In June began a criminal invetigation of a family of 4 murdered in their home in Mahmudiya, south of Baghdad in March 2006. All four of the soldiers being charged belong to the 2nd Brigade of the elite 101st Airborne Division. Two of the soilders may be charged with the death penalty soldiers charged with rape and murder were Pte Jesse Spielman, Sgt Paul Cortez, and Pte Bryan Howard.
When I saw this article I was shocked. It is because of people like this that the United States name is tarnished. We are suppose to help and protect these people not murder an innocent family and rape 14 year old girls! We wonder why some of theses people do not want us there but really can we blame them we have had several incidents with soldiers that it is ridiculous. Where does this end? http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6152118.stm
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Yes, female circumcision can be an awkward subject to discuss, but even though it is a sensitive subject that is easy to avoid we have to realize that it is a serious problem which many Muslim woman face. Background Info:- Female Circumcision is widespread in parts of North Africa, South and South-East Asia, and the Middle East.
- Female circumcision typically involves surgically removing the clitoris of a young girl.
- Parents who support the practice argue that it helps prevent promiscuous behaviour in their daughters.
- Female circumcision often robs women of sensitivity in their sexual organs.
- Infertility, infections, and diseases such as HIV are often the results of dangerous and unhygienic procedures.
Recently steps toward eliminating this degrading and often dangerous practice have been formed. At a conference in the Egyptian Capitol of Ciaro the subject of female circumcision has been discussed at length. Islamic Scholars who have attended the meeting say governments should begin to enforce existing laws against the practice. The Muslim scholars said female circumcision was an aggression against women and should be stopped. The scholars stressed that Islam forbids people from inflicting harm on others, explaining that those who circumcise their daughters were doing exactly that. I have known about this issue for a long time now, and this is the first article that I have come across that calls for an actual solution to this problem. I really hope that the poeple and the Islamic Governments that are still practicing this humiliating procedure will stop and give freedom back to woman.
florida's need for water
"In water-starved Florida, the Suwannee River is a treasure more precious than gold."
Without any dams, it is the only undisturbed major river system in the southeastern United States. But Florida's major population growth, and the need for water that comes with it, has some wondering how long the Suwannee can keep flowing at its current levels. "It's kind of an oasis that's now surrounded by extensive development on all sides," said Brian Katz, a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Tallahassee. According to Kirk Webster, the deputy director of the Suwannee River Water Management District in Live Oak, the local population is expected to increase by nearly 65 percent, from 282,000 in 2000 to 462,000 in 2020. The region's water problem has also recently been effected by drought, which "prompted officials last week to issue a water shortage advisory for the Suwannee." Water managers are calling on all users, from homeowners to farmers, to reduce their water consumption immediately.
This article was interesting for me to read not only because of how immense the population growth is expected to be, but it also brings into reality how our natural resources will be affected by it. Its a scary thought to know that water is a limited supply.
Prince Albert II ascends to the throne to be the new king in Monaco. At age 47 he is bound to a great king of Monaco. He attend's Monaco's football game's, and watch's many of the great Oprea's that are played there. Along with being a great leader, Albert is a father to 2 son's and 1 daughter. He also loves his family and a few months after he was appointed ruler, his father died at the age of 81 year.
After reading the article about Prince Albert II, I believe that he is exactly what Monaco needs, a great leader that will help the country. He seem's a down to earth guy with a great family to support him, and be by his side the whole time. Our world is looking for great leader's that can help bring our countries together, and I believe that Monaco sure found one!
Russia Selling Missles to Iran
I was reading an article at cnn.com saying that Russia has began delivery of missiles to Iran. The types of missiles that is being delivered are called Tor-M1 missiles. 29 missiles are being sold, for a total of $700 million. These missiles are designed for low-mid range altitude, short distanced attacks, and are used to destroy basically anything that flys, from airplanes, helicopters, and other missiles. This action is breaking an agreement with the USA stopping the export of arms to Iran. Russia's reasons for this action are unclear.
I can't say much about this, since there isn't a lot of information shown, but obviously it shouldn't be allowed. I am wondering why Russia would agree to this trade when they are our allies and agree with us on the most part. Hopefully Russia comes to realize that they are making a mistake and cuts the deal short. The world is dangerous enough as it is, and we don't need more countries with new powerful weapons, especially unstable countries such as Iran.
