Near the ending of the January of this year Mexico's government legalized vigilante groups and integrated them into their police forces to help fight off drug cartels. The vigilantes or self defense groups have quickly mobilized since the government gave the okay. On the 8th hundreds of vigilantes, with the support of government troops and armored trucks occupied Apatzingan a city in the Mexican State of Michoacan. They have set up road blocks and have searched houses around the block looking for members and leaders of the drug cartel known as the Knights Templar. The government has stated that the self deference forces are in charge of the operations going on in Apatzingan. The vigilantes have already made some arrests in their crusade to get rid of the Knights Templar cartel.
If the vigilantes prove to be effective in the fight against the drug cartels, it will be interesting if other states in Mexico will legalize the formation of vigilante groups to fight the problem that has plagued the country in the recent years.
Source
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26103464
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Seven Wonders
World Wonders are impressive feats of construction and engineering that our ancestors built, and we are still in amazement today on how they were built.
The oldest and the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is the Great Pyramid of Giza. A pyramid in southern Egypt was uncovered by archaeologist and uncovering of this ancient monument started back in 2010. The archaeologist found an old step pyramid that was built before the Great Pyramid of Giza, being older than the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was built around 4600 years ago.
The archaeologist do not now what the purpose of the pyramid was and believe it is part of seven other pyramids found in the area that might have just served as monuments. The step pyramid is not in all of its glory now. When it was built it was around 43 feet tall or 13 meters, but now the pyramid only stands about
14.33 feet tall or 4.33 meters tall. It is amazing to find these monuments that are older than the Great Pyramid, even though a dwarf when compared to it, it still is an impressive feat.
Even more impressive is the fact the Great Pyramid is the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is the only one still standing. The other six have been lost, destroyed or demolished. It is depressing to think that us today can only visit one of the wonders. for some you can see the foundations of them like the Temple of Artemis. But for one it is not known is the wonder ever existed. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are only recorded by ancient Greek writers and there are no records from ancient Babylon describing the gardens.
On July 7th, 2007, a poll was released asking people what should be the new Seven Wonders of the World. The results were released. The new seven wonders became Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil, The Great Wall of China, The Colosseum of Rome, The Petra in Jordan, Machu Picchu in Peru, Chichén Itza in Mexico, and the Taj Mahal in India. These monuments like the Ancient Seven wonders bring the feelings of wonderment and awe when visited or even pictured.
But having only seven is a very arbitrary number. I understand why seven is chosen. Seven is traditionally a lucky number. There are many other wonders around the world that bring the same feelings of wonderment as did the new and old seven do. These wonders are not things that people come get together to decide it worthy of the title of wonder. It is all in what someone like me or you visiting these monuments and if they inspire us or make us wonder how is it that this was built or how people like us could accomplish this, then that is enough to give it the title of Wonder. The step pyramid found recently may not be tall as its cousin, but it still is impressive that thousands of years ago humans had the ability to construct that monument.
Sources
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/4600-year-old-step-pyramid-uncovered-in-egypt/
http://rt.com/news/ancient-step-pyramid-egypt-617/
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/07/photogalleries/seven-wonders/
The oldest and the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is the Great Pyramid of Giza. A pyramid in southern Egypt was uncovered by archaeologist and uncovering of this ancient monument started back in 2010. The archaeologist found an old step pyramid that was built before the Great Pyramid of Giza, being older than the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was built around 4600 years ago.
The archaeologist do not now what the purpose of the pyramid was and believe it is part of seven other pyramids found in the area that might have just served as monuments. The step pyramid is not in all of its glory now. When it was built it was around 43 feet tall or 13 meters, but now the pyramid only stands about
14.33 feet tall or 4.33 meters tall. It is amazing to find these monuments that are older than the Great Pyramid, even though a dwarf when compared to it, it still is an impressive feat.
Even more impressive is the fact the Great Pyramid is the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is the only one still standing. The other six have been lost, destroyed or demolished. It is depressing to think that us today can only visit one of the wonders. for some you can see the foundations of them like the Temple of Artemis. But for one it is not known is the wonder ever existed. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are only recorded by ancient Greek writers and there are no records from ancient Babylon describing the gardens.
