Humphrey, Hubert Horatio

Humphrey, Hubert Horatio Humphrey, Hubert Horatio, 1911â€"78, U.S. Vice President (1965â€"69), b. Wallace, S.Dak. After practicing pharmacy for several years, Humphrey taught political science and became involved in state politics. An ardent New Dealer, he was appointed to several federal offices in Minnesota. He was instrumental in getting the Democratic party and the Farmer-Labor party to merge, and with the combined backing of both parties he was elected mayor of Minneapolis in 1945 and reelected in 1947. In 1948, Humphrey (with the backing of the Farmer-Labor party) became the first Democrat from Minnesota ever elected to the U.S. Senate. He gained a national reputation by his strong stand for civil rights. Reelected in 1954, Humphrey campaigned in the 1960 presidential primaries against John F. Kennedy but withdrew after his defeat in the West Virginia primary. He was (1960) reelected to the U.S. Senate and became (1961) the assistant majority leader. In 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson chose Humphrey as his ru nning mate on the Democratic national ticket, which won. In 1968, after Johnson decided not to run for reelection, Humphrey was a leading contender for the Democratic nomination. He was opposed by many critics of the Vietnam War, however, because he had supported the escalation of the war during Johnson's administration. Humphrey nevertheless secured the nomination but he was narrowly defeated by the Republican candidate, Richard M. Nixon, in the election. Humphrey successfully ran for the U.S. Senate in 1970. In 1972 he made another bid for the Democratic presidential nomination but failed to secure it. He was reelected to the Senate in 1976. See his War on Poverty (1964), School Desegregation: Documents and Commentaries (also publ. as Integration vs. Segregation ; 1964), Beyond Civil Rights (1968), and The Political Philosophy of the New Deal (1970); biographies by M. Amrine (1960), A. H. Ryskind (1968), and R. Sherrill and H. W. Ernst (1968). The Columbia Electroni c Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. See more Encyclopedia articles on: U.S. History: Biographies

Management vs. Leadership - 1184 Words

Management vs. Leadership The comparison and differences of traits between leadership and management techniques and styles is like comparing apples and oranges. Leadership should be an asset of management but unfortunately not all managers have leadership qualities A manager is a director, an overseer, someone who dictates employees. A leader is focused on organizing and inspiring people to be entrepreneurs. The role and responsibilities of both leaders and managers in creating and maintaining a healthy organizational culture has differences and similarities, both a leader and a manager have the same goal to have a healthy organization but the approaches are different. An example from sums up the differences between a leader and a†¦show more content†¦An organization s culture is, in part, also created and maintained by the organization s leadershipÂ… Leaders also establish the parameters for formal lines of communication and message content-the formal interaction rules f or the organization. Values and norms, once transmitted through the organization, establish the permanence of the organization s culture(NDU, n.d.). Open communication reduces anxiety that employees may endure. Communication stimulates a healthy organizational culture within the workplace. A personal example of effective communication is working for an open-minded manager who understands that employees are humans and need to communicate, vent, discuss, and discuss matters. My manager believes that having an open door policy will enhance productivity in the department. The people in my department not only respect our manager as a leader but as an individual because he is honest and approachable. I can speak to my manager about anything, I do not feel as though I need to walk on eggshells in order to get a point across, I can speak to him openly about issues and my manager actively listens and addresses the issue. I am lucky to have a manager who is down to earth and cares about the employees within the department. Another recommendation for creating and maintaining a healthy organizational culture is streamlining processes to pr oduce the most amount of work in theShow MoreRelatedLeadership Vs. Management : Leadership And Management1550 Words   |  7 Pagesauthor of On Becoming a Leader: The Leadership Classic, is best known for, that addresses why there is a difference between Leadership versus Management (Murray, What is the Difference Between Management and Leadership?, 2009). Just like most people, I use â€Å"leadership† and â€Å"management† interchangeably because one feels that they are probably the same thing or embody the same characteristics. Further discussion will provide details on what leadership is, what management entails, and why they are differentRead MoreManagement Vs. Leadership : Management And Leadership1061 Words   |  5 PagesManagement vs. Leadership Introduction Presently many of us have learned that managers are primarily administrators who have learned to write business plans, utilize their resources and keep track of progress. We must learn that we are not limited by job title, and that means we can utilize our management skills in any position that we are in. We must also know that we can use our leadership skills