CNN articleTor-M1 Missile explanation
The European Union was formed to unite the economic sectors of the European countries. It later grew to incorporate many other aspects such as travel, education, and jobs. Today people living in the European Union can travel between countries without a passport, work in other European Union countries, trade freely amongst themselves, and are comparatively peaceful compared to its past. I find that the improvements made in Europe due to the European Union are incredibly beneficial and that while it has some downfalls it is all around a great organization. I believe that other regions of the world could also greatly benefit from an organization such as this like the Caribbean.
Rwanda Breaks Ties with France
Rwanda has decided to sever all ties with France after a French investigating judge issued arrest warrants for nine ranking Rwandans suspected of downing once president Juvenal Habyarimana's airplane on April 6, 1994. This downing sparked the country's genocide. These accused officials are close to the Rwandan president, Paul Kagame, and the accusations inflamed tensions. The Rwandan government is giving French ambassador, Dominique Decherf, until Saturday evening to leave the country. Other 29 French officials have until Monday evening to leave. Rwandans are accusing the French government of trying to destabilize their country.
The reason why the French judges were investigating this case was because the crew that piloted the downed plane was French. And in 1998, family members of the crew filed a suit in France. Some claim that the Kagame's largely Tutsi force downed the plane, and Kagame actually gave the order to down the plane in a meeting on March 31, 1994. In response, Kagame stated that relations between the two countries would suffer, which they did. The Rwandan president then accused France of doing little to stop the genocide.
After the plane of President Habyarimana crashed, the Hutu majority in the country set up road blocks across the capital of Kigali. Then, on April 7, they began to kill the accused Tutsi minorities. Nearly 500,000 people were killed in 100 days.
Rwanda Breaks Ties with France
Florida's Precious River
In relation to our recent discussion on water problems in the world, this article was interesting to me. In class we talked about how water shortages in Southwest Asia were causing problems, but what I didn’t know was that we are having quite a bit of trouble in the United States to supply our thirsty citizens with water. In Florida, increasing populations are troubling officials, because there is not enough groundwater for its population. For example, the Tampa-St. Petersburg area has used almost all of its groundwater supplies and must now find other water resources. Suggested ideas include bringing water from the Suwannee River in northern Florida. This river is the only undisturbed river in the southeast United States, meaning it does not contain any dams. To water-starved Florida, this river has become very precious. However, scientists fear that the rising population will cause environmental problems to the river, including pollution, water depletion, and harm to local species. And with predicted population increases as high as 65%, people are wondering how long the Suwannee will continue to flow. Officials have set MLF (minimal flow and levels) for the river, allowing as much water to be extracted without damaging the river. This helps local species, including the manatee, from being harmed.
Other ideas have been proposed to help the water problems in Florida, including desalinizing seawater. In southwest Florida, billions of dollars are being spent to try and relieve these water problems. I feel that spending this much money is necessary; otherwise the Suwannee River Basin would receive substantial damage. And considering that Florida is surrounded by water, desalinization programs would be highly successful.
Florida's Precious River
Chilean boy born with fetus in his stomach
In Santiago, Chile a boy was born with a fetus in his stomach. Doctors said that this is a very rare case of fetus in fetu. Which is when a women has twins and one of the twins is growing inside of the other twin. Doctors discovered this during the womens pregnancy. The fetus in the other boy was four inches and had devolped a spinal cord with no head or limbs. They said that it would never devolp them either. This is a very rare case. Only 1 in 500,000 chance of this to happen. The amount of this type of case happening is fewer than 90 in the world.
3 killed in holiday shooting
If you think that your family holidays are horrid, at least you weren't killed. Yesterday in California three family members were fatally shot. Two men walked into an apartment where eleven people were enjoying their thanksgiving dinner. The gunmen shot two men and a women. A fourth person was injured. Not from a gun shot but from jumping out of the three story window to escape from being shot. His only injury was a broken back. Both of the gunmen were taken into custody. Supposedly, there has been a family dispute going on for awhile that helped spark the shooting.
It always interests me when other families are worse off then mine. I thought that the usual thanksgiving dinner at grandma's house was bad enough but at least there are no major family disputes. It is really unfortunate that there are families in the world that have issues that are tried to be resolved by shooting family members.