On July 7th, 2007, a poll was released asking people what should be the new Seven Wonders of the World. The results were released. The new seven wonders became Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil, The Great Wall of China, The Colosseum of Rome, The Petra in Jordan, Machu Picchu in Peru, Chichén Itza in Mexico, and the Taj Mahal in India. These monuments like the Ancient Seven wonders bring the feelings of wonderment and awe when visited or even pictured.
But having only seven is a very arbitrary number. I understand why seven is chosen. Seven is traditionally a lucky number. There are many other wonders around the world that bring the same feelings of wonderment as did the new and old seven do. These wonders are not things that people come get together to decide it worthy of the title of wonder. It is all in what someone like me or you visiting these monuments and if they inspire us or make us wonder how is it that this was built or how people like us could accomplish this, then that is enough to give it the title of Wonder. The step pyramid found recently may not be tall as its cousin, but it still is impressive that thousands of years ago humans had the ability to construct that monument.
Sources
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/4600-year-old-step-pyramid-uncovered-in-egypt/
http://rt.com/news/ancient-step-pyramid-egypt-617/
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/07/photogalleries/seven-wonders/
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Scarlett Johansson, Palestine, and Israel
One of the commercials that will play during the Super Bowl will feature the famous actress Scarlett Johansson sponsoring SodaStream, a company that sells products that allow you to make your own soda at home. But who knew cause a boycott on SodaStream and opposition to Johansson herself.
Scarlett Johansson used to be an ambassador for Oxfam, an international humanitarian aid organization, but stepped down after she announced her relationship with SodaStream. The reason she stepped down was because of where SodaStream is based. SodaStream is an Israeli owned company and has a large factory located in the West Bank, land claimed by Palestine. Oxfam does not conduct business with Israeli settlements because of Israeli-Palestine conflict. Oxfam told Johansson to cut her relationship with the soda company, but instead Johansson cut her relationship with Oxfam, who she was an ambassador for. Johansson said she left because the two have a difference in opinion.
Now a boycott is happening against SodaStream, but the Palestinian workers who work at SodaStream support Scarlett Johansson's move to support SodaStream. For many of them it is the best job they can get paying well and the company providing free transportation, breakfast, and lunch. The workers say by supporting the boycott they will be hurting Palestinian workers.
Regardless, its fascinating how much an actress and soda company can cause so much controversy.
Sources
http://mondoweiss.net/2014/01/johansson-relationship-sodastream.html
http://www.680news.com/2014/01/29/scarlett-johansson-stepping-down-as-oxfam-ambassador-over-sodastream-deal/
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/2014/0130/Palestinian-workers-back-Scarlett-Johansson-s-opposition-to-SodaStream-boycott-video
Scarlett Johansson used to be an ambassador for Oxfam, an international humanitarian aid organization, but stepped down after she announced her relationship with SodaStream. The reason she stepped down was because of where SodaStream is based. SodaStream is an Israeli owned company and has a large factory located in the West Bank, land claimed by Palestine. Oxfam does not conduct business with Israeli settlements because of Israeli-Palestine conflict. Oxfam told Johansson to cut her relationship with the soda company, but instead Johansson cut her relationship with Oxfam, who she was an ambassador for. Johansson said she left because the two have a difference in opinion.
Now a boycott is happening against SodaStream, but the Palestinian workers who work at SodaStream support Scarlett Johansson's move to support SodaStream. For many of them it is the best job they can get paying well and the company providing free transportation, breakfast, and lunch. The workers say by supporting the boycott they will be hurting Palestinian workers.
Regardless, its fascinating how much an actress and soda company can cause so much controversy.
Sources
http://mondoweiss.net/2014/01/johansson-relationship-sodastream.html
http://www.680news.com/2014/01/29/scarlett-johansson-stepping-down-as-oxfam-ambassador-over-sodastream-deal/
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/2014/0130/Palestinian-workers-back-Scarlett-Johansson-s-opposition-to-SodaStream-boycott-video
Vigilantes Legal in Mexico
On January 27th the Mexican government legalized vigilante groups fighting drug cartels and on the same day the government announced that they captured one of the top leaders of the Knights Templar drug cartel, a cartel that vigilantes have been fighting with over a year. At the moment over 20,000 civilians have taken up arms against the cartels and they rose up last February in the Mexican state of Michoacan after the Knights Templar became a bigger threat to residents. When vigilantes rose up in Michoancan, the vigilantes told authorities that they would not lay down their arms until the Knights Templar were arrested.
