Friday, August 31, 2007
Nuclear Deformity
Kazakhstan has been testing nuclear weapons since 1949. It's effects on the people living there are tremendous. The children that were born while all of this nuclear testing was going on are extremely deformed. Their heads are perched on their shoulders, their eyes aren't symmetrical, and some even look like something out of a horror film. They weren't born this way because of a genetic malfunction- or were they? The nuclear testing caused their genes to deform. Their parent's had no hand in passing these traits to them- just the country. It is extremely devestating that a country would do this to their own people just to test nuclear weapons. Couldn't they have tested them in an extremely remote place? Instead they tested them pretty much in people's back yards. When the Soviet Union chose Kazakhastan as the area they would test their nuclear weapons, no one bothered to evacuate the residents. Local officials say there were thousands of people who lived in the area while this was going on. That means that out of those thousand that conceived, they all had affected children. The region has the highest suicide rate because of this. People don't want to live with the trauma that the nuclear testing affected. These people have undergone a tremendous amount of suffering all because of nuclear testing that someone could have evacuated them for. The problem of the defects are so big that there is a local museum of mutations to show all the mutations caused by this. They are really hard to look at because of their bulging eyes and malformed brains. It is a horrid site and you would never know that nuclear testing would have this much effect especially this many years later.
Madeleine's parents sue newspaper
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/08/31/madeleine.libel/index.html?iref=newssearch
It seems a little girl, Madeleine McCann, went missing on May 3rd and has still yet to be found. She was taken from her bed in an apartment while her parents were eating with friends nearby at a restaurant in Praia da Luz, Portugal. Recently, the girl's parents sued a Portuguese newspaper for publishing a story stating that the parents had killed their own daughter. It's quoted that the police have said there is nothing proclaiming the couple as suspects, so they're suing the paper for publishing a false report.
The couple have done a lot to find out where their daughter is, like campaigning internationally and getting the help and support of soccer star David Beckham.
I'm not a very positive person, so it's hard for me to believe she'll be coming back if she's already been missing for four months with no sign of return. Of course, you do hear those miracle stories of people turning up at the last minute, unharmed and for the most part fine. Hopefully this'll turn out like that in the end. The girl is only four years old! So I'm rooting for her safe return.
It seems a little girl, Madeleine McCann, went missing on May 3rd and has still yet to be found. She was taken from her bed in an apartment while her parents were eating with friends nearby at a restaurant in Praia da Luz, Portugal. Recently, the girl's parents sued a Portuguese newspaper for publishing a story stating that the parents had killed their own daughter. It's quoted that the police have said there is nothing proclaiming the couple as suspects, so they're suing the paper for publishing a false report.
The couple have done a lot to find out where their daughter is, like campaigning internationally and getting the help and support of soccer star David Beckham.
I'm not a very positive person, so it's hard for me to believe she'll be coming back if she's already been missing for four months with no sign of return. Of course, you do hear those miracle stories of people turning up at the last minute, unharmed and for the most part fine. Hopefully this'll turn out like that in the end. The girl is only four years old! So I'm rooting for her safe return.
Devolution in Swedish health care
Sweden is known for its socialized medicine, basically meaning operated by the national government. By this, the citizens of sweden have equalized health care. With that being the case the Medical staff salaries are considerably lower then if they where to be a private sector. In which is begaining to be to the case. Much of the medical staff in sweden hospitals are leaving for private sectors. Causing more then 20% of hospital beds to be privately funded. In the long term such privatisation may seriously threaten the equity and sustainability of a universal system that depends on loyalty from broad constituencies. Regulating a growing private sector will need national legislation, but that, in turn, will limit the freedom of local government.
1891, one of the earliest efforts at national health care came in Sweden. Swedes are also known for for having one of the largest life expectancies in the world. If the government operated health care sytem continues to lose its medical staff to private sectors Sweden could be looking at a change in its way of health care.
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1115567
1891, one of the earliest efforts at national health care came in Sweden. Swedes are also known for for having one of the largest life expectancies in the world. If the government operated health care sytem continues to lose its medical staff to private sectors Sweden could be looking at a change in its way of health care.
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1115567
The UN's silence on Burma
In Burma, pro democracy activists have started protesting the dictatorship of the junta regime. Since August 19th the people of Burma are suffering because of the cancellation of fuel subsidies which shot prices through the roof. About 90% of Burma is on or below the poverty line and cannot handle this stress.
The response of the junta to these protests has been demonstrated in countless acts of violence. They have sent security agents and gangs working for the junta to injure and arrest protesters. Among these are activists who had participated in the 1988 democracy movement.
The junta has destroyed more villages of ethnic minorities than have been in even Darfur. They support the drug trade, resulting in addiction and the spread of HIV/AIDS in Burma. There has not been a word of aid or even acknowledgment from the United Nations of the plight in Burma. This negligence on the part of the UN is incredulous...especially considering how they turned a blind eye, refusing to act during the Rwanda genocide of 1994.
It really surprises me how people (the UN is only one example) are so hypocritical as to declare protection of human rights and equality and then casually turn away from an act of injustice such as the plight being suffered by Burma now. Especially with all the clout the UN has they ought to be one of the first groups of leaders jumping in to their aid. The Burmese people are protesting for democracy...something we already have and in which we strongly believe. They are being bludgeoned and imprisoned by their government for fighting for an ideal they share with the UN...and they have done nothing...yet. Hopefully that will change.
This situation is similar to the current event I read up on last week...in Ghana. The government has been trying to shrug off the conviction of a man who embezzled money and exploited his country, perhaps to keep their demons where they are. They are trying to claim justice from the government which they deserve as much as anybody.
The response of the junta to these protests has been demonstrated in countless acts of violence. They have sent security agents and gangs working for the junta to injure and arrest protesters. Among these are activists who had participated in the 1988 democracy movement.
The junta has destroyed more villages of ethnic minorities than have been in even Darfur. They support the drug trade, resulting in addiction and the spread of HIV/AIDS in Burma. There has not been a word of aid or even acknowledgment from the United Nations of the plight in Burma. This negligence on the part of the UN is incredulous...especially considering how they turned a blind eye, refusing to act during the Rwanda genocide of 1994.
It really surprises me how people (the UN is only one example) are so hypocritical as to declare protection of human rights and equality and then casually turn away from an act of injustice such as the plight being suffered by Burma now. Especially with all the clout the UN has they ought to be one of the first groups of leaders jumping in to their aid. The Burmese people are protesting for democracy...something we already have and in which we strongly believe. They are being bludgeoned and imprisoned by their government for fighting for an ideal they share with the UN...and they have done nothing...yet. Hopefully that will change.
This situation is similar to the current event I read up on last week...in Ghana. The government has been trying to shrug off the conviction of a man who embezzled money and exploited his country, perhaps to keep their demons where they are. They are trying to claim justice from the government which they deserve as much as anybody.
UN Seeks Global Cooperation As New Diseases Emerge
| www.allAfrica.com The United Nation has reported that new diseases are rising at a rapid rate. With theses diseases rising so quickly it they have the ability to cross borders quickly. One reason that these diseases are spreading is because of air travel. There are so many people traveling internationally and carrying diseases they don’t know about so then they are making it easier for the disease to spread in hours. One of these diseases is the bird flu virus which has already affected 321 people and has killed 194 of them. This is one of the diseases that could quickly be spread by human to human contact. To help this problem the United Nation wants global surveillance. They want the nations to have outbreak alerts and response. They want stronger global health care and to do this they feel that they should share knowledge. The nations should do virus samples and other lab test. Also they suggest that each nation should do prevention campaigns and global and national training for resources. To me hearing about this is scary. You never know what kind of diseases you could have just by sitting beside somebody on an airplane that looks perfectly healthy. After reading this I agree that the nations need to step up there surveillance so that some disease want come and wipe out all human kind. I think the problem can be solved if all the nations are put on high alert about the problems. |
china's growing takes its toll
In this article it states that china is starting to go overboard with their pollution. This is starting to cause a chain reaction that will eventually harm not only the air they breathe but also the food they eat. While they are trying to become more industrial they are polluting the air but they are saying that they just want to try and catch up economically, since they are a developing country, before they start worrying about the harm that they are doing to the environment. In making all of this pollution it will then cause the glaciers to melt this will have a direct affect on the Tibetan plateau. By melting these glaciers it will cause the water temperature to increase which will allow algae and thus causing damage to the agricultural production and then untimely the foods they consume. Also by the glaciers melting, the water levels will rise and over 400 square feet of what was once land will be covered by water.
I liked how this article told you why China is polluting so much and a reason why they feel it is necessary. It also goes further onto telling why this is a problem and not just by saying that it creates global warming because most people to a certain extent would come this conclusion. It article told you alternative affects of the pollution to where it affects the people who live here. That is where I thought the article hit home and made you realize that this is a growing problem. At the end of the article it then showed that the labor costs are down but more people are being hired which is bringing up the income that these people are receiving which will give them a higher standard of living. This point gives a positive effect of what is going on by showing that they are helping the people.
Article was written by Richard Spencer in Beijin
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/core/Content/displayPrintable.jhtml;jsessionid=LY0X24NQL44I1QFIQMGSFFOAVCBQWIV0?xml=/earth/2007/08/30/eachina130.xml&site=30&page=0
I liked how this article told you why China is polluting so much and a reason why they feel it is necessary. It also goes further onto telling why this is a problem and not just by saying that it creates global warming because most people to a certain extent would come this conclusion. It article told you alternative affects of the pollution to where it affects the people who live here. That is where I thought the article hit home and made you realize that this is a growing problem. At the end of the article it then showed that the labor costs are down but more people are being hired which is bringing up the income that these people are receiving which will give them a higher standard of living. This point gives a positive effect of what is going on by showing that they are helping the people.