Shiites Vs. Sunnis.
I assumed that the Shiites and Sunnis conflict was long over, since their sole conflict was on what should do when Muhammed died, which had to be hundreds of years agoo.. But while browsing cnn.com I came across an article that actually had me intrested in these two groups, and it revealed that there are still conflicts going on between these two groups.
"200 were killed in Baghdads Sadr City". According to
this article 200 were killed and more then 250 were wounded in a despute between the Shiite and the Sunnis. This all started when the Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr threated to withdraw his support from the Iraqi goverment if Nuri al-Maliki meets with Bush this coming week for "talks" which can be assumed to be peace talks. After the Shiites threatened this there was an attack, which was called a "bloodbath". It is thought that it was the Sunnis behind this attack and to look out for a Shiite retatilation. The Shiites blamed Americans for setting up the condition that caused this war inside of a war. I'll leave you with what can be heard being chanted throught streets of Iraq, "No, no to America. Yes, yes to Islam.".
Who else thinks its time to get out of there?I have to agree with "spatulamanhandler" when they said that actually reading these articles that pertain to the last chapter are so much easier to relate and understand then just casually skimming a long tedious and redunant chapter.
4,000-Year Old Tombs Found in Jerusalem
Located next to Israel's largest mall near Jerusalem, builders of the mall uncovered a 4,000 year-old cemetery. Throughout this month this site began ritual offerings. Some believe the cemetery could even be bigger then what was actually discovered. The site will be likely to be re-buried. The artifacts will be moved into Israel's museum. They believe it to be some kind of puzzle, and this is just one more piece to it. There were sheep and goat bones found as well. Most of the artifacts were located and were all there. That is very unusual. Came from a 1960 model of ancient Jerusalem. This will help knowlegde of the village and the village surroundings.
The 30 to 40 excavated tombs are on the edge of the Bayit Vagan neighborhood. This location is overlooking Jerusalem's Emek Refaim.
The other objects that were found at the cemetery include metal weapons, tools, and jewelry.
Jerusalem.
Israel retaliates
Israeli forces advanced on two Gaza towns this past Wednesday in responce to Palestinian rocket fire earlier this week. One Israeli man died from injuries, and a school was hit in southern Israel, though no one was hurt. In the violence on Wednesday, a Hamas' policeman was killed by Israeli tank fire. Hospital officials also divulged that three Palestinian girls were injured outside of a school by Israeli firing. Since March a Hamas-led government has been in control of Gaza. Israel has officially boycotted the Hamas government because of its refusal to renounce violence and recognize Israel as a state.
This article fits quite well with the previous chapter that we have been studying in class. Reading an article like this really brings things into perspective. Seeing it in some book just makes the conflict in Israel seem so distant or in the past, but when reading an article that was written just this week, the violence seems so much more real, so much more tangible. Israeli official David Baker said "No government would tolerate such attacks, and neither will Israel" and I can completely understand this. Israel has every right to retaliate to the Palestinian attacks.
Article
Europe's Ecomony
Europe is slowly going out of business. The concerns of Europe have been brought down to two trends: low birth rates and a meager economy. Over the years Europe has contributed to a lot of good things but has also created much destruction. Some of the good things that they have achieved are settling North and South America, inventing modern science, leading the Industrial Revolution and overseeing the slave trade. But on the other hand they have done a lot of damage. They have unleashed two of the world's most destructive wars.
Europe has known to be in power. But since their population is shriveling, it is kind of hard to maintain control. It has been recorded that woman aren't having as many children. The rate is 2.1 children per woman. That isn't nearly as many as they need to continue being successful in their economy. Since the women aren’t producing as many children, the population is getting older. What happens when it is time to retire? Who do you replace them with? The choices you have are the young Europeans or immigrants. These two options are inexperienced and will probably slow down the manufacturing. The older class is so educated in their jobs and since there are a large group of people of age 65 and older, if they all retire at one time, the economy will decrease greatly.
A weak European economy contributes to the reason on why many people are so dependent on the American growth and economy. European's are very critical to the United States. Europe faces a lot more problems within the continent than we do here in America.
