted to achieve.

Dickens present as the perfect gentleman Essay

One of the most important themes in â€Å"Great Expectations† is the idea of what makes the perfect gentleman. Dickens presents this idea through the adventures of Pip and how he develops his idea of what a true gentleman is. His first image of a gentleman is purely based on what their appearance is, such as Cousin Raymond and Jaggers on Miss Havisham’s birthday, and then he calls Herbert â€Å"the pale young gentleman†. These presumptions are not based on personality, yet towards the end of the book, he does not respect Herbert or Magwitch due to their appearance, but because he has realised that a true gentleman has many more qualities than just a good outward appearance. However, Pip’s initial impressions of a gentleman are of a person who is wealthy and affluent. When Pip first meets a gentleman, Cousin Raymond at Satis House on Miss Havisham’s birthday, he describes him and three other ladies as â€Å"toadies and humbugs†. Here, Dickens presents them as very unpleasant characters and makes the reader hate them from the start. This effect is created by how he first presents them as boring (â€Å"the ladies had to speak quite rigidly to repress a yawn†), and then they look down at Pip (â€Å"they all looked at me with the utmost contempt†). Here Dickens seemed to be sending out the message that not all so-called â€Å"gentlemen† are necessarily polite or well-mannered. Furthermore, Pip’s next meeting with a gentleman is not pleasant either. When Pip first meets Jaggers, on the same day, Pip does not take a liking to him either. Dickens presents him as a bossy type of person, suggested by the language which Jaggers uses whilst talking to Pip. He first asks him â€Å"Boy of the neighbourhood? † This implies that Jaggers thinks less of Pip; as inferior to him. This is incredibly rude of Jaggers, who also suggests that he is like an object, by referring to him by a bad â€Å"set† of fellows. Jaggers would definitely be considered a gentleman by the Victorians at that time. As he himself mentions, he is â€Å"pretty well known† and is very wealthy. Here Dickens presents him as a snob who is simply showing off. However, Jaggers would simply not be considered a gentleman in a more modern society as he is definitely not caring or loving or even slightly kind. This is shown by the way in which he only wants a yes or no answer and that when someone doesn’t, he very rudely interrupts and asks them again. For example, when he is talking to his clients, he asks one of them if they have paid Wemmick yet. When that person doesn’t answer yes or no, Jaggers tells them that â€Å"I don’t ask you when you have made it up†¦ Have you paid Wemmick? † This instantly shows the true character of Jaggers as a selfish person who always gets what he wants.

