Current Events Log

Current Events Log #13

2006-11-30T19:21:00.000-08:00

Caste protests grip Indian state
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6159541.stm

In Mumbai one person was killed by police fire when they used deadly forced on a group of protesters. The protesters had attack property and burned trains, and the police claimed great losses. The social uprising began after a low caste statue was destroyed in Uttar Pradesh, and illustrated the back lash of the lowest social level in the culture. The protesters were not just acting in vengeance for the statue of their god that was destroyed, they were acting against the forces that choose to oppress them and let their social caste ruin their lives. The police claim that people are being questioned in connection with the destruction of the scared statue although they claim to have no suspects of yet. Despite the hurried burial of the statue, the police were not able to head off protests as they had hoped. I think it is tragic that the stratification of the social classes here cause and will continue to cause such great social unrest. Too many lives are lost in the pursuit for equality to make inequality a worth while thing. If only throughout the world people would see each other as they truly are, utterly equal.

Current Events Log # 12

2006-11-16T14:23:00.000-08:00

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/world/16015926.htm
Polish workers report abuses in Italy
By Christine Spolar
Chicago Tribune
Police recently swarmed an Italian work camp and freed dozens of Poles that were being held in what members of the European Parliament are calling “an episode of modern-day slavery” in a labor camp in Bari, Italy. The migrant workers who worked in this camp paid up to 400 dollars for bus rides from their homes in Warsaw to come to Italy, upon arrival they found something they did not expect. The workers held for weeks by an organized gang receiving no pay for their work, and meager and infrequent meals consisting of bread and water. They were held in horrendous conditions and expected to harvest tomatos for the gang’s own profit. These Polish workers were few among thousands who were caught in what police have labeled as “a deadly trans-border crime web run by Poles, Italians and Ukrainians’’. Police believe that the goal of the groups was to supply cheap labor for Europe’s most agriculturally active countries, Italy. So far only one pole has died in the camps, but over 13 people are still missing under ‘suspicious circumstances”.
I truly believe that this imprisonment is a travesty, and needs to be brought to the attention of this ‘modern world’. People so often assume that slavery and its horrors are dead, but the unsettling truth is that one need not look far to find instances of modern slavery. Social inequalities influence these human trafficking efforts, because often the less privileged and more socially distrusted are the people to be bought or sold into human slavery. This is because these are the people that need the work and money the most, so for them a journey across Europe to work in a foreign country sounds promising if it can ensure food on the table. I think it is a tragic cycle that can only reflect so many humans’ greed and lack of compassion for their fellow man.

Current Events Log # 11

2006-11-02T17:53:00.000-08:00

Africa’s World of Forced Labor, in a 6-Year-Old’s Eyes
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/29/world/africa/29ghana.html

The article that I read this week was written about the young children in Africa that have been sold by their parents into indentured servitude. It is a sad tale, with the main character of the true story being Mark Kwadow a six year old who is now working every day in a fishing village two days away from his home village. These servitude agreements usually bind the children to three or four years of relentless hard labor, working up to 14 hour days, and seven days a week. Mark Kwadow and the other boys he works with are only a small representation of the massive market of children that keep west and central Africa’s economy afloat. This article held some startling facts like that fact that 1.2 million children are sold into servitude every year and they generate up to 10 billion dollars a year. African children are often more susceptible to the child labor market because of the level of poverty that exists there and because of the diverse networks for child trade already existing within the country. Parents are so often tempted by the money that selling their children can bring, that they do not consider or care about the repercussions. I think this situation is tragic, it shows global stratification in that it illustrates an issue that only the poor of these countries have to deal with, you never see the rich upper class selling their children into slavery. I think this drastic dichotomy between the rich and poor is tragic if not evitable, and is a cause of problems within Africa generally. These children live in horrific conditions, and work for nothing- I think it is utterly tragic that because of these children’s social status they must sell their innocence and youth.

Current Events Log # 10

2006-10-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/africa/10/26/south.africa.reparations.ap/index.html
South Africa to return land, compensate exiled tribe

Today the South African government settled an embarrassing legal dispute a tribe that had been evicted from their tribal land by a mining company. It was decided that almost 25 million dollars will be offered in compensation, at a time when the government is quickly trying to return land to the tribal community who were kicked off of their land during white rule. This case however was significant in that it was the state that was guilty of frustrating the claim and elongating the court proceedings. Along with the money there are safeguards and plans to make sure and utilize the money in a way that meets the long term needs of the community. The tribe in question are the Nama tribe and they originally lodged their bide for their 330 square mile plot on the South African coastal plain in 1997, although they were forced out by a state run diamond mining company. They moved into the harsh desert, and lost their initial case at Lands Claim Court- but they did not stop trying and it ultimately paid off.
I think that the fact that this tribe was awarded compensation was a great thing. So often the social injustices of the past are white-washed from the governments memory and they feel no obligation to help or accept responsibility for their actions and their repercussions. Even though the tribe doesn’t intend to resettle and live on the land, they feel that the monetary grant gives them some compensation for the social inequalities that they have suffered.