in the same situations. On the other hand we have also learned that leaders are people who haveRead MoreLeadership Vs. Management : Leadership And Management1312 Words   |  6 PagesLeadership vs. Management Nowadays, it is impractical to think of an organization without an effective leader, as well as an active manager. The two are much in common as they are essential in the organizational hierarchy, and they are crucial elements in running any business enterprise. However, there are several differences between the two terms. Based on the definition, leadership means the power and ability of a person to motivate, influence, and enhance members to contribute towards the commonRead MoreManagement vs. Leadership1167 Words   |  5 PagesManagement vs. Leadership Management and leadership functions are definitely not one and the same, although they are unavoidably linked together hand and hand. Evidently, it is clear to note that they overlap and compliment one another. Having one without the other no doubt will cause more problems than it solves. Yet the two indefinitely have their major differences. To start, a manager manages tasks and systems, while a leader leads and inspires people. â€Å"The manager’s job is to plan, organizeRead MoreLeadership vs. Management1020 Words   |  5 PagesLeadership vs. Management Much has been written about the difference between management and leadership. In the past, competent management staffs ran effective companies. In light of our ever-changing world, however, most companies have come to realize that it is much more important to lead than to manage. In todays world the old ways of management no longer work. One reason is that the degree of environmental and competitive change we are experiencing is extreme. Although exciting, the worldRead MoreLeadership vs Management4303 Words   |  18 PagesLeadership vs. Management: What are the Characteristics of a Leader and a Manager Leadership and management are terms that are often used interchangeably in the business world to depict someone who manages a team of people. In reality leadership vs. management have very different meanings. To be a great manager you must understand what it takes to also be a great leader. Leadership vs. Management: Characteristics of a Manager Let s begin by breaking down some key characteristics of a managerRead MoreManagement vs. Leadership Essay989 Words   |  4 PagesMANAGEMENT VS. LEADERSHIP Management and leadership have many similarities, yet there are many differences that separate a manager from a leader. Merriam-Webster defines leadership simply as the office or position of a leader, the capacity to lead, or the act or an instance of leading. They also define manager as a person who conducts business or household affairs, a person whose work or profession is management, or a person who directs a teamÂ… However, Merriam and Webster do notRead More Leadership vs. Management Essay979 Words   |  4 Pages Leadership vs. Management Much has been written about the difference between management and leadership. In the past, competent management staffs ran effective companies. In light of our ever-changing world, however, most companies have come to realize that it is much more important to lead than to manage. In todays world the old ways of management no longer work. One reason is that the degree of environmental and competitive change we are experiencing is extreme. Although exciting, the worldRead MoreEssay Management vs. Leadership1138 Words   |  5 PagesManagement vs. Leadership The comparison and differences of traits between leadership and management techniques and styles is like comparing apples and oranges. Leadership should be an asset of management but unfortunately not all managers have leadership qualities A manager is a director, an overseer, someone who dictates employees. A leader is focused on organizing and inspiring people to be entrepreneurs. The role and responsibilities of both leaders and managers in creating and maintainingRead MoreStrategic Management vs Leadership3605 Words   |  15 PagesStrategic Leadership vs. Strategic Management: Untying The Gordian Knot Robert M. Murphy, Ph.D. Professor of Management United States Army War College DISCLAIMER This views expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not reflect the policy or position of the United States War College, the Department of the Army, the Department of Defense, the Department of State, or any agency of the U.S. government. Note from the Author This paper is a work in progress. The purpose of this

Essay on Identity Culture and Organization - 1986 Words

The primary goal for this essay is to discuss about the impacts of social media to the organizational culture in this modern business environment. The reasons to conduct this essay are firstly, the diffusion of social media have been focused specifically in relationship for organizations and the stakeholders. Secondly, the business organizations have been involving themselves to social media, for example, building its own community to their customers through Facebook and Twitter. Lastly, there are rare of proper evidences to prove the functionality and its limitation about social media to organizational culture. Therefore, in order to examine the topic comprehensively, certain relevant materials from journals, books, news and†¦show more content†¦From above, this can be identified that the ‘interaction’ is the key terms which shared by such