Animal Testing Is A Global Concern - 894 Words

Mice, rats, rabbits, fish and many countless amounts of other types of animal species are subjects for many scientific and research based experiments. Figure 1, shows how much of each group of animals are used in the testing. Over 75% of the animals used in research are mice followed by fish, amphibians, birds and the reptiles and other rodents and rabbits are used the less. Animal testing is a global concern that is being faced all over the world. This practice involves the injection of drugs, chemicals and other substances into millions of animals on a daily basis to test for the safety of many cosmetics and medications. (A. Moran, 2013). In order to determine the safety of the products and medications that are being sold to human, these animals are the centre of the experiments and are suffering from severe pains day and night. Animal testing is happening in numerous places around the world, the tastings occurring in Europe, Canada and the United States will be the focus of this paper. This issue will be further examined in terms of the reasons for its occurrence, impacts and possible solutions and implications to resolve this problem. An example of how and why animals are used in laboratories, the University of British Columbia, in 2012 released the six categories for how they use animals in research (Figure 2). The first category is purpose 0. Animals here are held in breeding colonies. (The University of British Columbia). The second category is purpose 1.Show MoreRelatedDrug Development Essay1537 Words   |  7 PagesDrug development This entire section on drug development highlights concerns which are very particular to the industry. They therefore lead to the implementation of CSR activities which are also very industry specific, although aspects such as animal testing and ethics in research can be shared by other industries such as the cosmetics industry, or the medical device sector for instance. Need for RD and innovation Today, the need for RD and innovation is great, maybe greater than ever. In theRead MoreThe Dangers Of Testing Cosmetic Products On Animals1496 Words   |  6 PagesAbstract Many of the largest brands in beauty s billion dollar industry are still continuing to test products on animals. Based on prior knowledge, there are various companies that do not test on animals. While there are big brand companies that continue to test on animals, like mice and rabbits. The purpose of this research is to examine the dangers of testing cosmetic products on animals, along with examining possible effective and safe ways to test products. Gathering information through qualitativeRead MoreNew Generations and Ethical Judgements1037 Words   |  4 PagesAs time progresses, with each new generation, society erects new barriers and raises new concerns that hinder the production of knowledge. This phenomena is evident throughout various fields of study and it is well known that these limitations infringe upon the production of knowledge in both the arts and natural sciences. I intend to discuss how ethical judgements have imposed limitations on the methods available to socie ty in the production of knowledge in both the arts and the natural sciencesRead MoreSustainability And Ethical Concerns Of The Body Shop1627 Words   |  7 Pages1. Sustainability and ethical concerns The Body Shop was always considered as sustainable and ethical business. ‘The company s campaigns against human rights abuses, in favour of animal and environmental protection and it commitment to challenge the stereotypes of beauty perpetuated by the cosmetics industry’ (THE BODY SHOP, 1999). The Body Shop sources the best quality raw ingredients around the world, they have ‘twenty-five Community Fair Trade suppliers’ (THE BODY SHOP, 2015) and their purchasingRead MoreProtecting Animals From Neglect And Cruelty Essay1327 Words   |  6 PagesProtecting animals from neglect and cruelty has a long and venerated history in the United States. â€Å"A central goal of the animal rights movement has been to draw attention to vivisection and the use of animals in medical and industrial research† (Liechty). Using animals in research and to test the safety of products has been a topic of heated debate for decades. According to data collected by F. Barbara Orlans for her book, In the Name of Science: Issues in Responsible Animal Experimentation, sixtyRead MoreAnimal Testing : No Harm, Only Benefits1567 Words   |  7 PagesPerales April 5, 2016 Animal Tests: No Harm, Only Benefits As the years have passed the human race has come across and discovered many different diseases. Many of the diseases were lethal due to the fact that there was no cure to be found. But as years went on our technology began to â€Å"evolve†, we found cures for what many would think are incurable. The practice of using animals in biomedical research has led to significant advances in the treatment of various diseases. Animals would be injected withRead MoreGenetically Modified Organisms And Its Effects1742 Words   |  7 Pagesin supermarkets contain many genetically modified components (Kelly). GMOs, also known as genetically modified organisms, are organisms that have had had its DNA spliced and manipulated in a laboratory by fusing genes from other organisms such as animals, bacteria, or viruses (Kelly). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the history of genetically modified organisms goes back to the 1920’s when a large corporation, Monsanto, was first experimenting with its chemical production byRead MoreEssay on Animal Abuse In Todays World1528 Words   |  7 Pagesmight cause on humans, even though the physiological differences between humans and the animals they use are drastic. On a daily basis most people do not see their own degree of unintentional support towards this global dilemma, but hopefully after I am finished here today you too will question how mankind can, with conscience, commit these acts which shame us as human beings. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Animals possess the same kinds of feelings and emotions as human beings, and without anesthesiaRead MoreAnimal Testing : No Harm, Only Benefits1710 Words   |  7 PagesPerales April 5, 2016 Animal Tests: No Harm, Only Benefits As the years have passed the human race has come across and discovered many different diseases. Many of the diseases were lethal due to the fact that there was no cure to be found. But as years went on our technology began to â€Å"evolve†, we found cures for what many would think are incurable. The practice of using animals in biomedical research has led to significant advances in the treatment of various diseases. Animals would be injected withRead MoreGlobal Climate Change, Sustainable Development1527 Words   |  7 PagesThe Global Environmental Movement is one of the many (NGO’s) addressing international issues, mostly in developing countries, gathering and analyze technical information. Environmental issues have become a significant problem over the years, which raised concerns at the global and international levels, which provoke movements for environmental protection at the international level. From the early 1960s forward, concern about the global scopes of environmental harm and the movement for international