After reading this article, I question my knowledge as to Europe having the largest economy. It seems like the America's have developed more and face less problems. With Europe, it seems like they haven't really improved but declined and faces a lot more conflicts between Eastern and Western Europe. What do you think of the economy of Europe? Do you believe it to be good? Or bad?
Europe's Economy
Illegal Immigration...In Europe
Ministers from more than fifty countries from Africa and the European Union met to discuss migration problems recently. A declaration has been adopted between these two continents with a goal of diminishing the number of illegal immingrants in Europe. African nations were hoping for a multi-billion dollar fund to be put into place, but were denied that amount after two days of talks. Instead the European Commissioner for Development Louis Michel said that European nations weren't ready to donate that much money and offerred $52 million to develop a different fund.
There have been many blogs written on the issue of illegal immigration between the United States and Mexico, but I guess I never really realized the extent of this problem worldwide. I was very impressed to read how European nations plan to curb illegal immigration. The fund created by the declaration is meant to finance development projects that would counteract the movement of young Africans to Europe. Mainly, the declaration will lower the cost for Africans to send money earned from Europe. Leaders stated, "Illegal or irregular immigration cannot be addressed solely from a security perspective."
I think this is a very wise and mature plan and am surprised the United States has not yet thought of this or implemented it. The lack of success within the United States shows that using only security methods is not enough. Granted, it is important to reduce the amount of illegal immigrants now, but it is just as crucial to provide for the future. If nations were to help the people and conditions of the developing country, illegal immigration wouldn't be as prevelant or problematic because citizens wouldn't feel compelled to leave. Anyone else agree?
European Union and African Declaration
Abandoned Infants
The abandonment of infant babies has increased significantly over the years. Today I woke up to a front page article about a baby girl that was found on Wednesday, November 22-The day before Thanksgiving. She was found around a rural Lynden Township road. Her nickname, Grace, was given to her because of the conditions and luck of her findings. The temperatures were in the 40's and she was found relatively quickly, so she remains in good condition.
Unfortunately this is not the only abandonment of children, it is happening everywhere and unfortunately too often. In 1998 almost 32,000 babies were deserted in the local hospitals around their birthplace. The hospital costs are around $520 but the life of a young child is priceless. 50% of the babies discarded are found in the first 24 hours of their lives.
The Safe Haven Act has become an apparent law around many of the US states. In fact, 45 states have put this law into action. The law states that hospitals, police stations, fire stations, and many other public locations are now opted as safe havens. The parents of the infant will not be prosecuted to bring in a baby. The department of Children and Family Services are starting to keep more statistics on the abandonment of children and hopefully will make sure this law is helping the situation.
I think that the law is incredibly smart and extremely helpful in keeping fewer kids off the streets. It helps keep the kids safer and increases their chances of staying alive. It is still very wrong to neglect and desert your kid, but either way studies or statistics show it is happening, so why not give the kids a better chance to stay alive.
I strongly agree with the law. Many people are arguing with the expenses that are put on the shoulders of hospitals and other public locations. If you think about it though, it is a lot more expensive to pay for a mentally, physically, and emotionally unstable infant than it is a normal one. For all of us, we can help spread the news about the law and make sure that people know all about it.
Abandoned Infants
The abandonment of infant babies has increased significantly over the years. Today I woke up to a front page article about a baby girl that was found on Wednesday, November 22-The day before Thanksgiving. She was found around a rural Lynden Township road. Her nickname, Grace, was given to her because of the conditions and luck of her findings. The temperatures were in the 40's and she was found relatively quickly, so she remains in good condition.
Unfortunately this is not the only abandonment of children, it is happening everywhere and unfortunately too often. In 1998 almost 32,000 babies were deserted in the local hospitals around their birthplace. The hospital costs are around $520 but the life of a young child is priceless. 50% of the babies discarded are found in the first 24 hours of their lives.
The Safe Haven Act has become an apparent law around many of the US states. In fact, 45 states have put this law into action. The law states that hospitals, police stations, fire stations, and many other public locations are now opted as safe havens. The parents of the infant will not be prosecuted to bring in a baby. The department of Children and Family Services are starting to keep more statistics on the abandonment of children and hopefully will make sure this law is helping the situation.
