Read article HERE
As the situation in Libya continues to unfold, so does a similar situation in Syria. Syria is currently experiencing the same type of "mass genocide" by the government and no one is doing anything about it. This is conflicting and interesting at the same time. How could one country (or several countries) choose to help one country and not another when they have the same issue?
In Syria more than 400 people have been killed within the past weeks and this rarely makes news. Is this because of economic or political ties, or does the US just not have a dependence on Syria like it has with Libya? Either way this should be solved.
Since February the Middle East and northern Africa have experienced a vast number of revolution in societies where the citizens felt that they were being treated unfairly and decided to make a change. If America and other countries want to truly support democracy and help other countries achieve democracy they should strive to help every country and not just countries that they could benefit from helping.
-Kali
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Is it really our fault?
Read article HERE
The current President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was recently quoted blaming Middle Eastern unrest on the West because, "[we] are trying to cause destruction and provoke wars between nations and governments to sell [our] weapons."
I agree and disagree with his opinion. It is no secret that when the war in Iraq started it was fueled by oil (no pun intended) and money. Many American corporations benefited from the start of the war and many jobs were created because of it. The majority of the corporations that benefited were defense oriented and made tanks, weapons, planes and many more for the US Army. Because of the previous Administration no one truly knows why the war in Iraq started and who it benefited. Most Americans believed that we were looking for 'Weapons of Mass Destruction' and wondered why we were still there 2 years after none were found. The truth is this: The United States and many other countries in the West are powered by money and without money the country could and would stop (ex. the shut down that almost happened last week). All in all, President Ahmadinejad's words are true and false at the same time.
The current President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was recently quoted blaming Middle Eastern unrest on the West because, "[we] are trying to cause destruction and provoke wars between nations and governments to sell [our] weapons."
I agree and disagree with his opinion. It is no secret that when the war in Iraq started it was fueled by oil (no pun intended) and money. Many American corporations benefited from the start of the war and many jobs were created because of it. The majority of the corporations that benefited were defense oriented and made tanks, weapons, planes and many more for the US Army. Because of the previous Administration no one truly knows why the war in Iraq started and who it benefited. Most Americans believed that we were looking for 'Weapons of Mass Destruction' and wondered why we were still there 2 years after none were found. The truth is this: The United States and many other countries in the West are powered by money and without money the country could and would stop (ex. the shut down that almost happened last week). All in all, President Ahmadinejad's words are true and false at the same time.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Read article HERE
This past week the American Government almost SHUT DOWN due to funding issues. Ironically I was learning about what the government has spent its money on since the Cold War - the majority of it going to defense.
After thinking about it I realized how crazy it is that things like Education and health care (among others) are constantly under funded - especially in the South. I understand that the US has to keep their Military (and everything associated with it funded) it should not affect the funding that other sectors receive.
This past week was a wake-up call for our politicians that the American government can not continue to do business the way it has previously. Until things change, the deficit will continue to increase and leave the American people to pay for mistakes unknown to them for the rest of their lives.
This past week the American Government almost SHUT DOWN due to funding issues. Ironically I was learning about what the government has spent its money on since the Cold War - the majority of it going to defense.
After thinking about it I realized how crazy it is that things like Education and health care (among others) are constantly under funded - especially in the South. I understand that the US has to keep their Military (and everything associated with it funded) it should not affect the funding that other sectors receive.
This past week was a wake-up call for our politicians that the American government can not continue to do business the way it has previously. Until things change, the deficit will continue to increase and leave the American people to pay for mistakes unknown to them for the rest of their lives.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Same thing. Different day.
Read article HERE
Arab unrest in the Middle East is at an all-time high. Although it has been overshadowed by the internal turmoil in Libya, protests have started in Yemen killing 12 and injuring 500 with some people being arrested. At this point there seems to be one common theme: Hope (and no I didn't just pull that out of thin air).
When revolts started in Tunisia earlier this year they were rough, deadly and tough, but at the end of the day the Tunisian people achieved their goal. Their revolt gave the Egyptian people hope that they could change their government into one that was truly democratic and spoke for the people. After weeks of fighting they finally achieved their goal. Now the worst case scenario has happened. The revolts have spread to more middle eastern countries and have become even more deadly. The little hope that travelled from the Tunisians to the Egyptians and then to the Libyans and Yemeni has grown bigger and gained perseverance. But what happens when the government is as stubborn as the citizens, thousands are killed, and a country is at a stand still for months? Where does that hope go then? Who gives up? Who keeps trying?