definitions. Yet, will the organizational culture, especially the ‘interaction’, change its pattern by other factors? Indeed, not only the organization itself but its culture also had been transformed in this business world from time to time due to the globalization factor and the adoption of new technology (Kabasakal, Asugnab and Develioglu, 2006; Mills, 2010; Schein, 2010). Specially, through the emergence of technology in first generation of World Wide Web to the second generation (aka ‘Web 2.0’), the rapid development of social networking sites or social media and the Internet-based electronic commerce (aka ‘e-commerce’) had been changed the communication medium of an organization from traditional face to face style to the computer mediated communication style (Canessa and Riolo, 2003; Kabasakal et al., 2006; Harrison and Thomas, 2009; Mills, 2010). Such communication pattern not merely changes from the organization internally, but also externally, usually refers to customers. Undeniably, these led more and more organizations nowadays to adopt the use of social medias in latest forms to operate in their business routines, despite the fact that they had been tend to be costly, the effectiveness of the social medias as well as the efficiency helped the organization to deal with this cruel competitive businessShow MoreRelatedEffective Leadership Has Influenced The Organization s Culture And How Does Their Influence Shape Organisations Identity And924 Words   |  4 PagesOrganisation’s Culture and how does their influence Shape the of Organisations identity and Future? INTRODUCTION: Recently, researches have shown an increased interest in understanding the factual influence that leaders could do on the organizations. Undoubtedly, leaders play a critical role in the organization that they lead. More importantly the the changing nature of the economy that needs leaders to be aware of the dynamics that are essential for managing and leading organizations in the competitiveRead MoreCulture Can Be Both An Asset And A Liability1571 Words   |  7 PagesQuestion: Culture can be both an asset and a liability to an organisation Ravasi and Schultz (2006) wrote that Organizational culture is shared values and ideas that guide appropriate behaviour for various situations in the organization. Culture is created for people in an organization to behave consistently, which encompasses identical values, beliefs and principles of all the members (Needle 2010). Therefore, the culture in an organization can affect the ways of its members in work strategy andRead MoreLeadership Influences Organizational Culture And Employee Commitment1502 Words   |  7 Pagesunderstanding the mechanisms and processes through which leadership influences organizational culture and employee commitment, in order to develop a more complete understanding of the inner workings of leadership† (Bass, as cited by Aolio et al 2004 p.952) . Ellemers, Gilder, and Haslam (2004) agree that â€Å"additional understanding of work motivation can be gained by incorporating insights into social identity processes† (p. 459). Since motiv ational processes may be processed in group contexts, similarlyRead MoreThe Six Levers For Managing Organizational Culture1167 Words   |  5 PagesWithin organizations, large and small, there exists a sense of identity among its members that separates it from other organizations. This sense of identity is known as organizational culture. All over, managers seek to influence and change this into something that can be beneficial for the organization. In his article, â€Å"The Six Levers for Managing Organizational Culture†, Professor David W. Young defines the different elements that can influence and change the culture within the organization andRead MoreQuestions On Organizational Communication Concepts Essay1559 Words   |  7 PagesElements: According to Keyton (n.d.), organizational culture is defined as â€Å"the set of artifacts, values and assumptions that emerges from the interactions of organizational members† (p. 550). Some examples of artifacts and valu es include, norms, customs, how members should behave, and assumptions are revealed when talking about your work experiences. The culture of an organization can be simply what it feels like to be there (Keyton, n.d.). Every culture is dynamic, always changing and guides the constructionRead MoreCultural Identity In Unashamed By Lecrae741 Words   |  3 PagesLit Review Essay Cultural identity is the foundation in which identification is used to express his or her role in society. The distinction of cultural identity among a society affects a person’s role by pertaining to art and literature, as well as social organization element of culture. These examples of culture, refer to people all around the world. In the Story, Left behind, a native American student attending school is judged based on his ethnicity. In Unashamed by Lecrae, Lecrae uses musicRead MoreReading Work : In The New Workplace Centers Around Five Adult Educators1584 Words   |  7 Pagesmore important than stopping their work to do paperwork. Belfiore deduces that there were many instances when the value of documentation was not communicated to the employees. Because of these contradictions, Triple Z is a classic example of an organization in need of literacy training. Texco Texco is a multi-national company selling niche fabrics worldwide. Like Triple Z, documentation impacts everyone, and many contradictions