Marijuana Impairments a Qualitative Study

Marijuana Impairments a Qualitative Study The term that knowledge is power only stands correct if your information is reliable and correct. Therefore, only some information is power, for not all information is reliable. The information we receive substantiates our belief system, and the decisions we make and how we understand the world around us. If that information is tainted by receiving misinformation/inaccuracies, such as information handed down through myths, folklore, and others’ misconceived ideals, then this information is dis-empowering to us and could be harmful to our creditability (Harris, 2010).This qualitative study is on the effects of Marijuana, and how it impairs function and inhibits motor skills. The purpose of a qualitative study is to gain knowledge from a particular social situation, event, role, group, or interaction (Creswell, 2009 p. 194). Therefore, it is an investigative process where the researcher gradually derives a conclusion from a social phenom enon by contrasting, comparing, recreating, cataloging and classifying the object of a study (Creswell, 2009, p. 194).According to Creswell (2009), in order to accomplish a qualitative study one must immerse themselves into the everyday activities of the topic/setting of the informants’ environment through continual interaction, and pursue the informants’ views and interpretations (p. 194). Qualitative research is the attempt to reconstruct the subjects’ real-world experiences. The study by Ramaekers, Kauert, Ruitenbeek, Theunssen, Schneider, and Moeller (2006) indicates that high-potency marijuana was shown to consistently impair executive function as assessed in the Tower of London (TOL) task (p. 298). In the original version of TOL, it consists of three colored balls, which must be arranged on three sticks to match the target configuration on a picture while only one ball can be moved at a time (p. 2298). The current version is computer generated images compr ised of the start and finish arrangements of balls. Every time a ball is moved counts as one step. The subject decides as quickly as possible, whether the end arrangement can be accomplished in 2, 3, 4, or 5 steps from the beginning arrangement by pushing the corresponding number coded button (Ramaekers, et al. 2006, p. 2298). The use of nine separate versions of this test were assessed and objectively reviewed. The TOL test found the executive function and planning abilities of the subjects under the influence of a high dosage of THC had their cognitive functions impaired and measured the degree of this impairment (Ramaekers, et al. , 2006). In conclusion, participants that smoked marijuana with a high THC content illustrated a consistent impairment of executive function when undergoing the TOL.The motor functions were also impaired through a decrease in the ability to track the objects when it came to â€Å"critical tracking task† (Ramaekers, et al. , 2006), along with a si gnificant decline in motor response, with impairments continuing for a period up to six hours after smoking a high level THC 500 mg/kg marijuana joint (Ramaekers, et al. , 2006, p. 2302). The study did not include subjects that were heavy daily users of marijuana in order to prevent tainting the results of this test through residual impairment by the THC already in the systems of those individuals (Ramaekers, et al. 2006). References Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and mixed method approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Harris. R. (2010). Evaluating internet research sources. Virtual Salt. Retrieved January 1, 2012,  2011, from http://www. virtualsalt. com/evalu8it. htm. http://pewresearch. org. Ramaekers, J. G. , Kauert2, G. , van Ruitenbeek, P. , Theunissen, E. L. , Schneider, E. , & Moeller, M. R. (2006). High-potency Marijuana impairs executive function and inhibitory motor control. Neuropsychopharmacology, 31, 2296–2303

Electronic Health Record Essay

Computer technology continues to make rapid advances in healthcare facilities. Many healthcare facilities have used computer programs for administrative functions such as payroll and billing. Electronic health record (EHR) systems have the potential to transform the health care system from a mostly paper-based industry to one that utilizes clinical and other pieces of information to assist providers in delivering higher quality of care to their patients. EHR (Electronic Health Record) is an information sharing system for both patients and doctors. Electronic Health Record or EMR is a computerized medical record of a patient in a digital form. It provides the opportunity for healthcare organizations to improve quality of care and patient safety. â€Å"The greatest challenge in the new world of integrated healthcare delivery is to provide comprehensive, reliable, relevant, accessible, and timely patient information to each member of the healthcare team whether in primary or secondary care and whether a doctor, nurse, allied health professional, or patient/consume† (Schloeffel et al. 2). EHRs are a longitudinal electronic record of patient health information generated by one or more encounters in any care delivery setting. Included in this information are patient demographics, progress notes, problems, medications, vital signs, past medical history, immunizations, laboratory data, and radiology reports†. Some of the basic benefits associated with EHRs include being able to easily access computerized records and the elimination of poor penmanship, which has historically plagued the handwritten medical chart. This technology can offer a more consistent method for open communication among physicians, nurses, labs