http://gender-and-family.blogspot.com/
http://bloglines.com/myblogs?mode=2
http://urbanization5.blogspot.com/
http://cdgentil.livejournal.com/
http://www.toloosenagordianknot.blogspot.com/
http://soc202waronterror.blogspot.com/index.html
tp://www.technologycurrentevents.blogspot.com/
Monday, September 11, 2006
Beijing’s Quest for 2008: To become simply livable
Mariam Ahmad
Dr. Stephen
Soc 202
Current Event 4
Beijing’s Quest for 2008: To become simply livable
In the year 2008 the summer Olympics will be held in Beijing, China. Beijing must renovate
72 sports stadium and training facilities, lay asphalt for 59 new roads and complete three new
bridges by the opening ceremony.
Beijing is clotted with gridlocked traffic as the number of cars has doubled within six years.
Air quality has decreased drastically. Beijing continues to rank one of the worst cities in the world
for clean air. The city’s water supply has come down to rationing it out amongst the people.
It is uncertain whether Beijing’s theoretical embrace of “liviability” can be translated into real
improvements in quality of life in a city that often feels like a big construction zone.
Critics are skeptical. They attribute Beijing’s current predicament to previous failed
planning policies and blame the government for the rampant development that has destroyed much
of the historic old city while making a mess of the emerging new one.
Mr. Wang said Beijing never recovered from 1950's, when Liang Sicheng, the country’s
pre-eminent architectural historian, warned that destroying the hutongs would lead to traffic and
pollution and urged Mao to preserve Beijing’s ancient city walls. Instead, Mao demolished them
as symbols Chinese feudalism.
China is in the midst of one of fastest periods of urbanization in history, with 300 million
people expected to migrate to cities in the 15 years. The population of Beijing alone could surpass
21 million by 2020 if its growth still continues.
The ruling Communist Party considers the Olympics to be modern China’s coming out
party to the rest of the world, and Beijing is looking toward 2008. The government has stipulated
that major construction projects in the city be completed several months before opening ceremony.
The spike in private automobiles the number is now approaching three million detracts from
gains made by reining in polluting trucks and taxis. Private cars increasingly seem to be overwhelming
the city, and officials are responding with a flurry of road building, even as subway lines and light
rail are also being expanded.
Basically, the article is talking about how China is in trouble with there population and how
its still growing with no boundaries. 2008 the summer Olympics will take place in Beijing China. But
the article is saying how China is so overpopulated that they will experience extreme hardships.
Dr. Stephen
Soc 202
Current Event 4
Beijing’s Quest for 2008: To become simply livable
In the year 2008 the summer Olympics will be held in Beijing, China. Beijing must renovate
72 sports stadium and training facilities, lay asphalt for 59 new roads and complete three new
bridges by the opening ceremony.
Beijing is clotted with gridlocked traffic as the number of cars has doubled within six years.
Air quality has decreased drastically. Beijing continues to rank one of the worst cities in the world
for clean air. The city’s water supply has come down to rationing it out amongst the people.
It is uncertain whether Beijing’s theoretical embrace of “liviability” can be translated into real
improvements in quality of life in a city that often feels like a big construction zone.
Critics are skeptical. They attribute Beijing’s current predicament to previous failed
planning policies and blame the government for the rampant development that has destroyed much
of the historic old city while making a mess of the emerging new one.
Mr. Wang said Beijing never recovered from 1950's, when Liang Sicheng, the country’s
pre-eminent architectural historian, warned that destroying the hutongs would lead to traffic and
pollution and urged Mao to preserve Beijing’s ancient city walls. Instead, Mao demolished them
as symbols Chinese feudalism.
China is in the midst of one of fastest periods of urbanization in history, with 300 million
people expected to migrate to cities in the 15 years. The population of Beijing alone could surpass
21 million by 2020 if its growth still continues.
The ruling Communist Party considers the Olympics to be modern China’s coming out
party to the rest of the world, and Beijing is looking toward 2008. The government has stipulated
that major construction projects in the city be completed several months before opening ceremony.
The spike in private automobiles the number is now approaching three million detracts from
gains made by reining in polluting trucks and taxis. Private cars increasingly seem to be overwhelming
the city, and officials are responding with a flurry of road building, even as subway lines and light
rail are also being expanded.
Basically, the article is talking about how China is in trouble with there population and how
its still growing with no boundaries. 2008 the summer Olympics will take place in Beijing China. But
the article is saying how China is so overpopulated that they will experience extreme hardships.
Clean water
Arwen Hernandez
Sociology 202-04
Current Event #4
Urbanization
September 8, 2006
Summary:
More than a billion people do not have access to clean
drinking water. Over 2 and a half billion do not have
access to reasonable sanitation. The World Health
Organization and UNICEF have stated that the previous goal
of cutting that in half by 2015 is no longer feasible. The
continuation of rapid population growth and migration to
urban areas, causing urbanization, is the cause of this
step backwards. The regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern
Asia, and Southern Asia are the most effected. Over 900
million rural people remain with unsafe water. The
increase in urbanization may cause millions to not have
access to water in the future. In order to improve the
situation water sources, adding piped water, protect wells
and rainwater collection and the installation of sewer
systems.
Response:
It has been a well known but easily ignorable fact
that the world’s water is slowly becoming less plentiful.
The average American does not think in those terms simply
because it hasn’t really impacted or interfered with their
lives yet. The key word being yet. Urbanization has been
increasing at such a rapid pace all over the world,
including the US. It is only a matter of time before the
crisis begins to affect those close to home. Some ways to
slow down this rapid urbanization in regard to water, as I
listed above, is all a matter of reinforcing those already
in practice. The installation and reinforcing of the sewer
systems would ensure the keeping of the ground water as
pure as we can. Rainwater collection could improve our
resource immensely. The public just needs to be taught
how.
Sociology 202-04
Current Event #4
Urbanization
September 8, 2006
Summary:
More than a billion people do not have access to clean
drinking water. Over 2 and a half billion do not have
access to reasonable sanitation. The World Health
Organization and UNICEF have stated that the previous goal
of cutting that in half by 2015 is no longer feasible. The
continuation of rapid population growth and migration to
urban areas, causing urbanization, is the cause of this
step backwards. The regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern
Asia, and Southern Asia are the most effected. Over 900
million rural people remain with unsafe water. The
increase in urbanization may cause millions to not have
access to water in the future. In order to improve the
situation water sources, adding piped water, protect wells
and rainwater collection and the installation of sewer
systems.
Response:
It has been a well known but easily ignorable fact
that the world’s water is slowly becoming less plentiful.
The average American does not think in those terms simply
because it hasn’t really impacted or interfered with their
lives yet. The key word being yet. Urbanization has been
increasing at such a rapid pace all over the world,
including the US. It is only a matter of time before the
crisis begins to affect those close to home. Some ways to
slow down this rapid urbanization in regard to water, as I
listed above, is all a matter of reinforcing those already
in practice. The installation and reinforcing of the sewer
systems would ensure the keeping of the ground water as
pure as we can. Rainwater collection could improve our
resource immensely. The public just needs to be taught
how.
Man can not live by bread alone
Current Event September 8th 2006
Amy Owen
“Man can not live by bread alone”
What is the definition of torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment? (all human rights for all) Obviously there is some confusion in the actual definition because the US’s actions are not aligning with my definition. As Americans we have been taught how important nutrition is in order to survive. Everyone has had that famous argument with a mother or grandmother over eating their greens. So why does our government think bread and water is adequate nutrition for detainees? A CNN news article paints an ugly picture of America when it explains how US forces allowed some detainees to go over two weeks with only bread and water. They deprived them of sleep and even stripped one detainee because he urinated on himself repeatedly, and the cells were found to be below our lowest standards (U.S. military finds claims prisoners were tortured ‘not credible’). That part is sad enough, but the astonishing thing is that the pentagon did not think it was illegal, just wrong (U.S. military finds claims prisoners were tortured ‘not credible’). They felt that because it was not a form of punishment, but (supposed) lack of resources it was not illegal (U.S. military finds claims prisoners were tortured ‘not credible’). That to me sounds like someone dancing around an issue and not taking responsibilities. We would tell a mother it was not illegal to starve her baby if she just didn’t have the resources. We would expect her to go to food backs, apply for food stamps, and even place her child in foster care. So why don’t we expect our government to take action. Okay maybe it was a lack of resources, but I haven’t heard anyone say what they were going to do to get the necessary resources.
How can we say we are fighting for human rights and break them at the same time? We as American’s are not God and we can be wrong. It is important that we walk the talk that we preach at other countries. We as American’s should do everything possible to insure that human rights are being upheld. We are in Iraq preaching freedom and human rights, but our own Pentagon thinks it is not illegal to take away the human rights of detainees if the resources are not there. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights does not say it applies to everyone, but detainees or everyone if the resources are available. Maybe the confusion isn’t over the definition of torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, but the definition of human. Do we just not think Detainees have these rights?
Sources
“Universal Declaration of Human Rights." all human rights for all. 8 Sep 2006.
“U.S. military finds claims prisoners were tortured ‘not credible’.” MSN. June 16, 2006. 8 Sept 2006 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13371226/.
Amy Owen
“Man can not live by bread alone”
What is the definition of torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment? (all human rights for all) Obviously there is some confusion in the actual definition because the US’s actions are not aligning with my definition. As Americans we have been taught how important nutrition is in order to survive. Everyone has had that famous argument with a mother or grandmother over eating their greens. So why does our government think bread and water is adequate nutrition for detainees? A CNN news article paints an ugly picture of America when it explains how US forces allowed some detainees to go over two weeks with only bread and water. They deprived them of sleep and even stripped one detainee because he urinated on himself repeatedly, and the cells were found to be below our lowest standards (U.S. military finds claims prisoners were tortured ‘not credible’). That part is sad enough, but the astonishing thing is that the pentagon did not think it was illegal, just wrong (U.S. military finds claims prisoners were tortured ‘not credible’). They felt that because it was not a form of punishment, but (supposed) lack of resources it was not illegal (U.S. military finds claims prisoners were tortured ‘not credible’). That to me sounds like someone dancing around an issue and not taking responsibilities. We would tell a mother it was not illegal to starve her baby if she just didn’t have the resources. We would expect her to go to food backs, apply for food stamps, and even place her child in foster care. So why don’t we expect our government to take action. Okay maybe it was a lack of resources, but I haven’t heard anyone say what they were going to do to get the necessary resources.
How can we say we are fighting for human rights and break them at the same time? We as American’s are not God and we can be wrong. It is important that we walk the talk that we preach at other countries. We as American’s should do everything possible to insure that human rights are being upheld. We are in Iraq preaching freedom and human rights, but our own Pentagon thinks it is not illegal to take away the human rights of detainees if the resources are not there. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights does not say it applies to everyone, but detainees or everyone if the resources are available. Maybe the confusion isn’t over the definition of torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, but the definition of human. Do we just not think Detainees have these rights?
Sources
“Universal Declaration of Human Rights." all human rights for all. 8 Sep 2006
“U.S. military finds claims prisoners were tortured ‘not credible’.” MSN. June 16, 2006. 8 Sept 2006 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13371226/.
Europe's crime without frontiers
Chesley Smith
SOC 202-02
Current Event #4
Sept. 7th 2006
Copyright 2006 Johnston Press Plc
All Rights Reserved
Yorkshire Post
June 21, 2006
Europe's crime without frontiers
Hugo Brady
The Crime in Europe, Asia, and etc. has been a major issue for the police force in trying to control the large group?s gangs and other organized crime. The biggest danger are the gangs, Italy house the mafia-style gang while Albania, China, Turkey, Morocco and other Russian speaking immigrants house the more violent gangs. These gangs are involved in internet scams, drug trafficking and contract killing. The government and police forces are working close together to stop crime before crime enters the country. One obstacle for the government and police has been that the criminals are working closely together over country borders making the process of tracking the crime a lot harder. Also, another major barrier for the police is how difficult obtaining information on crime has become.
The saying ?two heads are better than one? pertains to the situations Europe on both sides. The government has been doing their best to help out the police force in stopping crime but the gang member are also teaming up for their benefit. Getting the information needed for one crime usually involves a list of names scattered throughout Europe, making it harder for police to convict the criminals. The plan which law enforcers are planning should lower the crime rate drastically. Targeting the leaders is the main goal of their plan but trying to figure out who the leaders of each gang has become a difficult plan. The leaders coordinate the criminal act so without their leadership, I believe that crime would have to be reduced. These criminal?s are doing what they are told, and without that kind guidance, less crime would occur. I hope for Europe?s sake, the plan can be worked out to benefit the citizen of each country.
SOC 202-02
Current Event #4
Sept. 7th 2006
Copyright 2006 Johnston Press Plc
All Rights Reserved
Yorkshire Post
June 21, 2006
Europe's crime without frontiers
Hugo Brady
The Crime in Europe, Asia, and etc. has been a major issue for the police force in trying to control the large group?s gangs and other organized crime. The biggest danger are the gangs, Italy house the mafia-style gang while Albania, China, Turkey, Morocco and other Russian speaking immigrants house the more violent gangs. These gangs are involved in internet scams, drug trafficking and contract killing. The government and police forces are working close together to stop crime before crime enters the country. One obstacle for the government and police has been that the criminals are working closely together over country borders making the process of tracking the crime a lot harder. Also, another major barrier for the police is how difficult obtaining information on crime has become.
The saying ?two heads are better than one? pertains to the situations Europe on both sides. The government has been doing their best to help out the police force in stopping crime but the gang member are also teaming up for their benefit. Getting the information needed for one crime usually involves a list of names scattered throughout Europe, making it harder for police to convict the criminals. The plan which law enforcers are planning should lower the crime rate drastically. Targeting the leaders is the main goal of their plan but trying to figure out who the leaders of each gang has become a difficult plan. The leaders coordinate the criminal act so without their leadership, I believe that crime would have to be reduced. These criminal?s are doing what they are told, and without that kind guidance, less crime would occur. I hope for Europe?s sake, the plan can be worked out to benefit the citizen of each country.
Global Warming
Shannon Norwood
SOC 202 – Current Event Log 4
09/08/06
On the LexisNexis site I found an article from Independent Newspapers (UK) Limited Source: Financial Times Information Limited whose headline read: We’re witnessing the birth of a new protest movement to force action on global warming. (http://libproxy.uncg.edu:2084/universe/printdoc) The article talked about an environmentalist protest camp in Selby, North Yorkshire. At the camp, the six degrees Celisus of separation that stand between us and the global crop failure, the melting of 40 percent of the Artic ice shelf in the past 40 years, and the evacuation of the world’s low-lying islands, were all discussed. The protesters were also making the point that it would be more effective for the planet if there was political activity that imposed legal restraints on everyone instead of just some people recycling paper which is cancelled out by someone else taking a flight. The article also made the point that the freedom we have does not mean we can trash the habitat in which we need for survival.
The force of hurricanes has grown over years and the ice has begun to melt, this is due to global warming. I believe that North Carolina has become warmer and there has been less snow in the winter. This may be due to global warming but I do not have any research or proof of this. Global warming is affecting all places on the planet.
The problem of global warming is increasing. Our planet as a whole needs to work together to help the situation but I do not know if this is realistic. I think the article made some good points but something on a larger scale needs to be done.