are noted. Supervisors want the production line to reach daily quotasRead MoreToms of Maine Case Study666 Words   |  3 PagesToms of Maine Case Study Organizational culture is the basic pattern of shared assumptions that have been created by the corporation to enable the employees in the organization to have a shared norm. There are varied sources for the development of the organizational culture; they include the following-the general influence from the external environment, the factors that are specific to the organization and the influence of the values that exist in the society such as the spiritual perspectiveRead MoreSources Of Power And Functional Identity, Conflict, Self Interest, And Integration Within An Organization1184 Words   |  5 PagesSources of Power in Organization Introduction Evaluating the Organizations as Political Systems, Morgan (2006) looks at the various sources of power in organizations, his textbook lists several essential sources of power. This independent research discussion will examine the management of gender relations, and the power one already has. Particularly in the Political Systems metaphor, this review will evaluate how the two sources of power can contribute to functional identity, conflict, self-interestRead MoreWhat Makes A Successful Business?1136 Words   |  5 Pagesbusiness, one must understand the importance of bringing diversity into the workforce. To be able to obtain knowledge and strength from others individual traits shows deep facets in character. These traits show when working with individuals of many cultures and backgrounds in the workplace. A leader who has this ability can handle everyone uniquely and ethically and is in tune with what differentiates one associate from the next. Once one has a grasp on who they are then can one expect to lead a diverse

Personal Sacrifices for Career Success Free Essays

A great career often means that you have to sacrifice. There is always a give and take that you have to go through in order to get to where you want to go. Whether you have to work with someone you don’t like because they can get you a connection, or doing a Job you don’t like because you will one day get promoted to something you do, a good career requires give and take. We will write a custom essay sample on Personal Sacrifices for Career Success or any similar topic only for you Order Now Say the boss asks you to work on a Saturday. Why would you do It? Why would you give up a day where you could sleep In, go see a movie In the afternoon and then go out at night? You do it because working on Saturday will Impress people. It will show that you have a team first attitude that you will come In when needed to help the company. You might not enjoy working with people you don’t know all day. This especially holds true for those who don’t have great hygiene or respect personal space. Why do you put up with them? Why not just tell them they smell bad and get it over with? You shut your mouth because you have to be a professional, and you have to get along in order to get ahead. Professional sacrifice is also why you don’t yell and scream at people who don’t do a DOD job. You don’t want others to feel bad, but you don’t want to look like you are short tempered. This doesn’t help anyone, and you can get in trouble for it. Even If you are saying what others are thinking, it still requires you to restrain yourself and stay quiet. The betterment of your career is why you show up five minutes early to work. It’s why you go to Buffalo for a job when you have been living in San Diego your whole life. No one wants to go across the country when it is much easier to stay where you are happy. No one wants to get to work early when we all know that work isn’t fun. How to cite Personal Sacrifices for Career Success, Papers

Relevance of Skills in Services

Introduction In the contemporary business environment, it is vital for people to possess skills that would enable them perform their activities efficiently. Academic knowledge may help in gaining some of these skills. However, some skills are outside the realm of academia (Rao, Tang Wang, 2002, p. 15).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Relevance of Skills in Services specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More When organisations are conducting interviews for prospective employees, they usually determine whether the candidates possess skills that would enable them perform their work efficiently. Technical jobs require people to possess various professional skills to perform their work effectively (Rao, Tang Wang, 2002, p. 16). The service industry requires people to possess a different set of skills to work effectively. However, certain skills are necessary for people to perform their work in different industries. Determinin g the set of skills that are necessary in performing various services is a complex undertaking. Most managers make several assumptions when determining the skills that their employees should possess (Gruqulis, Warhurst Keep, 2004, p. 1). Social skills enable service workers to provide their services efficiently. Social skills involve emotional labour. Service workers have to make various complex decisions that determine the efficiency of their services. Making the wrong decisions may reduce the efficiency of their services. Therefore, skills have meaning in services. Relevance of Skills in the Service Industry Service work refers to work that