Article was written by Richard Spencer in Beijin
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/core/Content/displayPrintable.jhtml;jsessionid=LY0X24NQL44I1QFIQMGSFFOAVCBQWIV0?xml=/earth/2007/08/30/eachina130.xml&site=30&page=0
Tajikistan Resists Drug Trafficking From Afghanistan
Drug trafficking from Afghanistan affects the entire globe. Think about how it would be if you had a neighbor that came over and brought things over to your house that you really didn't want. Every time you turned your back, they left something else on your doorstep.....like an ugly plant, an invitation to dinner (they're weird, so you don't wanna come over), etc. Well, this is somewhat the situation with Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Afghanistan and Tajikistan are neighbors, but Tajikistan always has to deal with the problem of drug trafficking from Afghanistan. For a while, Russian trooops were guarding the Tajik-Afghan border. Recently, the responsibility has been turned over to Tajik troops. With the cracking down on security at the border, only 15 percent of drugs from Afghanistan make it across the border. Not only has the trafficking problem plagued Tajikistan, but it has also been a problem with other surrounding countries such as Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
I feel that if security measures are taken to control drug trafficking at all of the countries surrounding Afghanistan, then the distribution of drugs around the globe will be dropped tremendously. The drugs that come from Afghanisn account for about 90 percent of the drugs distributed throughout the world. With the conscious effort of these countries, not only can they reduce the drug trade within their own countries, but also in countries throughout the world. With any problem, thinking on a collective prevention level helps to make a greater impact and a better chance for change. In this case, if these countries don't all make a decision to step up and control this problem, then the problem internationally will be exacerbated. The production of poppies in Afghanistan is on the rise, and since the crop is more valuable than other crops, this is the main crop in Afghanistan. So we have this problem that is created, but all that is needed to solve the problem is collective thinking. If drug trafficking is controlled, I hypothesize that the demand for poppies will go down, and the production of the crop will eventually decrease.
www.turkishweekly.net/news.php?id=30243
I feel that if security measures are taken to control drug trafficking at all of the countries surrounding Afghanistan, then the distribution of drugs around the globe will be dropped tremendously. The drugs that come from Afghanisn account for about 90 percent of the drugs distributed throughout the world. With the conscious effort of these countries, not only can they reduce the drug trade within their own countries, but also in countries throughout the world. With any problem, thinking on a collective prevention level helps to make a greater impact and a better chance for change. In this case, if these countries don't all make a decision to step up and control this problem, then the problem internationally will be exacerbated. The production of poppies in Afghanistan is on the rise, and since the crop is more valuable than other crops, this is the main crop in Afghanistan. So we have this problem that is created, but all that is needed to solve the problem is collective thinking. If drug trafficking is controlled, I hypothesize that the demand for poppies will go down, and the production of the crop will eventually decrease.
www.turkishweekly.net/news.php?id=30243
African Women on the Rise
A three-day First Conference of African Women in Science and Technology began Wednesday in Johannesburg, South Africa. The purpose of this conference is to bring together leading female scientists to discuss their importance in Africa’s development. Botlhale Pema is an advisor on African affairs. She states the purpose of the conference was to bring more African women into science and technology fields. While speaking about the conference she says the main focus of the conference is to figure out what areas are holding back more women from entering the science and technology field and try to create a program that will fix that problem. Pema said this conference is not the first acknowledgement to the lack of female participation in science and technology. The African Union held a summit of heads of state and government and decided that the number of women and youth active in science and technology needed to be increased. 50 percent of Africa’s population is women but in almost every part of society, they are behind. Pema says she realizes that because of the serious lack of female participation, a statistic is not even available to measure participation. The Conference of African Women in Science and Technology is looking for role models who can encourage other women to continue their studies in science and technology. Being that they have achieved in a field that is known as ‘slippery’ the women attending the conference are already seen as role models. Pema says the African Union is determined to see to Africa’s development.
Science and technology are two fields that are known as being hard. It takes serious dedication and effort to succeed in those fields. It’s always positive when time and effort is put towards a positive cause. Being African American, I can relate to the statement that African women are a large part of society but behind. This is sad but true. To know that someone is working diligently in the form of a conference is great. It has been said there is power in numbers.
http://www.voanews.com/english/Africa/2007-08-30-voa3.cfm
Science and technology are two fields that are known as being hard. It takes serious dedication and effort to succeed in those fields. It’s always positive when time and effort is put towards a positive cause. Being African American, I can relate to the statement that African women are a large part of society but behind. This is sad but true. To know that someone is working diligently in the form of a conference is great. It has been said there is power in numbers.
http://www.voanews.com/english/Africa/2007-08-30-voa3.cfm
Chinese Couple Loses Human Rights
Yuan Weijing, wife of a blind Chinese activist, was denied the right to accept her husband’s award at the Philippine humanitarian awards on Friday. Her husband, Chen, was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay award, which is the equal to the Nobel peace prize. Chen was helping farmers with grievances because he was a self trained lawyer. Chen was recognized for his AIDS Orphan Project which helped provide school fees for students that a parent infected with AIDS. She was trying to receive the award for her husband because her husband was sentenced to four years and three months in 2006. Yuan said that her husband received no special care for his eye sight and he was also denied the right to read, write, and listen to the radio and other basic rights. He was arrested on the charges of documented cases of forced abortions and other abuses by family planning officials. Yuan said that her husband was convicted “based on trumped-up charges and a flawed trail process.” She feels that villagers allegedly were kidnapped and tortured in order to testify against him. Yuan stated that “In China, our government is often the biggest violator of people’s rights.”
It is a shame that the wife, of a falsely imprisoned man can’t leave the country to receive a prestigious award for her husband. She also had to deal with the fact that her husband was also refused his basic rights. The Chinese government should never have denied this couple their basic rights. Even if the government felt that Chen deserved to be imprisoned they should not have deprived him of his basic human rights. They should not have denied Yuan her right to leave the country to receive her husband’s prestigious award.
http://www.foxnews/wires/2007Aug31/0,4670,BlindActivist,00.html
It is a shame that the wife, of a falsely imprisoned man can’t leave the country to receive a prestigious award for her husband. She also had to deal with the fact that her husband was also refused his basic rights. The Chinese government should never have denied this couple their basic rights. Even if the government felt that Chen deserved to be imprisoned they should not have deprived him of his basic human rights. They should not have denied Yuan her right to leave the country to receive her husband’s prestigious award.
http://www.foxnews/wires/2007Aug31/0,4670,BlindActivist,00.html
Pakistani Soldiers Freed
There is to be more than 120 Pakistani soldiers released after tribal elders step in, an official said. They were seized by the Islamic military near the Afghan border. One of the military leader said that almost 300 soldiers were being held but this could no be confirmed. They had not decided to release them yet. They were traveling in a convoy that was defending the security trucks for food. When they had to stop they were captured by militant.
This occurrence happened two days after militants freed a Pakistani government official and 18 soldiers who had been captured earlier.
During the capture of the soldiers, no hostility occurred between them. An official of the associated press said, “The misunderstanding has been removed. The missing soldiers have been traced and they are safe, and would return to their base soon."
A pro-Taliban military head reported that more men where captured than officials reported. This militant refused to disclose his identity and confirmed that the elders had stepped in. He said, “We have taken no decision to free the soldiers.” A Pakistani military checkpoint was being attacked when this was happening which killed two men and injured six. As they were being transported to the hospital, a bomb went off near an ambulance that was transporting the men.
Pakistan is a on of the US’ alley’s in the war on terror. More and more violence has occurred against Pakistan from Islamic attacks. Causing increased pressure on President Gen. Pervez Musharraf to crack down more on militants near the border. Where al-Qaeda may be regrouping.
I feel as if these attacks will continue to occur if these wars aren’t resolved and terrorism is not taken care of. Terrorism is a major concern and if we don’t do something about it then countries are going to continue to fight amongst themselves. War and strive will continue to occur as long this unresolved issues between countries are not taken care of.
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Aug31/0,4670,PakistanSoldiersKidnapped,00.htmlh
This occurrence happened two days after militants freed a Pakistani government official and 18 soldiers who had been captured earlier.
During the capture of the soldiers, no hostility occurred between them. An official of the associated press said, “The misunderstanding has been removed. The missing soldiers have been traced and they are safe, and would return to their base soon."
A pro-Taliban military head reported that more men where captured than officials reported. This militant refused to disclose his identity and confirmed that the elders had stepped in. He said, “We have taken no decision to free the soldiers.” A Pakistani military checkpoint was being attacked when this was happening which killed two men and injured six. As they were being transported to the hospital, a bomb went off near an ambulance that was transporting the men.
Pakistan is a on of the US’ alley’s in the war on terror. More and more violence has occurred against Pakistan from Islamic attacks. Causing increased pressure on President Gen. Pervez Musharraf to crack down more on militants near the border. Where al-Qaeda may be regrouping.
I feel as if these attacks will continue to occur if these wars aren’t resolved and terrorism is not taken care of. Terrorism is a major concern and if we don’t do something about it then countries are going to continue to fight amongst themselves. War and strive will continue to occur as long this unresolved issues between countries are not taken care of.
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Aug31/0,4670,PakistanSoldiersKidnapped,00.htmlh
Double Bombing Kills At Least 42 in Hyderabad
On Saturday August 25, 2007, two bombs exploded in Hyderabad, a city in southern India. The two bombs that exploded, killed "at least 42 people and seriously injuring about 50." The first bomb was set off at an amusement park around 7:30, "killing nine people." 10 minutes later another bomb tore through a restaurant, according to news reports and eye witnesses. Images of terrified families, jumped over security barriers while dust and black filled the air as bloodied victims ran from the attacked area. According to the Associated Press, two other bombs were discovered and defused before they could be set off. The bombing was caused by terrorist organizations based in Bangladesh and Pakistan, however the terrorist groups were never named. The city of six million, Hyderabad has a long history violence between Muslims and Hindus. For example, India's largest and historically mosque the "Mecca Masjid" was bombed on May 18, 2007, "killing 11 people" while they were praying. India's deadliest attack in 13 years happened on July 11, 2006, "killing more than 200 people on seven commuter trains and railway stations in Mumbai."
This is an obvious responce by the terrorist group to enrage the people of Hyderabad into forming a non-govermental responce against the group. Instead of attacking military and goverment targets, for example the Pentagon attack in the U.S. on 9-11-2001, the terrorist group attacked civilian targets. In other words, instead of attacking the strong, militarized government in India, the terrorist are attacking the weaker, unorganized people of Hyderabad. One may see this as an act to get the people to influence the Indian governement to form a counter-attack on the terrorist group, which could ultimately lead to war. As long as the terrorist have someone scared and trigger-happy to attack, terror will continue to reign.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/26/AR2007082600432.html
This is an obvious responce by the terrorist group to enrage the people of Hyderabad into forming a non-govermental responce against the group. Instead of attacking military and goverment targets, for example the Pentagon attack in the U.S. on 9-11-2001, the terrorist group attacked civilian targets. In other words, instead of attacking the strong, militarized government in India, the terrorist are attacking the weaker, unorganized people of Hyderabad. One may see this as an act to get the people to influence the Indian governement to form a counter-attack on the terrorist group, which could ultimately lead to war. As long as the terrorist have someone scared and trigger-happy to attack, terror will continue to reign.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/26/AR2007082600432.html
Religious opposition blocks rights in Israeli
After meeting with the described, "ultra-Orthodox" Shas political party, Israel's Justice Minister Daniel Freidman has revised a draft law on inheritance for cohabiting unmarried couples to specifically exclude gay and lesbian couples. Justice Minister Friedman also received pressure from religious parties in the Knesset.
