Lorenzo Hall
Soc. 202
2/18/2011
Blog #5: U.S. Denounces Killing of Agent In Mexico
According to sources at Reuters’ online news site, a recent shooting of two US immigration and customs enforcement agents in Mexico has left one man wounded and one dead. Security Secretary Janet Napolitano issued a statement expressing sentiments of sadness and outrage at the events that transpired on Tuesday. In the statement, she reinforced the American agenda in Mexico; protecting our border and extinguishing cartel violence. She also revealed a joint effort of the United States’ Justice Department and Homeland Security to aide Mexican authorities in the investigation. US Attorney general Eric Holder issued a statement about the validity of laws restricting American law enforcement officers from carrying weapons into Mexico. This shooting is a part of an ongoing series of violent cartel activity taking place throughout Mexico.
This continuing trend of violence in Mexico, caused by cartel members seeking power and respect, is a crippling condition that cannot be easily remedied. This tragedy is emphasized by the fact that recruits of these syndicates are selected from impoverished teens with little incentive to pursue traditional means of income or status. As these violent trends continue to escalate, it is increasingly difficult to confide in the stagnant efforts of combined, international law enforcement agencies. This event marks a definitive stage of Mexico’s potentially worsening future. Hopefully, the additional American forces that are being included in this investigation will have a positive affect on the ongoing search for the man responsible for committing this offense.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/17/us-mexico-usa-outrage-idUSTRE71G7CC20110217?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtopNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Top+News%29
Showing posts with label Lorenzo Hall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lorenzo Hall. Show all posts
Friday, February 18, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Blog #5: American arrested in Pakistan
Lorenzo Hall
2/11/2011
Prof. Sills
Blog Entry #5: American arrested in Pakistan
According to Reuters.com, an employee of the U.S. embassy (Raymond Davis) was arrested on two counts of murder in Pakistan on January 27th. According to both suspect and bystander reports, the accused was acting in self defense to a robbery. The incident raises controversy on account of the violation of the suspect’s diplomatic immunity, as well as placing strains on the American-Pakistani alliance in ending war in Afghanistan. Authorities in Lahore arrested Davis and sentenced him to Lakhpat jail on a 14-day judicial remand. The united states considers his continued incarceration a violation of an international peace agreement. While the U.S. embassy is defending Davis’s claims, Lahore officials have labeled his acts as “clear cut murder”.
The next hearing is scheduled for February 25.
This is an example of a conflict of regional values and interests. The fact that this member of a U.S. government position is being held against both the interests of himself and his nation represents the conflict of interests that diplomatic immunity inevitably causes. Also, this could be a clear example of how the people of Pakistan being offended by foreigners on their own soil is a vivid example of social injustice if Davis is released. Also, the cooperative efforts of America and Pakistan in combating Afghani forces are effective in their supplemental nature. Hopefully, there will be peaceful resolution to this case that involves minimal uprising.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/11/us-pakistan-usa-shooting-idUSTRE71A0T720110211
2/11/2011
Prof. Sills
Blog Entry #5: American arrested in Pakistan
According to Reuters.com, an employee of the U.S. embassy (Raymond Davis) was arrested on two counts of murder in Pakistan on January 27th. According to both suspect and bystander reports, the accused was acting in self defense to a robbery. The incident raises controversy on account of the violation of the suspect’s diplomatic immunity, as well as placing strains on the American-Pakistani alliance in ending war in Afghanistan. Authorities in Lahore arrested Davis and sentenced him to Lakhpat jail on a 14-day judicial remand. The united states considers his continued incarceration a violation of an international peace agreement. While the U.S. embassy is defending Davis’s claims, Lahore officials have labeled his acts as “clear cut murder”.
The next hearing is scheduled for February 25.
This is an example of a conflict of regional values and interests. The fact that this member of a U.S. government position is being held against both the interests of himself and his nation represents the conflict of interests that diplomatic immunity inevitably causes. Also, this could be a clear example of how the people of Pakistan being offended by foreigners on their own soil is a vivid example of social injustice if Davis is released. Also, the cooperative efforts of America and Pakistan in combating Afghani forces are effective in their supplemental nature. Hopefully, there will be peaceful resolution to this case that involves minimal uprising.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/11/us-pakistan-usa-shooting-idUSTRE71A0T720110211
Friday, February 04, 2011
Former Telecommunications Minister Arrested In India
Lorenzo Hall
Soc. Problems Global Con.
4 February 2011
***Blog #4: Arrests In Telephone Scandal In India***
According to The New York Times online website, former Indian telecommunications minister Andimuthu Raja has been arrested on charges of selling airwaves to favored companies at reduced prices. The charges against Mr. Raja could ultimately cost the government $39 billion for the illegal handling of mobile telephone spectrum licenses. The accusations raised concerns of the potential corruption of India's increasing growth, as well as calling into question the stability of the government itself.