I think that the law is incredibly smart and extremely helpful in keeping fewer kids off the streets. It helps keep the kids safer and increases their chances of staying alive. It is still very wrong to neglect and desert your kid, but either way studies or statistics show it is happening, so why not give the kids a better chance to stay alive.
I strongly agree with the law. Many people are arguing with the expenses that are put on the shoulders of hospitals and other public locations. If you think about it though, it is a lot more expensive to pay for a mentally, physically, and emotionally unstable infant than it is a normal one. For all of us, we can help spread the news about the law and make sure that people know all about it.
Class notes for November 22nd
Today in class we watched a movie on Europe. The movie focuses on the different regions of Europe such as the southern part and the eastern part. The movie then went into a little detail about each country and what that countries brief history was. The movie also showed polotical and economic traits of each country. Overall I found the move interesting, but I think it got boring towards the end. The movie became very reptitive as well
At 3:00 this morning (22nd), a chemical plant about 20 miles north of Boston exploded. The cause of the blast is unknown, and will likely remain that way for a couple of weeks. Twenty five houses are damaged beyond repair, and 65 more were also damaged but are recoverable. Some residents thought that it was a plane crash at first thought, however they later found that the nearby chemical plant has exploded with the force of a 2,000 pound bomb. Miraculously, only ten people were hurt, none of which were serious injuries, and no one was working at the plant at that time.
What got my attention about this article, was the fact that I had not heard about this event until I sat down to write this blog. I then got to thinking, if this was a nuclear powerplant, it would be impossible not to hear about it. I stand behind the use of nuclear energy, and I am sure that if something similar to this happened at a nuclear powerplant people would be having a fit about how unsafe nuclear power is. But the truth is, accidents like this happen fairly regularly. Nuclear power actually has a far safer record than does that of chemical or coal generated powerplants. I am not saying that changes won't be made after this accident as well, but I am relatively sure that if this was a nuclear powerplant, the whole world would be on top of this situation.
Chemical Plant Blast
A chemical plant outside Boston blew up Wednesday. The fiery blast flattened CAI Inc., a manufacturer of solvents and inks, around 3 a.m., knocking buildings off their foundations, shredding roofs and shattering windows. The explosion could be heard from more than 20 miles away. Firefighters from 30 cities and towns fought to put out the blaze in the community. An estimated 90 homes were damaged. 25 of these homes were wrecked beyond repair. Also, 10 of the more than 300 people were believed to be in the neighborhood were hurt, and their injuries were only minor.
This accident could have been much worse. They mentioned in the article that the last inspection of the building was in 1990. I think they should start making inspections to chemical plants at least twice a year to make sure everything is working properly and safely. I am sure glad that no one got seriously hurt in this explosion. Hopefully, everything goes well and officials will be able to determine the cause of the explosion and help prevent explosions from happening in the future.
Lebanese Cabinent minister Pierre Gemayel was shot dead near Beirut a few days ago who was anti-Syrian was the fourth of whom to be killed since 2005. Many leaders of the United Nations condemned the killing and all called for an investigation immediately. Those nations leaders included Syria and Iran. President Bush a few days earlier after the talks said that Syria and Iran were trying to undermine the democratic government and just stopped short of blaming them. Syria and Iran are both backers of Hezbollah, opposing Lebanon, were quick to condemn the killing as well.
I can believe why the leaders of Syria and Iran condemn the killings but I don't believe them. If five killings have happened to the same type of leaders in the Lebanese government within the last year and with Syria and Iran being big opposers of their country who else would do it? I believe Bush was right in pointing out the two countries as well as the other leaders of the world condemning the killing. But now what people really have to do is stop the violence in the Middle East, which could take quite some time.
For the article on President Bush condemning the killing and also more on the assassination of Gemayel here is the link.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/11/21/lebanon.shooting/index.html?eref=rss_topstories.
Recently Jonathan Tourtellot, geotourism editor of National Geographic Traveler magazine, created a survey that had over 400 experts rate close to 100 places that have been named United Nations World Heritage sites. The UN began to declare sites like these as 'World Heritage Sites' in 1973 in order to preserve them, and today there are 830 officially named.