The original proposal was gender neutral, however the bill now designates, "a man and a woman who lead a family life in a joint household."
Mike Hamel, the chair of the the Israeli GLBT association issued the following statement:
"Since the beginning of his miserable term, the Justice Minister has been committed to setting Israel back 30 years."
Despite vocal opposition from orthodox religious groups, a survey concludes that 51% of Israelis feel that it is good or necessary for same-sex couples to be granted pension and survivorship rights.
No matter what country, every story concerning this matter involves members of the Religious Right attempting (most of the time successfully) to deny essential human rights to gay and lesbian couples. From my experience and research, Jewish and Christian faith focus on acceptance and compassion from their respective faith. Events such as this one in Israel and issues across the world say other wise and are nothing short of hypocrisy. It's incredibly sad when people use their Religious views to influence governments into supporting prejudice and injustice.
Currently, same-sex marriage is legal in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada and South Africa. In the United States, Massachusetts is the only state to offer same-sex marriage, however, civil unions are recognized in Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey and New Hampshire. Other states do offer some same-sex partnership benefits.
For more information on gay rights in the United States please visit:
Human Rights Campaign
Sources:
Israeli Same-Sex Couples May Be Denied Rights
Civil unions in the United States
The original proposal was gender neutral, however the bill now designates, "a man and a woman who lead a family life in a joint household."
Mike Hamel, the chair of the the Israeli GLBT association issued the following statement:
"Since the beginning of his miserable term, the Justice Minister has been committed to setting Israel back 30 years."
Despite vocal opposition from orthodox religious groups, a survey concludes that 51% of Israelis feel that it is good or necessary for same-sex couples to be granted pension and survivorship rights.
No matter what country, every story concerning this matter involves members of the Religious Right attempting (most of the time successfully) to deny essential human rights to gay and lesbian couples. From my experience and research, Jewish and Christian faith focus on acceptance and compassion from their respective faith. Events such as this one in Israel and issues across the world say other wise and are nothing short of hypocrisy. It's incredibly sad when people use their Religious views to influence governments into supporting prejudice and injustice.
Currently, same-sex marriage is legal in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada and South Africa. In the United States, Massachusetts is the only state to offer same-sex marriage, however, civil unions are recognized in Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey and New Hampshire. Other states do offer some same-sex partnership benefits.
For more information on gay rights in the United States please visit:
Human Rights Campaign
Sources:
Israeli Same-Sex Couples May Be Denied Rights
Civil unions in the United States
Kenya and Religion
Stephanie Branson
SOC 202 8/31/2007
Kenya and Religion
http://allafrica.com/stories/200708291172.html
After reading the article on Kenya and their politics I was able to find out that Kenya is a very diverse country, which is divided into many different ethnicitys and religions. Some of these include Hinduism, Buddhism the Sikh religion, Christians as well as Islamic followers, in which Christians are the majority. The article basically discussed how the people are so diverse and how that diversity should not affect the politics. Mainly dealing with that of Allah and how it should not be used to make people change their religions. I believe the example was what if one person was elected into office does that now mean that everyone has to stop being Muslim just because the person who is elected does not follow that particular type of practice. It was stated that every Muslim has their own right to choose who they want for as the president as long as that person has not insulted their God, their prophet or their religion.
Once again this article is very similar to that of which I read the last time. Its main focus is that there are different types of people with different types of religions and beliefs all around the world. The problem is that no one wants to be left behind or left out in my opinion. Just because a Muslim president is elected now the Buddha’s do not want to feel like they are not going to be able to get their point across due to the fact that they do not share the same types of beliefs. It is all about trying to make sure everyone no matter what their race or ethnicity may be but that they too will have a voice.
SOC 202 8/31/2007
Kenya and Religion
http://allafrica.com/stories/200708291172.html
After reading the article on Kenya and their politics I was able to find out that Kenya is a very diverse country, which is divided into many different ethnicitys and religions. Some of these include Hinduism, Buddhism the Sikh religion, Christians as well as Islamic followers, in which Christians are the majority. The article basically discussed how the people are so diverse and how that diversity should not affect the politics. Mainly dealing with that of Allah and how it should not be used to make people change their religions. I believe the example was what if one person was elected into office does that now mean that everyone has to stop being Muslim just because the person who is elected does not follow that particular type of practice. It was stated that every Muslim has their own right to choose who they want for as the president as long as that person has not insulted their God, their prophet or their religion.
Once again this article is very similar to that of which I read the last time. Its main focus is that there are different types of people with different types of religions and beliefs all around the world. The problem is that no one wants to be left behind or left out in my opinion. Just because a Muslim president is elected now the Buddha’s do not want to feel like they are not going to be able to get their point across due to the fact that they do not share the same types of beliefs. It is all about trying to make sure everyone no matter what their race or ethnicity may be but that they too will have a voice.
Rapid Urbanization Increasing Armed Violence
In my first post, I focused on the impact of urbanization as a whole. The first article hit on many subjects, such as, over crowding, social displacement, poor health, increased violence, all of which has to do with urbanization in some form. Now I would like to start narrowing down the subject, and focusing on each problem. In an independent Korean newspaper, I found an article raising concerns about the armed violence created by urbanization. The article refers to the recent Small Arms Survey; an independent research project conducted by the Graduate Institute of International Studies in
Because of industrialization and modernization, people are flocking to the cities to find jobs because they no longer can survive by traditional means. The effect of this is seen dramatically in Africa, Latin America, and
Returning to the subject of violence caused by urbanization, it seems to me that urbanization is essentially destroying civilization. Mega-cities are being built to promote advancement and development. But not advancement in the sense that we are creating a better, easier way of life. By developing new technologies and becoming reliant on them, we are getting rid of the jobs that are giving people an income to buy the products (which they are producing) needed to survive (and sometimes only surviving). And the only reason we created these jobs, is because we moved away from a self-sustaining agrarian society. So now we have a mass of people that once were able to live off what they provided for themselves, moving into cities that offers little employment (because it is all done my machine, or a higher education is needed) and reduced to a life of survival by means of violence (from gang membership or independent thievery).
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200708/200708290045.htmlhttp://www.smallarmssurvey.org/files/portal/issueareas/victims/victimcost.html
Producing Greener Ethanol
Everyone knows that if we continue to use up the energy we have, at this rate, we will not have any left to use. With this growing issue of conserving energy, Delta-T has designed a High Efficiency Drying and high-pressure rectification. These designs are designed to dramatically cuts energy use, water consumption and air emissions, and consequently cuts operating costs by more than $6 million a year for a 108 MMgy plant. This new Delta-T technology reduces energy consumption more than all the advances in the industry combined over the past decade," Swain says. Also stated in the article is that through the High Efficiency Drying three new technologies will develop and for grain-fed plants. And each one will chop makeup water requirements for corn plants by more than half—to less than 1.5 gallons per gallon of ethanol produced. the new system dries the distiller grains like traditional dryers, but it captures waste heat from the dryer exhaust and reuses the energy within the plant, giving the facility a huge boost in thermal efficiency.HED system also eliminates the need for a thermal oxidizer by having the dryer burner oxidize the residual non-condensables.
This article is very important and talks about very important issues that are effecting our world. This articles shows that something needs to be done to help conserve energy and water. Through Delta-Ts' designs reduce energy and water consumption without reducing product quality or process efficiency. The article also states that China is beginning to use these products and Europe is making a decision in using them to. I feel that these designs is beneficial to our environment because it will make it become cleaner and healthier.
http://ethanolproducer.com/article.jsp?article_id=3252&q=&page=all
This article is very important and talks about very important issues that are effecting our world. This articles shows that something needs to be done to help conserve energy and water. Through Delta-Ts' designs reduce energy and water consumption without reducing product quality or process efficiency. The article also states that China is beginning to use these products and Europe is making a decision in using them to. I feel that these designs is beneficial to our environment because it will make it become cleaner and healthier.
http://ethanolproducer.com/article.jsp?article_id=3252&q=&page=all
Ex-Thai minister pushes for Rotary scholarship
Bernadette A. Parco
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/community/view_article.php?article_id=85577
In the article, the former deputy prime minister of Thailand and Rotary Foundation trustee, Bhichai Rattakul wants someone from the Philippines to apply for the Rotary scholarship. The program, which was started in 1947, helps students learn “conflict resolution and mediation strategies.” The program offers ambassadorial scholarships and free two-year and three-month-long peace study courses. So far the program has helped “nearly 37,000 men and women from 100 nations.” Rattakul stated in a press conference that “The ambassadorial scholarship program sends at least 1,000 students to other countries to study and serve as goodwill ambassadors.” The two year peace study program offers scholarships to six universities around the world and a three month course is in Thailand. The article mentioned that there have been no scholars from the Philippines. There have been applicants, but none that could pass the screening.
I did not know that there was such a scholarship. I believe that this is a very beneficial type of study that many people could take advantage of. I like the fact that the scholarship teaches how to become better people in the world. I like that it is not just for one country, but that many nations are involved with this. This kind of education is trying to bring about a global sense of community. With the way the world is going now, we need more people from different nations to take a role in conflict resolution.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/community/view_article.php?article_id=85577
In the article, the former deputy prime minister of Thailand and Rotary Foundation trustee, Bhichai Rattakul wants someone from the Philippines to apply for the Rotary scholarship. The program, which was started in 1947, helps students learn “conflict resolution and mediation strategies.” The program offers ambassadorial scholarships and free two-year and three-month-long peace study courses. So far the program has helped “nearly 37,000 men and women from 100 nations.” Rattakul stated in a press conference that “The ambassadorial scholarship program sends at least 1,000 students to other countries to study and serve as goodwill ambassadors.” The two year peace study program offers scholarships to six universities around the world and a three month course is in Thailand. The article mentioned that there have been no scholars from the Philippines. There have been applicants, but none that could pass the screening.
I did not know that there was such a scholarship. I believe that this is a very beneficial type of study that many people could take advantage of. I like the fact that the scholarship teaches how to become better people in the world. I like that it is not just for one country, but that many nations are involved with this. This kind of education is trying to bring about a global sense of community. With the way the world is going now, we need more people from different nations to take a role in conflict resolution.
Equal Education Rights for Children
Imagine that you are about to enter second grade. You are thrilled that you have made it this far, and you are ready for a new adventure. The teacher walks in, and he quickly starts the lesson. He asks you to start reading a paragraph for English and you start to panic because you are not able to read.
This is a major problem around the world, especially for females. According to the article, "Opening up the World, Educating girls in Pakistan" , one hundred million children do not attend school. Two-thirds of these children are females. Within many countries, children who do attend school leave at or before fifth grade. There are a few factors that prevent children from attending school which include poverty, inequality, and culture. In many cases the families are unable to afford the things that we consider a necessity such as health care, jobs, natural resources, food, and a good concrete education. These are several things that stops females from living a higher standard of living which then forces females to have limit their boundaries.