Current Events Log # 9

2006-10-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/10/17/iraq.main/index.html
Iraqi Sectarian Violence in Balad Kills Dozens

Dozens of people lie dead after four days of nonstop fighting between Sunni and Shiite Muslims in Balad this week. The military said today that they have seen a decrease in violence with the increase in the military presence, and the military claims that 60 Iraqi lives were lost. The police argue it was only 40, it seems a trivial dispute because in either case it is another tragic chapter in this feud. The battle has been marked by various types of warfare, including; firefighting, suicide car bombings, and machine gun fighting. It is rumored that the major spark in this conflict was an incident involving two Iraqi Police officers and other than that the details are unclear. Yet it was said that the two officers involved have been suspended, suggesting some major infraction that has lead to the loss of even more lives.
It seems so redundant and pointless to preach of the ideal world in which peace was an option, and people just generally accepted their differences and moved on. Yet it is clear that a difference in beliefs (or color, taste, sexual orientation, etc.) is something worth dieing and killing for. The fact that it seems that this flame up of fighting was caused by Iraqi police officers is very telling. It is clear that these officers, despite what we are told, may not be as prepared or fair for the condition of Iraqi now. They may not be improving the situation, only worsening it.

Current Events Log # 8

2006-10-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,221767,00.html
Blair: Muslim Veils a Sign of Separation from Mainstream

The Muslim community was shocked by Prime Minster Tony Blair’s comments Tuesday concerning the Muslim veil, and how he felt it reflected upon the community. He openly called into question the Muslim’s part in English society, and questioned their integrity. He commented that Muslim veils work to isolate people from mainstream British society. The Muslim community was outraged, which was heightened by tension remaining from two weeks ago when a Muslim teacher’s assistant was suspended for refusing to remove her veil. The veil left nothing but her eyes visible and it was argued that it interfered in the classroom. Tension and feelings of isolation have been on the rise since last year when four young British Muslims committed bombings ultimately killing 52 people on the London transit system. Blair and his supporters argue that by refusing to remove veils they are upholding social boundaries, and keeping the cultures isolated and thus fearful of each other. Blair defended the local education bureaus handling of the case of the teaching assistant that would not remove her veil, but did not outwardly defend her suspension.
I think this situation is a clear illustration of the social inequalities that are still so prevalent even in mainstream society. Yes, I can see how a veil could create a feeling of isolation and distance within a community- it is true that people often fear what is different- but I believe Blair has no right advise people to alter their lifestyles. It could be equated with President Bush announcing that he thinks that people should stop wearing their kippah’s, or stop saying grace in public. Blair’s comments do nothing but further isolate these two groups, creating a sense of uneasy and hostility.

Current Events Log # 7

2006-10-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15306755/
Riots mar reburial of Argentine strongman
Rock-throwing protesters clash with admirers of Peron

What was expected to be a quiet reburial of Argentine strongman Juan Domingo Peron in San Vincente, Argentina today was anything but peaceful. Rival members of the Peronist party hurled rocks at each other from the edge of the crowd which was estimated to be in the thousands. The fighting arose after outrage flared over the fact that one faction of the Peronist party was not being allowed into the ceremony. The ceremony began with removing Peron from his former tomb, and marching him through the city. His destination was his new mausoleum at his former weekend estate. The journey began with a flood of carnations and confetti being thrown from adoring fans, and quickly escalated into violence. Riot police clung to Peron’s coffin which was covered with the flag, and was placed into its new tomb. Soon the entrance gate to the estate was being pelted with rocks; in retaliation the opposing group also threw rocks. Luckily there were no major injuries, only substantial property damage.
Obviously what ever inequalities, of biases that these opposing political groups felt they were suffering were greater than the gravity of the ceremony. It began with respect, and reflection but was soon tainted by human haste and anger. They were all there to celebrate Peron; unfortunately some were there to fight. I think its terribly sad, but not at all surprising. Its seems as if nothing has sanctity anymore, and peoples hate permeates even there most sacred ceremonies- I just wonder what Peron would think.