SOC 202 – Current Event Log 4
09/08/06
On the LexisNexis site I found an article from Independent Newspapers (UK) Limited Source: Financial Times Information Limited whose headline read: We’re witnessing the birth of a new protest movement to force action on global warming. (http://libproxy.uncg.edu:2084/universe/printdoc) The article talked about an environmentalist protest camp in Selby, North Yorkshire. At the camp, the six degrees Celisus of separation that stand between us and the global crop failure, the melting of 40 percent of the Artic ice shelf in the past 40 years, and the evacuation of the world’s low-lying islands, were all discussed. The protesters were also making the point that it would be more effective for the planet if there was political activity that imposed legal restraints on everyone instead of just some people recycling paper which is cancelled out by someone else taking a flight. The article also made the point that the freedom we have does not mean we can trash the habitat in which we need for survival.
The force of hurricanes has grown over years and the ice has begun to melt, this is due to global warming. I believe that North Carolina has become warmer and there has been less snow in the winter. This may be due to global warming but I do not have any research or proof of this. Global warming is affecting all places on the planet.
The problem of global warming is increasing. Our planet as a whole needs to work together to help the situation but I do not know if this is realistic. I think the article made some good points but something on a larger scale needs to be done.
Oil in China
Current Event #4: Jenelle Davis
September 7, 2006
SOC 202/ Fall 2006
The environmental article I read this week had to do with oil in China. China for many years has imported its oil from foreign countries by sea. The article goes into to talking about how China is looking for cleaner alternative energy resources. China is also looking to work with the United States and the European Union to insure safe supply oil. China is currently investing in and aiding with Sudan in exchange for oil and gas supplies. China also did about $8 billion worth of business with Iran. This year Russia will be providing China with 15 million tons of oil by rail and hopefully by November 2008 a pipeline will run from Russia to China providing 30 million tons of oil.
I feel that is article has some significance because oil and gas are both big issues that pop up in the news all the time. It’s really interesting to see the oil crisis from another country not just the United States. I didn’t know that Russia was a supplier of oil, I always assumed Iraq, Iran and other Middle East countries. I would have thought that China would have been leading the way with alternatives for oil, seeing as they are the second largest consumer of oil in the world. This just provides that it’s a worldwide problem and it will take the efforts from countries around the world to help develop alternatives, because everyone is effect by this not just China or United States. Just because they are the only ones in the news doesn’t mean that smaller lesser-known countries aren’t facing the same issue.
Source:
Schlesinger, David and Eric Hall. “China Says Energy Need Won’t Cause Conflict”. Environmental News Network. 7, Sept 2006. Reuters. 7 Sept <2006http://enn.com/today.html?id=11204>.
September 7, 2006
SOC 202/ Fall 2006
The environmental article I read this week had to do with oil in China. China for many years has imported its oil from foreign countries by sea. The article goes into to talking about how China is looking for cleaner alternative energy resources. China is also looking to work with the United States and the European Union to insure safe supply oil. China is currently investing in and aiding with Sudan in exchange for oil and gas supplies. China also did about $8 billion worth of business with Iran. This year Russia will be providing China with 15 million tons of oil by rail and hopefully by November 2008 a pipeline will run from Russia to China providing 30 million tons of oil.
I feel that is article has some significance because oil and gas are both big issues that pop up in the news all the time. It’s really interesting to see the oil crisis from another country not just the United States. I didn’t know that Russia was a supplier of oil, I always assumed Iraq, Iran and other Middle East countries. I would have thought that China would have been leading the way with alternatives for oil, seeing as they are the second largest consumer of oil in the world. This just provides that it’s a worldwide problem and it will take the efforts from countries around the world to help develop alternatives, because everyone is effect by this not just China or United States. Just because they are the only ones in the news doesn’t mean that smaller lesser-known countries aren’t facing the same issue.
Source:
Schlesinger, David and Eric Hall. “China Says Energy Need Won’t Cause Conflict”. Environmental News Network. 7, Sept 2006. Reuters. 7 Sept <2006http://enn.com/today.html?id=11204>.
Drug Drivers Testing Plea
Caitlin Walter
Sociology 202
September 7, 2006
Current event #4
Drug Drivers
Illegal drug usage is affecting people all over the world and is not affecting only those that use them, but is also endangering the people around it. Every seven out of 10 drivers in Ireland are committing the crime of driving while under the influence of illegal drugs.
The new survey from the Medical Bureau of Road Safety shows that “…70 per cent of people stopped by garda' for erratic driving are on drugs. These include illegal drugs like cannabis as well as prescription drugs like antidepressants. Drug driving is widespread and likely to be a factor in many accidents”(1). Fine Gael Senator Fergal Browne has initiated the idea to use roadside drug testing, which is already in use in Australia, to try and catch theses criminals that are violating the law and putting themselves and others in danger. Using a saliva swab, law enforcement can test for cannabis and amphetamines; the tests are accurate enough to reveal possible drug users and present enough evidence for them to be brought in for further testing. Fergal is encouraging the government to import this technology to Ireland to use on their roads.
I think this is an absolutely marvelous idea. I think the U.S. should consider it too. I can’t tell you how angry it makes me to hear about someone driving under the influence – whether it be alcohol or anything else. Because it’s like – if you want to be that stupid and do that to your own body, that’s your choice. But I’ll be danged if you’re going to get on the road and endanger my life or the lives of those I love. It’s not fair and it’s not right and it’s against the law – and it should be against the law. It makes me sick to hear about all the accidents that happen because somebody was stupid and careless, had too much to drink, then got behind the wheel, and ended up killing someone else. And it’s almost always the person who wasn’t under the influence who gets hurt the worst or killed because the alcohol/drug relaxes its user’s body and their body takes the impact better. That innocent person was just minding their own business and going about their daily lives and this other idiot took their life away because they were out being irresponsible. There is so much drug usage going on in our world and not nearly enough mechanisms to detect its use and put a stop to it. Being under the influence and driving is very rightfully a crime and I believe the punishment for it should be ridiculously awful.
Murray, Ken. "Drug Drivers Testing Plea." MGN Ltd. 27 Aug. 2006. 7 Sept. 2006
Sociology 202
September 7, 2006
Current event #4
Drug Drivers
Illegal drug usage is affecting people all over the world and is not affecting only those that use them, but is also endangering the people around it. Every seven out of 10 drivers in Ireland are committing the crime of driving while under the influence of illegal drugs.
The new survey from the Medical Bureau of Road Safety shows that “…70 per cent of people stopped by garda' for erratic driving are on drugs. These include illegal drugs like cannabis as well as prescription drugs like antidepressants. Drug driving is widespread and likely to be a factor in many accidents”(1). Fine Gael Senator Fergal Browne has initiated the idea to use roadside drug testing, which is already in use in Australia, to try and catch theses criminals that are violating the law and putting themselves and others in danger. Using a saliva swab, law enforcement can test for cannabis and amphetamines; the tests are accurate enough to reveal possible drug users and present enough evidence for them to be brought in for further testing. Fergal is encouraging the government to import this technology to Ireland to use on their roads.
I think this is an absolutely marvelous idea. I think the U.S. should consider it too. I can’t tell you how angry it makes me to hear about someone driving under the influence – whether it be alcohol or anything else. Because it’s like – if you want to be that stupid and do that to your own body, that’s your choice. But I’ll be danged if you’re going to get on the road and endanger my life or the lives of those I love. It’s not fair and it’s not right and it’s against the law – and it should be against the law. It makes me sick to hear about all the accidents that happen because somebody was stupid and careless, had too much to drink, then got behind the wheel, and ended up killing someone else. And it’s almost always the person who wasn’t under the influence who gets hurt the worst or killed because the alcohol/drug relaxes its user’s body and their body takes the impact better. That innocent person was just minding their own business and going about their daily lives and this other idiot took their life away because they were out being irresponsible. There is so much drug usage going on in our world and not nearly enough mechanisms to detect its use and put a stop to it. Being under the influence and driving is very rightfully a crime and I believe the punishment for it should be ridiculously awful.
Murray, Ken. "Drug Drivers Testing Plea." MGN Ltd. 27 Aug. 2006. 7 Sept. 2006
Bomb Targets Convoy of International Security Forces Official
Toni Rockette
“Bomb Targets Convoy of International Security Forces Official”
And
“Bomb Explodes Near Offices of Ruling Party in Western Turkey”
Samir Shahade was on his way from Sidon when the attack took place. A roadside bomb exploded near the vehicles Shahade and his men were in. He was lightly wounded and two others were killed. There is skepticism over why he would be targeted. Shahade was responsible for the arrest of senior security force officers who were suspected to have involvement in a murder. No matter what era we are in, others are going to want payback. If someone cheats us, in our mind, we are going to want them to get cheated, whether or not we do the revenge. Do we seize the opportunity to “do unto others”, or do we rise above those standards and deal with issues in a civilized manner. I think that this is childish of the boys to want to repay Shahade for what he did that was right and just for his country a year ago!
In the port city of Izmir a bomb exploded next to the offices of the ruling AK Party. The bomb shattered many nearby windows and was found placed in a garbage can. The whole garbage can idea, who thought of that? Did they skip “where and when to place bombs” in terrorism school? To put it in a trash can shows how uncivilized these people are. That was just a cheap shot that just knocked out a few windows. It amazes me what levels of filth we will go to today.
Source:
http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&docId=l:503141677&topicId=100021080&start=1&topics=single
“Bomb Targets Convoy of International Security Forces Official”
And
“Bomb Explodes Near Offices of Ruling Party in Western Turkey”
Samir Shahade was on his way from Sidon when the attack took place. A roadside bomb exploded near the vehicles Shahade and his men were in. He was lightly wounded and two others were killed. There is skepticism over why he would be targeted. Shahade was responsible for the arrest of senior security force officers who were suspected to have involvement in a murder. No matter what era we are in, others are going to want payback. If someone cheats us, in our mind, we are going to want them to get cheated, whether or not we do the revenge. Do we seize the opportunity to “do unto others”, or do we rise above those standards and deal with issues in a civilized manner. I think that this is childish of the boys to want to repay Shahade for what he did that was right and just for his country a year ago!
In the port city of Izmir a bomb exploded next to the offices of the ruling AK Party. The bomb shattered many nearby windows and was found placed in a garbage can. The whole garbage can idea, who thought of that? Did they skip “where and when to place bombs” in terrorism school? To put it in a trash can shows how uncivilized these people are. That was just a cheap shot that just knocked out a few windows. It amazes me what levels of filth we will go to today.
Source:
http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&docId=l:503141677&topicId=100021080&start=1&topics=single
Wage gap
In Brazil a huge income inequality exsit among females and males. For example a male high school graduate will earn $16.40 an hour. While a female after going to school for 12 years, will make $10.10 an hour. So may say the reason for such an descrpancy would be men work more hours than women. This isn't true, studies show that women work 4.4 hours more than their counterparts. Not only do women work in their society more than the male, they also carry out more of the domestic chores, than men. There is also more unemployed women than men, although they usually have for than three years of schooling than a male.
This is a globally problem. This same problem is also occuring in London right now. According to the article women will not make the same amount of money as male until 150 years from now. This is due largely to the lack of govermental invovlement. As in Brazil men try to blame it on the women for the reason why they don't get as much money as them. According to the article some say the reason is because women take a maternity leave. This has been proven to be false, even if a women didn't take a maternity ever in her working career, the male would still be making more money than the female.
I believe that for a problem such as that to not exisit it wil take a powerful outside force such as the goverment. The Goverment will first need to realize that this is a huge problem, then they will have to act on it. I think the only way to do it effectly will be increasing the amount of women who hold politically offices. Although a male politician will make it aware that, a problem exisit i don't think he could be as effective as a women holding a political office.
Source:
1) Woolcock, Nicola. ( July 2006) Women will earn the same amount of money as a men- if they wait 150 years. retrived on Sept 7, 2006 from http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/document?_m=bf56f04b61e45e0a85e96d0780415af7&_docnum=56&wchp=dGLbVzb-zSkVA&_md5=ca6aa84d30af7d671576e99bcfd99e17 .
2) National News (April, 2006) Study discloses inequality between sexe. Retrieved on Sept 7, 2006 from http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/document?_m=ecc579670325b6a67130c24c5a64cb7f&_docnum=13&wchp=dGLbVzb-zSkVA&_md5=bf68eda9890ed6248bb7aaf70947a29c .
This is a globally problem. This same problem is also occuring in London right now. According to the article women will not make the same amount of money as male until 150 years from now. This is due largely to the lack of govermental invovlement. As in Brazil men try to blame it on the women for the reason why they don't get as much money as them. According to the article some say the reason is because women take a maternity leave. This has been proven to be false, even if a women didn't take a maternity ever in her working career, the male would still be making more money than the female.
I believe that for a problem such as that to not exisit it wil take a powerful outside force such as the goverment. The Goverment will first need to realize that this is a huge problem, then they will have to act on it. I think the only way to do it effectly will be increasing the amount of women who hold politically offices. Although a male politician will make it aware that, a problem exisit i don't think he could be as effective as a women holding a political office.
Source:
1) Woolcock, Nicola. ( July 2006) Women will earn the same amount of money as a men- if they wait 150 years. retrived on Sept 7, 2006 from http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/document?_m=bf56f04b61e45e0a85e96d0780415af7&_docnum=56&wchp=dGLbVzb-zSkVA&_md5=ca6aa84d30af7d671576e99bcfd99e17 .
2) National News (April, 2006) Study discloses inequality between sexe. Retrieved on Sept 7, 2006 from http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/document?_m=ecc579670325b6a67130c24c5a64cb7f&_docnum=13&wchp=dGLbVzb-zSkVA&_md5=bf68eda9890ed6248bb7aaf70947a29c .
McCain says Guantanamo has hit image of US hard
Gema Gonzalez
Sociology
article 4 week 4
09-09-06
In a recent interview, Senator John McCain was saying how Guantanamo Bay and Iraq have really damaged the American image. Of course McCain is the likely 2008 candidate for the presidential elections and is talking foreign policy and democracy. In the article, John McCain also discusses about the difficulties of spreading and establishing democracy in places like Iraq. He goes further on to say that many people like George Bush and others, himself included, underestimated that task. He claims that this more than anything has aroused more anti-American sentiment and protest abroad.
My reaction to this article would have to be that I agree with Senator McCain, but more or less on his argument of democracy and how difficult it is to establish in traditional societies like Iraq. Guantanamo Bay has hurt the U.S. image but to what extent, it is difficult to say. This is because we do not get the full story on our nightly news programs. However, the rest of the world sees pictures and hears stories that Americans do not and probably do not want to admit are true. A combination of both these issues probably has hurt American foreign policy and how other people view us. It also continues to fuel the image of Americans being arrogant and selfish which is unfortunate.
source:http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/washington/politics-security-guantanamo-mccain.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
The New York Times, "McCain says Guantanamo has hit image of US hard." Sept. 09, 2006.
Sociology
article 4 week 4
09-09-06
In a recent interview, Senator John McCain was saying how Guantanamo Bay and Iraq have really damaged the American image. Of course McCain is the likely 2008 candidate for the presidential elections and is talking foreign policy and democracy. In the article, John McCain also discusses about the difficulties of spreading and establishing democracy in places like Iraq. He goes further on to say that many people like George Bush and others, himself included, underestimated that task. He claims that this more than anything has aroused more anti-American sentiment and protest abroad.