General Mills a History of Responsibility - 1083 Words

General Mills: A History Of Responsibility Officially taking the name in 1928, General Mills has become one of the largest food companies in the world. They own brands like Cheerios, Pillsbury, Yoplait, Green Giant, Betty Crocker, Old El Paso, Totino’s and Progresso. Since the creation of their corporation, General Mills have established themselves as a company that flourishes by being socially and economically responsible. Their mission is to lead by example, and by doing so hope to promote positive change. Unlike other large corporations, General Mills uses their profits to give back. They have a strong commitment to their community, environment, and their employees. The Community Since the beginning of the company in the†¦show more content†¦General Mills have received many awards and recognitions based on their commitment to valuing their employees. America’s Most Admired Companies, Fortune 100 Best Places to Work for GLBT Equality 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers, Working Mothers Magazine Best Places to Launch a Career, BusinessWeek General Mills believes that by providing their employees with wellness resources they will cut down on time lost and decrease medical spending. And for over 50 years, they have provided those resources. They focus on prevention and helping employees make good, healthy decisions. Today’s workforce would be a great deal healthier, more reliable, and would be more optimistic about their careers if they had these types of resources available to them. General Mills spend a great deal of money marketing these socially responsible efforts. On just about every box of cereal you pick up, you will see these marketing techniques. Every General Mills cereal boxes you see have content promoting healthy and physically active kids. They also do a great deal of marketing for non-profit organizations including the United Way. General Mills have shown a great deal of responsibility. Their efforts are unparallel to the vast majority of other companies. And, because General Mills is such a role model in the food industry, people respect them and continue to do business with them. Their responsibility efforts includeShow MoreRelatedModule 1 ACC501 Case1051 Words   |  5 Pagesand compare the financial statements of General Mills and the Meiji Holdings Company Limited, which are amongst the largest firms in the food industry. I will also talk about the accounting standards, the differences between both company’s annual statements an d the differences between Annual Reports, a 10-K and the Corporate Social Responsibility Report. General Mills and Meiji Holdings Company Limited utilizes different accounting standards. General Mills uses the Financial Accounting StandardsRead MoreEssay On The Loss Of Your Reputation1175 Words   |  5 Pagescould regain the lost trust. In regards, the company should come out and publicize to the customers that the previous decision has been done away with and that they have figured out the problem. Also, the company needs to engage in the social responsibility activities. This would be an effective way of shifting the minds of the customers from the previous mistake to the current activities. Customers love free items and or discounts. This would be an attempt to cover up the previous decision thatRead More2.1 The Birth Of Free Speech . It Is Difficult To Pinpoint1267 Words   |  6 Pagesfreedom and it is important to scientific understanding. The Declaration of the Rights of Man during the French Revolution in 1789 provided freedom of speech, and allowed liberty’s to speak, write and print, though these rights do come with responsibilities to safeguard against abuse. And also in 1791 the first Amendment of the US Bill of Rights in guaranteed freedoms of religion, speech, the press and the right to assemble. Freedom of speech is the concept of the inherent human rights to voiceRead MoreChief Lieutenant Essay1661 Words   |  7 Pagesduties and responsibilities of social and civic life.