It will be interesting how well the vigilante forces will do against the drug cartels. I have seen some fears others have pointed out. One is that Mexico's government is known for having corruption with in and that the wrong person could get a hold of the vigilante list and sell it to cartel leaders. But overall this another way Mexico has found to help deal with their fight with the drug cartels.
Source
The vigilantes have been given the term "self-defense forces" and will integrated into Rural Defense Corps. Before this law enforcement and military forces have worked and cooperated regularly with vigilante forces. These vigilantes are not the most law abiding citizens themselves. Many of the vigilantes own assault rifles which are illegal under Mexican law, but with the government legalizing vigilante forces, vigilantes will be able to keep their weapons as long as they and their members register them with the army. Many vigilante leaders are ready to make an agreement with government officials but are still not sure what the agreement will imply.
It will be interesting how well the vigilante forces will do against the drug cartels. I have seen some fears others have pointed out. One is that Mexico's government is known for having corruption with in and that the wrong person could get a hold of the vigilante list and sell it to cartel leaders. But overall this another way Mexico has found to help deal with their fight with the drug cartels.
Source
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Puerto Rico Should be the 51st State
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States of America and as an unincorporated territory they handle all of their internal affairs, while the United States handles the foreign affairs, military, trade and law. The island was under rule of Spain since 1493, but was put under American rule in 1898 after Spain seceded the land after the end of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Rico now as unincorporated territory of the United States receive no voting rights in the federal government even though they all receive American citizenship. Puerto Rico should receive the status of statehood so that its citizens can receive the full benefits of American citizenship and stop being treated like second class citizens or gain complete independence.
Giving statehood to Puerto Rico would also be beneficial for Puerto Rico and the United States. Right now Puerto Rico cost $22 billion a year for the US government, but if it were to join the Union, it is predicted that the new state would generate an extra $2 billion a year. Puerto Rican statehood would also allow the creation of new jobs there, because of right now around 45% of the population lives under the poverty line. In 1917 the Federal government of the United States granted American citizenship to all the residents of Puerto Rico. Since 1952 Puerto Rico has been allowed to elect their own governor. Even though the people of the territory are American citizens and have their own governor, like any other state in the Union, the people are not allowed to vote in presidential elections. They also get no voting rights in the US congress and they have no voting members in the House or in the Senate. The people their have been American citizens for almost 100 years and yet they have little to no say in the Federal government. Puerto Ricans have also served in the United States military and have died in combat serving under its flag. It doesn't make sense to treat treat them as second class citizens, even though they are American citizens and have fought for the US military.
There are some difficulties to Puerto Rican statehood. The people of Puerto Rico are divided on what they want for the country. In the most recent poll 44.07% Puerto Ricans want to remain as a territory, while 44.4% want statehood. This is a very slim majority and Congress has agreed that they would only want to make Puerto Rico a state if it was a clear majority of the population who wanted it. People on both sides of the issue have concerns about what would happen if Puerto Rico became a state. In the US, or mostly congressmen and politicians are afraid that Puerto Rico gaining statehood would unbalance the political environment of the US because then they would have to compete for another state to win the vote in. Puerto Ricans also have their own concerns. If admitted into the Union Puerto Ricans would have to begin paying Federal taxes. There is also fear the Puerto Rico would loose its identity. If they became a state Puerto Rico would have to go under the US during the Olympics and the Miss Universe pageants, instead of going on their own, which they have done in the past. Puerto Ricans also fear that will loose touch with their Spanish heritage and culture if they gain statehood.
There are some real concerns people have about Puerto Rico becoming a state, but they can all be overcame. Puerto Ricans should not be worried about losing their cultural identity. There are many communities in the US that still keep ties too their cultural and heritage, while at the same time adopting things from other cultures. Puerto Rico gaining statehood could help Puerto Rican culture mix into American culture, because isn't that what the US is about, the mixing of multiple cultures.
In order to stop treating Puerto Ricans as second class citizens one of two things need to happen. One Puerto Rico becomes an independent nation that is separate from the United States, or two Puerto Rico takes the next step and becomes the 51st state to join the Union.