My reaction to this article would have to be that I agree with Senator McCain, but more or less on his argument of democracy and how difficult it is to establish in traditional societies like Iraq. Guantanamo Bay has hurt the U.S. image but to what extent, it is difficult to say. This is because we do not get the full story on our nightly news programs. However, the rest of the world sees pictures and hears stories that Americans do not and probably do not want to admit are true. A combination of both these issues probably has hurt American foreign policy and how other people view us. It also continues to fuel the image of Americans being arrogant and selfish which is unfortunate.
source:http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/washington/politics-security-guantanamo-mccain.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
The New York Times, "McCain says Guantanamo has hit image of US hard." Sept. 09, 2006.
Women and Gender; Continent's Women Are Ready to Lead
Christina ThompsonSeptember 9, 2006
ISSUE: GENDER AND FAMILY
In an article called “Women and Gender; Continent's Women Are Ready to Lead” published by newspaper Africa News on September 7, 2006 talks about the moves that women in Africa are making. Women have not had a important role in government in the past in Africa. The article explains that the countries of Mozambique, Rwanda and South Africa are the only ones in Africa to have 30% of the seats in parliaments held by women. From a global point of view only 12 countries have 30% of women in parliaments in their national governments.
Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika is the first woman to run for president of Zambia in Africa. The article stresses t hat women who are in positions of power are faced with many obstacles because they are expected to keep up certain “typical woman roles” and their new jobs. Women are looked to to raise the children, clean the house and take care of the family and while trying to balance their professional life makes it very difficult for women internationally.
In the article it says that “To gain positions of authority, women frequently have to be overqualified just to be noticed, says Ms. Lewanika. That, she says, is a direct reflection of how societies view women - as not as good as men. And when women do get appointed, "you hear people say, 'She is just like a man.' In other words they relate to you as a man if you are an achiever." (page 2)
I believe that this article is very true. Women are now in position of power but they are expected to hold 2 full time jobs—career and stay at home mom. It’s impossible to do both because of the heavy work loads in both positions. Modern moms often depend on outside help to balance their life. Africa is way ahead of the United States having an woman president already, while most say that they would not trust a woman as president here in the U.S. I feel that we can learn from Africa’s model and allow women and men to work together and achieve great things.
SOURCE:
“Women and Gender; Continent's Women Are Ready to Lead” Africa News . 08 08,September 2006. LexisNexis. UNC Greensboro.
ISSUE: GENDER AND FAMILY
In an article called “Women and Gender; Continent's Women Are Ready to Lead” published by newspaper Africa News on September 7, 2006 talks about the moves that women in Africa are making. Women have not had a important role in government in the past in Africa. The article explains that the countries of Mozambique, Rwanda and South Africa are the only ones in Africa to have 30% of the seats in parliaments held by women. From a global point of view only 12 countries have 30% of women in parliaments in their national governments.
Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika is the first woman to run for president of Zambia in Africa. The article stresses t hat women who are in positions of power are faced with many obstacles because they are expected to keep up certain “typical woman roles” and their new jobs. Women are looked to to raise the children, clean the house and take care of the family and while trying to balance their professional life makes it very difficult for women internationally.
In the article it says that “To gain positions of authority, women frequently have to be overqualified just to be noticed, says Ms. Lewanika. That, she says, is a direct reflection of how societies view women - as not as good as men. And when women do get appointed, "you hear people say, 'She is just like a man.' In other words they relate to you as a man if you are an achiever." (page 2)
I believe that this article is very true. Women are now in position of power but they are expected to hold 2 full time jobs—career and stay at home mom. It’s impossible to do both because of the heavy work loads in both positions. Modern moms often depend on outside help to balance their life. Africa is way ahead of the United States having an woman president already, while most say that they would not trust a woman as president here in the U.S. I feel that we can learn from Africa’s model and allow women and men to work together and achieve great things.
SOURCE:
“Women and Gender; Continent's Women Are Ready to Lead” Africa News . 08 08,September 2006. LexisNexis. UNC Greensboro.
Pakistan rape victim’s blog makes waves
Michelle Bradt
9/8/06
Current Events 4
In the BBC News article by Dan Isaacs entitled “Pakistan rape victim’s blog makes waves,” the author tells the story of Mukhtar Mai, a Pakistani woman who was gang-raped by order of local elders from the next villager over. Mai, who was raped in 2002, now regularly blogs in her diary through an Urdu speaking link on BBC News. She tells of her circumstances surrounding the rape, including the trial that followed the incident where she saw the conviction of several of the culprits, but which was overturned later in a Lahore court. In her blog, Mai also talks about issues related to rural live for women and about other concerns she has for the women in the region. With the money she has received from the courts, Mai has started several schools in the area, which the article suggests (but never explicitly says) are girls’ schools only.
When I learned of this woman, I was reminded of the last article I read and wrote about for current events. Betty Chishava in Zimbabwe has an equal in Pakistan, doing justice for women and righting the many wrongs that have worked their way into the traditions of cultures and into the hearts and minds of women. Rape is not unique to Pakistan, the Middle-East, or the eastern hemisphere. This is not an issue that can be ascribed to some part of a culture that we don’t understand as westerners. It happens here, at UNCG. Women are globally thought of as weaker than men, and for this reason, they are often the victims of horrible crimes. Women like Mukhtar Mai are doing their part to fight this social injustice. It might not be possible to change the thinking of the global population, but with such people working on educating the world, it will be possible to hold those responsible who act on such debasing thoughts.
Isaacs, Dan. Sept. 8 2006. “Pakistan rape victim’s blog makes waves.” BBC News online. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5323858.stm
9/8/06
Current Events 4
In the BBC News article by Dan Isaacs entitled “Pakistan rape victim’s blog makes waves,” the author tells the story of Mukhtar Mai, a Pakistani woman who was gang-raped by order of local elders from the next villager over. Mai, who was raped in 2002, now regularly blogs in her diary through an Urdu speaking link on BBC News. She tells of her circumstances surrounding the rape, including the trial that followed the incident where she saw the conviction of several of the culprits, but which was overturned later in a Lahore court. In her blog, Mai also talks about issues related to rural live for women and about other concerns she has for the women in the region. With the money she has received from the courts, Mai has started several schools in the area, which the article suggests (but never explicitly says) are girls’ schools only.
When I learned of this woman, I was reminded of the last article I read and wrote about for current events. Betty Chishava in Zimbabwe has an equal in Pakistan, doing justice for women and righting the many wrongs that have worked their way into the traditions of cultures and into the hearts and minds of women. Rape is not unique to Pakistan, the Middle-East, or the eastern hemisphere. This is not an issue that can be ascribed to some part of a culture that we don’t understand as westerners. It happens here, at UNCG. Women are globally thought of as weaker than men, and for this reason, they are often the victims of horrible crimes. Women like Mukhtar Mai are doing their part to fight this social injustice. It might not be possible to change the thinking of the global population, but with such people working on educating the world, it will be possible to hold those responsible who act on such debasing thoughts.
Isaacs, Dan. Sept. 8 2006. “Pakistan rape victim’s blog makes waves.” BBC News online. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5323858.stm
Failed Sensor Delays Shuttle Launching”
Current Event #4
Soc 202-02
Usman Baig
The launching of Atlantis space shuttle was canceled due to failure in its sensor in fuel tank. It is the second time it’s being delayed after lightning strike and a problem with fuel cell. NASA discovered the problem after astronauts were on board and ready to launch. If it can’t go on Saturday Atlantis space shuttle will have to wait for at least two weeks to keep away from Russian space shuttle. The sensor which is located in the hydrogen fuel tank is design to make sure that engines run for acceptable amount of time after shuttle is lift off. NASA could have decided to launch the shuttle with one sensor but instead they chose not to because safety of the astronauts is main concern. On Wednesday NASA postponed attempt to launch the shuttle due to a problem with shuttle’s three fuel cells which produce electricity. NASA official decided to replace the pump so goals of the mission can be achieved. Atlantis mission is to resume construction on the International Space Station. Construction of international space station was suspended after 2003 Columbia accident. Atlantis is carrying a bus-size part for the stations’ backbone which includes a new set of solar power arrays. Astronauts will have to make three difficult spacewalks to attach the part and deploy the solar arrays. NASA will have to make 16 shuttle missions to complete the assembly of the space station by 2010. I think it was a right thing to do to cancel the launching of Atlantis because it would create problems for the astronauts later on and could put their lives in danger. I think they should take more time to review the shuttle before launching and ensure everything is running properly. NASA is spending billions of dollars to complete the space station.
Citation: Warren E. Leary. “Failed Sensor Delays Shuttle Launching” The New York Times. September 08, 2006
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/08/science/space/08spacecnd.html?ref=us
Soc 202-02
Usman Baig
The launching of Atlantis space shuttle was canceled due to failure in its sensor in fuel tank. It is the second time it’s being delayed after lightning strike and a problem with fuel cell. NASA discovered the problem after astronauts were on board and ready to launch. If it can’t go on Saturday Atlantis space shuttle will have to wait for at least two weeks to keep away from Russian space shuttle. The sensor which is located in the hydrogen fuel tank is design to make sure that engines run for acceptable amount of time after shuttle is lift off. NASA could have decided to launch the shuttle with one sensor but instead they chose not to because safety of the astronauts is main concern. On Wednesday NASA postponed attempt to launch the shuttle due to a problem with shuttle’s three fuel cells which produce electricity. NASA official decided to replace the pump so goals of the mission can be achieved. Atlantis mission is to resume construction on the International Space Station. Construction of international space station was suspended after 2003 Columbia accident. Atlantis is carrying a bus-size part for the stations’ backbone which includes a new set of solar power arrays. Astronauts will have to make three difficult spacewalks to attach the part and deploy the solar arrays. NASA will have to make 16 shuttle missions to complete the assembly of the space station by 2010. I think it was a right thing to do to cancel the launching of Atlantis because it would create problems for the astronauts later on and could put their lives in danger. I think they should take more time to review the shuttle before launching and ensure everything is running properly. NASA is spending billions of dollars to complete the space station.
Citation: Warren E. Leary. “Failed Sensor Delays Shuttle Launching” The New York Times. September 08, 2006
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/08/science/space/08spacecnd.html?ref=us
'Most parents' agree courts should award care to mums
Tiffany Wilkie
Soc 202-02
9/8/06
Current Events Log 4
Copyright 2006 The New Zealand Herald
All Rights Reserved
The New Zealand Herald
September 6, 2006 Wednesday
Headline: 'Most parents' agree courts should award care to mums
This article discusses statistics about the custody of children. Statistics show that mothers are receiving the majority of day-to-day care (custody) of children. The statistics are showing that 65% of orders are awarded to mothers, 11% to fathers, about 12% to another party, and the other 12% share the care of the children. The article states that many fathers enter the hearing feeling defeated so they give consent for the mother to have custody. Many judges are also surprised by the low percentage of shared parenting since many of them often rule in favor of shared parenting. Support groups are now forming to promote discussion about the expectation of fathers around the idea of custody.
This article has taken the focus off of what is important for the child. The issue is not whether women get more custody than men it is that the child is safe. I am concerned about the focus on these numbers because future decisions do not need to be based on the low number of fathers that receive custody. Yes, it is important that a mother and father be involved in the child’s life but at the sake of the child.
Soc 202-02
9/8/06
Current Events Log 4
Copyright 2006 The New Zealand Herald
All Rights Reserved
The New Zealand Herald
September 6, 2006 Wednesday
Headline: 'Most parents' agree courts should award care to mums
This article discusses statistics about the custody of children. Statistics show that mothers are receiving the majority of day-to-day care (custody) of children. The statistics are showing that 65% of orders are awarded to mothers, 11% to fathers, about 12% to another party, and the other 12% share the care of the children. The article states that many fathers enter the hearing feeling defeated so they give consent for the mother to have custody. Many judges are also surprised by the low percentage of shared parenting since many of them often rule in favor of shared parenting. Support groups are now forming to promote discussion about the expectation of fathers around the idea of custody.
This article has taken the focus off of what is important for the child. The issue is not whether women get more custody than men it is that the child is safe. I am concerned about the focus on these numbers because future decisions do not need to be based on the low number of fathers that receive custody. Yes, it is important that a mother and father be involved in the child’s life but at the sake of the child.
Student Blogs...
http://transenergy.blogspot.com/2006/09/after-reading-article-transportation.html
http://socjarrid.blogspot.com
http://linseygsp.civiblog.org/blog
http://michelle-castile.blogspot.com/
http://socjarrid.blogspot.com
http://linseygsp.civiblog.org/blog
http://michelle-castile.blogspot.com/
Kidnapped Sudanese Editor Found Slain
title: Kidnapped Sudanese Editor Found Slain
BY: Mohamed Osman(associatd press writer)
published: September 06, 2006
This article talks about a person being murder because they have published an article on the internet questioning the Prophet Muhammad. To the people of Islamic culture this is an insult on their belief and could be given the death sentence. This person is Ahmed the editor for the Sudan newspaper. He had formally apologies for posting the in doubting article about Muhammad. The news editor was kidnapped from is home on Tuesday and his body was found the next day. Religion has great influence on people are over the world, but is it that big of a deal to murder someone for questioning their own belief. If outspoken like that get one kill how about American questioning the existence of God. So the next time someone question God existence then a possible end result of that person would be being murder? Islamic may e very religious but is it right to kill everyone that does not belief in the prophet. I’m not sure if Islamic culture has freedom of speech but this surely would stop people from saying what they truly wants to say. For a little questioning are views as insult what are not. The people are going over the limit to protect what they belief in. If other countries are alike then no one would be expressing their opinion at any time. That means that certain issue will not be resolve because people will or are going to be to afraid to speak outwardly about what they think for their end result come be just like this editor.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamics/stories/S/SUDAN_JOURNALIST?SITE=NCGREESELECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
BY: Mohamed Osman(associatd press writer)
published: September 06, 2006
This article talks about a person being murder because they have published an article on the internet questioning the Prophet Muhammad. To the people of Islamic culture this is an insult on their belief and could be given the death sentence. This person is Ahmed the editor for the Sudan newspaper. He had formally apologies for posting the in doubting article about Muhammad. The news editor was kidnapped from is home on Tuesday and his body was found the next day. Religion has great influence on people are over the world, but is it that big of a deal to murder someone for questioning their own belief. If outspoken like that get one kill how about American questioning the existence of God. So the next time someone question God existence then a possible end result of that person would be being murder? Islamic may e very religious but is it right to kill everyone that does not belief in the prophet. I’m not sure if Islamic culture has freedom of speech but this surely would stop people from saying what they truly wants to say. For a little questioning are views as insult what are not. The people are going over the limit to protect what they belief in. If other countries are alike then no one would be expressing their opinion at any time. That means that certain issue will not be resolve because people will or are going to be to afraid to speak outwardly about what they think for their end result come be just like this editor.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamics/stories/S/SUDAN_JOURNALIST?SITE=NCGREESELECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
The Crisis in the Horn of Africa: Nomads with no Future
Shemiah Foster
Ethnicity and Religion
Current Event #4
The Crisis in the Horn of Africa: Nomads with no Future
This article was basically about the Nomads of East Africa way of life being threatened because of drought, unfair trade laws, and the growth of tourism in that region. More than 350 nomadic herdsmen and women from 60 tribes in 18 countries gathered to discuss their future. They discussed ways to make changes that are needed for their survival. Majority of their issues have to be worked out within their community, because the government rarely gets involved in their affairs.
From my understanding of this article the nomadic people of East Africa are having all these problems because of the recent drought. Since this drought occurred supplies have become limited for their communities and they are all struggling to stay afloat, which then causes conflict between different Nomadic clans. Another issue plaguing the nomadic clans is that their communities don't have any representation in the government, so their dilemmas go unheard and not considered. I think the point of this gathering was to get some of the nomadic tribes that have been battling together to began peace talks among their communities.