and other clinical staff without relying on handwritten notes stored in a single-location, electronic health records can help with the time it takes to treat someone. Researchers have examined the benefits of EHRs by considering clinical, organizational, and societal outcomes. Clinical outcomes include improvements in the quality of care, a reduction in medical errors, and other improvements in patient-level measures that describe the appropriateness of care. Organizational outcomes, on the other hand, have included such items as financial and operational performance, as well as satisfaction among patients and clinicians who use EHRs. Lastly, societal outcomes include being better able to conduct research and achieving improved population health. Patient information can be accessed from multiple locations with password-protected security, and doctors’ orders can be queued in sequence to match the importance of the procedure to patient care. Electronic medical records contain a vast array of information that can be analyzed and monitored in digital form much more readily than paper records. Health care facility officials review the records regularly for compliance with all regulations and medical protocols, to monitor trends in resource usage and patient care patterns and to look for ways to improve patient care throughout the facility. People should be able to get better quality of care due to the amount of information on hand from every available and viable medical source. Give faster and more efficient diagnosis and treatments for patients. More convenient data trail; paperwork can often go uncompleted but electronically stored is faster and easier therefore it gets done effectively. When medical audits take place all information is readily available making workflow and procedures faster and smoother. The overall benefits that the electronic medical records provides doctors and patients worldwide. The system can Reduce and/ or eliminate the use of paper it can also allows all practitioners to see and update relevant patient data, reduces errors in transcription of paper records from one department to another and should speed the delivery of patient services. EMR technology can make storing and sharing information easier and more efficient not to mention convenient, it should help lessen and/or avoid duplication of testing, prescribing medicines that in combination might be dangerous or seems not to help, and the ability for anyone on the medical team to understand the approaches taken to a condition. Despite the growing literature on benefits of various EHR functionalities, some opponents have identified potential disadvantages associated with this technology. These include financial issues, changes in workflow, temporary loss of productivity associated with EHR adoption, privacy and security concerns, and several unintended consequences. Financial issues, including adoption and implementation costs, ongoing maintenance costs, loss of revenue associated with temporary loss of productivity, and declines in revenue, present a disincentive for hospitals and physicians to adopt and implement an EHR. EHR adoption and implementation costs include purchasing and installing hardware and software, converting paper charts to electronic ones, and training end-users. Training people to learn and use the new system and understand the capabilities of this technology. Making sure that the technology is integrated with widely used systems and computer software with ease. The maintenance cost of an EHR can also be costly. Hardware must be replaced and software must be upgraded on a regular basis. In addition, providers must have ongoing training and support for the end-users of an HER. There are some security matters, which include keeping the information safe from hackers. Privacy and confidentiality of records, such as who should and/or could have access to the important data. The risk of patient privacy violations, which is an increasing concern for patients due to the increasing amount of health information exchanged electronically. To relieve some of these concerns, policymakers have taken measures to ensure safety and privacy of patient data. For example, recent legislation has imposed regulations specifically relating to the electronic exchange of health information that strengthen existing Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy and security policies. In this paper we discussed several advantages and disadvantages associated with an EHR adoption. Many of the benefits accrue to patients and society overall. Providers and other users are also expected to face technological and logistical obstacles on their quest to achieve meaningful use of EHRs. Electronic Medical Record provides easy access and improves quality of care and patient safety. We have the advantages and disadvantages to both paper medical record and electronic medical record. Healthcare providers must first obtain information and carefully review the positive and negative aspects of it. Through this technology today, EMR can transform healthcare delivery in the United States and worldwide. Nationwide implementation of EHRs is a necessary, although not sufficient, part in transforming the US health care system for the better. EHR adoption must be considered one of many approaches that diversify our focus on quality improvement and cost reduction. Works Cited Menachemi, N. , & Collum, T. Benefits and drawbacks of electronic health record systems. Retrieved from http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC3270933/ Schloeffel, Peter, et al. â€Å"Background and Overview of the Good Electronic Health Record. † May 2001. Retrieved from http://www. gehr. org/Documents/BackgroundOverview_of_GEHR. htm