Many females are expected to stay at home and take care of the children and home. This takes away from a woman's rights which include education. Men dominate the United States as well as other countries. They have the "upper hand" to jobs, money, and education.
In Pakistan, the government is working with UNICEF to provide equal opportunity for boys and girls. This program will give children a safe and healthy environment to attend school that is within walking distance, teachers are being trained better, and the supplies are being provided. Also, teachers are constantly being up to date with information through training to assist students better. The percentage of female teachers is increasing, therefore females are being taught in a one on one basis.
I chose this article because I feel that it is unfair that females have unequal opportunities. The sterotype about females and their roles is not fair. I believe that females should have the same chances that males have, espeically when it comes to education. The United States has changed the expectations of women within the past fifity to sixty years. I hope that eventually other countries will give women some free way as the countries will develop more.
This is a major problem around the world, especially for females. According to the article, "Opening up the World, Educating girls in Pakistan" , one hundred million children do not attend school. Two-thirds of these children are females. Within many countries, children who do attend school leave at or before fifth grade. There are a few factors that prevent children from attending school which include poverty, inequality, and culture. In many cases the families are unable to afford the things that we consider a necessity such as health care, jobs, natural resources, food, and a good concrete education. These are several things that stops females from living a higher standard of living which then forces females to have limit their boundaries.
Many females are expected to stay at home and take care of the children and home. This takes away from a woman's rights which include education. Men dominate the United States as well as other countries. They have the "upper hand" to jobs, money, and education.
In Pakistan, the government is working with UNICEF to provide equal opportunity for boys and girls. This program will give children a safe and healthy environment to attend school that is within walking distance, teachers are being trained better, and the supplies are being provided. Also, teachers are constantly being up to date with information through training to assist students better. The percentage of female teachers is increasing, therefore females are being taught in a one on one basis.
I chose this article because I feel that it is unfair that females have unequal opportunities. The sterotype about females and their roles is not fair. I believe that females should have the same chances that males have, espeically when it comes to education. The United States has changed the expectations of women within the past fifity to sixty years. I hope that eventually other countries will give women some free way as the countries will develop more.
Growing Desperation in theMega City
For my second current event article, I tried to find an article that related not only to one place but was more global. This article caught my attention because of the way it talks about urbanization in 2007. This is the year of the "mega-city." Half of today's global population is now urban. This is a very large contrast from almost 60 years ago when only Tokyo and New York met the standards. In 2007 there are almost 20 mega cities around the globe.
Progress can be partly to blame for this "urban sprawl." During the Industrial Revolution city people in the U.S. and Europe were part and parcel of a factory economy. Unfortunately that progress also brought decades of slums, child mortality, and disease. Just by prediction, today's massive amount of progress is likely to bring a massive amount of cost.
Like i said before urbanization and modernization come hand in hand. Rural areas are considered underdeveloped, while urban areas have cultural sophistication. With art and diversity cities are the central areas for ideas and intellect for people to mingle and create. For people who can afford to live in the city work, mingle, and play urbanization can be looked at as great progression and modernization. However, for those who cant afford to mingle ad cant work, urbanization causes the underclass to live in very rough conditions.
The author of this article notes that these conditions of urbanization are very true throughout history. He plans out theories from Charles Dickens and Karl Marx. Although the horrors of the past can be dealt with using new and different methods (water issues, sewer issues, education, and medical issues.) China for example, had 150 million people leave their rural homes for the cities. Although some may become slightly successful, the majority of most live in poverty on less than 2.00 dollars a day. Children are the most prone to the despairs of poverty. Underprivileged kids are likely to roam in gangs than go to school. Diseases are also likely to spring up.
Without action from nations and international institutions, the mega cities will grow larger and more desperate. The government needs to stop in and help the situation is getting critical. If the problems are not helped this could become a global nightmare.
http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/commentary/hc-plcretsinas0819.artaug19,0,5067336.story
Progress can be partly to blame for this "urban sprawl." During the Industrial Revolution city people in the U.S. and Europe were part and parcel of a factory economy. Unfortunately that progress also brought decades of slums, child mortality, and disease. Just by prediction, today's massive amount of progress is likely to bring a massive amount of cost.
Like i said before urbanization and modernization come hand in hand. Rural areas are considered underdeveloped, while urban areas have cultural sophistication. With art and diversity cities are the central areas for ideas and intellect for people to mingle and create. For people who can afford to live in the city work, mingle, and play urbanization can be looked at as great progression and modernization. However, for those who cant afford to mingle ad cant work, urbanization causes the underclass to live in very rough conditions.
The author of this article notes that these conditions of urbanization are very true throughout history. He plans out theories from Charles Dickens and Karl Marx. Although the horrors of the past can be dealt with using new and different methods (water issues, sewer issues, education, and medical issues.) China for example, had 150 million people leave their rural homes for the cities. Although some may become slightly successful, the majority of most live in poverty on less than 2.00 dollars a day. Children are the most prone to the despairs of poverty. Underprivileged kids are likely to roam in gangs than go to school. Diseases are also likely to spring up.
Without action from nations and international institutions, the mega cities will grow larger and more desperate. The government needs to stop in and help the situation is getting critical. If the problems are not helped this could become a global nightmare.
http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/commentary/hc-plcretsinas0819.artaug19,0,5067336.story
Improving Rwanda
Recently the World Bank’s Board of executive Directors approved an $11 million grant for the Transport Sector Development Project. The purpose of this project is to improve the quality of Rwanda’s paved road network and provide sustained employment through road maintenance. The estimated total cost of the project is $69 million. An Africa Catalytic Growth Fund grant is also supporting the project, providing $38 million.
There are three ways in which the project hopes to improve Rwanda’s road quality. The first is by restoring major parts of road corridors to good condition. The second is creating a system for sustainable financing of road maintenance. The third is improving management and operational efficiency in sector institutions. It plans to do this through the establishment of management information, statistical systems, and targeted training.
The project will help the country with national integration and economic growth. The improved network of roads will save time and money for national and international road travelers. Agricultural producers and businesses will save as well.
Paved road rehabilitation and maintenance is the project’s largest component. It is valued as $62.4 million and it will help the country develop as an exporter by strengthening international roads. Over 600 kilometers of road will be rehabilitated. The other components of the project are sector governance and policy support, sector analysis and planning support, and project management support.
I think that this project will definitely help the country grow economically. It will be able to import and export more goods. However $69 million seems like a lot of money just to rehabilitate roads. One concern in my mind it the type of employment that will be created by this project. What labor will be used to rehabilitate these roads? What types of conditions will they be working in? Will they be paid descent wages, or a few pennies each day?
Source: http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:21456147~pagePK:34370~piPK:34424~theSitePK:4607,00.html
There are three ways in which the project hopes to improve Rwanda’s road quality. The first is by restoring major parts of road corridors to good condition. The second is creating a system for sustainable financing of road maintenance. The third is improving management and operational efficiency in sector institutions. It plans to do this through the establishment of management information, statistical systems, and targeted training.
The project will help the country with national integration and economic growth. The improved network of roads will save time and money for national and international road travelers. Agricultural producers and businesses will save as well.
Paved road rehabilitation and maintenance is the project’s largest component. It is valued as $62.4 million and it will help the country develop as an exporter by strengthening international roads. Over 600 kilometers of road will be rehabilitated. The other components of the project are sector governance and policy support, sector analysis and planning support, and project management support.
I think that this project will definitely help the country grow economically. It will be able to import and export more goods. However $69 million seems like a lot of money just to rehabilitate roads. One concern in my mind it the type of employment that will be created by this project. What labor will be used to rehabilitate these roads? What types of conditions will they be working in? Will they be paid descent wages, or a few pennies each day?
Source: http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:21456147~pagePK:34370~piPK:34424~theSitePK:4607,00.html
Darfur
We have all been aware of the situation taking place in Darfur, Sudan. As of the past week, the murders, bombings, and torture in Darfur have finally been considered “Genocide.” Though many nations sent troops, aid, and endless assistance to the country of Sudan, it seems that very little progress has been as the death toll is estimated at 200,000 and 2.5 million driven out of their homes. Bombings are still taking place and great resistance and violence is still a huge concern.
The U.N. is pushing to make arrests on two people who have already been proven to commit numerous war crimes. U.N. is pushing for the ICC, International Criminal Court, to take stronger action to put an end to these crimes.
In the article titled “U.N. should press for Darfur arrests-ICC prosecutor” it stated:
“The U.N. Security Council asked the ICC in 2005 to investigate atrocities in Darfur. In February, Moreno-Ocampo issued arrest warrants for Ahmad Harun, a former state minister of interior, and Ali Kushayb, a militia leader, for mass executions, rapes and forcible evictions of thousands of people.
Sudan has refused to hand them over.”
You can send all the aid in the world, but the only way things will get done is with cooperation. Forceful interference from outside nations will only create more attacks and may turn genocide into a war.
http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnL31934631.html
"Cambodian children suffering from the worst forms child labor"
Cambodia is one of the poorest countries today and because of this, Cambodia has over 1.5 million children in labor. Of these 1.5 million, about 250,000 are working under extreme conditions including mines, drug factories, brick factories etc. A new campaign announced August 18 themed "I protect children, do you?" attempts to fight the most harmful types of child labor. This is a two year program based on raising awareness of these dangerous forms of child labor in hopes that something will be done about it. On August 24th a march was held in Sihanoukville under another campaign. This march hoped to raise the public's awareness of the trafficking and sexual exploitation that goes along with child labor. Many children are forced into work by the debt of their parents who cannot leave their own jobs to work off their debt. In Cambodia, by law a child can work for wages at 15 but can be hired as early as 12 to do "light" work. The problem here is that these laws are not followed or enforced creating the problem that we see today.