Current Events Log #6

2006-10-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/10/05/kashmir.violence/index.html
10 die in 22-hour police standoff

In India today a 22 hour standoff came to a bloody close. The stand off was between Indian security forces and a group of heavily armed militants. The final toll reached seven Indian policemen, a civilian and two militants. The people were killed during a gun battle, although over 16 people were wounded during on of the various stages of the gun battle. The stand off began on Wednesday when militants began to shoot and throw grenades outside the headquarters of the Indian paramilitary. The standoff ended in a hotel, out of which over 200 people fled when the conflict arose. The militant group Al-Mansoorian took responsibility for the public violence during the stand off. This attack is the largest seen in the past months in Srinagar, which has been holding almost daily street protests after a Delhi court asserted October 20 as the execution date of a Kashmiri man convicted in an attack upon the Indian parliament. The group involved in the stand off has been fighting for Kashmir’s independence from India for over 15 years, and the violence is escalating. I think that it is horrible that so many innocence lives must be lost in a group’s quest for independence. The clear anger over inequalities in India is being expressed through violence and death, which will only perpetuate the situation in the region. What astounds me in this case is the ratio of police to militant death, and the police highly outnumber the militants. Usually one would assume that the trained police force with the more advanced weaponry and training would be more likely to survive, but it clearly isn’t so. If only peace were something we could all agree on.

Current Events Log # 5-September 29, 2006

2006-09-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

Tutu: South Africans losing sense of right and wrong
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/africa/09/27/tutu.safrica.ap/index.html

On Tuesday evening in Cape Town, South Africa, Desmond Tutu delivered the Steve Biko Memorial Lecture at the University of Cape Town. In his speech he spoke of how the South Africans have lost their idealized way of life, and also their sense of ‘right and wrong’. The Noble Prize Lauriat asked the South African people where their respect for life, and nature had gone. He addressed some rather serious and frightening trends that have been occurring. He openly denounce the rape of children, some as young as nine months, which is practiced because some believe it cures AIDS. Tutu pleaded an awakening of both mind and spirit for the South African people, he asked for an end to all this murder.
I think that what Desmond Tutu is doing is utterly courageous. He is speaking out for voiceless victims, his plea for self control is clear. These issues may not be issues that much of the general public wants to hear, yet Tutu brings it to their attention any way. He is making an attempt to make the horrors of inequality in South Africa can cause for the most innocent victims. Tutu is appealing to something he believes is a humans overall drive to be good, he wants people to change. I wish I could be assured that this speech will save lives, but I can’t. It was a wonderful and courageous thing – yet the hope still lies with the people of South Africa.

Current Events Log # 4

2006-09-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

World's children join for single lesson
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/2931533.stm

Over 500,000 children from various countries took part in what is being called the largest lesson ever for the Global Week of Action for Education. The children were taught of the threat of the global inequalities in international education. One of the main faucets of the lesson was to stress the importance of getting girls to school. The program was lead by leading charities from around the world like Oxfam, and Save the Children. A study that was used primary motivation for this movement showed that children who complete primary education are more likely to survive past the age of five, and half as likely to die of malnutrition. Both Nelson Mandela and United Nations Secretary- General Kofi Annan were vocal supporters of the lesson. School standards minister David Milliband taught nine and ten year olds the lesson at St. Paul’s Primary School in England, and strongly endorsed the projects attack upon educational inequalities.
It is absolutely crucial for children across the globe to receive an education. The project had ambitious goals educating, at least once, a staggering amount of children. The fact that this project also revealed the inequalities plaguing education today is another motion that is utterly commendable. Many of these children, especially female children would have never know the chance at a better life that education could provide them with. They may have just accepted the fact that women are not educated in their cultures and never thought twice about what opportunities they may be missing. Yet this event gave girls around the world a taste of what education is like, and if I know girls, and I think I do, they will be thirsting for it.

Current Events Log # 3

2006-08-31T16:34:00.000-07:00

"A Less ideological Chinese text puts Mao in his place"
Joseph Kahn, 1st published in The New York Times, my source was The International Herald
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/08/31/news/china.php