Steve Bloomfield. The Independent. http://news.independent.co.UK/world/africa/article1372028.ece
Ethnicity and Religion
Current Event #4
The Crisis in the Horn of Africa: Nomads with no Future
This article was basically about the Nomads of East Africa way of life being threatened because of drought, unfair trade laws, and the growth of tourism in that region. More than 350 nomadic herdsmen and women from 60 tribes in 18 countries gathered to discuss their future. They discussed ways to make changes that are needed for their survival. Majority of their issues have to be worked out within their community, because the government rarely gets involved in their affairs.
From my understanding of this article the nomadic people of East Africa are having all these problems because of the recent drought. Since this drought occurred supplies have become limited for their communities and they are all struggling to stay afloat, which then causes conflict between different Nomadic clans. Another issue plaguing the nomadic clans is that their communities don't have any representation in the government, so their dilemmas go unheard and not considered. I think the point of this gathering was to get some of the nomadic tribes that have been battling together to began peace talks among their communities.
Steve Bloomfield. The Independent. http://news.independent.co.UK/world/africa/article1372028.ece
Catholic Villagers in Lebanon Attack
Heather Swift HMSWIFT to sjsills
A newly built church in a town near Beirut was attacked this month. The church was only recently built and was a place where Baptist could go for worship. The church was attacked by Maronite Catholics after weeks of an ongoing debate between the Maronite and Baptist clergy.
The attack was made by 20 men from Ajaltoun village which included the slashing of tires, stealing computers and other equipment, breaking the church windows, and beating men and women. Baptist Pastor Raymond Abou-Mekhael and another unknown church member was attacked by the men as they were on their way to steal from the cars near the church. Their glasses were broken and they broke the unknown members ribs. Pastor Abou-Mekhael said " Police were at the church watching everything. They even advised the attackers on what to steal and vandalize."
A Bishop named Guy-Paul Noujaim wrote an e-mail to the compass revealing that the congregation was going to build a residence hall, but instead decided to build a church. When he was questioned on weather he knew of the attacks, he refused to answer.
The President of the High Council of Evangelical Churches said " This is nonsense. We can worship in a legal church building, we can worship in an apartment and we can worship in free air. We have the full rights to build churches to worship freely in any place we choose. We do not need to get permission."
Bishop Noujam is afraid that the Baptist church is going to try and steal the members of his church and that the Christian community will be further divided. There is an estimate that only 20 percent of the Lebanese population belong to the Maronite church. Pastor Abou-Mekhael feels that the churches need to come together as one and support each other.
When I read this I was amazed at how not everyone is treated unfairly. When the police were around and the church was getting attacked, they didn't bother to help the victims. This is because the favor one religion or group over another.Everyone should suffer the consequences of their crimes no matter what race or religion they are.
Lamprecht Peter, Catholic Villagers in Lebanon Attack, Vandilize Baptist, 2006 http://www.crosswalk.com/news/religiontoday
A newly built church in a town near Beirut was attacked this month. The church was only recently built and was a place where Baptist could go for worship. The church was attacked by Maronite Catholics after weeks of an ongoing debate between the Maronite and Baptist clergy.
The attack was made by 20 men from Ajaltoun village which included the slashing of tires, stealing computers and other equipment, breaking the church windows, and beating men and women. Baptist Pastor Raymond Abou-Mekhael and another unknown church member was attacked by the men as they were on their way to steal from the cars near the church. Their glasses were broken and they broke the unknown members ribs. Pastor Abou-Mekhael said " Police were at the church watching everything. They even advised the attackers on what to steal and vandalize."
A Bishop named Guy-Paul Noujaim wrote an e-mail to the compass revealing that the congregation was going to build a residence hall, but instead decided to build a church. When he was questioned on weather he knew of the attacks, he refused to answer.
The President of the High Council of Evangelical Churches said " This is nonsense. We can worship in a legal church building, we can worship in an apartment and we can worship in free air. We have the full rights to build churches to worship freely in any place we choose. We do not need to get permission."
Bishop Noujam is afraid that the Baptist church is going to try and steal the members of his church and that the Christian community will be further divided. There is an estimate that only 20 percent of the Lebanese population belong to the Maronite church. Pastor Abou-Mekhael feels that the churches need to come together as one and support each other.
When I read this I was amazed at how not everyone is treated unfairly. When the police were around and the church was getting attacked, they didn't bother to help the victims. This is because the favor one religion or group over another.Everyone should suffer the consequences of their crimes no matter what race or religion they are.
Lamprecht Peter, Catholic Villagers in Lebanon Attack, Vandilize Baptist, 2006 http://www.crosswalk.com/news/religiontoday
Kosovo environmental clean-up needed
Kelley Wilson
Current Event #4
SOC 202-02
Serbia and Kosovo experienced a civil war about six years ago, but Kosovo residents are still facing the consequences of the war. Many families are living in camps that have been contaminated by lead and now the environment, especially the ground is filled with lead poisoning. The major source is the Trepca Mine. The mine has been closed, but lead does not decompose over time; therefore, it still remains in the soil, water and dust. As a result of the contamination, many jobs have been created for pollution control and clean-up.
Many of the families have been moved to different places and different camps where there is less corruption. But, with the continual dams supplying water with the lead, it moves to more places causing those areas to become contagious. The most at risk for the poisoning are children. They play on the ground and with them putting their hands in their mouths it caused them to become infected. Most of the lead that would be consumed in an adult will leave their bodies through urine or feces. The health related problems that are caused from lead are, brain and nerve damage, impaired speech, hearing difficulties, reduced mental cognition, decrease in growth, high blood pressure, hyperactivity, and depression. These symptoms affect people in all areas of their lives. It is devastating and extremely dangerous.
The environmental clean-up organization has declared that many of the infected mines be opened back up, including Trepca Mine. They believe that the only way to improve these conditions is to face to task hands on. The organization wants to clean up all the infected places. It will take a considerable amount of time, but it has employed many people. All places many not be completely healed, but with all the workers and the hand of God, conditions are expected to improve dramatically.
Website: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/sep2006/2006-09-01-01.asp
Current Event #4
SOC 202-02
Serbia and Kosovo experienced a civil war about six years ago, but Kosovo residents are still facing the consequences of the war. Many families are living in camps that have been contaminated by lead and now the environment, especially the ground is filled with lead poisoning. The major source is the Trepca Mine. The mine has been closed, but lead does not decompose over time; therefore, it still remains in the soil, water and dust. As a result of the contamination, many jobs have been created for pollution control and clean-up.
Many of the families have been moved to different places and different camps where there is less corruption. But, with the continual dams supplying water with the lead, it moves to more places causing those areas to become contagious. The most at risk for the poisoning are children. They play on the ground and with them putting their hands in their mouths it caused them to become infected. Most of the lead that would be consumed in an adult will leave their bodies through urine or feces. The health related problems that are caused from lead are, brain and nerve damage, impaired speech, hearing difficulties, reduced mental cognition, decrease in growth, high blood pressure, hyperactivity, and depression. These symptoms affect people in all areas of their lives. It is devastating and extremely dangerous.
The environmental clean-up organization has declared that many of the infected mines be opened back up, including Trepca Mine. They believe that the only way to improve these conditions is to face to task hands on. The organization wants to clean up all the infected places. It will take a considerable amount of time, but it has employed many people. All places many not be completely healed, but with all the workers and the hand of God, conditions are expected to improve dramatically.
Website: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/sep2006/2006-09-01-01.asp
Monday, September 04, 2006
Kenya; Fighting for Children
Christina Thompson
SOC 202-02
September 01, 2006
ISSUE: GENDER AND FAMILY
In an article published August 28, 2006 in the The East African Standard
called “Kenya; Fighting for Children,” the topic was the violence that is
being brought upon children in Africa with a focal point on the country of
Kenya. In Nairobi, there have been 1, 179 children violated in 2006
(Kenya… p 1). The violence ranged from sexual abuse to neglect against
children in Nairobi.
Various groups such as the Unicefs and other public and private
organizations have began a campaign to bring international attention to
this problem. There are many troubling reports from this article is that
women seem to fear men more than anything else because of the chance of
being raped or kidnapped. "We fear men more than we fear hyenas," say
women and girls from Garissa who had been displaced by the recent drought
(Kenya… p. 2). If women are raped or subject to come kind of sexual abuse
there is a vulnerability of receiving HIV/AIDS.
An article published September 2, 2006 called “Saving children must come
first” by the Weekend Australian tells of how child abuse in their country
is a problem as well. According to the article, in Western Australia, 57
children have died in the past three years from a death connected with
abused although the child protective services had been warned ahead of time
(Saving… p 2).
The differences between the two countries is that one is a developed
country and the other is not. However, they both experience lack of
support from the government to stop the problem of child abuse in the
public. I believe that stricter enforceable laws need to be in place in
these country that will protect children from their guardians. In
developed countries children are supposed to viewed differently and with
care. Children are not able to defend themselves and often slip through
the cracks of the system.
WORKS CITED:
“Kenya; Fighting for Children,” The East African Standard. Africa News.
Lexis Nexis .UNC Greensboro. 1 Sept 2006. (pages
1-4)http://libproxy.uncg.edu:2084/universe/document?_m=3c6a515529c49a87e8fa62361d9acbfb&wchp=dGLbVzz-zSkVA&_md5=a894ea1a339d
888b2eabc64396c0ea66.
“Saving children must come first.” Weekend Australian. Nationwide News Pty
Limited. Lexis Nexis . UNC Greensboro. 2 Sept 2006 (p 1-2 of 125)
http://libproxy.uncg.edu:2084/universe/document?_m=c59e388c153da43b5a1ec27329d31c64&_docnum=18&wchp=dGLbVzz-zSkVA&_md5=8c7824ef10337db58b7d3fc05b59c618.
SOC 202-02
September 01, 2006
ISSUE: GENDER AND FAMILY
In an article published August 28, 2006 in the The East African Standard
called “Kenya; Fighting for Children,” the topic was the violence that is
being brought upon children in Africa with a focal point on the country of
Kenya. In Nairobi, there have been 1, 179 children violated in 2006
(Kenya… p 1). The violence ranged from sexual abuse to neglect against
children in Nairobi.
Various groups such as the Unicefs and other public and private
organizations have began a campaign to bring international attention to
this problem. There are many troubling reports from this article is that
women seem to fear men more than anything else because of the chance of
being raped or kidnapped. "We fear men more than we fear hyenas," say
women and girls from Garissa who had been displaced by the recent drought
(Kenya… p. 2). If women are raped or subject to come kind of sexual abuse
there is a vulnerability of receiving HIV/AIDS.
An article published September 2, 2006 called “Saving children must come
first” by the Weekend Australian tells of how child abuse in their country
is a problem as well. According to the article, in Western Australia, 57
children have died in the past three years from a death connected with
abused although the child protective services had been warned ahead of time
(Saving… p 2).
The differences between the two countries is that one is a developed
country and the other is not. However, they both experience lack of
support from the government to stop the problem of child abuse in the
public. I believe that stricter enforceable laws need to be in place in
these country that will protect children from their guardians. In
developed countries children are supposed to viewed differently and with
care. Children are not able to defend themselves and often slip through
the cracks of the system.
WORKS CITED:
“Kenya; Fighting for Children,” The East African Standard. Africa News.
Lexis Nexis .UNC Greensboro. 1 Sept 2006. (pages
1-4)http://libproxy.uncg.edu:2084/universe/document?_m=3c6a515529c49a87e8fa62361d9acbfb&wchp=dGLbVzz-zSkVA&_md5=a894ea1a339d
888b2eabc64396c0ea66.
“Saving children must come first.” Weekend Australian. Nationwide News Pty
Limited. Lexis Nexis . UNC Greensboro. 2 Sept 2006 (p 1-2 of 125)
http://libproxy.uncg.edu:2084/universe/document?_m=c59e388c153da43b5a1ec27329d31c64&_docnum=18&wchp=dGLbVzz-zSkVA&_md5=8c7824ef10337db58b7d3fc05b59c618.
Child Domestic Slavery Banned
The article, Child Domestic Slavery Banned, discusses a ban on child labor
in New Delhi. The ban was due in large part to the efforts of BBA, Bachpan
Bachao Andolan. The article tells the story of a young boy, employed by a
government official who was burned with a stove after drinking milk that
was not intended for him. The article says that 60 million children are
forced into child labor, and often times it is the government that gets
away with having this children as workers. Additionally there is a hope for
education to become more prevalent, releasing many of these children for
labor.
As we spoke of in class, child labor is increasingly used in underdeveloped
countries. These children are underpaid, and as stated above often abused.
I think that the most shocking part of the article was that government
officials, the very people that should be protecting children from such
abuses. Also, in everything that we have discussed about child labor,
education seems to be the primary solution, as it gives children another
means for income in the future.
http://www.globalmarch.org/news/childdomesticslavery.php3
-lindsay Rowland
in New Delhi. The ban was due in large part to the efforts of BBA, Bachpan
Bachao Andolan. The article tells the story of a young boy, employed by a
government official who was burned with a stove after drinking milk that
was not intended for him. The article says that 60 million children are
forced into child labor, and often times it is the government that gets
away with having this children as workers. Additionally there is a hope for
education to become more prevalent, releasing many of these children for
labor.
As we spoke of in class, child labor is increasingly used in underdeveloped
countries. These children are underpaid, and as stated above often abused.
I think that the most shocking part of the article was that government
officials, the very people that should be protecting children from such
abuses. Also, in everything that we have discussed about child labor,
education seems to be the primary solution, as it gives children another
means for income in the future.
http://www.globalmarch.org/news/childdomesticslavery.php3
-lindsay Rowland
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Student Blogs Updated
http://urbanization5.blogspot.com/
http://toloosenagordianknot.blogspot.com/
http://technologycurrentevents.blogspot.com/
http://soc202waronterror.blogspot.com/index.html
http://michelle-castile.blogspot.com
http://linseygsp.civiblog.org/blog
http://blog.myspace.com/nealmarcus
http://gender-and-family.blogspot.com/
http://socjarrid.blogspot.com/
http://soc202eventlog.blogspot.com/
http://www.sociology202blog.blogspot.com
http://tracy-globalurbanization.blogspot.com
http://toloosenagordianknot.blogspot.com/
http://technologycurrentevents.blogspot.com/
http://soc202waronterror.blogspot.com/index.html
http://michelle-castile.blogspot.com
http://linseygsp.civiblog.org/blog
http://blog.myspace.com/nealmarcus
http://gender-and-family.blogspot.com/
http://socjarrid.blogspot.com/
http://soc202eventlog.blogspot.com/
http://www.sociology202blog.blogspot.com
http://tracy-globalurbanization.blogspot.com
India booming economy
Mariam Ahmad
Dr. Stephen
Soc 202
CURRENT EVENT 3
India is booming into an economy which doesn’t have to rely on economic advancement such
as telephone call centers an computer programers.
In Hazira, in northwestern India, where most resident reside on camels to carry traders goods,
the Essar Group is making steel to be used for ventilation shafts in Philadelphia, high rise structural
beams in Chicago and car engines mounting in Detroit.
For many decades now, India has followed a different economic route than countries like
Japan, South Korea and China. India focused more on its domestic economy and grew more
slowly with an emphasis on services.
India’s annual growth in manufacturing output, at 9 percent and accelerating. Exports of
manufactured goods to the United States are now rising at a faster in percentage terms than China’s
although at a smaller base. More than 2/3 of foreign investments last year has gone into India’s
manufacturing threshold.