[3] Rich in detail, insight, and thoughtful speculation, Jacksons volume insists that Banks and Mound Bayou are worthy subjects in their own right. A Chief Lieutenant is organized thematically, with the first two chapters covering the early life of Charles Banks and the history of Mound Bayou. Banks, born in 1873, attended Rusk University between 1887 and 1890. After serving as a federal census enumerator, Banks opened a general merchandiseRead MoreWhat is the best argument for freedom of speech?1492 Words   |  6 Pagesneeds to have its limits. Two of the masterminds who put forth their work on liberty and freedom of speech were John Stuart Mill and Jean-Jacque Rousseau. The concepts penned by Rousseau contradict those that were constructed by Mil; while the former focused on the functioning of the society as a whole, the latter advocated the rights of the individual to his freedom. Mill basically argument in his piece ‘On LibertyÂ’ allows for Utilitarian approach. His main idea was to give society and human natureRead MoreTaylor Halls Timber Business1630 Words   |  7 Pagesdiscussion will address various leadership concepts that are part of the organization and the role they play in the success and failure of the business. The phrase, a good leader, comes about due to exemplary traits showcased by those in positions of responsibility. The issue is evident in the organization given the way Hall associates with his subjects. When one talks about a perfect leader, many things usually come to mind. However, the most relevant thing is someone who never allows his temper to getRead MoreUtilitarianism And Immanuel Kant1213 Words   |  5 PagesKant’s philosophical writings have influenced people all throughout the world. Centuries later, his works still form a major point of reference in studies carried out in the modern world. His writings have bro ught a new dimension in religion, law and history. Among his many works was the Metaphysics of Morals which is the subject of this paper. His view of morals is that our desires and emotions are categorically imperative, meaning that they are conscience driven. His philosophy is closely relatedRead MoreNormative Ethics: Society Determines What Moral and Ethical Act or Action is Correct and Acceptable1446 Words   |  6 Pagesindividuals to choose actions that are right from wrong, principles that direct their behavior and responsibilities, individually and socially, Kant links morality with human freedom. Charles Mills, a race-conscious philosopher uses the idea of the â€Å"Social Contract† to argue that racially structured discrimination is a norm rather than a deviation from the ideal of a race neutral and color blind society. Mills also describes the â€Å"Racial Contract† as a formal and informal agreement, meta-agreements betweenRead MoreThe Importance Of Autocratic And Transformational Leadership Styles1736 Words   |  7 Pagesdifferent in their directorial approach; different leaders have different goals, abilities and techniques to achieve effectiveness. This paper will breakdown Andrew Carnegies road to becoming one of the richest and most generous individuals throughout history. This paper will validate that his autocratic and transformational leadership styles, personality and abilities are responsible for his success and legacy in the 20th century. Charles R. Morris stated What we think of as the modern American economyRead MoreAnalyzing Anthropocentris m Ethic : A Case Study Of Climate Change1209 Words   |  5 Pagesof us, our activities such as industry production, over cutting, variety of pollution make our mother planet- the earth changed sharply in such a short period (Markham, 2009). The philosophy of anthropocentrism guides people’s mind within a long history, especially become a consensus after industrialization period. In the anthropocene, the human beings are more likely to be treated as the subject of nature, and force nature to get the raw material for the survival and development of human society