The article that I read this week was written concerning the recent changes that Chinese high school history texts have undergone, and that many more nations texts will soon be facing. These new books carefully leave out many wars, and more notably communist revolutions that have occurred throughout the world. The International Herald Tribune said that these new text books “shelve Marxism in favor of globalization”, and give little mention to many influential trends and events throughout history. The subject of socialism is given one miniscule chapter and Mao Zedong a simple sentence in a chapter on etiquette. The most prominent Marxists texts dating to the 1950’s have been discarded for these new and improved texts that while leaving the Marxist ideals behind, seem to sterilize the history of not only China but the world.
Although the new texts promote global harmony and culture they are abashedly neutral and uninformative. Although I do not necessarily agree with the Marxist ideals of communist China I find it offensive that they are so causally left out of history books. It is crucial for future generations to learn and know trends and mistakes of the past generations to better know and understand how to approach the future. I understand that the modern political goals necessitate a shift in texts but I do not condone the systematic removal of events in history. History should be based on facts and truth, and by removing crucial events it will ultimately be as if they did not occur. The only way to make informed decisions is to be informed, and these new texts are sterilizing information and confining knowledge.

Current Events Log # 2

2006-08-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

"UK is still ' Divided and Unequal'"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4201236.stm

Four professors from assorted universities around Britian have determined that despite Britian's 60 years use of their welfare program the dicotomy between the rich and poor is still existant if not growing. Their report has determined that the impoverished most in need of the welfare programs are not able to gain access to them. These researchers discovered that among the poor there is an "inverse care law", which states that in areas with the highest abundance of the impoverished the facilities most needed(i.e., hospital doctors,dentists, and other necessities) appear at an extremely low rate. Not only are these inequalities present in 'care law' but there is also a clear "inverse educational law" which states that the areas containing the highest ratio of uneducated youth's also present the lowest teacher to student ratio, yet in areas with much a much lower uneducated youth level teachers are far more prevalant. These reseachers attribute this great scaricity to the ever present inequalities the impoverished suffer with every day.

Since the creation of Britian's Welfare 60 years ago, new inequalities have emerged. The drastic dicotomy between those in the country who on a car, or cars, and those who don't has only recently become an apparent issue. All over Britian households maintain an average of two vehiciles with two working providers, and 10% of the population owns three cars of more, and yet over one million families living with small children do not have a car at all. The majority of these families were living in impoverished urban areas.

The property market of many "suburban" areas have also been flushing out the poor and making way for the rich. Many well-to-do 'brits' are purchasing second homes or vaction homes which are shutting poorer potential home owners out of the market and driving up property prices, making it even harder for the poor to obtain sutiable housing.

I command Britian for making efforts to accomidate and improve life for their poor, but I also pray that the Government heeds the finding of this report. Obivously a great rift still exists and those who need Government aid are also those least likely to get it. I feel that poverty is a global and serious problem that will take drastic measures and great ideas to address. Yet I also know that ideas are not enough, it is the way in which they are exicuted which determines how these programs will improve the life of the poor. Although this story takes place in England I know it's message is universal, the life of the poor cannot change overnight, or over sixty years for that matter, so we must begin now to lay the groundwork to change the world and the lives of so many.

Current Events Log # 1

2006-08-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14388487/
Recently two women,Olga Rutterschmidt and Helen Golay, were arrested and charged with two counts of murder and two counts of conspiracy to commit murder for financial gain. The women befriended two local homeless men named Paul Vados in 1999,and Kenneth McDavid in 2005. After befriending the transiants, the women convinced the men to add them to their life insurance policies. After being added the women drugged the men and proceeded to run them over with their cars. After their deaths the women collected 2.3 million dollars worth of life insurance. Police noticed similarities between Kenneth McDavid's death and Paul Vado's, so they launched a full investigation assuming the two crimes were somehow linked.
The women had abandoned the vehicle used in the murders and the car proved to be the most crucial piece of evidence because it contained DNA matching one of the murdered men on its undercarriage. The women were arrianged on Thursday August 17, and if convicted could face the death penalty. I believe that this crime is deeply rooted in the men's social class. These women thought that they could get away with these murder's because they were ' insignificant' to the world. The sad truth is if the strong ties between McDavid's death and Vados's death had not been so clearly apparent these men would have never recieved justice for their untimely and horrible deaths. Not only would they be deined the dignity of punishment for their killers, but all their money was in the hands of their murder's, and was most likely funding more of these horrible crimes.
The homeless of America are often looked upon as less than human, almost as if they are some how deserving of such a desolte life. Kenneth McDavid and Paul Vado probley looked at their killers as kind compassionite people who acknowledged that homeless are people too. Sadly, they were utterly wrong. Not only did Olga Rutterschmit and Helen Golay exploit these two men who suffered from a very lonely and isolated lifestyle, they murdered them as nonchalantly as one who would rid their homes of rats. These women thought that because of these men's social class they would get away with murder and reap all the benifets, yet in the eyes of justice these were men, not a social class.