involves continuous interaction with clients. Therefore, service work has a tangible and intangible element (Jones Taylor, 2007, p. 40). Information processing is one of the major tangible elements of service work (Jones Taylor, 2007, p. 39). On the other hand, the interaction with clients is one of the major intangible elements of service w ork (Mithas Whitaker, 2007 p. 238). Service based organisations usually compete using both the tangible and intangible element. Managers and policy makers usually use a certain set of skills to determine people who should fill various vacant positions. Determining the right set of skills that an individual should possess is a complex undertaking (Mithas Whitaker, 2007 p. 239). Job complexity and task discretion are the major factors that determine the set of skills that employees of service-based organisations should possess.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Job Complexity The tangible elements of a job determine its complexity. Customisation is one of the major aspects of service work. It helps in improving the quality of service that organisations offer their clients Organisations usually engage in mass customisation of data. Mass customisation may increase the complexity of the work. Usually, employees in service-based organisations concentrate on assimilating the information. In so doing, they overlook the complex task of analysing the information. Analysing the information may provide insights that may help the service workers to improve their efficiency (Gruqulis Lloyd, 2010, p. 94). The intangible elements of a service-based work also determine the job complexity. The intangible elements refer to the emotional or aesthetic aspect of the job of service workers. Social skills are vital in improving the efficiency of work. However, various scholars argue that social skills are not real skills (Korczynski, 2005, p. 3). This is because social skills are simply personality traits of the individuals who perform the duties. Therefore, it is would be wrong to refer to them as ‘skills.’ These scholars argue that real skills are technical (Korczynski, 2005, p. 4). However, it is a fact that social skills are vital in performing various dutie s in service-based organisations. Social skills involve emotional labour. Emotional labour is a skilled form of labour (Korczynski, 2005, p. 5). This is because it requires employees to use various complex social skills. Most organisations value technical skills than social skills (Korczynski, 2005, p. 5). Employees who possess higher technical skills usually receive better remuneration packages (Korczynski, 2005, p. 5). On the other hand, most organisations offer lower wages to employees who use their social skills to perform their duties. It is a fact that emotional labour is skilled labour (Korczynski, 2005, p. 4). Service workers usually make various complex decisions that determine the efficiency of their activities. The service workers may use the body language and or tone of the customer to determine the most efficient emotional response (Balnave et al., 2007, p. 321). One of the major characteristics of service work is that women dominate it (Balnave et al., 2007, p. 322). M ost organisations have the perception that women are better suited to perform these duties due to the emotional labour that it requires. Therefore, labelling the complex social skills of service workers as inborn attributes of the women instead of skills may be gender discrimination (Bolton, 2004, p. 29).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Relevance of Skills in Services specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More People who perform skilled emotional labour usually receive less pay than their colleagues who perform various technical duties (Balnave et al., 2007, p. 321). Emotional labour usually attracts higher wages when it is necessary in performing various technical duties (Lindsay McQuaid, 2004, p. 310). Therefore, it is vital for organisations to appreciate the importance of service workers by offering them better pay. Task Discretion Task discretion determines the skills that service workers should employ. Bureaucratis ation, cost-minimisation, and customer-orientation are some of the major factors that determine the structure of service-based organisations (Korczynski, 2005, p. 6). These factors enable the organisations to appeal to their customers using both price and quality of their services. Organisations may have several rigid procedures that service workers should follow while performing their duties. This reduces the task discretion of these workers. One of the major benefits of this method is that it makes it easier for the organisation to supervise the employees (Korczynski, 2005, p. 6). However, increased bureaucracy reduces the quality of services that the organisation offers its customers (Korczynski, 2005, p. 7). On the other hand, organisations may allow service workers to alter various procedures. Empowering employees usually leads to a significant improvement in the quality of services that the organisation offers. Most contemporary organisations use this model (Korczynski, 2005, p. 7). These organisations increase the task discretion of service workers. This enables service workers to choose and apply the right emotional response, which the management would approve (Korczynski, 2005, p. 8). Increased task discretion necessitates the management to recruit