The Problem Of Prison Overcrowding - 880 Words

. They get very limited space, making it easier to pass infections or diseases along each individual in the cell. The reason why there is a congestion in prisons is because to construct a cell is very expensive. Each cell in prisons cost about $75,000 to construct. According to the textbook, it would cost approximately 31 million dollars to build a medium security facility. The state tries to overcrowd prisoners in a cell to save money because cells are expensive to build, but on the long run they end up paying more money for that prisoner once they are released back into society. According to the textbook, John DiIulio and Anne Piehl both estimated that to house a prisoner in Wisconsin cost approximately $14,000. To release the prisoner back into society would cost about $28,000 by having that prisoner harm other citizens. By keeping prisoners in close-tight space next to other inmates, they become ill and start developing mental disorders. Just as prison overcrowding add to the health problems in prison it also contributes to the health problems in society because at some point the prisoners will be released back into society. When they reenter society, they have to get treated and most go back to committing crimes because they are unable to get a job to meet their necessities or get treated for their illnesses. According to the textbook, the impact of crowding increases the potential for violence. The problem that rises from prison crowding is not being able toShow MoreRelatedThe Problem Of Prison Overcrowding1166 Words   |  5 PagesRealignment Prison overcrowding has always been a problem in California prisons. It has been growing over the year and has now lead the United States Supreme Court to take part in trying to find a solution to this problem. Because of this issue, Plata litigation came through and had a significant impact on the way we see community corrections. The ruling in the Plata litigation in turn lead to AB 109 or The Public Safety Realignment Act to be implemented as a solution to California’s growing problem of overcrowdingRead MoreThe Problem Of Prison Overcrowding1395 Words   |  6 Pagesjustice system is prison overcrowding. To examine a nation’s soul, all one has to do is look inside of its prisons. Even though we have 5 percent of the world’s population we have 25 percent of the world’s prison population. The makeup of our prison population range from first time drug offenders to serial killers. Prisons serve a necessary function in society if used properly to keep the worst of the worst of the streets. In the last 40 years prisons has become a hammer where every problem appears toRead MoreThe Problem Of Prison Overcrowding1767 Words   |  8 PagesHave you ever noticed the serious issue of prison overcrowding? Growth of prison inmates over the years. Since the late 1900 s the prisons have been filling rapidly and that has caused a huge problems in the 2000 s. Overcrowding is not as easy of a fix that everyone thinks it is there is way more to it and it is way more complex. There are many reason that the inmate population continues to grow. Throughout the years, there has been a huge debate on ways to lower crime rate so there won t be asRead MoreThe Problem Of Prison Overcrowding2447 Words   |  10 PagesPrison overcrowding is a major problem in our criminal justice system and it continues to be a hotly debated topic as to how we should address the problem. One of the main reasons our prison systems have a problem with overcrowding is drugs. More specifically, the war on drugs started by President Reagan in 1982 brought a dramatic increase to the number of people put behind bars for drug offences. Mandatory minimum sentencing and truth in sentencing are two policies which have sent drug offendersRead MoreThe Problem Of Prison Overcrowding1598 Words   |  7 Pagessolutions to the major problem of prison overcrowding and argue that the problem of prison overcrowding would not be ending anytime soon, due to the inadequate attempts by state governments to deal with the inhumane living conditions in overcrowded prisons. This article relates to the topic because the authors analyze how the federal government and some individual states, such as California and Florida, respond to the constrained resources causing unsuitable conditions in overfilled prisons. This source illuminatesRead MoreThe Problem Of Prison Overcrowding Essay1773 Words   |  8 Pagesthe 1980s, the California prison system and parolee population have grow n tenfold. This is in great part due to the three strikes law that passed in 1994. This law made it a requirement for any offender convicted of a felony with two previous felonies to go to prison for a minimum of twenty five years. This law sent many people to prison for longer sentences due to non-violent drug offenses, when in actuality they should have been sentenced to rehab. Prison overcrowding is an important topic thatRead MoreThe Overcrowding Problem in Prisons1800 Words   |  7 Pages The number of people held in prison facilities across the world is increasing at a tremendous rate with each passing day. This comprises both the people who have already been sentenced and those that are at the pre-trial stage. The effect of this is an increase in the prison population which leads to the problem of overcrowding (Atabay, 2013). Overcrowding in prisons can be defined as a situation where the number of prisoners in a given penal institution exceeds the official carrying capacityRead MoreThe Problem Of Prison Overcrowding1572 Words   |  7 Pagesthe past 30 odd years, California’s prison population has grown by 750 percent (â€Å"California’s Perpetuating Prison Crisis†). As this percentage perpetuates to make substantial gains, inmates are suffering in confinement cells, officials are negotiating over the issue, and the public is protesting to make their opinions count. The prison crisis has continued to grow over the years, causing a great uproar among all of California’s 32 state prisons. Prison overcrowding has been an increasingly vital issueRead MoreThe Problem Of Prison Overcrowding998 Words   |  4 PagesPrison overcrowding has been seen as an issue since the early 1990’s in California. It all began when California began to aggressively increased sentencing in the late 1980’s and 1990’s in response to a nationwide fear about crime rates. During this time period California â€Å"enacted more than 1,000 laws that increased sentencing in a five-year span to settle these fears† (Fuchs). The effect of these laws resulted in a high prison population when California prisons reached a number of 173,000 by 2007Read MorePrison Overcrowding Is A Serious Problem1448 Words   |  6 PagesPrison overcrowding is a result of the imprisonment of drug users and first time offenders of non-violent crimes. The number of people being incarcerated greatly outweighs the number of prisons across the country. Prison overcrowding is a serious problem beca use it can be dangerous to both prisoners and correction officers. When prisoners are forced to live in crowded situations, the possibility of violence is greater (Oliver 44). Issues such as assaults and rapes can occur when there is not