A prime reason why India is now developing into the worlds next big industrial power is
that a number of global manufactures are already looking ahead to serious demographic squeeze
facing China. Because of China’s “one child” policy, family sizes have been shrinking there since
the 1980s.
India’s young population will also make it huge and growing market for years to come,
while the engineering skills and English skills of its educated elite will make it competitive across
a wide range of industries.
General Motors and Motorola are preparing to build plants in western and southern
India. Posco of South Korea and Mittal Steel of the Netherlands have each announced plans
to erect giant steel mills in India, where Relaince of India will soon construct one of the world’s
largest coal fired power plants.
They are finding India’s labor force well suited for their goals. When LG set out in 2005
to fill 458 assembly line jobs at its factory here starting 90$ a month.
After reading this article I feel India is heading into the right direction with its economic
status. It is bringing a huge change in India, in population sector as well as economic sector.
What matters the most is that jobs are being created in a country where people have opportunities
to make a living for themselves, instead of having the old life. India is becoming an industrial super
power.
Works Cited
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/01/business/worldbusiness/01rupee.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1157213250-kGFqppZkxyB/sMQKZnohGw
Dr. Stephen
Soc 202
CURRENT EVENT 3
India is booming into an economy which doesn’t have to rely on economic advancement such
as telephone call centers an computer programers.
In Hazira, in northwestern India, where most resident reside on camels to carry traders goods,
the Essar Group is making steel to be used for ventilation shafts in Philadelphia, high rise structural
beams in Chicago and car engines mounting in Detroit.
For many decades now, India has followed a different economic route than countries like
Japan, South Korea and China. India focused more on its domestic economy and grew more
slowly with an emphasis on services.
India’s annual growth in manufacturing output, at 9 percent and accelerating. Exports of
manufactured goods to the United States are now rising at a faster in percentage terms than China’s
although at a smaller base. More than 2/3 of foreign investments last year has gone into India’s
manufacturing threshold.
A prime reason why India is now developing into the worlds next big industrial power is
that a number of global manufactures are already looking ahead to serious demographic squeeze
facing China. Because of China’s “one child” policy, family sizes have been shrinking there since
the 1980s.
India’s young population will also make it huge and growing market for years to come,
while the engineering skills and English skills of its educated elite will make it competitive across
a wide range of industries.
General Motors and Motorola are preparing to build plants in western and southern
India. Posco of South Korea and Mittal Steel of the Netherlands have each announced plans
to erect giant steel mills in India, where Relaince of India will soon construct one of the world’s
largest coal fired power plants.
They are finding India’s labor force well suited for their goals. When LG set out in 2005
to fill 458 assembly line jobs at its factory here starting 90$ a month.
After reading this article I feel India is heading into the right direction with its economic
status. It is bringing a huge change in India, in population sector as well as economic sector.
What matters the most is that jobs are being created in a country where people have opportunities
to make a living for themselves, instead of having the old life. India is becoming an industrial super
power.
Works Cited
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/01/business/worldbusiness/01rupee.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1157213250-kGFqppZkxyB/sMQKZnohGw
Urbanization
Urbanization can bring so much chaos and destruction among the government and the people in a country. Since these current events, I have started to second think whether or not urbanization is the worst thing that could happen to a country. In many places such as China and Yemen, urbanization has caused people to become much more aware of the environment and new ideas have emerged. But now the case has changed since my reading on Africa.
Urbanization has caused a downward spiral of Africa’s society. One of the greatest issues in Africa that is not being helped by urbanization is massive poverty. Even though the people moving from the country to the large cities are getting paid more, the product costs rise more and more each day. It seems people are moving to the cities to be paid more for their work, but they are realizing the cost of living isn’t affordable. Africa’s stagnation is resulting in a increase in unemployment rates.
The role of the subterranean sector, a forceful and powerful group, is expected to take on many people moving into the labor force. Hopefully the sector will decrease the problem of unemployment and help Africa’s economy in it’s time of need. To make this sector easier to be involved in, Africa’s government is taking away the harassment toward people who are involved in the sector and by making the process much easier (http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3821/is_199910/ai_n8862001).
In my opinion, I feel the government has not been trying to do too much towards unemployment or urbanization in Africa. Africa has had a unmoving economy for years and it seems that not much has ever been done about it. Africa could have tried to prevent the problem of urbanization in so many ways before now. If there was more emphasis put on education and housing problems, many people from Africa would not have not moved from rural to urban areas only to find more pain and despair.
Urbanization has caused a downward spiral of Africa’s society. One of the greatest issues in Africa that is not being helped by urbanization is massive poverty. Even though the people moving from the country to the large cities are getting paid more, the product costs rise more and more each day. It seems people are moving to the cities to be paid more for their work, but they are realizing the cost of living isn’t affordable. Africa’s stagnation is resulting in a increase in unemployment rates.
The role of the subterranean sector, a forceful and powerful group, is expected to take on many people moving into the labor force. Hopefully the sector will decrease the problem of unemployment and help Africa’s economy in it’s time of need. To make this sector easier to be involved in, Africa’s government is taking away the harassment toward people who are involved in the sector and by making the process much easier (http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3821/is_199910/ai_n8862001).
In my opinion, I feel the government has not been trying to do too much towards unemployment or urbanization in Africa. Africa has had a unmoving economy for years and it seems that not much has ever been done about it. Africa could have tried to prevent the problem of urbanization in so many ways before now. If there was more emphasis put on education and housing problems, many people from Africa would not have not moved from rural to urban areas only to find more pain and despair.
China's Economic Zone of Shenzhen Gateway for Illegal Drugs Trade
Caitlin Walter
Sociology 202
September 1, 2006
Current Event #3
Drug Smuggling in China
The crime of drug trafficking and the strategies of how to do it is becoming an art form. Shenzhen in China has become one of the biggest import and export cities for illegal drugs. Shenzhen alone “…accounted for more than a quarter of all drug-smuggling cases cracked nationwide in the first three months of the year…” (1). Smugglers have begun using tourism as a “cover” to make imports and exports easier. They will use large crowds to their advantage by pretending to be tourists to make their deliveries. China seems to be facing trafficking challenges from all over. Government officials reported that new dangers for trafficking were coming from the Golden Triangle, the Golden Crescent, and the Korean Peninsula. To try to remedy these drug problems, officials are planning to “…build up a regional intelligence network and improve cooperation between different ports and departments” (1).
Until I first began doing research on the topic of drug crimes, I never knew that pretty much the whole world was involved with it. Whenever I would think of “drug countries”, my mind automatically went to Mexico, Cuba, Central America, Brazil, Venezuela – all the South American countries as well. I knew a small amount about the Opium situation overseas and just mainly that it was around Asia where it was most grown. But it blows my mind to hear how people get this junk around to places these days. Someone told me the other day that a girl was getting on an airplane and they found that she had hidden drugs in the heels of her shoes or something like that. And now, here are these people in the East pretending to be tourists to make their drug deals! What will they come up with next?
"China's Economic Zone of Shenzhen Gateway for Illegal Drugs Trade." British Broadcasting Corporation. 10 May 2006. South China Morning Post website, Hong Kong. 1 Sept. 2006
Sociology 202
September 1, 2006
Current Event #3
Drug Smuggling in China
The crime of drug trafficking and the strategies of how to do it is becoming an art form. Shenzhen in China has become one of the biggest import and export cities for illegal drugs. Shenzhen alone “…accounted for more than a quarter of all drug-smuggling cases cracked nationwide in the first three months of the year…” (1). Smugglers have begun using tourism as a “cover” to make imports and exports easier. They will use large crowds to their advantage by pretending to be tourists to make their deliveries. China seems to be facing trafficking challenges from all over. Government officials reported that new dangers for trafficking were coming from the Golden Triangle, the Golden Crescent, and the Korean Peninsula. To try to remedy these drug problems, officials are planning to “…build up a regional intelligence network and improve cooperation between different ports and departments” (1).
Until I first began doing research on the topic of drug crimes, I never knew that pretty much the whole world was involved with it. Whenever I would think of “drug countries”, my mind automatically went to Mexico, Cuba, Central America, Brazil, Venezuela – all the South American countries as well. I knew a small amount about the Opium situation overseas and just mainly that it was around Asia where it was most grown. But it blows my mind to hear how people get this junk around to places these days. Someone told me the other day that a girl was getting on an airplane and they found that she had hidden drugs in the heels of her shoes or something like that. And now, here are these people in the East pretending to be tourists to make their drug deals! What will they come up with next?
"China's Economic Zone of Shenzhen Gateway for Illegal Drugs Trade." British Broadcasting Corporation. 10 May 2006. South China Morning Post website, Hong Kong. 1 Sept. 2006
China: Government Must End Crackdown on Lawyers
Gema K. Gonzalez
09-01-2006
Soc. 202
Human Rights Watch issued an article that follows up on the previous article I had summarized; however, this article goes further in depth about what the Chinese government has been doing to active lawyers in China. According to this article, the Chinese government has been illegally attacking and going after active legal lawyers around rural China. Most of the lawyers that have been attacked are well-known and have represented big cases in which peoples? rights had been violated. The article mentions two lawyers; Gao Zhisheng and Chen Guangcheng, both of whom were accused of criminal activity. When other lawyers came to their defense, they were also tainted or have been missing. The reason China is behaving this way is because they do not fully accept the Rule of Law in their nation state. If Rule of Law existed in China then the law would prevail and people would not have to worry about such circumstances arising.
My reaction to this article is not surprising given China?s communist history and disciplinary character. It seems that in such nation-states, the government is always out to prove to the public that they are the ones running the show. In America we could not imagine being treated like this. However, such injustices do occur world-wide and especially in country?s where the population does not have a voice. It is people like Gao and Chen who get punished for trying to do the right thing.
Source: "China: Government Must End Crackdown on Lawyers." Human Rights Watch. 2006.
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/08/23/china14064_txt.htm
09-01-2006
Soc. 202
Human Rights Watch issued an article that follows up on the previous article I had summarized; however, this article goes further in depth about what the Chinese government has been doing to active lawyers in China. According to this article, the Chinese government has been illegally attacking and going after active legal lawyers around rural China. Most of the lawyers that have been attacked are well-known and have represented big cases in which peoples? rights had been violated. The article mentions two lawyers; Gao Zhisheng and Chen Guangcheng, both of whom were accused of criminal activity. When other lawyers came to their defense, they were also tainted or have been missing. The reason China is behaving this way is because they do not fully accept the Rule of Law in their nation state. If Rule of Law existed in China then the law would prevail and people would not have to worry about such circumstances arising.
My reaction to this article is not surprising given China?s communist history and disciplinary character. It seems that in such nation-states, the government is always out to prove to the public that they are the ones running the show. In America we could not imagine being treated like this. However, such injustices do occur world-wide and especially in country?s where the population does not have a voice. It is people like Gao and Chen who get punished for trying to do the right thing.
Source: "China: Government Must End Crackdown on Lawyers." Human Rights Watch. 2006.
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/08/23/china14064_txt.htm
Radical overhaul seen as solution to water
Arwen Hernandez
Sociology 202-02
September 1, 2006
Current Event 3-Urbanization
Summary
An international conference was held in Stockholm this
week to address the resolution of the global water crisis.
Some suggestions included cutting the amount of water that
is used to grow food, teaching farmers how to better
utilize rain water, and nations need to make use of
brackish, partially treated waste water, and fully treated
sewage. Water problems are generally automatically assumed
to be taking place in developing countries. However, as
Jamie Pittock puts it, “economic riches don’t translate
into plentiful water.”
Response
Urbanization is causing a water shortage all over the
world. No one seems to be immune. Some of the proposed
solutions make perfect sense. Though, I am not so
convinced that cutting agriculture water in half is very
probable. You automatically think of poor countries in
relation to water crisis, but keep in mind that major
cities (ex. Baltimore) and their surrounding suburbs are
more often that not put on water restriction during the
summer. I doubt that the populations in the effected areas
fully grasp the implications of a shortage of water. They
are just mad that they can’t water their lawns. Another
consequence of urbanization to your larger cities is their
ability to consume more water than can be replenished by
nature.
Harvey, Fiona. “Radical overhaul seen as solution to water
crisis.” London Edition 1 (2006): 6 pg. 24 August
2006.
http://libproxy.uncg.edu:2084/universe/document?_m=1b120c889d5b6b4d7270c9ebb556fd30&_docnum=30&wchp=dGLbVtz-zSkVA&_md5=68e80fa617160199c40aeff9aeb73c02
Sociology 202-02
September 1, 2006
Current Event 3-Urbanization
Summary
An international conference was held in Stockholm this
week to address the resolution of the global water crisis.
Some suggestions included cutting the amount of water that
is used to grow food, teaching farmers how to better
utilize rain water, and nations need to make use of
brackish, partially treated waste water, and fully treated
sewage. Water problems are generally automatically assumed
to be taking place in developing countries. However, as
Jamie Pittock puts it, “economic riches don’t translate
into plentiful water.”
Response
Urbanization is causing a water shortage all over the
world. No one seems to be immune. Some of the proposed
solutions make perfect sense. Though, I am not so
convinced that cutting agriculture water in half is very
probable. You automatically think of poor countries in
relation to water crisis, but keep in mind that major
cities (ex. Baltimore) and their surrounding suburbs are
more often that not put on water restriction during the
summer. I doubt that the populations in the effected areas
fully grasp the implications of a shortage of water. They
are just mad that they can’t water their lawns. Another
consequence of urbanization to your larger cities is their
ability to consume more water than can be replenished by
nature.
Harvey, Fiona. “Radical overhaul seen as solution to water
crisis.” London Edition 1 (2006): 6 pg. 24 August
2006.
http://libproxy.uncg.edu:2084/universe/document?_m=1b120c889d5b6b4d7270c9ebb556fd30&_docnum=30&wchp=dGLbVtz-zSkVA&_md5=68e80fa617160199c40aeff9aeb73c02
Passenger Plane Catches Fire in Iran
Alaina Dula
Sociology 202 Current Event #3
Sept.1, 2006
Passenger Plane Catches Fire in Iran
Today a Russian-built Tupolev 154 plane caught on fire after its tire burst on landing at an airport in Iran’s northern city of Mashhad that killed at least eighty people, stated by officials and state television. State television said one-hundred forty seven people were aboard the flight to Mashhad, home to Iran’s shrine, from southern port city of Bandar Abbas. State television shows a broken-up plane on the sides of the runway. The cockpit’s shown to be largely unaffected by the fire, just like the rear portion of the plan appeared. Safety experts say that Iran has a poor safety record with strings of crashes in recent decades, many involving Russian-made aircrafts. The last major crash reported involving a military plan that crashed in January, killing at least eleven people, then a military plane hit a tower black in Tehran in December. Killing ninety-four people aboard and twenty-two people on the ground. The latest crash involved a kish airlines Fokker-50 plane, which crashed in Sharjah airport in the United Arab Emirates killing forty-three of the forty-five passengers and crew.
My opinion about this story is after the first couple of crashes reported and knowing that the safety records were bad they should have shut the air line and plane company down seems like, because the first time is an accident, after that it’s not when it keeps on happening repeatedly. I feel sorry for the people who lost there life’s and the family of the victims. But, I would have not even got on any of Russian types of planes if I had known about the previous accidents.