This article tells the story of a nation so impoverished that children must work to live which only continues the chain of poverty for these children receive little to no education therefore they have no way of moving up in the world. What particularly angered me about the stories in this article was the fact that most of these children were not working to feed themselves or their families but to pay the debt of their parents. In some cases, the parents even sold their child in exchange for land or goods. No matter what the culture you live in, how can you enslave your own child for a little something extra? Another thing that was interesting to me is that they have laws preventing this type of work. I always thought that these countries allowed underage work for wages but Cambodia has the laws to prevent it and either no means of enfocing them or worse they look the other way. In my sinical opinion, it is the latter. These governments are probably receiving a cut of the earnings in return for turning their cheeck on the issue but as it gains publicity through these organizations, they will not be able to do so much longer.
http://www.licadho.org/articles/20070829/63/
This article tells the story of a nation so impoverished that children must work to live which only continues the chain of poverty for these children receive little to no education therefore they have no way of moving up in the world. What particularly angered me about the stories in this article was the fact that most of these children were not working to feed themselves or their families but to pay the debt of their parents. In some cases, the parents even sold their child in exchange for land or goods. No matter what the culture you live in, how can you enslave your own child for a little something extra? Another thing that was interesting to me is that they have laws preventing this type of work. I always thought that these countries allowed underage work for wages but Cambodia has the laws to prevent it and either no means of enfocing them or worse they look the other way. In my sinical opinion, it is the latter. These governments are probably receiving a cut of the earnings in return for turning their cheeck on the issue but as it gains publicity through these organizations, they will not be able to do so much longer.
http://www.licadho.org/articles/20070829/63/
Opium in Afghanistan
In the past decade, some of our biggest national struggles did not come from homeland issues, but rather far overseas. Any channel you turn to these days, you’ll find one story or another of our problems with the country of Afghanistan, whether it is threats, the Taliban, aid money, human rights, or our soldiers in danger. Now, we are facing another dilemma. An article titled “Failings in War on Afghan Drugs” found on BBC News stated that Afghanistan is now the producer of approximately 90% of the worlds opium, doubling from last year.
Though the knowledge of our source to our world drug problem seems grand, simple elimination of the crop will create a greater economical instability not only in Afghanistan, but world wide. Killing the plants will create enormous job loss on an already struggling nation, farms the Taliban power over will see violence from the demands of the Taliban over the farmers. Farmers will be forced to find jobs in the cities, having no knowledge or experience in that lifestyle. High demand for jobs, crowding, and crime will flood the cities.
Eliminating the opium will not only affect Afghanistan, but other nations as well. With the decrease in the supply of opium will increase the demand as well as increase price. Both high demand and higher prices lead to crime.
Do they eliminate the drug, the farmers who were unable to survive in the city will be forced to grow the plant somehow else, creating an even bigger black market and great governmental resistance.
"Pakistan protests caricature of Prophet Muhammad in Swedish paper"
On August 19, a Swedish newspaper featured a caricature of the Muslim Prophet Muhammed. The Swedish artist, Lars Vilks, drew Muhammed's head on a dog's body. This drawing is one of a series of controversial images produced by Vilks, whose work has already been denied by at least two Swedish art galleries. "Last year, violent protests broke out in Muslim countries after caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad — including one showing him wearing a turban shaped as a bomb — were published in several European newspapers." In response to Vilk's most current caricature, Pakistan has summoned Swedish diplomat Lennart Holst to protest the art's publication in a Swedish newspaper. "'Holst said that the (Swedish) government cannot interfere with media freedom.'" A demonstration has already been organized to appear outside Nerikes Allehanda office in Orebro where the meeting between Pakistan officials and Swedish diplomat Lennart Holst is to take place today. In an interview, Vilks said, "'This (the drawings) is art. ... I'm not against Islam. Everybody knows that.'"
As members of a hugely diverse human race, we must all be consistently conscious of how others perceive what we say and do. Our thoughts and opinions as we voice them verbally or nonverbally affect everyone around us. Moreover, our nationally published thoughts and opinions have a great impact on people all around the world. The discussion with this article comes down to a few simple questions: How do we respect others' religions and beliefs while still voicing our own opinion about them? How do we address what we may consider problems in religions, cultures, social groups, etc. without insulting the members of those particular groups? Should artists and publishers be more cautious about who they may offend with a caricature or cartoon or article, or should "media freedom" be emphasized and readers be able to accept what is someone else's opinion whether they agree or not?
While I empathize with Muslims who were offended by Vilks' caricature of the Prophet Muhammed, I understand the need for a free press and for an audience's ability to understand that another person's opinion is not law but simply his or her opinion. I have learned to accept others' criticism of or joking about my religion and my beliefs because that is the society we live in, everyone comments on everything anymore; however, I know not to take everyone seriously and certainly not to take offense to someone's disagreeing with me. But Islam is an entirely different religion and culture. We all have to be conscious of the fact that the whole world does not understand our sense of humor, that some people might actually be offended if you make a caricature of their religious leader as half-dog. We all just have to be aware of others.
The Associated Press
30 August 2007
International Herald Tribune
Stockholm, Sweden
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/30/europe/EU-GEN-Sweden-Pakistan-Prophet-Drawings.php
Post 2
As members of a hugely diverse human race, we must all be consistently conscious of how others perceive what we say and do. Our thoughts and opinions as we voice them verbally or nonverbally affect everyone around us. Moreover, our nationally published thoughts and opinions have a great impact on people all around the world. The discussion with this article comes down to a few simple questions: How do we respect others' religions and beliefs while still voicing our own opinion about them? How do we address what we may consider problems in religions, cultures, social groups, etc. without insulting the members of those particular groups? Should artists and publishers be more cautious about who they may offend with a caricature or cartoon or article, or should "media freedom" be emphasized and readers be able to accept what is someone else's opinion whether they agree or not?
While I empathize with Muslims who were offended by Vilks' caricature of the Prophet Muhammed, I understand the need for a free press and for an audience's ability to understand that another person's opinion is not law but simply his or her opinion. I have learned to accept others' criticism of or joking about my religion and my beliefs because that is the society we live in, everyone comments on everything anymore; however, I know not to take everyone seriously and certainly not to take offense to someone's disagreeing with me. But Islam is an entirely different religion and culture. We all have to be conscious of the fact that the whole world does not understand our sense of humor, that some people might actually be offended if you make a caricature of their religious leader as half-dog. We all just have to be aware of others.
The Associated Press
30 August 2007
International Herald Tribune
Stockholm, Sweden
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/30/europe/EU-GEN-Sweden-Pakistan-Prophet-Drawings.php
Post 2
Study Claims Pollution Causes 40% of Deaths.
A recent study at Cornell University has proved that pollution should be up there with cancer on the list of leading causes of death. A project conducted by Professor David Pimental (director of ecology and environmental biology,) is showing that decreasing environmental conditions and population growth are affecting the spread of diseases.
According to the study, 62 million deaths each year are a due to organic and chemical pollutants, and about 5,000 just from pollution of air and water.
The study shows that mosquitoes thrive in polluted water, they are what carry diseases like Malaria and the West Nile Virus.
What the article ultimately proves is that the human race is the biggest contributor to even disease-driven deaths.
Sewage-dumping is a very common thin amongst factories world wide. The sewage gets into our water ways and not only absorbs into our land, but is a breeding pool of mosquitoes that will carry disease.
The study starts at man-made pollution which gets dumped into our water and the sickness and disease derive from there... Contaminated water is consumed by our livestock which is where the Ecoli virus comes from.
Acid rain, air pollution from vehicles, carelessness with the environment... All things that we contribute to ourselves.
“I hope the study can be used to bring greater attention to the problems of water and air pollution and the worldwide malnutrition problem, especially in developing countries. We ought to know what we’re doing to ourselves,” Pimentel said.
According to the study, 62 million deaths each year are a due to organic and chemical pollutants, and about 5,000 just from pollution of air and water.
The study shows that mosquitoes thrive in polluted water, they are what carry diseases like Malaria and the West Nile Virus.
What the article ultimately proves is that the human race is the biggest contributor to even disease-driven deaths.
Sewage-dumping is a very common thin amongst factories world wide. The sewage gets into our water ways and not only absorbs into our land, but is a breeding pool of mosquitoes that will carry disease.
The study starts at man-made pollution which gets dumped into our water and the sickness and disease derive from there... Contaminated water is consumed by our livestock which is where the Ecoli virus comes from.
Acid rain, air pollution from vehicles, carelessness with the environment... All things that we contribute to ourselves.
“I hope the study can be used to bring greater attention to the problems of water and air pollution and the worldwide malnutrition problem, especially in developing countries. We ought to know what we’re doing to ourselves,” Pimentel said.
Germany's Merkel urges U.S. to support climate deal
Jennifer Collins
In the article by Sophie Hardach, she discusses that many countries around the world are in constant debate over how to combat the problem of global warming. This debate continues between the more industrialized nations and the developing nations that continue to climb in their greenhouse emissions. In a meeting in Japan, German chancellor Angela Merkel suggested that the United States was desperately needed to support the new global arrangement to cut carbon dioxide. The developing countries are concerned that ultimately the economy would suffer if the environmental guidelines become too rigid. The United States approval of the new global deal could greatly influence other countries such as India and China to cut back on emissions. Merkel suggests that it will take both industrialized and developing countries meeting halfway on this issue for any progress to emerge. This ultimately means more industrialized nations cutting back on emissions to equal developing nations.
The United States can afford to cut back on emissions as we are contributing to the problem significantly. Reaching a compromise is no easy feat and it’s going to take a worldwide effort to begin to see any relief in sight. I agree that the more industrialized nations could make greater strides to stop the emissions. At this point countries uniting on solutions is better than pointing fingers as ultimately all countries will be affected by global warming as climate changes shift. The United States has an opportunity to take a leadership role in combating global warming. This leadership would improve our damaged international reputation. Whether the United States will take this step remains to be seen
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUST31600220070830
In the article by Sophie Hardach, she discusses that many countries around the world are in constant debate over how to combat the problem of global warming. This debate continues between the more industrialized nations and the developing nations that continue to climb in their greenhouse emissions. In a meeting in Japan, German chancellor Angela Merkel suggested that the United States was desperately needed to support the new global arrangement to cut carbon dioxide. The developing countries are concerned that ultimately the economy would suffer if the environmental guidelines become too rigid. The United States approval of the new global deal could greatly influence other countries such as India and China to cut back on emissions. Merkel suggests that it will take both industrialized and developing countries meeting halfway on this issue for any progress to emerge. This ultimately means more industrialized nations cutting back on emissions to equal developing nations.
The United States can afford to cut back on emissions as we are contributing to the problem significantly. Reaching a compromise is no easy feat and it’s going to take a worldwide effort to begin to see any relief in sight. I agree that the more industrialized nations could make greater strides to stop the emissions. At this point countries uniting on solutions is better than pointing fingers as ultimately all countries will be affected by global warming as climate changes shift. The United States has an opportunity to take a leadership role in combating global warming. This leadership would improve our damaged international reputation. Whether the United States will take this step remains to be seen
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUST31600220070830
"No Progress at Last-Ditch Kosovo Talks"
By: William J. Kole
AP Writer
A stalemate continued this week in Vienna, Austria between Serbia and Kosovo, over Kosovo's fight for independence. The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Agim Ceku, declared Thursday that unless Serbia gave them their indepence between now and December 10th they would formally declare themselves independent, and ask that other countries recognize their statehood. However, the Serbian Prime Minister, Slobodan Samardzic refused to release Kosovo, with its 90% Albania population, from its borders. He states the "he offered kosovo's ledership broad autonomy" that would result in its having " 'more powers than ever in its history'." This is not pleasing to Ceku who says his people will settle for nothing less than complete independence. The United Nations had previously set up a plan for Kosovo's Independence, however, when it came time to vote on the plan Serbia and Russia vetoed the attempt. Yesterday's talks proved insufficient for any kind of resolution between Kosovo, who will accept nothing less than independence, and Serbia, who has already said they would not recognize any formal, "unilateral" declaration of independence.