Experience and Attainment free essay sample

Ah! I screech to myself as a torrent of thoughts crash into being -100 degree heat, the contents of Wendys fries digesting in my stomach, family, anxiety- as chatter and speculation cease to continue. The bus rolls to a stop as the campus of Georgia Southern surrounds me, greets me. The Boys State 2010 session had officially begun. Georgia Boys State, a program started in 1937, brings rising seniors together to organize the mock 51st state through campaigns and elections to build a love of democracy and an understanding of the political process. As a delegate on my first day, I rushed eagerly to Eagle Village, or my home for the next week, after being assigned to the Federalist Party. The day continued, hectic, as all first days are with orientation, meetings, formations in the blazing Statesboro heat, and the awkward first lunch. I was oddly optimistic, though. The next few days proved to test this optimism as primaries at the state level intensified, especially for my desired posi tion of Attorney General. We will write a custom essay sample on Experience and Attainment or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Monday and Tuesday night of that week, I fought off urges to sleep while developing speeches and slogans: thinking of ideas, trashing ideas, and thinking of ideas again. My attempt at productivity was stifled, however, because my creativity hit a roadblock in trying to express why I was a great candidate. This small challenge caused me to emulate the politicians so prevalent in the news media, and subsequently but insidiously my personal abandonment began. My new efforts would have been perfect, but I forgot the electorate consisted of 17 year-olds and without the ingredient of individuality it was impossible to separate me from other candidates. The Federalist Party convention, a golden opportunity, was spoiled as I had not realized I was my own worst enemy. Seeking approval, I tried to assure the crowd of my competence and potential by stating qualifications, like a human resume, hoping something might stick and make an impression. Bad idea! â€Å"I’m vice president of thi s, mock trial that† didn’t impress much of anyone but moreover drowned their ears with the same thing they had already been hearing, and looking back, the whole situation seems almost robotic now. After that, my strategy devolved, leaving no potential voter safe. I began to hound voters after lunch or between activities with hackneyed promotions while they sat there with forced smiles and made promises to vote for me. Eventually, I discovered more people were flocking to my eccentric opponent Spenser who used his unique brand of humor and lisp to stand out. This discovery prompted a bit of soul searching which made me conclude it wouldn’t be too late to trade the faux politician back for the individual who first walked excitedly off the bus. However, by the end of the week, Spenser had been elected Attorney General and he had honestly done a great job. I wasn’t mad or envious, though. The realizations gained throughout the experience proved to be just as r efreshing. I realized how important being myself is. My quirks make me more than a person in the crowd, another book on a shelf, or student in a classroom. In becoming a faux politician who was smug and unoriginal, I abandoned this animated individual with a great sense of humor who was a lot more candid than calculating and unintentionally stuck out like a sore thumb regularly. Great originals Andy Warhol, Prince, and even Ted Kennedy never sacrificed themselves, and they’re American icons so I don’t know why I felt compelled to do so. From this point on, I will continue as I am into the next phase of my life, college.

Mueller V. Allen Essays - Mueller V. Allen, Establishment Clause

Mueller V. Allen MUELLER V. ALLEN Issue: Did the government violate the Establishment Clause because they provided monetary support to the parents of all school-goers? Rule: The 1st Amendment states that the Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Analysis: In 1983, case of Mueller v. Allen, made a few changes in the way the federal government helped out the children in schools. The question in the Mueller case was a Minnesota statute that allowed all parents to deduct tuition, textbook and transportation expenses from their gross income on state tax returns for their children attending elementary and secondary schools. The Minnesota law allowed a tax deduction of up to $500 for each child in grades K through 6, and up to $700 for each child in grades 7 through 12. Given that most parents of public school children incurred no tuition expenses, and that at the time 96 percent of Minnesota children in private schools attended religiously affiliated ones [1978-1979], it was clear that the bulk of the tax deductions would go to parents of children in private schools. A group of Minnesota taxpayers brought suit against the Minnesota commissioner of revenue and Minnesota parents who had taken the tax deduction for expenses incurred in sending their children to parochial schools. The suit alleged that the law violated the Establishment Clause, because it gave financial assistance to sectarian institutions, which was a link between church and state. Conclusion: Justice Rehnquist's opinion in the Mueller case made a major distinction between direct aid and indirect aid to parochial schools. He said: It is true, of course, that financial assistance provided to parents ultimately has an economic effect comparable to that of aid given directly to the schools attended by their children. It is also true, however, that under Minnesota's arrangement public funds become available only as a result of numerous private choices of individual parents of school-age children. The Court concluded that under the Mueller Court's view, this type of indirect aid is consistent with the neutrality principle explained in the Establishment Clause because it neither advances nor inhibits religion. Social Issues Essays