By: Alireza Ronaghi
Updates 9/01/06
http://articles.news.aol.com
Sociology 202 Current Event #3
Sept.1, 2006
Passenger Plane Catches Fire in Iran
Today a Russian-built Tupolev 154 plane caught on fire after its tire burst on landing at an airport in Iran’s northern city of Mashhad that killed at least eighty people, stated by officials and state television. State television said one-hundred forty seven people were aboard the flight to Mashhad, home to Iran’s shrine, from southern port city of Bandar Abbas. State television shows a broken-up plane on the sides of the runway. The cockpit’s shown to be largely unaffected by the fire, just like the rear portion of the plan appeared. Safety experts say that Iran has a poor safety record with strings of crashes in recent decades, many involving Russian-made aircrafts. The last major crash reported involving a military plan that crashed in January, killing at least eleven people, then a military plane hit a tower black in Tehran in December. Killing ninety-four people aboard and twenty-two people on the ground. The latest crash involved a kish airlines Fokker-50 plane, which crashed in Sharjah airport in the United Arab Emirates killing forty-three of the forty-five passengers and crew.
My opinion about this story is after the first couple of crashes reported and knowing that the safety records were bad they should have shut the air line and plane company down seems like, because the first time is an accident, after that it’s not when it keeps on happening repeatedly. I feel sorry for the people who lost there life’s and the family of the victims. But, I would have not even got on any of Russian types of planes if I had known about the previous accidents.
By: Alireza Ronaghi
Updates 9/01/06
http://articles.news.aol.com
Death Penalty May Be Applied for Betraying Islam
Caroline Ellison
August 31, 2006
Soc 202
Current Event Topic: Religion and Ethnicity
Death Penalty May Be Applied For Betraying Islam
This article discusses the consequences of apostasy in the Islam religion. Apostasy is defined as the act of rejecting or abandoning one’s religious beliefs. It is a concept that is present in multiple religions. It is Islam’s treatment of apostasy that has become a hot topic in the Western countries.
Apostasy is still punishable by death in most countries. Since Islam and the state are closely related, leaving the Islamic faith can still be thought of by some as an act of political betrayal. Charges of apostasy are also often used against political enemies and intellectuals who make controversial claims about Islam or challenges conventional social standards.
There are currently certain countries that have laws that sanction the death penalty as a punishment for apostasy. Some of these countries include Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. In countries where the death penalty is not legally enforceable, there may be other punishments for apostasy such as imprisonment and corporal punishment. The Koran does not call for death in the case of apostasy. However in the Hadith, which is written traditions by the Prophet Muhammed, contains several passages supporting the use of the death penalty in cases of apostasy.
The issue of apostasy is very important to all of us because to some that are not part of the Islam religion we may see it as immoral to kill a person who converts to a different religion. In the United States apostasy occurs in most peoples lives. A person may be raised Baptist but then decide later in life that their beliefs are closer to the Catholic faith. Since in the United States we have freedom of religion it sounds unheard of to kill someone for turning against a religion. Apostasy is very important to know about because it could be the cause of hundreds of thousands of deaths every year.
Brea, Jennifer. "Death Penalty May Be Applied for Betraying Islam." World News. 30 Aug. 2006. NY Times Co. 31 Aug. 2006.
August 31, 2006
Soc 202
Current Event Topic: Religion and Ethnicity
Death Penalty May Be Applied For Betraying Islam
This article discusses the consequences of apostasy in the Islam religion. Apostasy is defined as the act of rejecting or abandoning one’s religious beliefs. It is a concept that is present in multiple religions. It is Islam’s treatment of apostasy that has become a hot topic in the Western countries.
Apostasy is still punishable by death in most countries. Since Islam and the state are closely related, leaving the Islamic faith can still be thought of by some as an act of political betrayal. Charges of apostasy are also often used against political enemies and intellectuals who make controversial claims about Islam or challenges conventional social standards.
There are currently certain countries that have laws that sanction the death penalty as a punishment for apostasy. Some of these countries include Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. In countries where the death penalty is not legally enforceable, there may be other punishments for apostasy such as imprisonment and corporal punishment. The Koran does not call for death in the case of apostasy. However in the Hadith, which is written traditions by the Prophet Muhammed, contains several passages supporting the use of the death penalty in cases of apostasy.
The issue of apostasy is very important to all of us because to some that are not part of the Islam religion we may see it as immoral to kill a person who converts to a different religion. In the United States apostasy occurs in most peoples lives. A person may be raised Baptist but then decide later in life that their beliefs are closer to the Catholic faith. Since in the United States we have freedom of religion it sounds unheard of to kill someone for turning against a religion. Apostasy is very important to know about because it could be the cause of hundreds of thousands of deaths every year.
Brea, Jennifer. "Death Penalty May Be Applied for Betraying Islam." World News. 30 Aug. 2006. NY Times Co. 31 Aug. 2006
Overcoming the Stigma of Infertility in Zimbabwe
Michelle Bradt
Sept 1, 2006
Current Events 3
In an article entitled “Overcoming the Stigma of Infertility in Zimbabwe,” Peggy Cohen describes the efforts of a woman named Betty Chishava to erase the seriously held and committed to idea of pronatalism that prevails in Zimbabwe. Chishava, after caring for her sick husband for several years both financially and physically, was kicked out of her own home and divorced because she was thought to be infertile. In fact, her husband had gone through several medical tests which proved he had a low sperm count. The stigma is so overburdening for women, however, that even if it is proven to be the man’s fault, women are blamed. Often infertile women are seen as useless in all aspects of society, being turned away from jobs and by their own families if they cannot produce offspring.
Chishava has been working in Zimbabwe to combat this ideology and plague for women. She has had workshops and meetings to help counsel women (and some infertile men, who, if they even tell the truth about themselves, are seen less as men and are sometimes buried with dead rats in their graves to symbolize this) and to teach them how to make livings for themselves. She is very dedicated to the drama team she started to help member of her organization cope with the various forms of infertility, with a play that focuses on the repercussions of negative attitudes from society toward women who are infertile, or who are labeled infertile.
This article was not written very recently (in June of 2001, in fact), but it illuminates a problem that is going on worldwide still today: women are being valued only insofar as they are able to be mothers, wives, and family care-takers. Indeed, in Zimbabwe as well as in other countries, even a woman’s job skills are not valued if she can’t produce children to take the earnings later on of those skills. Women are an important and vital part of today’s global economy, and to ignore their worth as individuals and participants in that economy is to negate the value of half the world’s market contributors. So whether one looks at this from a humanist or economic perspective, something needs to be done about the proliferation of pronatalism in today’s world.
June 2001. Ashoka’s Changemakers online. http://www.changemakers.net/journal/01june/sango.cfm
Sept 1, 2006
Current Events 3
In an article entitled “Overcoming the Stigma of Infertility in Zimbabwe,” Peggy Cohen describes the efforts of a woman named Betty Chishava to erase the seriously held and committed to idea of pronatalism that prevails in Zimbabwe. Chishava, after caring for her sick husband for several years both financially and physically, was kicked out of her own home and divorced because she was thought to be infertile. In fact, her husband had gone through several medical tests which proved he had a low sperm count. The stigma is so overburdening for women, however, that even if it is proven to be the man’s fault, women are blamed. Often infertile women are seen as useless in all aspects of society, being turned away from jobs and by their own families if they cannot produce offspring.
Chishava has been working in Zimbabwe to combat this ideology and plague for women. She has had workshops and meetings to help counsel women (and some infertile men, who, if they even tell the truth about themselves, are seen less as men and are sometimes buried with dead rats in their graves to symbolize this) and to teach them how to make livings for themselves. She is very dedicated to the drama team she started to help member of her organization cope with the various forms of infertility, with a play that focuses on the repercussions of negative attitudes from society toward women who are infertile, or who are labeled infertile.
This article was not written very recently (in June of 2001, in fact), but it illuminates a problem that is going on worldwide still today: women are being valued only insofar as they are able to be mothers, wives, and family care-takers. Indeed, in Zimbabwe as well as in other countries, even a woman’s job skills are not valued if she can’t produce children to take the earnings later on of those skills. Women are an important and vital part of today’s global economy, and to ignore their worth as individuals and participants in that economy is to negate the value of half the world’s market contributors. So whether one looks at this from a humanist or economic perspective, something needs to be done about the proliferation of pronatalism in today’s world.
June 2001. Ashoka’s Changemakers online. http://www.changemakers.net/journal/01june/sango.cfm
Violence against children
“Listen to the children of this land”
In Africa the joy of many children are ripped away by the reality of abuse. One extreme, but common, form of abuse is FGM. FGM is Female Genital Mutilation (Violence against children). This is done on young girls, many times using dirty tools. They shave the girl’s genital area and actually sew her vagina close, which not only leads to infections, but pain during intercourse later in life. This abuse is overlooked because of its strong religious orientation (Violence against children). Child abuse is by far isolated to Africa, but carries its pain through out the world.
In South Asia abuse is just as prevalent. Many times girls are the target of the abuse. Because boys are preferred baby girls are put at such great risk. Because of this preference many times girls are neglected or even killed (Violence against children). Even though abuse isn’t completely focused on girls they are at greater risk. At times young girls are even forced to be sex servants or sold as prostitutes. Boys at times will be forced to traffic drugs and labor under harsh conditions (Violence against children).
As Americans we look at this and think how barbaric these countries must be, but before we begin to judge we should remember that in 2003, 906,000 children living in the United States have experienced some type of abuse (Violence against children). One statistic that sickens me is that parents are normally the perpetrator of abuse. My whole life I have heard parents tell their children not to talk to strangers because strangers are dangerous when in reality we should teach children not to talk to their parents because their parents are more likely to harm them than a strangers. In America the most dangerous age to be is not 16, when you can drive, or 18 when you could be drafted in war, or even 21 when you are allowed to drink, but under one year old. At this age a child is more likely to be killed by a family member (Violence against children).
As a Human Development and Family Studies major this topic is close to my heart. Children are born so innocent and trusting and I believe that one day there will be great judgment poured out on these people who take that innocence from those children. This burden is not only carried by me but many others. In an attempt to look at child abuse nationally many countries came together to fight for children’s rights at The Regional Consultation. At the Regional Consultation children were able to vocalize their concerns. One child summed up what it takes to begin to change this horrible reality by writing a simple poem. It begins, “Listen to the children of this land. For we are praying, lifting our voices and our eyes.”(Violence against children) This poem paints a picture of a child looking up at us begging us to notice him/her. Have we forgotten the children of this land? Do they not deserve the same human rights that we take for granted? For me the answers to these questions are so simple. I think we have forgotten. We have accepted child abuse as inevitable. It is one of those problems that seem so big that we just throw in the towel. Personally I refuse to throw in the towel. It is time to stand up and demand people to open their eyes and ears to these children children’s cries.
"www.violencestudy.org." Violence against children. 2005. 1 Sep 2006.
In Africa the joy of many children are ripped away by the reality of abuse. One extreme, but common, form of abuse is FGM. FGM is Female Genital Mutilation (Violence against children). This is done on young girls, many times using dirty tools. They shave the girl’s genital area and actually sew her vagina close, which not only leads to infections, but pain during intercourse later in life. This abuse is overlooked because of its strong religious orientation (Violence against children). Child abuse is by far isolated to Africa, but carries its pain through out the world.
In South Asia abuse is just as prevalent. Many times girls are the target of the abuse. Because boys are preferred baby girls are put at such great risk. Because of this preference many times girls are neglected or even killed (Violence against children). Even though abuse isn’t completely focused on girls they are at greater risk. At times young girls are even forced to be sex servants or sold as prostitutes. Boys at times will be forced to traffic drugs and labor under harsh conditions (Violence against children).
As Americans we look at this and think how barbaric these countries must be, but before we begin to judge we should remember that in 2003, 906,000 children living in the United States have experienced some type of abuse (Violence against children). One statistic that sickens me is that parents are normally the perpetrator of abuse. My whole life I have heard parents tell their children not to talk to strangers because strangers are dangerous when in reality we should teach children not to talk to their parents because their parents are more likely to harm them than a strangers. In America the most dangerous age to be is not 16, when you can drive, or 18 when you could be drafted in war, or even 21 when you are allowed to drink, but under one year old. At this age a child is more likely to be killed by a family member (Violence against children).
As a Human Development and Family Studies major this topic is close to my heart. Children are born so innocent and trusting and I believe that one day there will be great judgment poured out on these people who take that innocence from those children. This burden is not only carried by me but many others. In an attempt to look at child abuse nationally many countries came together to fight for children’s rights at The Regional Consultation. At the Regional Consultation children were able to vocalize their concerns. One child summed up what it takes to begin to change this horrible reality by writing a simple poem. It begins, “Listen to the children of this land. For we are praying, lifting our voices and our eyes.”(Violence against children) This poem paints a picture of a child looking up at us begging us to notice him/her. Have we forgotten the children of this land? Do they not deserve the same human rights that we take for granted? For me the answers to these questions are so simple. I think we have forgotten. We have accepted child abuse as inevitable. It is one of those problems that seem so big that we just throw in the towel. Personally I refuse to throw in the towel. It is time to stand up and demand people to open their eyes and ears to these children children’s cries.
"www.violencestudy.org." Violence against children. 2005. 1 Sep 2006
FBI-style agency to 'make life hell' for UK's most wanted gangs
Chesley Smith
SOC 202-02
Current Event #3
Copyright 2006 Guardian Newspapers Limited
The Guardian (London) - Final Edition (page 4)
April 4, 2006 Tuesday
?FBI-style agency to 'make life hell' for UK's most wanted gangs: Blair launches Soca to smash global crime cartels: Police, immigration and customs join forces?
By: Rosie Cowan
The British FBI has targeted 1,000 most wanted organized gangs. The Prime Minister of Serious and Organized Crime Agency (SOCA) plans to ?make life hell? for criminals. The SOCA is the countries first organization to include the police, customs and immigration officers in the fight against crime. Mr. Blair wants to bring back the basic liberties to the people, for the citizens to be freed from crime. SOCA is about 40 countries strong with up to 140 staff members. Each SOCA section is going to working together to find the weaknesses in fighting the organized crime around the globe.
The idea of the world coming together to fight crime as a whole, sounds like a brilliant plan to me. Having other involved fighting for the same goal is much more efficient than one person against the world. Crimes are often committed between country lines; so having a coalition world wide will help stop these types of crimes. The task of battling organized will be something that will not go away over night; this will take many years. The leaders of the SOCA sound very determined to stop these crimes and will do everything in their power to stop organized crime. I see great hope for the future, hopefully for the next generation; the crime rate will be considerable lower. The next generation will be having less need to commit crimes. Many people go through life not being caught for their crimes which will hopefully cease; more law enforcement is aware of the crimes and is out trying to catch the guilty parties. There have been major leads so far with the development of SOCA; people have been seriously investigating crimes that had to be overlooked due to a previously small staff. I am feeling very hopefully for world crime, I imagine the number of crimes to drop considerable over the next few years.
SOC 202-02
Current Event #3
Copyright 2006 Guardian Newspapers Limited
The Guardian (London) - Final Edition (page 4)
April 4, 2006 Tuesday
?FBI-style agency to 'make life hell' for UK's most wanted gangs: Blair launches Soca to smash global crime cartels: Police, immigration and customs join forces?
By: Rosie Cowan
The British FBI has targeted 1,000 most wanted organized gangs. The Prime Minister of Serious and Organized Crime Agency (SOCA) plans to ?make life hell? for criminals. The SOCA is the countries first organization to include the police, customs and immigration officers in the fight against crime. Mr. Blair wants to bring back the basic liberties to the people, for the citizens to be freed from crime. SOCA is about 40 countries strong with up to 140 staff members. Each SOCA section is going to working together to find the weaknesses in fighting the organized crime around the globe.