Using a Socially Conscious Song from Either the Caribbean

â€Å"I am living while I'm living to the father I will pray, only he knows how we get through every day, with all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay, while our leaders play†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Myrie et al (1995, track 5). This song â€Å"Untold Stories† sung by Mark Anthony Myrie, 1973, popularly known as ‘Buju Banton,’ a powerful Jamaican dancehall, ragga, and reggae musician. He has also recorded Pop and Dance songs, as well as songs dealing with political topics. Banton is politically outspoken and highly influenced by Marcus Garvey.These lyrics stated above revealed substantial discontent with existing social conditions and a robust mistrust of those in high positions. However linking this with critical theory, which is described by Bleich (1977) as composing largely of criticisms of various aspects of social and intellectual life, but its ultimate goal, is to reveal more accurately the nature of society (Ritzer, 2010, p. 282). A critical theory is adequate only if it meets three criteria: it must be explanatory, practical, and normative, all at the same time.That is, it must explain what is wrong with current social reality, identify the actors to change it, and provide both clear norms for criticism and achievable practical goals for social transformation. Critical theorists do not say that economic determinists were wrong in focusing on the economic realm but that they should have been concerned with other aspects of social life as well, the critical school seeked to rectify this imbalance by focusing its attention on the cultural realm (Fuery and Mansfield, 2000; Schroyer, 1973:33).This is shown plainly in Banton’s lyrics in his song â€Å"Untold Stories,† he speaks about these untold aspects of social life that has never been brought to the attention of others, conditions such as the inflation and rising of daily living expenses, the fact that at the end of the day your expenses will always outweigh your ear nings, also that the labour he has to pay seems as if he has to sacrifice a body part just to meet the expenses of life. â€Å"With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Banton, 1995).Focusing on other aspects of social life according to the critical theorists is what Banton’s song is trying to bring to the forefront; he tries to enlighten the minds of others with relation to poverty in his lyrics where he sings about the clothes on his back containing countless eyeholes, and one of the major unyielding points he made as he continued to sing is that â€Å"Opportunity is a scarce commodity†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Opportunities are allocated to those who can afford it, Banton continues in his plight saying that â€Å"Those who can afford to run will run†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1995).Even though you sacrifice and give your last expenses to gain an education, the opportunities are still given to those who can afford it, being educated does not mean that you are gua ranteed a space in the labour force, â€Å"Filled up with education yet don't own a payroll†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Banton, 1995) Critical theorists also focus on the philosophical underpinnings of scientific inquiry especially positivism (Bottomore, 1984; Fuller1994). Positivists believe that knowledge is inherently neutral. They feel that they can keep human values out of their work.This belief, in turn, leads to the view that science is not in the position of advocating any specific form of social action. Positivism is opposed by the critical school on various grounds (Sewart, 1978). For one thing, positivism tends to reify the social world and see it as a natural process. The critical theorists prefer to focus on human activity as well as on the ways in which such activity affects larger social structures. In short, positivism loses sight of the actors (Habermas, 1971), reducing them to passive entities determined by â€Å"natural forces. Given their belief in the distinctiveness of th e actor, the critical theorists would not accept the idea that the general laws of science can be applied without question to human action. (Ritzer, 2010, p 283. ) A simple yet perfect example of this coming from Banton is his perseverance to continue aspiring despite these deplorable conditions. He pushes himself to continue this life because of bare survival, â€Å"Though this life keep getting me down don't give up now got to survive some way somehow†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1995).He continues to sing about the trials he has to face in life and the injustice of it, that those who are suffering and in need of dyer help are the ones who never seem to get comfort and redemption, but even though his life entails all these tribulations above them all he sings, that as long as he is kept alive by the Father (God) he will continue to praise him and pray his name because it is only Him who knows why he is still alive and striving very day, â€Å"I am living while I'm living to the father I will pray only he knows how we get through every day†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Banton, 1995) Banton’s lyrics proves an apprehensive concern to those placed in high positions, he sings about while he has to struggle to earn and make a living those who are leaders can sit back and relax and recreate for they have their earning and they can afford to move out of these conditions that may come their way. Though ‘they’ i. the leaders can ‘run’ those who cannot afford to will have to stay, they will have to face