Arab unrest in the Middle East is at an all-time high. Although it has been overshadowed by the internal turmoil in Libya, protests have started in Yemen killing 12 and injuring 500 with some people being arrested. At this point there seems to be one common theme: Hope (and no I didn't just pull that out of thin air).
When revolts started in Tunisia earlier this year they were rough, deadly and tough, but at the end of the day the Tunisian people achieved their goal. Their revolt gave the Egyptian people hope that they could change their government into one that was truly democratic and spoke for the people. After weeks of fighting they finally achieved their goal. Now the worst case scenario has happened. The revolts have spread to more middle eastern countries and have become even more deadly. The little hope that travelled from the Tunisians to the Egyptians and then to the Libyans and Yemeni has grown bigger and gained perseverance. But what happens when the government is as stubborn as the citizens, thousands are killed, and a country is at a stand still for months? Where does that hope go then? Who gives up? Who keeps trying?
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
How much power does a woman really have?
CNN article here!
During the chaos in Libya many people are being victimized, but we rarely get to see the faces of those people if they are not reporters or top government officials. Fortunately and unfortunately, last week we had a chance to see the first hand affects of the violence that is happening in Libya.
Eman al-Obeidy is a woman who was raped (allegedly) by Gadhafi forces. As she tried to tell her story to the press (because no one else would listen to her) she was constantly mistreated and embarrassed on national and international television. This brings up the question, "How much power does a woman really have?".
Some say that she doesn't have a voice because Gadhafi forces committed the crime, allowing for them to protect themselves because they are fighting for the same cause. Others say that she was probably in the wrong place at the wrong time and/ or doing something that she wasn't supposed to be doing. No matter the reason, no person (man or woman) deserves to be treated like this. In my opinion this completely violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by not letting this woman have justice.
Situations like this happen all over the world, even in America although it is kept under wraps. I feel like the more we sweep it under the rug (like it is done in some cultures and countries) the more men (and governments) will think it is acceptable and the more women will accept the treatment. This issue wont be perfect tomorrow, next year or even in the next 5 years, but with the help of all citizens of the world it can be resolved slowly, but surely.
During the chaos in Libya many people are being victimized, but we rarely get to see the faces of those people if they are not reporters or top government officials. Fortunately and unfortunately, last week we had a chance to see the first hand affects of the violence that is happening in Libya.
Eman al-Obeidy is a woman who was raped (allegedly) by Gadhafi forces. As she tried to tell her story to the press (because no one else would listen to her) she was constantly mistreated and embarrassed on national and international television. This brings up the question, "How much power does a woman really have?".
Some say that she doesn't have a voice because Gadhafi forces committed the crime, allowing for them to protect themselves because they are fighting for the same cause. Others say that she was probably in the wrong place at the wrong time and/ or doing something that she wasn't supposed to be doing. No matter the reason, no person (man or woman) deserves to be treated like this. In my opinion this completely violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by not letting this woman have justice.
Situations like this happen all over the world, even in America although it is kept under wraps. I feel like the more we sweep it under the rug (like it is done in some cultures and countries) the more men (and governments) will think it is acceptable and the more women will accept the treatment. This issue wont be perfect tomorrow, next year or even in the next 5 years, but with the help of all citizens of the world it can be resolved slowly, but surely.
Monday, March 21, 2011
What now?
Read article here!
I woke up this weekend to news that the US had launched missiles into Libya due to the civil war that is occurring. My first thought was, "how much did this cost?" after doing the math (100 missiles * 1 million dollars = $100 million) I was appalled. In my mind it felt like Deja vu. I remember being younger and seeing pictures of Iraq being bombed shortly after 9/11 so I immediately thought the same thing happend...but I was wrong.
After realizing that the US was trying to protect the Libyan people who were being threatened by Ghadafi and his regime in the civil war that is currently going on. I realize that this is something that is done with good intent, but I feel like this is something that we shouldn't be getting involved in.
Now that we've already launched the missiles into Libya and bombed a couple of Ghadafi's compounds, what's next? There are no US troops on the ground (yet) and the war is mostly still being fought by rebels and pro-Ghadafi forces in the country. In my opinion this move by the US and other foreign nations is something that was like a short term move on a long term issue. Although the war has slowed down and Ghadafi forces were not able to secure the cities that they wanted the big question still has to be answered in order to allow the people who this is all about, the Libyans, happy. What's next?