The issue here is the looming fear of an outbreak of war between the two sides, and which side the international community will take if that happens. Remember that in 1999 the UN and NATO stepped in on Kosovo's behalf against the military actions of Serbia on a separatist movement by ethnic Albanians (Kole). However, we can clearly see where Russia stands in the equation as well. Could this lead to a war involving more countries than just Kosovo and Serbia? Never the less, talks will continue next month between the two sides at the U.N. General Assembly held in New York City. It is hoped that an arrangement will develop in order to keep the region out of another bloody conflict. However, with both sides not budging on the issue it is highly doubtful that anything will be solved, and we may just see an independent declaration from Kosovo before the December 10th deadline.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6886150,00.html
AP Writer
A stalemate continued this week in Vienna, Austria between Serbia and Kosovo, over Kosovo's fight for independence. The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Agim Ceku, declared Thursday that unless Serbia gave them their indepence between now and December 10th they would formally declare themselves independent, and ask that other countries recognize their statehood. However, the Serbian Prime Minister, Slobodan Samardzic refused to release Kosovo, with its 90% Albania population, from its borders. He states the "he offered kosovo's ledership broad autonomy" that would result in its having " 'more powers than ever in its history'." This is not pleasing to Ceku who says his people will settle for nothing less than complete independence. The United Nations had previously set up a plan for Kosovo's Independence, however, when it came time to vote on the plan Serbia and Russia vetoed the attempt. Yesterday's talks proved insufficient for any kind of resolution between Kosovo, who will accept nothing less than independence, and Serbia, who has already said they would not recognize any formal, "unilateral" declaration of independence.
The issue here is the looming fear of an outbreak of war between the two sides, and which side the international community will take if that happens. Remember that in 1999 the UN and NATO stepped in on Kosovo's behalf against the military actions of Serbia on a separatist movement by ethnic Albanians (Kole). However, we can clearly see where Russia stands in the equation as well. Could this lead to a war involving more countries than just Kosovo and Serbia? Never the less, talks will continue next month between the two sides at the U.N. General Assembly held in New York City. It is hoped that an arrangement will develop in order to keep the region out of another bloody conflict. However, with both sides not budging on the issue it is highly doubtful that anything will be solved, and we may just see an independent declaration from Kosovo before the December 10th deadline.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6886150,00.html
War on terror has only led to more strikes, deaths
The Times of India reports on the Global War on Terrorism are not reports of successes. They instead are reports of losses and questioning of financial squandering. Since the 9/11 attacks President Bush announced a Global War on Terrorism. This war has three main objectives. The first being Operation Enduring Freedom, the second is Operation Iraqi Freedom and the third is Operation Noble Eagle. Within these three operations $542.9 billion has been spent collaboratively to head this war. Operation Enduring Freedom is the operations within Afghanistan, Africa, trans-Sahara and the Philippines. This operation has spent $76.5 billion since the beginning. The largest consumer of the budget is the Operation Iraqi Freedom, which is the war in Iraq, costing $324.9 billion. Operation Noble Eagle is the component that should concern us the most. It is the operation that is securing our safety here in the U.S. and it has cost $27.7 billion. With these financial figures one would think that the war should have produced an outcome of less terror in the world considering that is the main objective of the war in the first place. However, this is not the case. Since the 9/11 attacks the number of attacks are increasing and the number of lives lost due to the attacks are also increasing. Even if you exclude the number of attacks and losses in Iraq the numbers are up. Before 9/11 the average terrorist attacks were 106 per month. After the 9/11 attack and after the War on Terrorism the attacks increased to 186 per month. The death toll is increasing from 109 deaths per month to 195 per month due to terrorist attacks. If you include the death toll in Iraq the numbers skyrocket to 444 per month. This is an unacceptable amount of terror and death. If you take into consideration how much funding has been offered within the past six years to stop terrorism and to only see the numbers increase at a dramatically high rate, the solution has obviously not been found. In the mean time, precious American dollars are being sent to a cause that is not succeeding and has not been succeeding for some time. Perhaps there is another way around the money squandering and a better solution to ending terror but until that is found the money will continue to be directed toward the war in Iraq. This article was written in an India newspaper so it is interesting to see how even other countries are aware of the money being spent and the lack of progress being made. However, I am not saying there is no progress being made at all. The big picture now is we have gone from spending practically nothing to almost $550 billion to stop terrorism only to find the attacks are increasing in number and lethality.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/War_on_terror_has_only_led_to_more_strikes_deaths/articleshow/2316155.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/War_on_terror_has_only_led_to_more_strikes_deaths/articleshow/2316155.cms
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Burgeoning cities face catastrophe, says UN: The new urban world: Urban dwellers to outstrip rural population next year Big rise in poverty, slums and
In the next year over half of the worlds population will be in urban areas. Asia and Africa is expected to have the largest population growth, with each week cities growing by the millions. This urbanization is said to happen so fast and the scale of people so large, that countries will not have time to prepare for this dramatic shift. Developing countries already face harsh conditions with water, housing, and sanitation, but these problems seem small in comparison with the future growth. Governments know the catastrophe that waits if they sit back and watch the rise in population. Something must be planned now to help lessen the impact, and maybe try to use it as an advantage to the city. Thoraya Obaid, executive director of the UN Population Fund, explains these possible advantages, “No country in the industrial age has ever achieved significant economic growth without urbanization. Cities concentrate poverty but they present poor people's best hope of escaping it . . . The potential benefits of urbanization, which include easier access to health centers and education, far outweigh the disadvantages."
Another problem that will result from this growth in cities is climate. This climate cycle is very vicious; because when the heat rises so does the output of air conditioners. The emissions given off by the air conditioners add to the greenhouse effect, which adds on the heat and can also spawn dangerous storms. Also given off by these cities is pollution. Pollution causes health risks for the cities and surrounding areas.
I think this article is trying to express the need for a plan in this upcoming urbanization growth. Without it these countries are doomed, especially the developing countries. Since the growth will occur in such large numbers cities must be prepared to build new centers, housing, and provide sanitary plumbing and water. However, in order to do so these developing countries must have the capability to build such structures, and in these areas of underdevelopment they do not. So my concern is, how are the developing nations going to provide livable conditions for millions of people when they can’t even achieve that with there current populations. As Obaid said government must devise a plan that will allow cities to support these large numbers of people. The governments know this growth is bound to occur, but it’s up to them to control the outcome of the situation.
http://libproxy.uncg.edu:2086/us/lnacademic/auth/checkbrowser.do?ipcounter=1&cookieState=0&rand=0.22783821670138416&bhcp=1
Another problem that will result from this growth in cities is climate. This climate cycle is very vicious; because when the heat rises so does the output of air conditioners. The emissions given off by the air conditioners add to the greenhouse effect, which adds on the heat and can also spawn dangerous storms. Also given off by these cities is pollution. Pollution causes health risks for the cities and surrounding areas.
I think this article is trying to express the need for a plan in this upcoming urbanization growth. Without it these countries are doomed, especially the developing countries. Since the growth will occur in such large numbers cities must be prepared to build new centers, housing, and provide sanitary plumbing and water. However, in order to do so these developing countries must have the capability to build such structures, and in these areas of underdevelopment they do not. So my concern is, how are the developing nations going to provide livable conditions for millions of people when they can’t even achieve that with there current populations. As Obaid said government must devise a plan that will allow cities to support these large numbers of people. The governments know this growth is bound to occur, but it’s up to them to control the outcome of the situation.
http://libproxy.uncg.edu:2086/us/lnacademic/auth/checkbrowser.do?ipcounter=1&cookieState=0&rand=0.22783821670138416&bhcp=1
Toys ‘R’ Us Recall
In the news lately you can’t help but hear of toys being recalled, from Mattel to Disney. The latest news, however, was from Toys “R” Us, doing a recall of art sets that were made in China due to lead in the black watercolors. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Toys “R” Us recalled the sets on Thursday, reporting lead in the cases as well. The company had a total of 27,000, but only sold around 8,000. The company Funtastic was the seller of the product based in Hong Kong, in which Toys “R” Us claims to have cut all ties.
Toys “R” Us is already known to be one of the major sellers of toys around the country, selling many different types of toy products. This year especially people have complained about other toys that have sold such as Mattel, Disney, or Pixar toys, which have had recalls back to back this year. The company probably wants to clear its own name fast, so that customers are more readily to seek other toys at there establishment. They most likely have had a decline in sells due to other distributors and are in a hurry to pick sales back up. More importantly in October is when regular shipments come out for the big holiday rush; every major retailer knows that’s when sales start to pick up. Toys “R” Us will hopefully keep up with their distributors, along with Mattel and other companies.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/31/business/worldbusiness/31crayons.html?_r=1&ref=worldbusiness
Toys “R” Us is already known to be one of the major sellers of toys around the country, selling many different types of toy products. This year especially people have complained about other toys that have sold such as Mattel, Disney, or Pixar toys, which have had recalls back to back this year. The company probably wants to clear its own name fast, so that customers are more readily to seek other toys at there establishment. They most likely have had a decline in sells due to other distributors and are in a hurry to pick sales back up. More importantly in October is when regular shipments come out for the big holiday rush; every major retailer knows that’s when sales start to pick up. Toys “R” Us will hopefully keep up with their distributors, along with Mattel and other companies.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/31/business/worldbusiness/31crayons.html?_r=1&ref=worldbusiness
Gender Imbalance
Beijing Aims to Toughen Laws on Sex-selective Abortions
In China everyone is familiar with their one child per family law, but now it is starting to backfire. Many families who find out they are having a girl often abort the female fetuses hoping that they will later on have a baby boy. Because of this there is a huge gender imbalance in China. The ratio is about 120 boys to 100 girls, this ratio is about 15-20 percent higher than the ratio for "natural conditions". The natural conditions ratio is about 105 boys to 100 girls. If this ratio keeps going on then it is said that millions of boys that are born today will have a hard time finding a wife. If families keep aborting their female fetuses in hopes of a boy, then the boys and young men will have a very difficult time when it is time for marriage. Beijing is hoping to reverse the imbalance by 2010 and hoping to revise the laws. Currently there is no punishment for having a sex-selective abortion. It is illegal to have a sex-selective abortion but no action has ever been taken.