struggle and dismay, the leaders are unconcerned for the less fortunate, their positions mean nothing to anyone but themselves. He continues in song, singing that it is a competitive world for low class people because of their low budget, they have to manage their income carefully but somehow they always spend more than they make a day, â€Å"It's a competitive world for low budget people spending a dime while earning a nickel†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (1995).He speaks out t hat there is no one to care about those who are suffering terribly in society, where youths have to rob and steal to make a living even though they have an education and that the only person that can help them is God so they will continue to pray, â€Å"No love for the people who are suffering real bad another toll to the poll may God help we soul†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Banton, 1995) The critical school focuses primarily on one form of formal rationality; modern technology (Feenberg, 1996). Marcuse (1964) He saw technology in modern capitalist society as leading to totalitarianism.In fact, he viewed it as leading to new, more effective, and even more â€Å"pleasant† methods of external control over individuals. Marcuse rejected the idea that technology is neutral in the modern world and saw it instead as a means to dominate people. It is effective because it is made to seem neutral when it is in fact enslaving. It serves to suppress individuality. The actor’s inner freedom ha s been â€Å"invaded and whittled down† by modern technology. The result is what Marcuse called â€Å"one-dimensional society,† in which individuals lose the ability to think critically and negatively about society.Marcuse did not see technology per se as the enemy, but rather technology as it is employed in modern capitalist society: â€Å"Technology, no matter how ‘pure,’ sustains and streamlines the continuum of domination. (Ritzer, 2010, p. 286. ) Emphasizing Macuse’s point with the media, this can be used as an example of just that; dominating the society with song and lyrics. These songs yes they invoke a sense of solidarity and power but can they really change the world? They let persons express their true selves by capturing a range of emotions and a sense of opposition, but what are they really doing for the society?This social order that they talk about, the one that seems so destructive, by broadcasting it; wouldn’t it also act as an imitator to others? My thoughts are that it can go both ways; negatively in that others may learn to do the same to their society to gain better benefits for themselves for example violent songs against persons or the government, others may use this as a reason to conduct destructive and violent, rage-filled acts or counter attacks. Therefore not diminishing but rather encouraging thus said acts. However these protest songs can also have a positive effect and reaction to the broader society.It helps for others to become aware of the things that are normally referred to as â€Å"unmentionables. † Persons are able to give a voice to unspoken cries and speak out against the true things that cause problems and raise havoc in a society. This Buju Banton song encompassed a range of hidden emotions about struggle and the fight that poor people make on a daily basis, it did not only speak of the hurts and trials but also about the fight to stay alive and the perseverance and the power of pray and will to continue along life’s path disregarding the troubles of living.Even though it expressed deep hurt and frustration it still comprehended a sense of power to become uplifted and to find good within the bad. The most lasting methodological contribution of critical theory to social science is the way it attunes empirical social researchers to the assumptions underlying their own busy empiricism.As Horkheimer and Adorno (1972) indicate in ‘Dialectic of Enlightrnment,’ the seeming avoidance of values is the strongest value commitment of all, exempting one’s empirical claims from rigorous self-reflection and self-criticism. It is in this sense that the Frankfurt School’s analysis of mythology and ideology can be applied to a positivist social science that purports to transcend myth and value but, in its own methodological obsessions, is mythological to the very core. (Agger, 1991, p. 111. )Therefore leading from this point, I used critical theory in this paper to show the criticism of the different schools that the theory disagreed with, also by choosing a socially conscious song I was able to demonstrate this from a societal stand point, illuminating the discontent and mistrust that persons in society feel towards certain social institutions and conditions that they face. I believe that these types of songs do have a positive and a negative effect on the wider society but I support their attempts to be heard.Also, conclusively yes these protest songs may reinforce this said ‘social order’ but it is my belief that it will provide more help to eradicate the problem rather than encourage it. BIBLIOGRAPHY * Adorno et al. (2002) Dialectic of Enlightenment. Trans. Edmund Jephcott. Stanford: Stanford University Press. * Agger, B. (1991). Annual Review of Sociology. JStor. Vol. 17. Pp. 105-131. * Frank, K. L. (1944). What is Social Order?. American Journal of Sociology. Vol 49 (5). Pp. 470-477. * Held, D (1980). Introduction to Critical Theory: Horkheimer to Habermas.Berkeley, LA: University of California Press. * Musixmatch (2000) Untold Stories Lyrics. Elyrics. net. Retrieved March 14, 2013, from http://www. elyrics. net/read/b/buju-banton-lyrics/untold-stories-lyrics. html. * Myrie, Browne, Germaine. (1995). Untold Stories (Loose Cannon/Island Records). On ‘Til Shiloh (CD). New York, NY: Island. (1995). * Raymond G. (1981). The Idea of a Critical Theory. Habermas and the Frankfurt School. (Cambridge University Press,1981) * Ritzer, G (2010). George Ritzer: Sociological Theory. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. APPENDIXAttached is a copy of the lyrics of Buju Banton’s song â€Å"Untold Stories,† which was used in this paper; â€Å"UNTOLD STORIES† – Buju Banton While I'm living Thanks I'll be giving To the most high, you know I am living while I'm living to the father I will pray Only he knows how we get through every day With all the hike in the price , arm and leg we have to pay While our leaders play All I see is people ripping and robbing and grabbing Thief never love to see a thief with a long bag No love for the people who are suffering real bad Another toll to the poll may God help we soulWhat is to stop the youths from getting out of control Filled up with education yet don't own a payroll The clothes on my back has countless eye holes Could go on and on and full has never been told I am living while I'm living to the father I will pray Only he knows how we get through every day With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay While our leaders play I say who can afford to run will run But what about those who can't, they will have to stay Opportunity is a scarce commodity In these times I say, when mama spend her last to send you to class Never you ever playIt's a competitive world for low budget people Spending a dime while earning a nickel With no regards for who it may tickle My cup is full to the brim I coul d go on and on and full has never been told Through this life keep getting me down Don't give up now Got to survive some way some how I could go on and on and full has never been told I am living while I'm living to the father I will pray Only he knows how we get through every day With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay While our leaders play All I see is people ripping and robbing and grabbingThief never love to see a thief with a long bag No love for the people who are suffering real bad Another toll to the poll may God help we soul What is to stop the youths from getting out of control Filled up with education yet don't own a payroll The clothes on my back has countless eye holes Could go on and on and full has never been told I am living while I'm living to the father I will pray Only he knows how we get through every day With all the hike in the price, arm and leg we have to pay While our leaders play I say who can afford to run will runBut what about those w ho can't, they will have to stay Opportunity is a scarce commodity In these times I say, when mama spend her last to send you to class Never you ever play It's a competitive world for low budget people Spending a dime while earning a nickel With no regards for who it may tickle My cup is full to the brim I could go on and on and full has never been told Could go on and on and full has never been told Could go on and on and full has never been told Could go on and on and full has never been told Could go on and on and full has never been told

Oil controling the world Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Oil controling the world - Essay Example Whether they can't, or they simply don't want to, remains a matter of speculation. (NICOLA, 2008) The battle for energy is shaping many conflicts of the present century, and those of future, but soaring oil prices not only have an impact on industrial production, but pose a greater threat to the end consumer and economy at large by have indirect effects on food prices, global industry, travel expenses, famine as more and more land is used to grow bio fuels and world food production is decreasing, the list can be endless. 'Unlike the previous oil shocks, which were more and less blamed on the imbalance between demand and supply, the current rise in oil prices is more complicated than just instability of demand and supply. So if one probes into the factors that have played a part in rising oil prices, one comes to a conclusion that there are a number of reasons ranging from a weak dollar to tensions between the U.S. and Iran. At the heart of the problem, though, is the fact that global demand is currently outstripping global supply. Countries such as China and India are thirsty for oil to fuel their economic growth, yet the world's oil-producing regions are producing less oil. In Nigeria, tensions in the Niger Delta region have curtailed production by nearly a million barrels a day. Fears of war between the U.S. and Iran, one of the world's biggest oil producers, have driven up prices further. And some of the world's major oil fields, the Cantarell Field in Mexico, for instance, are yielding disappoin ting amounts of crude oil this year, for geological, not geopolitical reasons.' (Weiner, 2007) HIGH OIL PRICES: THE WINNERS AND LOOSERS OF THE GAME In the political game revolving around the rise and fall of oil prices, there are some profit makers, while some are at the losing end. While it is obvious that the oil companies must be making huge profits, owing the fueling demand and high prices, it is the companies that specialize in withdrawing crude oil, who are the major profit holders. 