The sites were judged based on unique character and appeal to tourists. Yet some of the worst sites recieved a poor rating because they have been run over by tourists, and no longer contain the original charisma or meaning that caused them to be added to the list. Some of the higher ranked places do have heavy tourism, but because the local community is focused on conservation of the area, they have been albe to maintain their uniquness.
One of the reasons this article caught my eye was because I noticed that three of the top five places are in Europe, and Mrs. Hartmann mentioned today about wanting to go to Europe because of the many sites to see, and also how this destination is very popular for tourists. Vézelay (France), The Alhambra and Medieval Granada (Spain), and the West Fjords (Norway) ranked 2nd place(tie) and 5th place, respectively. The reasons places would be ranked lower were if there was overpopulation of the area, which would also lead to pollution, mass tourism that is not controlled, and loss of the area's character or uniquness because of lack of preservation. I suggest looking at this site - click on the link on the page that says "Photos: See the top and bottom five." Has anyone been to any of these areas and seen them for yourself? Personally, I am looking forward to a trip I am taking this summer to Spain, France, and Italy in which I will see many great sites, some that are UN World Heritage sites that didn't make the top or bottom five, and possibly even Granada, Spain (tied for 2nd).
Class Summary 11/21
We started the day by working on the Physical Map of Europe, then we took the introduction notes.
Chapter 8Europe
Learning Objectives
Understand the Nationalism that has thrown the region into armed conflict many times.
Understand the formation of the European Union and the evolution of the common currency, the Euro.
Become familiar with the physical, demographic, cultural, political, economic characteristics of Europe.
Main Points and Ideas
Balkanization
Cold War
Feudalism
Command Economy
European Union
Hierarchical Diffusion
Diversity Of Europe
Different Climates, Land forms, Agricultural Output
37 Different Countries
Many Languages and Cultures
Long history of warfare, mostly along the national lines
Europe is globalizing-was a major colonial power
European Union is a supranation organization
Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia broke apart, Germanies reunited.
Cradle of the Industrial revolution
4 Factors That Explain Europe's Diversity
Complex Geology with newest and oldest land formations
Latitudinal extent (from Arctic to Mediterranean Subtropics)
Modification of latitudinal controls by land and water interaction
Thousands of years of humans living there has caused changes
Environmental Issues; Local and Global, East to West
Agriculture, resource extraction, industrial manufacturing, urbanization, create air and water pollution and acid rain.
Western Europe is one of the world greenest regions because of pro environmental policies since the 1970's.
European voters support environment in Europe and globally including reduction of Greenhouse gases.
Eastern Europe neglected its environment under soviet style economics; Soviet designed nuclear plants my be dangerous.
Ongoing economic and political evolution make it difficult to solve Eastern Europe's environmental problems.
Health Issues in Europe
Health Issues in Europe are affecting everyone but primarly the young. From ages 0-19 one third of all the deaths are caused by poor health standards such as inadequate water and food and sanitation. It affects the younger group for various reasons including: enviroment, development of organ system, and level of exposure. Injury led the rankings and indoor and outdoor pollutions were above the list of killers in Europe. Yet, the cause of death being sanitation factors and inadequate food and water killed an estimated 13,548 people every year.
Many actions can and should be taken place. In Europe they need to better control the contamination and monitor the contaminants that are harmful to children. Also to make sure that the water waste is not anywhere close to homes, schools, and recreational areas. Things like pesticides, dionixins, and endocrine disruptors are in the region and are affecting the quality of air and environment.
In Europe right now their are several different agencies to help with this issue. The European Environment Agency, World Health Organizations, and many others are working toward providing better standards. In a recent survey 89% of people are worried about these issues and the long term effects.
Time magazine posted a feature (Nov. 17) on immigration that we have discussed and will continue to see and hear about in 2007. With conservative Republicans in full control in Texas, despite Democrat control in WA. Republicans will push and pull and pull and push to pass bills dealing with illegal immigration.
One town named Farmers Branch, Texas is nearly 40% Hispanic. The city council in this suburb of Dallas voted to “make English its official language and fine landlords who rent to illegal immigrants.” Austin, Texas wants to cut benefits to illegal immigrants and require documentation at the voting booths. They also want to refuse welfare benefits to the U.S. born children of illegal aliens, even though this right has been given to them in the 14th Amendment. Hispanic/Latino groups are mad because many supported Republicans during our recent election. They now feel they are in a “hate campaign.”