I think it is good that China is taking action. It is horrible that families abort their fetuses if it is a female just to have a boy. It is obvious that boys are more important in China than girls. If not then families would want to have girls instead of abort them and try to get a boy. I think it is good that China is going to really enforce the ban on having abortions. Yes they are illegal in China, but it is still constantly happening all over China and will continue to go on if the government does not enforce it.
http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-08-30-voa11.cfm
In China everyone is familiar with their one child per family law, but now it is starting to backfire. Many families who find out they are having a girl often abort the female fetuses hoping that they will later on have a baby boy. Because of this there is a huge gender imbalance in China. The ratio is about 120 boys to 100 girls, this ratio is about 15-20 percent higher than the ratio for "natural conditions". The natural conditions ratio is about 105 boys to 100 girls. If this ratio keeps going on then it is said that millions of boys that are born today will have a hard time finding a wife. If families keep aborting their female fetuses in hopes of a boy, then the boys and young men will have a very difficult time when it is time for marriage. Beijing is hoping to reverse the imbalance by 2010 and hoping to revise the laws. Currently there is no punishment for having a sex-selective abortion. It is illegal to have a sex-selective abortion but no action has ever been taken.
I think it is good that China is taking action. It is horrible that families abort their fetuses if it is a female just to have a boy. It is obvious that boys are more important in China than girls. If not then families would want to have girls instead of abort them and try to get a boy. I think it is good that China is going to really enforce the ban on having abortions. Yes they are illegal in China, but it is still constantly happening all over China and will continue to go on if the government does not enforce it.
http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-08-30-voa11.cfm
Global Rise In Prescription Drug Abuse
When speaking of prescription drugs, you might imagine something your doctor has recommended to stop something that ails you. He or she has considered your height and weight as well as the potency of the medication he or she has prescribed to you so that the drug will not harm you. These drugs are generally pretty expensive, but safe. To people in developed countries, safety would be enough to pay the price while others don’t have to worry so much about price because of insurance.
However, what happens when people in developing countries have ailments? They have neither the resources nor the money to pay for prescription medications. What do they turn to? Unregulated markets, such as the black market, are usually a popular answer. The drugs found here are cheaper and easier to access. However, these drugs, half of which are counterfeit, are not really safe. Counterfeit drugs are homemade, possibly from recipes of unknown sources. This means that the dosage could be incorrect for the person buying them or could contain harmful substances.
Still, in other countries such as South Asia and Africa, abuses of certain prescription drugs have surpassed abuse of illicit street drugs such as cocaine and heroin. People have started to realize that prescription drugs can be just as potent, if not more potent than, street drugs. As a result, the black market is prospering with fulfilling demand of knock-off prescription drugs.
Disturbingly, reports in Scandinavia have revealed a spike in the unauthorized production of a certain drug that when used inappropriately, can be named a date rape drug.
This problem seems to be overlooked worldwide. What can be done to control it? Since these drugs can be blamed for an increase in deaths, it seems to me that something should be done. Shockingly these prescription recipes are posted online as one report claimed. I know that there is such a thing as free speech here, but where does it stop? Shouldn't the display of prescription drugs be available only to pharmacist and doctors? If a nation cares for its people, it seems that there would be some type of regulation here. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,255758,00.html
Mindy Collins
However, what happens when people in developing countries have ailments? They have neither the resources nor the money to pay for prescription medications. What do they turn to? Unregulated markets, such as the black market, are usually a popular answer. The drugs found here are cheaper and easier to access. However, these drugs, half of which are counterfeit, are not really safe. Counterfeit drugs are homemade, possibly from recipes of unknown sources. This means that the dosage could be incorrect for the person buying them or could contain harmful substances.
Still, in other countries such as South Asia and Africa, abuses of certain prescription drugs have surpassed abuse of illicit street drugs such as cocaine and heroin. People have started to realize that prescription drugs can be just as potent, if not more potent than, street drugs. As a result, the black market is prospering with fulfilling demand of knock-off prescription drugs.
Disturbingly, reports in Scandinavia have revealed a spike in the unauthorized production of a certain drug that when used inappropriately, can be named a date rape drug.
This problem seems to be overlooked worldwide. What can be done to control it? Since these drugs can be blamed for an increase in deaths, it seems to me that something should be done. Shockingly these prescription recipes are posted online as one report claimed. I know that there is such a thing as free speech here, but where does it stop? Shouldn't the display of prescription drugs be available only to pharmacist and doctors? If a nation cares for its people, it seems that there would be some type of regulation here. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,255758,00.html
Mindy Collins
"Man fights to spell his name in Russian"
The idea of having "basic human rights" sometimes gets dramatized into issues, real issues of course, but we’re used to reading about people being beaten, or harassed, or not being treated with basic decency. However, what if your homeland was telling you that you had to change your birth name? Maybe it is less offensive than the above mentioned, but Ruslan Pankratov is taking his case to court. It's seems odd, but apparently countries such as Latvia do require that names correspond with their grammar rules. According to “Russia today,“ native Russian Ruslan Pankratov moved to Latvia and was told that the spelling of his name did not correspond to their grammar rules, and in order to accommodate this issue, they are going to legally add an “s” to the end of his name. Clearly, this idea does not appease Ruslan Pankratov and he would prefer to go by the name that he was given at birth, and has gone by his entire life. He took his case to the European court of Human Rights with an argument that outlined similar issues in other countries- however, other countries do not require that a name by completely changed. He argues that if other countries were ran like Latvia, think of how many people would have to forfeit their given name, as languages obviously differ from place to place. There is no say as to how the trial is progressing, but it certainly seems as if Ruslan Pankratov has a legitimate case. Human rights can be a tricky topic since it can cover all manners of sin in the case of humans interacting, and governments interacting with humans. However, a birth name seems so sacred that it’s hard to imagine that right being withheld from someone because of a difference in grammar.
http://www.russiatoday.ru/news/news/13306
http://www.russiatoday.ru/news/news/13306
Despite steps to address growing issue, Cambodia sex trafficking still a problem
Samantha Stevens
Soc 202
Prof. Sills
08/30/07
U.S Federal News Service
Last month, U.S Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice released the State Department's 2007 Trafficking in Persons Report. Despite efforts to still the commercialization of human trafficking, the country of Cambodia remains on the Tier Two list for Trafficking in Persons. The "list" has four tiers, with Tier Four noting the countries with the worst human trafficking problems, and Tier One listing the countries that have taken the strongest measures to prevent human trafficking. While Cambodia has taken "nascent steps" towards repairing this issue, this will be their second year on the Tier Two list. Suspicion of government complicity on human trafficking, as well as the country's failure to pass a "comprehensive" anti-trafficking law, contributed to the reasons for their Tier Two placement.
Cambodian men, women, and children are trafficked for forced labor and sexual exploitation, including child pornography. According to HumanTrafficking.org, the Cambodian police force arrested 65 people for human trafficking in 2006. 53 were convicted, with penalties ranging from 5 to 24 years of imprisonment. According to the same website, the government also prosecuted police officials to "trafficking-related corruption" charges.
In addition to their own human trafficking trade, Cambodia is also an important transit point for victims transported from Vietnam and Thailand.
Human trafficking is obviously a massive global social problem. While the Cambodian government says that it needs international support in order to quell the problem, it is ultimately up to their government to cut out corruption and complicity, and to impose ever-stricter penalties for criminals who engage in this horrendous crime. It is also important to set up support networks for survivors of human trafficking. Lastly, but not least, the Cambodian government must also cut out the "Sex Tourism" that brings many pedophiles and sexual deviants to the country, looking to exploit enslaved women and children.
While efforts to stop human trafficking should be applauded, much more attention must be lent to this growing global problem.
Final hostages freed by Taliban
Last week, I did my current event regarding a German engineer who had been kidnapped along with a number of South Korean Christian aid workers on July 19. This week, I have decided to do my current event as sort of a follow up from last week. The article is about the remaining South Korean hostages who were released by the Taliban on Thursday. However, the article says nothing about the German engineer, Blechschmidt, being released. These South Korean hostages were handed over to Red Cross officials, according to Afghan and Taliban officials. Before handing over the rest of the hostages, they released a total of 12 South Korean hostages on Wednesday. The Taliban freed 10 women and two men in three separate groups, but only after South Korea's team of negotiators in Afghanistan said they had come to some sort of agreement with them. However, not all of the hostages were sent free. Sadly, the Taliban executed two of the South Korean hostages. The agreement made between South Korea and the Taliban included taking its 200 non-combat troops out of Afghanistan, which were mostly engineers and medical officials, and to halt all Christian missionary work in Afghanistan. According to a South Korean spokesman there was no agreement to pay the kidnappers or release any Taliban prisoners, which was what the kidnappers wanted most. I was very happy to hear the remaining prisoners were finally freed and they were not given all of the demands they had been asking for but was disapointed the article did not include any update on Blechschmidt.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/08/30/afghan.hostages/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/08/30/afghan.hostages/index.html
Early Retirement Effecting Population
Usually, Europeans retire before they reach the age of 61, which is way below the legal retirement age in most countries. In the Finnish case, one would have to be 65 years old in order to retire, that changed in 2004[4], yet the actual retirement age dropped from 61.4 in 2001 to 60.3 in 2003. This development is partially due to the rising demands of working life and the big differences concerning the skills of not only younger members, but also older members of the Finnish labour force. Another reason is the misuse of early retirement to ease the effects of economic reform. The economic consequences are a loss of output, higher benefit payments and a lower tax base. An estimation implies that the costs related to early retirement in
Because of the background of the expected population ageing, the actual retirement age must be increased substantially or the danger of failing social security systems and potential labour will be in concern along with skill and knowledge shortages. To better the situation, the European Union set itself to double the rate of employment of older workers by 2010.[5] Yet, right now it seems doubtful that they will meet their goal. Also, it uncertain if an employment rate of 50 percent for older workers will be enough to turn from a collapse of the pension systems. This is the reason that the topic of population ageing is still on the agenda politically.
The difference between the economic urgency of working longer and the employees’ choice is due to poor policies during the 1980s and 1990s. As a reaction to the great rise of unemployment, many EU Member States introduced early retirement schemes to improve the labour market situation. In 2000, there were six schemes in
Even though for a long time the effects of early retirement were presented as a really good thing (because of the availability of jobs for younger people, more time for elder people to relax, and lower unemployment numbers for the government), they turned out to be a pricey myth. The employers used those schemes as a way to rid older workers at the expense of the public, while individual employees saw them as opportunity to retire at a comparatively early age without serious financial penalties. Throughout
Besides the direct financial burden caused by early retirement schemes, the hidden idea of older people in the labour market are not needed and are preventing young people from getting jobs may be even more devastating in the long-run. Since early retirement has been promoted for years, it is difficult to get new messages across like, due to demographic changes people need to work longer in life and older employees are a valuable asset for companies. It’s not surprising that many favour a retirement age noticeably below 65 years.