employees who possess skills that would enable them perform their duties effectively. The attitude of the employees determines the decisions that they would make when they face various situations (Varca, 2004, p. 457). One of the major developments in contemporary business practices is the managerial control of the emotional displays of service workers. The emotional displays help in improving the competitiveness of the organisations (Kim, 2007, p. 152). Managerial control of emotional displays usually reduces the task discretion of the employees. This has a negative effect on the intangible aspect of the work of the service workers. Conclusion Skills that are necessary in the service sector have various im plications on the practices of organisations. They determine how organisations recruit their employees. Organisations require their employees to be emotionally intelligent.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In addition, the skills determine the training that the organisation should offer its employees (Lloyd Payne, 2009, p. 619). Most organisations in the hospitality industry strive to control the emotional displays of their employees. The importance of service workers necessitates organisations to offer them good wages. References Balnave, N, Brown, J, Maconachie, G Stone, R 2007, Employment relations in Australia, Wiley Sons, Hoboken, NJ. Bolton, S 2004, ‘Conceptual confusions: Emotion work as skilled work’, in C Warhurst (ed.), The skills that matter, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke, pp. 19-37. Gruqulis, I, Warhurst, C Keep, E 2004, What’s happening to ‘skill’, SAGE Publications, Thousand Oaks, CA. Gruqulis, I Lloyd, C 2010, Skill and the labour process: The conditions and consequences of change, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke. Jones, T Taylor, SF 2007, ‘The conceptual domain of service loyalty: How many dimensions?’, Journal of S ervices Marketing, vol. 21 no. 1, pp. 36-51. Kim, HJ 2007, ‘Hotel service providers’ emotional labour: The antecedents and effects on burnout’, International Journal of Hospitality Management, vol. 27 no. 2, pp. 151-161. Korczynski, M 2005, ‘Skills in service work: An overview’, Human Resource Management Journal, vol. 15 no. 2, pp. 3-14. Lindsay, C McQuaid, RW 2004, ‘Avoiding the â€Å"McJobs†: Unemployed job seekers and attitudes to service work’, Work, Employment and Society, vol. 18 no. 2, pp. 297-319. Lloyd, C Payne, J 2009, ‘Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing’, Work, Employment Society, vol. 23 no. 4, pp. 617-634. Mithas, S Whitaker, J 2007, ‘Is the world flat or spiky? Information intensity, skills, and global service disaggregation’, Information Systems Research, vol. 18 no. 3, pp. 237-259. Rao, S, Tang, J Wang, W 2002, ‘The importance of skills for innovation and productivityâ⠂¬â„¢, International Productivity Monitor, vol. 4 no. 1, pp. 15-26. Varca, PE 2004, ‘Service skills for service workers: Emotional intelligence and beyond’, Managing Quality Service, vol. 14 no. 6, pp. 457-467. This essay on Relevance of Skills in Services was written and submitted by user Harvey Cole to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Environmental Costs of Cotton

The Environmental Costs of Cotton Chances are that on any given day we wear some clothing items made of cotton, or sleep in cotton sheets, yet few of us know how it is grown, or what are  the environmental impacts of cotton cultivation. Where Is Cotton Grown? Cotton is a fiber grown on a plant of the Gossypium genus, which once harvested can be cleaned and spun into fabrics used most commonly for linens and clothing. Needing sunshine, abundant water, and relatively frost-free winters, cotton is grown in a surprising variety of location with diverse climates, including  Australia, Argentina, West Africa, and Uzbekistan. However, the largest producers of cotton are China, India, and the United States. Both Asian countries produce the most, mostly for their domestic markets, and the US is the largest exporter of cotton with about 10 million bales a year. In the United States cotton production is mostly concentrated in an area called the Cotton Belt, stretching from the lower Mississippi River through an arc spanning the lowlands of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Irrigation allows additional acreage in the Texas Panhandle, in southern Arizona, and in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Chemical Warfare Globally, 35 million hectares of cotton are under cultivation. To control the numerous pests feeding on the cotton plant  farmers have long relied on heavy application of insecticides, which leads to the pollution of surface and groundwater. In developing countries cotton growers use a full half of the pesticides used in agriculture. Recent advancements in technology, including the ability to modify the cotton plant’s genetic material, have made cotton toxic to some of its pest. This reduced but did not eliminate the need for insecticides. Farm workers, particularly where the labor is less mechanized, continue to be exposed to harmful chemicals. Competing weeds are another threat to cotton production; generally tilling practices and herbicides are used to knock back weeds. A large number of farmers have adopted genetically modified cotton seeds that include a gene protecting it from the herbicide glyphosate (the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup). That way, the fields can be sprayed with the herbicide when the plant is young, easily eliminating competition from weeds.   