What I found interesting is that other states like Arizona also passed actions refusing state supported benefits like child care and the right to bail in lawsuits to illegal immigrants. I think we will see more states with bills and other measures to address immigration because Congress didn’t pass a complete restructuring plan. Should the problem be placed on each state to address or should our federal government better support our states on this issue?
If you keep reading you’ll discover that another town named Tyler, Texas also has a representative named Leo Berman. Under his bill, “children born in Texas to illegal aliens would be denied state unemployment or public assistance benefits like food stamps as well as professional licenses.” I was floored to learn that 2 million illegal immigrants receive these benefits, but they are NOT reimbursed by our federal government. No wonder why states want to pass new legislation. Berman also mentions that there are 20 million illegal aliens in the U.S. right now who have benefits most U.S. citizens don’t have. This is really amazing and somewhat discouraging to legal citizens.
We have discussed funding for a wall to keep out illegal immigrants, but I now believe that maybe we need to pass more legislation. Many illegal aliens have it quite good in the U.S. If they are denied these benefits they may not want to come into the U.S. Do you think strict legislation either by our federal or state governments could change some of our problems with immigration?
www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1560643,00.html
Conflict in Middle East
"What is happening is not terrorism, but the result of disagreements and conflict between militias belonging to this side or that," al-Maliki said in televised remarks during a meeting with President Jalal Talabani.
The situation in Iraq, specifically Baghdad, appears to be becoming more difficult and confusing as each day passes. No longer is it a conflict between the United States and its Allies and Saddam Hussein, but an expanding war involving insurgents, militias, and religious groups. With the United States discussing about at least a partial pull-out of troops from Iraq, the Iraqi government in place appears unable to control the situation in any way.
The article concerning the latest hostage event magnifies the discouraging and dangerous lives being led by civilians in Baghdad, Iraq. Seized while at work, some of the countries most educated citizens were taken away in broad daylight. I cannot imagine going to work with the thought the police have no control over militias running through the streets and able to pull off such kidnappings with no resistance at all. Late reports have some of the hostages released, however, history tells us that often times victims of a kidnapping are found murdered within the next couple days, and fear increases throughout the country.
Referring to the quote above, it may not be called terrorism in the definition we use or understand, however, the results of the militias actions may have the same result. If people don’t feel safe at work or in their homes, a normal life cannot be led. The conflict in Iraq continues to dominant the nightly news and the front pages of our daily newspapers and no end appears to be in sight.
There are numerous conflicts in the Middle East. Whether the conflicting countries are arguing about religion, or battling for resources, new conflicts are arising constantly. Some conflicts are minor and disagreements tend to fade out, however, others are major battles with people losing lives. Above is a part of my reflection on a quote from an article on a conflict in the Middle East. I believe people are working hard to minimize conflicts but unfortunately, I don't think the job will ever end because it's inevitable to avoid all conflict.
As many have heard on TV or in the papers a young boy, 14yrs old, from Buffalo was killed over the weekend. Brandon Lanie was hunting with a group of friends when another member in his group shot at him. One bullet to his head. Brandon was walking in wooded marsh areas when the hunter mistakenly took him for an animal/deer. Brandon was wearing blaze orange as required by Minnesota law. How c
ould somthing like thishappen? How can you mistake a human in orange for a brown deer? The man who shot and killed Brandon M. Lanie has been arrested under Minnesota law.
"609.205 Manslaughter in the second degree. A person who causes the death of another by any of the following means is guilty of manslaughter in the second degree and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more than $20,000, or both: (1) by the person's culpable negligence whereby the person creates an unreasonable risk, and consciously takes chances of causing death or great bodily harm to another; or (2) by shooting another with a firearm or other dangerous weapon as a result of negligently believing the other to be a deer or other animal; or (3) by setting a spring gun, pit fall, deadfall, snare, or other like dangerous weapon or device; or (4) by negligently or intentionally permitting any animal, known by the person to have vicious propensities or to have caused great or substantial bodily harm in the past, to run uncontrolled off the owner's premises, or negligently failing to keep it properly confined; or (5) by committing or attempting to commit a violation of section 609.378 (neglect or endangerment of a child), and murder in the first, second, or third degree is not committed thereby. If proven by a preponderance of the evidence, it shall be an affirmative defense to criminal liability under clause (4) that the victim provoked the animal to cause the victim's death." Brandon was a freshman at Buffalo High School where his locker was reportedly draped with roses this past afternoon. Please watch the video on kare11.com for more information and visit wcco.com for additional information as well. A memorial fund has been set up at Klein Bank in Buffalo. To contribute:Klein Bank910 Commercial DriveBuffalo, MN 55313(763) 682-5390 "A funeral for Lanie is scheduled at St. John's Lutheran Church in Buffalo on Friday morning at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests be made to memorial fund in Lanie's name they plan to open at Buffalo's KleinBank. The money will be used for future scholarships. "
"Egypt arrests another blog critic..." (how appropriate...)