'Exxon-Mobil, the world's largest publicly traded oil company, recently reported a profit of $9.4 billion. Impressive, more money than any publicly traded company has made in U.S. history.' (Weiner, 2007) 'The traditional big-oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other Persian Gulf nations, but also relative newcomers to the oil game, such as Kazakhstan and other nations that border the oil-rich Caspian Sea. Iran, Russia and Venezuela are also big winners. Higher oil prices might embolden leaders of those nations to play a more assertive role on the world stage and, in the case of Iran, deflect international pressure to dismantle its nuclear program.' (Weiner, 2007) 'At the losing end is any nation that is a net importer of oil, such as the U.S. and most European nations. The European pain, however, is blunted by the strong Euro and Europe's fuel-efficient transport systems. China is another loser. It's appetite for oil is seemingly insatiable, and it's already paying more for that addiction. India is potentially even more vulnerable: It uses less oil than China but imports 70 percent of it, compared with 50 percent for China.' (Weiner, 2007) ECONOMIC COSTS OF HIGH PRICES Recently, oil prices have leaped over $135 per barrel over night,

Film An Inconvenient Truth Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Film An Inconvenient Truth - Movie Review Example In the film, Gore also jokes that he "used to be the next president of the United States of America." (An Inconvenient Truth) This writer believes that the film has the intention to raise awareness on global warming, and the inclusion of a politician in controversial circumstances (due to the 2000 presidential election) provides the platform to draw in audiences. The artistic flow of the film is intentionally written to document Al Gore's personal encounters as well as the evidence behind the scientific findings. The film also attempts to explain climate change using a number of major claims. For the purpose of this paper the writer will look into two of these claims: (1) the doubling in numbers of category four and five hurricanes in the last thirty years; (2) as temperatures rise, heat waves will be more frequent and intense. While science can be refuted, as can the claims made in the film, this writer believes that the way the claims are presented is able to convince anyone without any scientific background that the idea of global warming does indeed exist.

Accounting (International Financial Reporting) Research Paper

Accounting (International Financial Reporting) - Research Paper Example Up to three members may be part time members. After 2 July 2009, IASB members are appointed for an initial term of five years, renewable for further three years.† (IFRSs in your pocket, 2010) Business firm can present its financial statement in the same format as their counterparts in other countries. It makes comparisons easier. This is especially useful for the investors to make investment decisions. The basic difference between GAAP and IFRS is that GAAP is a rule based accounting system and on the other sense IFRS is principle based system. In rule based accounting like GAAP, one needs to follow the rules specified for each of the business transaction while recording the transaction in accounts. Sometimes, the accountant foresees the effects of the accounting transaction on the end result and tends to interpret the rules with the objective of presenting good numbers to the public. Many scandals including Enron depict the loopholes in the present GAAP system which lacks a transparent system. In IFRS, a principle based accounting systems, which records the transaction in a transparent manner, which shows the true nature of each transaction. Also the consolidation of accounting concepts like IFRS makes the comparison of financial reports easier for the investor community. The transparency provided by IFRS help will them to make wise investment decisions. Mirza, A., Holt, G., & Orrel, M (2010). International Financial Reporting Standers (IFRS) Work Book. John wely and sons. Retrieved November 30, 2010, from

Mao zedong Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Mao zedong - Research Paper Example He became the main participator in the United Front. Mao was appointed as leader of the Peasant Movement Training Institute. Mao’s work included organizational and ideological instruction for peasant leaders. The opportunity opened Mao’s eyes to the potential of the Chinese peasants to engage in a revolution.2 Mao married Yang Kaihui, a daughter of one of his Beijing University’s mentors, in 1921. In 1930, Yang was executed by the Kuomintang. However, Mao had begun to stay with an 18-year old girl, He Zizhen. In the next nine years, they had sired five children. Mao divorced He in 1937 and married Jiang Qing. 1937 became a cataclysmic year for every person involved in the Chinese Revolution. Mao and his fellow Communists were involved in the futile southern China after the April Shanghai coup. The experience resulted into a distrust of Soviet advice. There was a deep animosity toward Chiang Kaishek that resulted in a search for new strategies to a mass-based revolution. Mao moved with a small group of loyalists to Jinggangshan, a mountainous and forested region in the province of Jiangxi. It was here that Mao faced the reality of real rural revolution.3 The political attitudes of Mao materialized against a background of great crisis in China in early 20th century. China was weak and divided. The main national problems were the need to reunify China and to expel foreign occupiers. Mao, who was young, was seen as a nationalist. He was strongly anti-imperialist and anti-Western and even before becoming attracted to Marxism. His nationalism combined with his combativeness to admire the martial spirit- martial spirit later became a pillar of Maoism. 4 There was a strong need for change and social reform. China’s social structure was obsolete. For instance, the gentry class was an obstacle to modernization. This class dominated the peasants, who comprised the significant majority