Sources
Gov of Puerto Rico - http://welcome.topuertorico.org/government.shtml
Puerto Rico Wiki - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Rico
Recent Statehood in favor poll - http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/civil-rights/195439-playing-with-the-numbers-to-push-puerto-rican-statehood - http://guardianlv.com/2013/05/puerto-rico-could-become-51st-state/
Sunday, January 26, 2014
The Myths of Poverty
Bill Gates, one of the richest people in the world and co-founder of the Gates Foundation started in their annual letter that "almost no poor countries by 2035" and that the poorest nations in the world will have child morality rates as low as the US and the UK in 1980. Bill and Melinda Gates in their letter released three myths about poverty.
The first myth is that poor countries are not doomed to stay poor. Gates believes that by the year 2035 there will be no country that will be poor and most countries will be rich or lower middle class by then. He also states that labeling nations developed or developing does not make sense. China and the Republic of Congo are both in the same category of developing nations, even though China's economy is the second largest in the world and that it should be categorized by low, middle, and high income.
The second myth they states is that foreign aid is a waste a money. Gates states that not every program is perfect and that there should be a more effective way. He also states foreign aid does not cut a large percent of the budget at all. Norway contributes the most money to foreign aid and it is only 3 percent of its budget, while the US is only 1 percent.
The last myth is that saving kid's lives leads to overpopulation. The Fact is that when kids survive, that families will have fewer kids and decide to have small families.
Gates is very optimistic about our future, I am too, and I hope more are.
More on the Myths of Poverty
The Whole Letter - http://annualletter.gatesfoundation.org/#section=home
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/no-poor-countries-by-2035-bill-gates-annual-letter-says-extreme-poverty-and-child-mortality-could-be-virtually-wiped-out-in-next-two-decades-9075149.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8UlTygCYjo
The first myth is that poor countries are not doomed to stay poor. Gates believes that by the year 2035 there will be no country that will be poor and most countries will be rich or lower middle class by then. He also states that labeling nations developed or developing does not make sense. China and the Republic of Congo are both in the same category of developing nations, even though China's economy is the second largest in the world and that it should be categorized by low, middle, and high income.
The second myth they states is that foreign aid is a waste a money. Gates states that not every program is perfect and that there should be a more effective way. He also states foreign aid does not cut a large percent of the budget at all. Norway contributes the most money to foreign aid and it is only 3 percent of its budget, while the US is only 1 percent.
The last myth is that saving kid's lives leads to overpopulation. The Fact is that when kids survive, that families will have fewer kids and decide to have small families.
Gates is very optimistic about our future, I am too, and I hope more are.
More on the Myths of Poverty
The Whole Letter - http://annualletter.gatesfoundation.org/#section=home
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/no-poor-countries-by-2035-bill-gates-annual-letter-says-extreme-poverty-and-child-mortality-could-be-virtually-wiped-out-in-next-two-decades-9075149.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8UlTygCYjo
Ukrainian Protests
If you have been living under a rock for that past couple of months, then you probably have heard about the protests happening in Kiev, Ukraine's capital city. The protests started in November of 2013 after the government of Ukraine didn't sign a deal that would make the country closer to EU and instead made them closer to their former Soviet ruler, Russia. Arseniy Yatsenyuk called upon the support of his followers on Twitter and Face Book to meet in Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Kiev’s central square to demonstrate against the government and their decision.
Ever since though the protest have escalated to full scale riots and Kiev's Maidan central square now look like a war zone with riot police and protesters on opposing sides. This picture album is by a blogger in the protests show the chaos in Keiv (http://imgur.com/a/WL1pY#0). As seen by the photos barricades have been built by protesters using things from sandbags to everyday furniture like a wooden table. Protesters only let in those who are contributing to the effort, if they be other protesters, bringing food and clothes, or press and journalist and they keep those who just want to see the action out. Protesters have even started to use molatav cocktails against the riot police. The government has also upped their arsenal by lifting the restriction of using water cannons on protesters which protesters should watch out for considering the freezing temperatures in Kiev(http://en.for-ua.com/news/2014/01/22/161046.html#.Ut_cw8KexQE.reddit).
Many of the scenes from Kiev look like scenes from an Apocalypse. There have been truces called but the protesters in Kiev are ready at any time to start clashing with the government, and will be interesting to see what will happen between the opposition leaders and the government.
Live Stream of Maidan Square - http://www.ustream.tv/channel/euromajdan/pop-out
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