The idea of the world coming together to fight crime as a whole, sounds like a brilliant plan to me. Having other involved fighting for the same goal is much more efficient than one person against the world. Crimes are often committed between country lines; so having a coalition world wide will help stop these types of crimes. The task of battling organized will be something that will not go away over night; this will take many years. The leaders of the SOCA sound very determined to stop these crimes and will do everything in their power to stop organized crime. I see great hope for the future, hopefully for the next generation; the crime rate will be considerable lower. The next generation will be having less need to commit crimes. Many people go through life not being caught for their crimes which will hopefully cease; more law enforcement is aware of the crimes and is out trying to catch the guilty parties. There have been major leads so far with the development of SOCA; people have been seriously investigating crimes that had to be overlooked due to a previously small staff. I am feeling very hopefully for world crime, I imagine the number of crimes to drop considerable over the next few years.
NASA farms out moon rocket
Current Event 3
Soc 202-02
Usman Baig
NASA gave a multibillion dollar contract to Lockheed Martin Corp, to build the Orion crew vehicle which will be replaced the space shuttle fleet and take astronauts to moon and possibly on to Mars. Company Lockheed Martin Corp is best known for building several unmanned probes. The first test flight could be in 2014 and astronauts could return to moon by 2020. This is the biggest project since 1980’s NASA has spent billions of dollars on shuttle follow-up ships but none of them were completed due to technical problems. This project is part of President Bush’s massive exploration plan. It would put astronauts on the moon since 1972 and could send people to Mars. It will power the Orion capsule and a cargo vehicle into orbit. This program will reduce the risk of fatal accidents to astronauts. The new Orion spaceship will look very familiar to the baby boomer set. NASA wants contractors to build a capsule that looks just like Apollo and possibly will cary four astronauts to the moon and six to the international space station. I was amazed when I read this news I didn’t believe that technology has grown so fast and people would spend billions of dollars to make a spaceship which could take years to build and there’s a fifty-fifty chance of success. I think it’s pretty neat because it would help generations to come and go to space and other planets to explore the universe. I hope to see one day an ordinary person taking a flight to Mars or moon which definitely be expensive.
Citation: Associated Press, “NASA farms out moon rocket” CNN August 31, 2006
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/space/08/31/moon.rocket.ap/index.html
Soc 202-02
Usman Baig
NASA gave a multibillion dollar contract to Lockheed Martin Corp, to build the Orion crew vehicle which will be replaced the space shuttle fleet and take astronauts to moon and possibly on to Mars. Company Lockheed Martin Corp is best known for building several unmanned probes. The first test flight could be in 2014 and astronauts could return to moon by 2020. This is the biggest project since 1980’s NASA has spent billions of dollars on shuttle follow-up ships but none of them were completed due to technical problems. This project is part of President Bush’s massive exploration plan. It would put astronauts on the moon since 1972 and could send people to Mars. It will power the Orion capsule and a cargo vehicle into orbit. This program will reduce the risk of fatal accidents to astronauts. The new Orion spaceship will look very familiar to the baby boomer set. NASA wants contractors to build a capsule that looks just like Apollo and possibly will cary four astronauts to the moon and six to the international space station. I was amazed when I read this news I didn’t believe that technology has grown so fast and people would spend billions of dollars to make a spaceship which could take years to build and there’s a fifty-fifty chance of success. I think it’s pretty neat because it would help generations to come and go to space and other planets to explore the universe. I hope to see one day an ordinary person taking a flight to Mars or moon which definitely be expensive.
Citation: Associated Press, “NASA farms out moon rocket” CNN August 31, 2006
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/space/08/31/moon.rocket.ap/index.html
environmentally friendly lumber
Shannon Norwood
SOC 202 – Current Event Log 3
09/01/06
On LexisNexis there was an article published on August 30, 2006 about environmentally friendly lumber. This article was from the Times Colonist in Victoria, British Columbia. (http://libproxy.uncg.edu:2084/universe/printdoc) Mike Vitt who is the forestry program manager for Ecotrust Canada wants consumers to use lumber that has been harvested in an ecologically and environmentally sensitive manner. The main problem is that consumers and suppliers are hesitant to be the first to commit to the new concept.
There is a forest certification that helps consumers identify ethical and environmental timber products. There is certain criterion that lumber companies must abide by for the wood to be certified. Some of the criteria are setting aside no cutting areas, strictly restrict use of chemicals, and no burning or disposal of wood-waste debris, which is to be left in its natural state.
I think the use of this new green wood is a great idea. I can understand the hesitance from some consumers because it is a new product but that happens with many products when they first come out. This new green wood would do wonders for forests all over the world. The forest destruction rate would decrease and the environment would benefit from this green wood. For an extra bit of money consumers can not only buy lumber but help the environment at the same time.
SOC 202 – Current Event Log 3
09/01/06
On LexisNexis there was an article published on August 30, 2006 about environmentally friendly lumber. This article was from the Times Colonist in Victoria, British Columbia. (http://libproxy.uncg.edu:2084/universe/printdoc) Mike Vitt who is the forestry program manager for Ecotrust Canada wants consumers to use lumber that has been harvested in an ecologically and environmentally sensitive manner. The main problem is that consumers and suppliers are hesitant to be the first to commit to the new concept.
There is a forest certification that helps consumers identify ethical and environmental timber products. There is certain criterion that lumber companies must abide by for the wood to be certified. Some of the criteria are setting aside no cutting areas, strictly restrict use of chemicals, and no burning or disposal of wood-waste debris, which is to be left in its natural state.
I think the use of this new green wood is a great idea. I can understand the hesitance from some consumers because it is a new product but that happens with many products when they first come out. This new green wood would do wonders for forests all over the world. The forest destruction rate would decrease and the environment would benefit from this green wood. For an extra bit of money consumers can not only buy lumber but help the environment at the same time.
Extinction
Kelley Wilson
SOC 202-02
Current Event 3
8/31/06
Extinction is defined as no longer existing and having died out. This occurs when climate and other living factors have become intolerable. Many scientists believe that there are many birds, mammals, conifers, amphibians, and cycads that are threatened with extinction. Biodiversity is bringing different forms of life together and this is the only way that many animal lives will be saved. Dr. Robert Watson, a chief scientist explains, “For the sake of the planet, the biodiversity science community has to create a way to get organized, to co-ordinate its work across disciplines, and together with one clear voice advise governments on steps to halt the potentially catastrophic loss of species already occurring.”
Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom has all declared their proposal to help in the biodiversity saving program. It is called the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The reason why so many different countries are involved is because not all countries have the same climate; therefore, there is a need for different viewpoints on the subject matter. Diverse perspectives will be able to create a successful outcome for biodiversity.
One of the major animals that are affected by global warming is the polar bear. The climate change is becoming more prevalent. The ice around those Polar Regions is expected to decrease in incredible amounts over the next 50-100 years. Although climate is one of the greatest contributing factors to extinction of animals, the seimitar-horned Oryx, a common mammal in northern Africa, has diminished in significant numbers due to over hunting and habitat loss.
Biodiversity will take many months so truly show a considerable impact on life around the globe. The scientists and government has agreed to combine their brains and construct strategies that will produce positive outcomes. No life or animal should be taken for granted. Every life is essential!
Website: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jul2006/2006-07-19-01.asp
SOC 202-02
Current Event 3
8/31/06
Extinction is defined as no longer existing and having died out. This occurs when climate and other living factors have become intolerable. Many scientists believe that there are many birds, mammals, conifers, amphibians, and cycads that are threatened with extinction. Biodiversity is bringing different forms of life together and this is the only way that many animal lives will be saved. Dr. Robert Watson, a chief scientist explains, “For the sake of the planet, the biodiversity science community has to create a way to get organized, to co-ordinate its work across disciplines, and together with one clear voice advise governments on steps to halt the potentially catastrophic loss of species already occurring.”
Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom has all declared their proposal to help in the biodiversity saving program. It is called the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The reason why so many different countries are involved is because not all countries have the same climate; therefore, there is a need for different viewpoints on the subject matter. Diverse perspectives will be able to create a successful outcome for biodiversity.
One of the major animals that are affected by global warming is the polar bear. The climate change is becoming more prevalent. The ice around those Polar Regions is expected to decrease in incredible amounts over the next 50-100 years. Although climate is one of the greatest contributing factors to extinction of animals, the seimitar-horned Oryx, a common mammal in northern Africa, has diminished in significant numbers due to over hunting and habitat loss.
Biodiversity will take many months so truly show a considerable impact on life around the globe. The scientists and government has agreed to combine their brains and construct strategies that will produce positive outcomes. No life or animal should be taken for granted. Every life is essential!
Website: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jul2006/2006-07-19-01.asp
Medical Tourism in the Philippines
Current Event Log 3
Katie Houser
Medical Tourism in the Philippines
Medical tourism is relatively new term referring to traveling to other countries to have surgery for a fraction of the cost that the same surgery would cost in the U.S. Medical tourism centers are already in India and other countries. On Monday, August 28th 2006, a United States Hospital chain announced that they are planning to build a new Medical tourism center in Cebu City, in the Philippines. The new center will be called American Medical Center Cebu. Cardiovascular Hospitals of America or (CHA) wants to become a leader in a rapidly growing industry. Dr. Phillip S. Chua is the CHA vice president for Far East Operations and also the Chairman of Cardiovascular Surgery at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, which he helped found in 1996. Dr. Chua is a Filipino-American Cardiac Surgeon from Indiana and Las Vegas. Dr. Chua said that CHA would be built to American standards and would be accredited by US Blue Cross/Blue Shield, The International Joint Commission, and US Medicare. Dr. Chua also said that the Philippines is a good fit for Medical Tourism because of their manpower resources and their knowledge of English. Dr. Chua spoke of the many Filipinos living abroad who dream of retiring in their native land, but decide not to because of the lack of good health care.
I chose this topic because medical tourism is a topic I find interesting. It was a complete coincidence that this article happen to be about the Philippines a country we learned a lot about in class this week. I think the medical tourism industry is a good thing for the Philippines and might bring jobs that Filipinos usually have to travel abroad to find. I am concerned about what this could mean for the American health care system. If these foreign medical tourism centers are more affordable the results could be disastrous for Doctors in the United States. Patient care could suffer as well because some of these medical tourism centers could cut corners. This industry needs to be strongly regulated for the global good.
Source: http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/document?_m=d7fa0aafc2e5343afa034b6972106cc6... 8/29/06
Katie Houser
Medical Tourism in the Philippines
Medical tourism is relatively new term referring to traveling to other countries to have surgery for a fraction of the cost that the same surgery would cost in the U.S. Medical tourism centers are already in India and other countries. On Monday, August 28th 2006, a United States Hospital chain announced that they are planning to build a new Medical tourism center in Cebu City, in the Philippines. The new center will be called American Medical Center Cebu. Cardiovascular Hospitals of America or (CHA) wants to become a leader in a rapidly growing industry. Dr. Phillip S. Chua is the CHA vice president for Far East Operations and also the Chairman of Cardiovascular Surgery at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, which he helped found in 1996. Dr. Chua is a Filipino-American Cardiac Surgeon from Indiana and Las Vegas. Dr. Chua said that CHA would be built to American standards and would be accredited by US Blue Cross/Blue Shield, The International Joint Commission, and US Medicare. Dr. Chua also said that the Philippines is a good fit for Medical Tourism because of their manpower resources and their knowledge of English. Dr. Chua spoke of the many Filipinos living abroad who dream of retiring in their native land, but decide not to because of the lack of good health care.
I chose this topic because medical tourism is a topic I find interesting. It was a complete coincidence that this article happen to be about the Philippines a country we learned a lot about in class this week. I think the medical tourism industry is a good thing for the Philippines and might bring jobs that Filipinos usually have to travel abroad to find. I am concerned about what this could mean for the American health care system. If these foreign medical tourism centers are more affordable the results could be disastrous for Doctors in the United States. Patient care could suffer as well because some of these medical tourism centers could cut corners. This industry needs to be strongly regulated for the global good.
Source: http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/document?_m=d7fa0aafc2e5343afa034b6972106cc6... 8/29/06
Women Bringing Home the Back Bacon
Tiffany Wilkie
Current Events Log 3
9/1/06
London Free Press (Ontario)
August 26, 2006
Final Edition
Headline: Women Bringing Home the Back Bacon; as for any men who might feel emasculated hat their wives are the primary wage earners in their families: get over it, you whiners; this is the 21st century.
Byline: by Mindelle Jacobs, Sun Media
This article discusses the rise of women who are primary breadwinners of their household. This has resulted in the breakdown of gender roles. One statistic states that almost 30 percent of wives are now the primary breadwinners in families, up from 11 percent in 1967, according to a statistics report in Canada. Another study shows that the wife made more money than the husband in nearly 1.4 million of the 4.7 million dual-earner couples in 2003. One problem that has been posed during this research is the difference among the amount of income a women makes compared to a man. Research shows that if a woman earned an average of $41,200 the man would make $57,800. Although women may be climbing the business ladder it does not mean that earning patterns have changed. Research also suggests that having this imbalance could cause marriage problems leading the divorce rates to rise. But others say get over it because it is the 21st century.
This article gives insight and statistics into the way gender plays a role in today’s business world. Although some statistics point out that women rising up the ladder may cause family issues. It does not mean that the gender roles will be stretched and changed in society to where it is more acceptable for women to be the breadwinner in the family.
Current Events Log 3
9/1/06
London Free Press (Ontario)
August 26, 2006
Final Edition
Headline: Women Bringing Home the Back Bacon; as for any men who might feel emasculated hat their wives are the primary wage earners in their families: get over it, you whiners; this is the 21st century.
Byline: by Mindelle Jacobs, Sun Media
This article discusses the rise of women who are primary breadwinners of their household. This has resulted in the breakdown of gender roles. One statistic states that almost 30 percent of wives are now the primary breadwinners in families, up from 11 percent in 1967, according to a statistics report in Canada. Another study shows that the wife made more money than the husband in nearly 1.4 million of the 4.7 million dual-earner couples in 2003. One problem that has been posed during this research is the difference among the amount of income a women makes compared to a man. Research shows that if a woman earned an average of $41,200 the man would make $57,800. Although women may be climbing the business ladder it does not mean that earning patterns have changed. Research also suggests that having this imbalance could cause marriage problems leading the divorce rates to rise. But others say get over it because it is the 21st century.
This article gives insight and statistics into the way gender plays a role in today’s business world. Although some statistics point out that women rising up the ladder may cause family issues. It does not mean that the gender roles will be stretched and changed in society to where it is more acceptable for women to be the breadwinner in the family.
Indonesia Targets $100 Million For Bird Flu
From correspondents in Jakarta. Indonesia Targets $100 Million For Bird Flu. September 1, 2006. Internet Explorer. http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,20331415-401,00.html?from=rss
The bird flu is spreading all across Indonesia, having reported killing 46 Indonesians in the past year. The country plans to secure $100 million in order to fight the bird flu and prevent it as well. However, with Indonesia's lack of money and ignorance of the bird flu, the World Band has even called the government in the situation to help control the epidemic. There is also fear that the virus will only get worse during Indonesia's rainy season, which starts in October. Bayu Krisnamurthi remarks, "Like in any other tropical country, influenza symptoms usually increase during the rainy season in Indonesia." Thus, the World Bank recommends for Indonesia to raise the budget for controlling the virus. The bird flu program will not only fight and control the H5N1 virus, but it will educate Indonesians about the virus as well. It will be a big challenge, however, since Indonesia has several hundreds of local languages, many religions, and thousands of islands.