Egyptian blog-poster Rami Siyam, an online critic of the Egyptian government, was taken into custody recently by the country's police with no official reason for the arrest. He is by no means the first; earlier this month, another blogger was arrested in regards to his online comments; charges included "disrupting public order," "inciting religious hatred," and "defaming the president." Blogs are a primary tool of rights activists and political protesters in modern Egypt. Several other citizens have been detained by police for posting blogs which are critical of the Egyptian government, police, and national religious authorities.
I'm somewhat on the fence with this one, not wanting to judge without knowing what the bloggers specifically said. How should the Egyptian government be expected to respond? What if they consider some comments a threat to national security? You can twist things so much from different perspectives; one person could see these bloggers as rights activists while another sees the same people as terrorists. I'd like to hear what the Egyptian administration has to say about this.
"Egypt arrests another blog critic"
Class Summary 11/20
Today in class we took the Chapter 7 test on North Africa and South West Asia. This test covered everything we have learned since the begining of the new quarter on November 7th. The material we tested on was everything from maps and physical features to managing water and the emergence of religions. As well as our test, we also recieved a Physical map of Europe which will be due on Wednesday before break. We are going to be given class time to work on it tomorrow. Also due Wednesday before break is our 2nd Senior to Sophomore paper. This is a typed paper 4-5 pages in length regarding one of the topics on the sheet given by Mrs. Hartman. Happy Paper Writing!
An article on cnn.com states that Charles Rangel says if he has his way, he will bring back the draft. He says that it would have prevented the U.S. from invading Iraq on such unsubstantial evidence, and would provide a larger number of troops to aid in possible future needs in North Korea, Iran, and Iraq. It is a pretty well accepted fact that the U.S. military is strained for personel because of the number of overseas commitments. Rangel believes that the only way to get enough numbers to support all of this U.S. involvement is to activate some sort of a draft.
Personally, I can really see where Rangel is coming from, however, It would scare me to think that we would have to rely on a draft to get the job done overseas (and by overseas, I mean all over the world, not just the middle east). I think that there needs to be other steps taken before a draft is put in place. In my view, a draft is a last ditch effort to get more people involved in the war. However, if there was a very desperate need for more troops, I think that there would be enough volunteers to fill the gaps. And if not, then I would consider the possibility of bringing the draft back into effect. I do also agree with the fact that a draft would have slown down the decision to invade Iraq, however, I think that there are less dramatic ways to open people's eyes.
Reported recently there was a finding of a Dolphin with four fins, which is an extra pair of fins. This is very rare, the dolphin was seen still alive on October 28th. The dolphin was spotted in Japan during a “drive hunt.” At a “drive hunt” numerous amounts of fishermen use boats to gather up dolphins. The fishermen want all of the dolphins to swim into shallow bays. The dolphins are trapped and later are killed. Very few dolphins survive this and are then sold to aquariums. This is a devastating process. The killing process of the dolphins is getting worse, and even more brutal then previous processes. There are more than 20,000 dolphins killed. The hunt runs through the months of September until April. It is said to be that the dolphin with an extra set of fins is the start of a new breed, scientist believe this is a good thing. The government is in charge and issues the okay of it. I think that is ridiculous to be killing these innocent dolphins. It’s not normal and I believe it is horrible. The hunt’s take place on the villages of Taiji and Futo. This new dolphin is going to lead to many questions and is going to push scientists intelligence.
Read more about the “dive hunt” and the dolphins stories at
dolphins.