Naturally, glyphosate ends up in the environment, and our knowledge of its effects on soil health, aquatic life, and wildlife is far from complete. Another issue is the emergence of glyphosate resistant weeds. This is an especially important concern for those farmers interested in following no-till practices, which normally help preserve the soil structure and reduce erosion. Reliance on glyphosate resistance makes it more difficult to control weeds without turning the soil. Especially problematic in the southeast US is Palmer’s amaranth pigweed, a fast growing glyphosate resistant weed. Synthetic Fertilizers Conventionally grown cotton requires the heavy use of synthetic fertilizers. Such concentrated application means much of it ends up in waterways, creating one of the worst nutrient pollution problems globally, upending aquatic communities and leading to dead zones starved of oxygen and devoid of aquatic life. In addition, synthetic fertilizers contribute an important quantity of greenhouse gases during their production and use. Heavy Irrigation In many regions rainfall is insufficient to grow cotton but the deficit can be made up by irrigating the fields with water from nearby rivers or from wells. Wherever it comes from, the water withdrawals can be so massive that they diminish river flows significantly and deplete groundwater. Two thirds of India’s cotton production is irrigated with groundwater. In the United States, western cotton farmers too rely on irrigation. Obviously, one could question the appropriateness of growing a non-food crop in arid portions of California and Arizona during the current multi-year drought. In the Texas Panhandle, cotton fields are irrigated by pumping water from the Ogallala Aquifer. Spanning eight states from South Dakota to Texas, this vast underground sea of ancient water is being drained for agriculture far faster than it can recharge. In northwest Texas, Ogallala groundwater levels have dropped over 8 feet between 2004 and 2014. Perhaps the most dramatic overuse of irrigation water is visible in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, where the Aral Sea declined in surface area by 85%. Livelihoods, wildlife habitats, and fish populations have been decimated. To make matters worse the now dry salt and pesticide residues are blown away from the former fields and lake bed, increasing the frequency of miscarriages and malformations among the 4 million people who live downwind. Another negative consequence of heavy irrigation is soil salination. When fields are repeatedly flooded with irrigation water, salt becomes concentrated near the surface. Plants can no longer grow on these soils and agriculture has to be abandoned. Salination has happened on a large scale in much of the former cotton fields of Uzbekistan. Are There Environmentally Friendly Alternatives? To grow environmentally friendlier cotton, a first step must be to reduce the use of dangerous  pesticides. This can be achieved through different means. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an established, effective method of fighting pests which results in a net reduction in pesticides used. According to the World Wildlife Fund, using IPM saved some of India’s cotton farmers 60 to 80% in pesticide use.  Genetically-modified cotton can also help reduce pesticide application, but with many caveats.   In its simplest form growing cotton in a  sustainable manner  means planting it where rainfall is sufficient, avoiding irrigation altogether. In areas with marginal irrigation needs, drip irrigation offers important water savings. Organic farming takes into consideration all aspects of cotton production, leading to much reduced environmental impacts and better health outcomes for the farm workers and the surrounding community.  A well-recognized organic certification program helps consumers making smart choices, and protects them from greenwashing. One such third-party certification organization is  the Global Organic Textile Standards. Sources World Wildlife Fund. 2013. Cleaner, Greener Cotton: Impacts and Better Management Practices.

Major General Robert E. Rodes - American Civil War

Major General Robert E. Rodes - American Civil War Robert E. Rodes - Early Life Career: Born March 29, 1829 in Lynchburg, VA, Robert Emmett Rodes was the son of David and Martha Rodes.   Raised in the area, he elected to attend the Virginia Military Institute with an eye towards a military career.   Graduating in 1848, ranked tenth in a class of twenty-four, Rodes was asked to remain at VMI as an assistant professor.   Over the next two years he taught a variety of subjects including physical science, chemistry, and tactics.   In 1850, Rodes departed the school after failing to secure a promotion to professor.   This instead went to his future commander, Thomas J. Jackson. Traveling south, Rodes found employment with a series of railroads in Alabama.   In September 1857, he married Virginia Hortense Woodruff of Tuscaloosa.   The couple would ultimately have two children.   Serving as the chief engineer of the Alabama Chattanooga Railroad, Rodes held the post until 1861.   With the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter and beginning of the Civil War that April, he offered his services to the state of Alabama.   