This article is an example of how white-collar crimes are not completely exempt from statistics or consequences. Although under represented, occasionally reports will surface where administrators and employers are brought to justice for their indecent practices in white-collar occupations. These types of articles provide an almost empowering sense of relief for the common person who believes that white-collar crimes are not fairly represented in crime statistics. This article also goes to show the ruthless nature of capitalism. Within any system where a chance for an unfair advantage is presented, there will generally be deviants who abuse authority or violate protocol for the sake of their own benefit. As a person who resonates with a critical criminologist perspective, these types of arrests are integral to adhering to a universal idea of justice.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/03/world/asia/03briefs-India.html?_r=1
Soc. Problems Global Con.
4 February 2011
***Blog #4: Arrests In Telephone Scandal In India***
According to The New York Times online website, former Indian telecommunications minister Andimuthu Raja has been arrested on charges of selling airwaves to favored companies at reduced prices. The charges against Mr. Raja could ultimately cost the government $39 billion for the illegal handling of mobile telephone spectrum licenses. The accusations raised concerns of the potential corruption of India's increasing growth, as well as calling into question the stability of the government itself.
This article is an example of how white-collar crimes are not completely exempt from statistics or consequences. Although under represented, occasionally reports will surface where administrators and employers are brought to justice for their indecent practices in white-collar occupations. These types of articles provide an almost empowering sense of relief for the common person who believes that white-collar crimes are not fairly represented in crime statistics. This article also goes to show the ruthless nature of capitalism. Within any system where a chance for an unfair advantage is presented, there will generally be deviants who abuse authority or violate protocol for the sake of their own benefit. As a person who resonates with a critical criminologist perspective, these types of arrests are integral to adhering to a universal idea of justice.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/03/world/asia/03briefs-India.html?_r=1
Friday, January 28, 2011
Blog #3: Police Clowns In Monterrey
Police Clowns Tell Mexican Children Crime is No Joke
According to Reuters.com, a pair of police officers in Monterrey, Mexico have taken a new approach to directing children away from the influence of cartel violence. In Mexico, cartels have used their extensive influence to infiltrate law enforcement, recruited teenage assassins for their turf wars and tarnished the reputation of a popular area of the country. As a response, 'police officers Tomas and Alexandro put on makeup to portray Bombon Dulcito ("Little Sweetie") and Trompetillas ("the Trumpeter").' The officers say that their motivation behind the idea is to try and reach out to younger generations before the influence of criminal activity reaches them at young ages. Generally, the officers have received more positive responses than previous outreach attempts while dressed in uniform.
In response to reading this article, a couple of prevailing thoughts came to mind in relevance to my running theme of crime. The rate of poverty combined with apathy for law enforcement make up two large elements of Mexico's ongoing problem with crime. In addition, social learning plays a great part in the perpetuated malice. Gangs are exploiting young children before they can be exposed to non-violent lifestyles. Law enforcement officials have been labeled as intimidated and accepting of the influence of cartel activity. It is almost unbearable to consider existing in an environment where gang activity has such an extensive influence.
Contrarily, the innovative efforts made by these officers is a prime example of the potential that a community has in influencing their young generations in a positive way. Amidst the negative impact of gang activity, these officers have found a way to interact with children on a level that combines learning important facts about violence with entertaining appearances. Also, the importance behind this gesture is magnificent. In a country where recurring violent acts seem inevitable, there are still members of certain communities that refuse to acquiesce. There are still noble people strong enough to attempt to re-establish healthy communities for their offspring.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/20/us-mexico-drugs-police-idUSTRE70J7J120110120
According to Reuters.com, a pair of police officers in Monterrey, Mexico have taken a new approach to directing children away from the influence of cartel violence. In Mexico, cartels have used their extensive influence to infiltrate law enforcement, recruited teenage assassins for their turf wars and tarnished the reputation of a popular area of the country. As a response, 'police officers Tomas and Alexandro put on makeup to portray Bombon Dulcito ("Little Sweetie") and Trompetillas ("the Trumpeter").' The officers say that their motivation behind the idea is to try and reach out to younger generations before the influence of criminal activity reaches them at young ages. Generally, the officers have received more positive responses than previous outreach attempts while dressed in uniform.
In response to reading this article, a couple of prevailing thoughts came to mind in relevance to my running theme of crime. The rate of poverty combined with apathy for law enforcement make up two large elements of Mexico's ongoing problem with crime. In addition, social learning plays a great part in the perpetuated malice. Gangs are exploiting young children before they can be exposed to non-violent lifestyles. Law enforcement officials have been labeled as intimidated and accepting of the influence of cartel activity. It is almost unbearable to consider existing in an environment where gang activity has such an extensive influence.