After the Finnish government realised the bad effects of the early retirement schemes and the rising problems connected to population ageing, a large retirement fund was decided in 2002 and came into force three years later in 2005. The official retirement age of 65 years was replaced by a more supple approach which allows people to retire at the age of 63 but at the same time it offers strong financial motives to keep working until the age of 68. Plus the modification reduced the possibilities for early retirement and increased the responsibilities of employers for older workers.[7]
The assumption can be made that the measures and changes related to the ‘largest [pension] reform ever’ (Finnish Centre for Pensions 2004: web document) have a decisive influence on the retirement age itself in
4] As part of the pension reform in 2005 the official retirement age was reduced from 65 to 63. Concurrently strong financial incentives were introduced to persuade people to work until the age of 68.
[5] The target is part of the so called Lisbon Process, which has the aim to turn the EU into, the ‘…most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion’ (European Council 2000: web document).
[6] In the Finnish case the ‘generation contract’ is defined as follows: the working age population is not directly financially responsible for their own parents, instead, there is a collective responsibility on behalf of the state and society with regard to elder people (Julkunen 2003: 390).
[7] In addition to the pension reform several programs with a focus on active ageing were started or continued: the National Program on Ageing Workers (1998-2002), the National Well-being at Work Program (2000-2003), the Workplace Development Program (1996-1999 and 2000-2003) and the National Productivity Program (1993-1995, 1996-1999 and 2000-2003) (see Piekkola 2004). As a result of these and other measures, Finland managed to increase the employment rate of elder people by 11.2 percentage points between 1995 and 2001, which is the best score among EU Member States (Committee of the Regions 2003: 22). Yet, it should be mentioned that due to the economic crisis at the beginning of the 1990s,
[8] According to a recent study by Kirsi Ahola, burnout problems are more common among blue-collar workers in
U.N. reports cholera outbreak in northern Iraq
Kristyn Phillips
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/08/29/iraq.cholera/
There are over 2,000 reported cases of cholera in northern Iraq. Cholera is an ailment that affects the intestinal tract. Severe symptoms of the disease are watery diarrhea, vomitting, and leg cramps. In these cases people lose fluids quickly leading to dehydration and shock. If left untreated death can occur within hours. The disease is contracted by eating food or drinking water infected with the bacteria. In Iraq they are having problems with water quality and sewage treatment. They believe that this is the cause of the outbreak. Within the last two days there have been five deaths and 500 patients admitted to the hospital with severe diarrhea. Forty-seven cases are said to be epidemic cholera and that number is expected to grow. Only about thiry percent of the population has adequate water supply.
There are many countries that suffer from outbreaks such as this because of poor living conditions. It is a terrible situation especially for children because they are at a higher risk of getting the disease since their bodies are not as strong as adults. I have always been concerned with these countries that suffer with poor living conditions. I want to help and give them an oppotunity to live a life where they are not threatened by fatal diseases without treatment. I especially want to help the children because they have the potential to have a bright future.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/08/29/iraq.cholera/
There are over 2,000 reported cases of cholera in northern Iraq. Cholera is an ailment that affects the intestinal tract. Severe symptoms of the disease are watery diarrhea, vomitting, and leg cramps. In these cases people lose fluids quickly leading to dehydration and shock. If left untreated death can occur within hours. The disease is contracted by eating food or drinking water infected with the bacteria. In Iraq they are having problems with water quality and sewage treatment. They believe that this is the cause of the outbreak. Within the last two days there have been five deaths and 500 patients admitted to the hospital with severe diarrhea. Forty-seven cases are said to be epidemic cholera and that number is expected to grow. Only about thiry percent of the population has adequate water supply.
There are many countries that suffer from outbreaks such as this because of poor living conditions. It is a terrible situation especially for children because they are at a higher risk of getting the disease since their bodies are not as strong as adults. I have always been concerned with these countries that suffer with poor living conditions. I want to help and give them an oppotunity to live a life where they are not threatened by fatal diseases without treatment. I especially want to help the children because they have the potential to have a bright future.
The Afghans Struggle
An opium drug lab was destroyed in Southern Afghanistan’s Helmand Province, after routing out the Taliban militants protecting it. The lab was about three miles away from a large insurgent-run heroin lab that was discovered on Sunday. No coalition forces were harmed during the operation. Coalition spokeswoman stated that ,“the Taliban lose funding,” when illegal narcotic facilities are destroyed, continuing saying that Afghan and coalition forces will continue to work together and cut off sources of insurgent funding. The U.N. office on Drugs and Crime reported that Afghan opium poppy cultivation hit an all time new record this year. The European Union pledged more than $850 million toward weaning Afghans from dependence of opium, so they can still make money while no longer producing it.
Also a coalition base in Southern Afghanistan was attacked yet again, and it was repelled by Afghan and coalition troops, who killed 11 insurgents. Attackers hit Firebase Anaconda for the fourth time this month; coalition reports confirm that from multiple directions of 72 mm rockets, small-arms and heavy machine gun fire. Coalition close air support conducted air strikes, destroying enemy fighters. About 74 insurgents died in previous attacks on the base, but along with this attack two coalition troops were wounded.
As the fighting continues in Afghanistan and the E.U. try to wean opium dependency, death tolls are going to continue to increase as is opium production until they try and stop the struggle. Individuals are also going to have to find other means of what to produce without Taliban intervention. Some say, as I agree that it might be at least twenty years until they can monitor and wean production of opium.
Also a coalition base in Southern Afghanistan was attacked yet again, and it was repelled by Afghan and coalition troops, who killed 11 insurgents. Attackers hit Firebase Anaconda for the fourth time this month; coalition reports confirm that from multiple directions of 72 mm rockets, small-arms and heavy machine gun fire. Coalition close air support conducted air strikes, destroying enemy fighters. About 74 insurgents died in previous attacks on the base, but along with this attack two coalition troops were wounded.
As the fighting continues in Afghanistan and the E.U. try to wean opium dependency, death tolls are going to continue to increase as is opium production until they try and stop the struggle. Individuals are also going to have to find other means of what to produce without Taliban intervention. Some say, as I agree that it might be at least twenty years until they can monitor and wean production of opium.
Golan Heights war is unlikely
Earlier this week, the Israeli army decided to end the tension with Syria over the Golan Heights. The military made the decision to suppress any ideas of a war breaking out. Over the summer months there were many reports from the media that an impending war would break out. However, neither Israel nor Syria had hostile interests.
Officials have stated that the forces that were scheduled by Israel to hold the Golan Heights will be moved from the border and that the army’s status on the Israel-Syria border can be considered over. The Golan Heights was captured in 1967 by Israel in a Middle East war. Israel and Syria have not fought in a war over this area of land since 1973. This article concludes with a statement about how Syria wants Israel to return the Golan Heights so there can be peace between these two countries. Negotiations broke down in 2000.
As of now, there is enough war and terror going on everyday in Israel. Many people are killed and most are innocent bystanders. After receiving a bit of news from my friend in Israel about the Golan Heights, I am glad to hear that Israel and Syria will not be fighting over this land at this time. I do believe that there should not be a war over this land since Israel captured the land forty years ago, and they have not feuded over the land in over thirty years. Hopefully, Syria and Israel can come to some sort of peace offering for the land if it has to come to any sort of dispute again.
Officials have stated that the forces that were scheduled by Israel to hold the Golan Heights will be moved from the border and that the army’s status on the Israel-Syria border can be considered over. The Golan Heights was captured in 1967 by Israel in a Middle East war. Israel and Syria have not fought in a war over this area of land since 1973. This article concludes with a statement about how Syria wants Israel to return the Golan Heights so there can be peace between these two countries. Negotiations broke down in 2000.
As of now, there is enough war and terror going on everyday in Israel. Many people are killed and most are innocent bystanders. After receiving a bit of news from my friend in Israel about the Golan Heights, I am glad to hear that Israel and Syria will not be fighting over this land at this time. I do believe that there should not be a war over this land since Israel captured the land forty years ago, and they have not feuded over the land in over thirty years. Hopefully, Syria and Israel can come to some sort of peace offering for the land if it has to come to any sort of dispute again.
David Bacon News
David Bacon News
In his work of photojournalism and oral history, David Bacon documents the new reality of migrant experience: the creation of transnational communities. Drawing on his experience as a photographer and a journalist and also as a former labor organizer, Bacon portrays the lives of the people who migrate between Guatemala and Mexico and the United States. He takes us inside these communities and illuminates the ties that bind them together, the influence of their working conditions on their families and health, and their struggle for better lives. Communities without Borders makes an urgent appeal for understanding the human reality that should inform our national debate over immigration.
In his work of photojournalism and oral history, David Bacon documents the new reality of migrant experience: the creation of transnational communities. Drawing on his experience as a photographer and a journalist and also as a former labor organizer, Bacon portrays the lives of the people who migrate between Guatemala and Mexico and the United States. He takes us inside these communities and illuminates the ties that bind them together, the influence of their working conditions on their families and health, and their struggle for better lives. Communities without Borders makes an urgent appeal for understanding the human reality that should inform our national debate over immigration.
This study of overpopulation examines the problems and opportunities linked to population ageing in Finland Finland Finland Austria , Denmark , Ireland and the Netherlands , Geneva
The Member States of the European Union (EU) are facing crucial socio-demographic changes: on one hand, fertility rates have fallen from 2.7 children per women in the mid 1960s to less than 1.5 children in 2002, which is far below the replacement level of 2.1 children. On the other hand, the life expectancy for women increased by more than 8.5 years and for men by 7.7 years in the same period of time. As a result of these trends, European societies are currently ageing and also shrinking in the medium-term[1]. This development will affect almost every aspect of our lives, for example the way businesses operate and work is being organised, our urban planning, public transport, voting behaviour and the roads of shopping possibilities in our cities.[2]
This study also takes a close look at the phenomenon of population ageing. In the focus are mainly the effects for labour markets, social security systems and the economy in general. The objective is to determine whether population ageing is actually the problem it is said to be (“pension bomb”, “welfare collapse”, “generation clashes”, “labour shortages”, etc.) or if it should be re-evaluated and understood more in terms of opportunities for society and the economy (“silver economy”, “time for voluntary work”, “lower unemployment rates”, etc.).
The
References:
Abramovici, Gérard (2004) ‘The social protection in Europe’, Eurostat, Statistics in focus: population and social conditions, Theme 3 – 6/2004,
Antolin, Pablo, Oxley, Howard, and Suyker, Wim (2001) How will ageing affect
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