Appointed colonel of the 5th Alabama Infantry, Rodes organized the regiment at Camp Jeff Davis in Montgomery that May. Robert E. Rodes - Early Campaigns: Ordered north, Rodes regiment served in Brigadier General Richard S. Ewells brigade at the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21.   Recognized by General P.G.T. Beauregard as an excellent officer, Rodes received a promotion to brigadier general on October 21.   Assigned to Major General Daniel H. Hills division, Rodes brigade joined General Joseph E. Johnstons army in early 1862 for the defense of Richmond.   Operating against Major General George B. McClellans Peninsula Campaign, Rodes first led his new command in combat at the Battle of Seven Pines on May 31.   Mounting a series of attacks, he sustained a wound in his arm and was forced from the field.    Ordered to Richmond to recover, Rodes rejoined his brigade early and led it at the Battle of Gaines Mill on June 27.   Not fully healed, he was force to leave his command a few days later prior to the fighting at Malvern Hill.   Out action until late that summer, Rodes returned to the Army of Northern Virginia as General Robert E. Lee commenced his invasion of Maryland. On September 14, his brigade mounted a stiff defense at Turners Gap during the Battle of South Mountain.   Three days later, Rodes men turned back Union assaults against the Sunken Road at the Battle of Antietam.   Wounded by shell fragments during the fighting, he remained at his post.   Later that fall, Rodes was present at the Battle of Fredericksburg, but his men were not engaged. Robert E. Rodes - Chancellorsville Gettysburg: In January 1863, Hill was transferred to North Carolina.   Though the corps commander, Jackson, desired to give command of the division to Edward Allegheny Johnson, this officer could not accept due to wounds sustained at McDowell.   As a result, the position fell to Rodes as the senior brigade commander in the division.   The first division commander in Lees army to not have attended West Point, Rodes repaid Jacksons confidence at the Battle of Chancellorsville in early May.   Spearheading Jacksons audacious flank attack against Major General Joseph Hookers Army of the Potomac, his division shattered Major General Oliver O. Howards XI Corps.   Severely wounded in the fighting, Jackson requested that Rodes be promoted to major general before dying on May 10. With the loss of Jackson, Lee reorganized the army and Rodes division moved into Ewells newly-formed Second Corps.   Advancing into Pennsylvania in June, Lee ordered his army to concentrate around Cashtown in early July.   Obeying this order, Rodes Division was moving south from Carlisle on July 1 when word was received of fighting at Gettysburg.   Arriving north of the town, he deployed his men on Oak Hill facing the right flank of Major General Abner Doubledays I Corps.   Through the day, he launched a series of disjointed attacks which suffered heavy losses before finally dislodging Brigadier General John C. Robinsons division and elements of XI Corps.   Pursuing the enemy south through the town, he halted his men before they could assault Cemetery Hill.   Though tasked with supporting attacks on Cemetery Hill the next day, Rodes and his men played little role in the rest of the battle. Robert E. Rodes - Overland Campaign: Active in the Bristoe and Mine Run Campaigns that fall, Rodes continued to lead his division in 1864.   In May, he helped opposed Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grants Overland Campaign at the Battle of the Wilderness where the division attacked Major General Gouverneur K. Warren V Corps.   A few days later, Rodes division took part in the savage fighting at the Mule Shoe Salient at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House.   The remainder of May saw the division participate in the fighting at North Anna and Cold Harbor.   After reaching Petersburg in early June, Second Corps, now led by Lieutenant General Jubal A. Early, received orders to depart for the Shenandoah Valley. Robert E. Rodes - In the Shenandoah:         Tasked with defending the Shenandoah and drawing troops away from the siege lines at Petersburg, Early moved down (north) the valley sweeping aside Union forces.   Crossing the Potomac, he then sought to menace Washington, DC.   Marching east, he engaged Major General Lew Wallace at Monocacy on July 9.   In the fighting, Rodes men moved along the Baltimore Pike and demonstrated against Jug Bridge.   Overwhelming Wallaces command, Early then reached Washington and skirmished against Fort Stevens before withdrawing back into Virginia.   The efforts of Earlys troops had the desired effect as Grant dispatched sizable forces north with orders to eliminate the Confederate threat in the Valley. In September, Early found himself opposed by Major General Philip H. Sheridans Army of the Shenandoah.   Concentrating his forces at Winchester, he tasked Rodes with holding the Confederate center.   On September 19, Sheridan opened the Third Battle of Winchester and commenced a large-scale attack against the Confederate lines.   With Union troops driving back both of Earlys flanks, Rodes was cut down by an exploding shell as he worked to organize a counterattack.   Following the battle, his remains were taken back to Lynchburg where he was buried at the  Presbyterian Cemetery.         Ã‚   Selected Sources VMIs Civil War Generals: Robert E. RodesGettysburg Generals: Robert E. RodesNPS: Robert E. Rodes