It might seem like an ignorant perspective of mine, but I might be underestimating the amount of money Indonesia can raise for the H5N1 virus. However, the country does have over 200 million people living in it, so I can understand how possible it is for Indonesia to raise the money for their budget. Since they are raising money for the bird flu program, I have an interest in what precautions the government is giving to Indonesians, as well as the rest of the world. The article makes it evident that the H5N1 virus is transmitted from animals to animals. Given this information, the people who have died from this disease have probably eaten, or have been in close contact with, the animal which had the virus. If this had happened, how is the disease not transmitted from animals to humans? In conclusion, I really don't believe the correspondents in Jakarta provided many details for this article, as it leaves me questioning more about the disease. Moreover, I believe that it is definitely possible for Indonesia to raise the money for their budget to control the H5N1 virus.
The bird flu is spreading all across Indonesia, having reported killing 46 Indonesians in the past year. The country plans to secure $100 million in order to fight the bird flu and prevent it as well. However, with Indonesia's lack of money and ignorance of the bird flu, the World Band has even called the government in the situation to help control the epidemic. There is also fear that the virus will only get worse during Indonesia's rainy season, which starts in October. Bayu Krisnamurthi remarks, "Like in any other tropical country, influenza symptoms usually increase during the rainy season in Indonesia." Thus, the World Bank recommends for Indonesia to raise the budget for controlling the virus. The bird flu program will not only fight and control the H5N1 virus, but it will educate Indonesians about the virus as well. It will be a big challenge, however, since Indonesia has several hundreds of local languages, many religions, and thousands of islands.
It might seem like an ignorant perspective of mine, but I might be underestimating the amount of money Indonesia can raise for the H5N1 virus. However, the country does have over 200 million people living in it, so I can understand how possible it is for Indonesia to raise the money for their budget. Since they are raising money for the bird flu program, I have an interest in what precautions the government is giving to Indonesians, as well as the rest of the world. The article makes it evident that the H5N1 virus is transmitted from animals to animals. Given this information, the people who have died from this disease have probably eaten, or have been in close contact with, the animal which had the virus. If this had happened, how is the disease not transmitted from animals to humans? In conclusion, I really don't believe the correspondents in Jakarta provided many details for this article, as it leaves me questioning more about the disease. Moreover, I believe that it is definitely possible for Indonesia to raise the money for their budget to control the H5N1 virus.
Badawi Calls for Racial Unity Amid Growing Tensions
Shemiah Foster
Ethnicity and Religion
Current Event #3
Badawi Calls for Racial Unity Amid Growing Tensions
This article was mostly about Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmed Badawi appealing for unity in his multicultural country while they were celebrating their Independence Day with the recent racial and religious tensions still amidst. Half of Malaysia's 26 million population is Malay while Chinese and Indians form the other half of the country. The smoldering racial tensions resurfaced after Prime Minister Badawi's son in-law and head of the youth wing at United Malays National Organization (UMNO) said the Chinese "Would exploit any weakness in UMNO to make demands." After members of the Malaysian Chinese Association demanded that he apologize, he refused. This situation along with the slowing economy, and Badawi's feud with former Prime Minister Mahathir has caused tensions to recently become increasingly higher than usual.
The feuding in Malaysia seems to have always been there, but I think these recent situations was all it took to really set it off. It probably could have been diffused a little if Badawi's son-in-law would have apologized or at least shown some remorse for his comments. The more the majority of the Malaysian people seem to take his side or any other Malaysian person who makes a generalized statement like that, the more tension there will be. Then with the arguing between the current and former Prime Ministers that only further divides the country, and almost shatters Badawi's hope for racial unity.
Ethnicity and Religion
Current Event #3
Badawi Calls for Racial Unity Amid Growing Tensions
This article was mostly about Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmed Badawi appealing for unity in his multicultural country while they were celebrating their Independence Day with the recent racial and religious tensions still amidst. Half of Malaysia's 26 million population is Malay while Chinese and Indians form the other half of the country. The smoldering racial tensions resurfaced after Prime Minister Badawi's son in-law and head of the youth wing at United Malays National Organization (UMNO) said the Chinese "Would exploit any weakness in UMNO to make demands." After members of the Malaysian Chinese Association demanded that he apologize, he refused. This situation along with the slowing economy, and Badawi's feud with former Prime Minister Mahathir has caused tensions to recently become increasingly higher than usual.
The feuding in Malaysia seems to have always been there, but I think these recent situations was all it took to really set it off. It probably could have been diffused a little if Badawi's son-in-law would have apologized or at least shown some remorse for his comments. The more the majority of the Malaysian people seem to take his side or any other Malaysian person who makes a generalized statement like that, the more tension there will be. Then with the arguing between the current and former Prime Ministers that only further divides the country, and almost shatters Badawi's hope for racial unity.
President says Philippines making strides against money laundering
Current eventTitle: President says Philippines making strides against money laundering. This article speak about Philippines is one of the most popular place to get money clean. It is refer as “the countries and territories considered to be money laundering havens.” Due to this rumor about Philippines being the money laundering haven “the country’s eight million overseas Filipinos workers that remit their money through the international banking system” are greatly effected. This is just creating an inconvenience for everyone to transport money because bank and the people themselves beliefs that their money would be the money cleaning the imported money. They Asia-Pacific Group (APG) want to stop this money laundering therefore since 2001 there are anti-money laundering law was enacted. APG has been form since 1997 in Bangkok because money laundering is effecting globally. It is a global treat for the money could be dirty. In the sense that the money is from selling of drugs, people or that of murder of someone that would make it unclean for the person did not really work for that money. That is what means by saying that the money could be dirty. Also, this would allow the person who is getting the money clean to continue their job for there is so much benefit that could come out to cleaning this money. Just like the broker receive a percentage of money from finding jobs for people well the same concept apply here. If the money is given to someone to get it laundering they may benefit from receiving a percentage of that money. Back to the article the money that is laundering is allowing terrorist to continue. Just as selling of weapon to country at world illegally that money has to come from somewhere therefore it must be clean. By money laundering her are victims of swindling and fraud. For one does not volunteer to launder of money for there are laws against it. This could happen anywhere not just in Philippine.Lo Romero, published by Philippine newspaper, July 4, 2006http://blackboard.uncg.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_58942_1
Iran Defies UN; Sanctions Possible
Iran Defies UN; Sanctions Possible
Iran defied a UN deadline Thursday when they were instructed to stop enriching Uranium. According to the article, this opens the door for sanctioning. Although the US and other countries have said that they will not proceed to take any action until a European diplomat meets with Tehran’s atomic chief next week to seek a compromise. The UN has said that they have not been able to discover the “peaceful nature of Iraq’s Nuclear Program” due to the lack of cooperation from Tehran. Iran denies it is trying to acquire atomic weapons in violation of its commitments under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Tehran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, with the sole aim of producing electricity with nuclear reactors.
This is a difficult topic to analyze for me because there are so many different view points! First, in one view point the UN has a right to go in and halt the continuing of the nuclear program. The unstable conditions of this country pose a threat to many other nations in the belief that they never know how Iran will proceed with the new power that they discover from their program. It is difficult to allow certain countries that are known for their conflictive nature to have such a nuclear weapon in their possession. Second, does the UN really have a right to go in and keep Iran from doing their research? Iran could be keeping their word and therefore it should not be bullied into giving up its right to use nuclear technology.
For now the UN and a few select countries have offered rewards to Iran if it will give up enrichment- but warned of UN sanctions if it didn’t. Honestly though, are these countries in any position to threaten the country that is providing them with badly needed exports?
Iran defied a UN deadline Thursday when they were instructed to stop enriching Uranium. According to the article, this opens the door for sanctioning. Although the US and other countries have said that they will not proceed to take any action until a European diplomat meets with Tehran’s atomic chief next week to seek a compromise. The UN has said that they have not been able to discover the “peaceful nature of Iraq’s Nuclear Program” due to the lack of cooperation from Tehran. Iran denies it is trying to acquire atomic weapons in violation of its commitments under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Tehran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, with the sole aim of producing electricity with nuclear reactors.
This is a difficult topic to analyze for me because there are so many different view points! First, in one view point the UN has a right to go in and halt the continuing of the nuclear program. The unstable conditions of this country pose a threat to many other nations in the belief that they never know how Iran will proceed with the new power that they discover from their program. It is difficult to allow certain countries that are known for their conflictive nature to have such a nuclear weapon in their possession. Second, does the UN really have a right to go in and keep Iran from doing their research? Iran could be keeping their word and therefore it should not be bullied into giving up its right to use nuclear technology.
For now the UN and a few select countries have offered rewards to Iran if it will give up enrichment- but warned of UN sanctions if it didn’t. Honestly though, are these countries in any position to threaten the country that is providing them with badly needed exports?
Building New Silk Roads to Avert an Energy Crisis in 2010
Leigh Riordon
Soc 202 Sills
Building New Silk Roads to Avert an Energy Crisis in 2010
By: Jams Finch
In the lat 1900s northeastern China’s oil fields passed their peak and many other fields of the same quality were discovered. The United States is the world’s largest oil importer. After the U.S. then comes China whose foreign oil jumped 10 percent from January to June in 2006 and the same thing happened in 2005. During those first 6 months oil imports grew 47.3 percent. In 2001 China’s imported oil stood at a little less than 27 percent. And, in 2004 the percent shot up to 41 percent. Statistics show that the Middle East provides roughly 45 percent and Africa exports about 29 percent to China. Interestingly enough China only consumes 4 percent of what the world’s oil fields produce, but has 20 percent of the world’s population. The biggest question is this….” Presently importing three million barrels of crude oil everyday to fuel the growing number of automobiles, where will China find the oil to produce gasoline in 2020, when the country has as many as 140 million cars on its roads?” Since the year 2001, China has obtained more than 100 oil fields, while its state-owned oil companies have put out 15 billion dollars over the past 5 years in order to build their oil reserves. China is now trying to acquire more energy sources. Through central Asia, South America and Africa, this may be possible.
Through silk roads China emerged as an economic powerhouse in the mid 1900s. Someday China hopes to export their neighbor’s hydroelectric power, by helping the Burmese people build a dam across the Salween River. For many reasons China has settled for less in order to meet the country’s demand for energy security. China has also been accused for doing business with disagreeable nations. In Kazakhstan, China waited for seven yeas to build an 1800-mile oil pipeline across the Kazak border which is next to Xingjian province. China developed relations with the Kazaks since the fall of the Soviet Union. It has been discovered that Russia is slowly but surely pushing China out of Central Asia’s oil and gas assets.
After reading this article, I now know that we as the United States are the world’s largest oil importer. I thought the increasing of foreign oil in the years 2000 to 20006 in China was astonishing. What I do no understand is why the increase of foreign oil happens during the first six months of the year. I also do not understand how it is possible for China to have 20 percent of the world’s population, but only consumes 4 percent of the world’s oil. If since the year 2000 China has obtained more reserves, than how many oil fields do we the United States have? How much money do we spend each year on oil reserves?
Soc 202 Sills
Building New Silk Roads to Avert an Energy Crisis in 2010
By: Jams Finch
In the lat 1900s northeastern China’s oil fields passed their peak and many other fields of the same quality were discovered. The United States is the world’s largest oil importer. After the U.S. then comes China whose foreign oil jumped 10 percent from January to June in 2006 and the same thing happened in 2005. During those first 6 months oil imports grew 47.3 percent. In 2001 China’s imported oil stood at a little less than 27 percent. And, in 2004 the percent shot up to 41 percent. Statistics show that the Middle East provides roughly 45 percent and Africa exports about 29 percent to China. Interestingly enough China only consumes 4 percent of what the world’s oil fields produce, but has 20 percent of the world’s population. The biggest question is this….” Presently importing three million barrels of crude oil everyday to fuel the growing number of automobiles, where will China find the oil to produce gasoline in 2020, when the country has as many as 140 million cars on its roads?” Since the year 2001, China has obtained more than 100 oil fields, while its state-owned oil companies have put out 15 billion dollars over the past 5 years in order to build their oil reserves. China is now trying to acquire more energy sources. Through central Asia, South America and Africa, this may be possible.
Through silk roads China emerged as an economic powerhouse in the mid 1900s. Someday China hopes to export their neighbor’s hydroelectric power, by helping the Burmese people build a dam across the Salween River. For many reasons China has settled for less in order to meet the country’s demand for energy security. China has also been accused for doing business with disagreeable nations. In Kazakhstan, China waited for seven yeas to build an 1800-mile oil pipeline across the Kazak border which is next to Xingjian province. China developed relations with the Kazaks since the fall of the Soviet Union. It has been discovered that Russia is slowly but surely pushing China out of Central Asia’s oil and gas assets.
After reading this article, I now know that we as the United States are the world’s largest oil importer. I thought the increasing of foreign oil in the years 2000 to 20006 in China was astonishing. What I do no understand is why the increase of foreign oil happens during the first six months of the year. I also do not understand how it is possible for China to have 20 percent of the world’s population, but only consumes 4 percent of the world’s oil. If since the year 2000 China has obtained more reserves, than how many oil fields do we the United States have? How much money do we spend each year on oil reserves?
Critics Note Weaknesses of Food Stamps as Hunger Spreads
Justine Bubar
08/30/06
Current Event- Soc 202
The process in which to receive food stamps, hard to believe, is even harder than it has been in past years. Many Americans rely on the government for food and assistance but the amount of people who truly need it- aren?t receiving it. The challenges people have to face to obtain food stamps is hard and even unquestionable for some people.
As of right now the federal poverty line in the United States is 20,000 a year for a family of four. Considering the low wages and high taxes in America with food stamps included, there aren?t many things one can do besides work on this amount of money. Many people certainly can?t sit in a waiting room for half a day waiting to go through processes, only to be told to sit back down and wait some more. The limited hours and tough screening processes for food stamps are eliminating people who really need them.
The Urban Justice Center of New York City made efforts to provide mail applications to speed up the application process especially for elders. However, Michael Hayes of New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance says office visits are necessary to prevent fraud.
From a first hand experience I can honestly say that the food stamp process is a very discouraging and tedious one. Because of the people that abuse "the system," others in need are scapegoats and often walk away silently suffering.
"Critics Note Weaknesses of Food Stamps as Hunger Spreads"by Shreema Mehta
The NewStandard (website)
08/30/06
Current Event- Soc 202
The process in which to receive food stamps, hard to believe, is even harder than it has been in past years. Many Americans rely on the government for food and assistance but the amount of people who truly need it- aren?t receiving it. The challenges people have to face to obtain food stamps is hard and even unquestionable for some people.
As of right now the federal poverty line in the United States is 20,000 a year for a family of four. Considering the low wages and high taxes in America with food stamps included, there aren?t many things one can do besides work on this amount of money. Many people certainly can?t sit in a waiting room for half a day waiting to go through processes, only to be told to sit back down and wait some more. The limited hours and tough screening processes for food stamps are eliminating people who really need them.
The Urban Justice Center of New York City made efforts to provide mail applications to speed up the application process especially for elders. However, Michael Hayes of New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance says office visits are necessary to prevent fraud.
From a first hand experience I can honestly say that the food stamp process is a very discouraging and tedious one. Because of the people that abuse "the system," others in need are scapegoats and often walk away silently suffering.
"Critics Note Weaknesses of Food Stamps as Hunger Spreads"by Shreema Mehta
The NewStandard (website)
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