Contrarily, the innovative efforts made by these officers is a prime example of the potential that a community has in influencing their young generations in a positive way. Amidst the negative impact of gang activity, these officers have found a way to interact with children on a level that combines learning important facts about violence with entertaining appearances. Also, the importance behind this gesture is magnificent. In a country where recurring violent acts seem inevitable, there are still members of certain communities that refuse to acquiesce. There are still noble people strong enough to attempt to re-establish healthy communities for their offspring.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/01/20/us-mexico-drugs-police-idUSTRE70J7J120110120
Friday, January 21, 2011
Blog #2: Feds Make Record Sweep
Feds Make Record Mob Sweep
According to Wall Street Journal’s online news website, federal authorities arrested more than one hundred individuals connected to five mafia syndicates. The five crime families involved in the arrests were the Gambinos, Genoveses, Bonannos, Lucheses and Colombos. The highest ranking members arrested included a boss, acting under boss, a street boss, two consiglieres and one administrator. Various Northeastern states were involved in the arrests: New York, Rhode Island and New Jersey. The suspects are being charged in 16 indictments for their affiliations and activities performed as members of La Costra Nostra. The crimes committed by the suspects included a defrauding scam, loan-sharking, murder, gambling, etc. The suspects are reported to have an assortment of aliases that have become popularized by media portrayals. The monikers included Meatball, Jimmy the Whack, and Vinnie Carwash. Jeffery Lichtman, an attorney who represented John Gotti Jr., claims that the government’s boasting of making an impact on mafia activity are exaggerated. He claims that a significant portion of the indictments are based on old accusations being presented as new. Professor Howard Abadinsky of St. John’s University stated that these types of mass arrests, especially of top figures, creates opportunities for new criminals to continue where the suspects left off.
Personally, this new story is an incredible account of the ongoing struggle to restrain the impact of criminal organizations. This article brings to life the fact that mafia organizations have continued to influence and evolve over the past few decades. Even in spite of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, as well as the popularity of mafia culture in media, underground criminal organizations continue to thrive in modern times.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704881304576093730782661452.html
According to Wall Street Journal’s online news website, federal authorities arrested more than one hundred individuals connected to five mafia syndicates. The five crime families involved in the arrests were the Gambinos, Genoveses, Bonannos, Lucheses and Colombos. The highest ranking members arrested included a boss, acting under boss, a street boss, two consiglieres and one administrator. Various Northeastern states were involved in the arrests: New York, Rhode Island and New Jersey. The suspects are being charged in 16 indictments for their affiliations and activities performed as members of La Costra Nostra. The crimes committed by the suspects included a defrauding scam, loan-sharking, murder, gambling, etc. The suspects are reported to have an assortment of aliases that have become popularized by media portrayals. The monikers included Meatball, Jimmy the Whack, and Vinnie Carwash. Jeffery Lichtman, an attorney who represented John Gotti Jr., claims that the government’s boasting of making an impact on mafia activity are exaggerated. He claims that a significant portion of the indictments are based on old accusations being presented as new. Professor Howard Abadinsky of St. John’s University stated that these types of mass arrests, especially of top figures, creates opportunities for new criminals to continue where the suspects left off.
Personally, this new story is an incredible account of the ongoing struggle to restrain the impact of criminal organizations. This article brings to life the fact that mafia organizations have continued to influence and evolve over the past few decades. Even in spite of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, as well as the popularity of mafia culture in media, underground criminal organizations continue to thrive in modern times.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704881304576093730782661452.html
Friday, January 14, 2011
Blog #1: Foreign Woman Locked Up In Iran
Foreign Woman Held On Iranian Border
According to a recent news report, a 34-year old woman accused of gathering intelligence for the United States was released from Iranian border guards. Although she tried to enter Iran, she was never granted an Iranian visa and returned to Armenia once she was denied passage. These heightened security efforts are in lieu of an ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran. The two countries are conflicting over Iran’s nuclear program. The woman was falsely accused of filming the Iranian border area. Conflicting reports released by the IRIB (state broadcasting) stated that she tried to enter Iran from two separate points. One report claimed she entered from the north via Armenia while another report claimed she from the west via Azerbajian. A similar incident occurred in 2009 when three Americans were captured and convicted of spying along the Iran-Iraq border.
This story is particularly intriguing to me on account of the factor of ambiguity. The woman’s intentions are not clearly stated in this report. There are only statements saying that she was released and considered a non-threat. As far as my ongoing correlation of human rights with current events, this incident provides a clear example of an impasse where authorities implement necessary policies while infringing on the rights of people.
Human Rights
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE7081HC20110109?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtopNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Top+News%29
According to a recent news report, a 34-year old woman accused of gathering intelligence for the United States was released from Iranian border guards. Although she tried to enter Iran, she was never granted an Iranian visa and returned to Armenia once she was denied passage. These heightened security efforts are in lieu of an ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran. The two countries are conflicting over Iran’s nuclear program. The woman was falsely accused of filming the Iranian border area. Conflicting reports released by the IRIB (state broadcasting) stated that she tried to enter Iran from two separate points. One report claimed she entered from the north via Armenia while another report claimed she from the west via Azerbajian. A similar incident occurred in 2009 when three Americans were captured and convicted of spying along the Iran-Iraq border.
This story is particularly intriguing to me on account of the factor of ambiguity. The woman’s intentions are not clearly stated in this report. There are only statements saying that she was released and considered a non-threat. As far as my ongoing correlation of human rights with current events, this incident provides a clear example of an impasse where authorities implement necessary policies while infringing on the rights of people.
Human Rights
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE7081HC20110109?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtopNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Top+News%29
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