I woke up this weekend to news that the US had launched missiles into Libya due to the civil war that is occurring. My first thought was, "how much did this cost?" after doing the math (100 missiles * 1 million dollars = $100 million) I was appalled. In my mind it felt like Deja vu. I remember being younger and seeing pictures of Iraq being bombed shortly after 9/11 so I immediately thought the same thing happend...but I was wrong.
After realizing that the US was trying to protect the Libyan people who were being threatened by Ghadafi and his regime in the civil war that is currently going on. I realize that this is something that is done with good intent, but I feel like this is something that we shouldn't be getting involved in.
Now that we've already launched the missiles into Libya and bombed a couple of Ghadafi's compounds, what's next? There are no US troops on the ground (yet) and the war is mostly still being fought by rebels and pro-Ghadafi forces in the country. In my opinion this move by the US and other foreign nations is something that was like a short term move on a long term issue. Although the war has slowed down and Ghadafi forces were not able to secure the cities that they wanted the big question still has to be answered in order to allow the people who this is all about, the Libyans, happy. What's next?
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Planned Parenthood debate.
As I got back from my spring break trip I learned that congress voted to stop funding for Planned Parenthood. To some Americans Planned Parenthood is just an organization that does free abortions, but to others it is so much more. From sex education to giving out free birth control, I believe this organization is something that we all could benefit from. In a day and age where sex is no longer 'taboo', is happening at younger ages and teenagers are watching shows like "16 & Pregnant" we need organizations like Planned Parenthood to attempt to keep teenage pregnancies low. This federal funding cut challenges the moral ethics of congressmen (and women) and is not beneficial to the American public.
Students at Wesleyan University in Connecticut made a video entitled 'I have Sex' in support of Planned Parenthood. I support them, do you?
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Walk in their shoes.
More info on story here!
As I was browsing on The New York Times website I came across an article that outlined one of the most controversial issues in politics today - same sex marriage. For a long time same sex marriage has been an issue that has divided Americans. The questions "Is it moral or immoral?" and "What rights should same sex couples have?" are among the many things that come to mind when people think about this issue.
Personally I don't believe in same sex marriage the same way I don't believe in things like divorce (personal reasons), BUT I don't impose my thoughts on others and I believe that people should be able to do whatever they want to do with their lives in this day and age. With that being said I have lots of homosexual friends that have allowed me to understand why they made their decisions and if they've ever had any regrets giving me the chance to see things through their eyes and attempt to understand their reasoning.
With this being said I think this is the one thing that many Americans fail to do: step into another person's shoes and try to understand them. Where I live, in the south, many people have never met a homosexual person leading to them making assumptions off of stereotypes that they have developed through media. I find that it is a lot easier to make an assumption about a type of person if you don't know anyone that falls into that category. In my opinion this will hold Americans back from being more open minded and accepting of those who are "different".
All in all, this is just one hot button issue out of hundreds that are dividing Americans and I believe that this (along with many others) can be fixed with Americans trying to understand the ones that they constantly criticize.
- Kali :)
As I was browsing on The New York Times website I came across an article that outlined one of the most controversial issues in politics today - same sex marriage. For a long time same sex marriage has been an issue that has divided Americans. The questions "Is it moral or immoral?" and "What rights should same sex couples have?" are among the many things that come to mind when people think about this issue.
Personally I don't believe in same sex marriage the same way I don't believe in things like divorce (personal reasons), BUT I don't impose my thoughts on others and I believe that people should be able to do whatever they want to do with their lives in this day and age. With that being said I have lots of homosexual friends that have allowed me to understand why they made their decisions and if they've ever had any regrets giving me the chance to see things through their eyes and attempt to understand their reasoning.
With this being said I think this is the one thing that many Americans fail to do: step into another person's shoes and try to understand them. Where I live, in the south, many people have never met a homosexual person leading to them making assumptions off of stereotypes that they have developed through media. I find that it is a lot easier to make an assumption about a type of person if you don't know anyone that falls into that category. In my opinion this will hold Americans back from being more open minded and accepting of those who are "different".
All in all, this is just one hot button issue out of hundreds that are dividing Americans and I believe that this (along with many others) can be fixed with Americans trying to understand the ones that they constantly criticize.
- Kali :)
Monday, February 21, 2011
What's Up With Wisconsin?
Original Article Here
There are tons of protests happening around the world right now......you can add Wisconsin to that list. Recently the Wisconsin government has announced plans to cut funding and possibly laying off 1500 state employees. Currently the average state employee for Wisconsin makes $48,348....annually, so the last thing these workers need is to be laid off (making a bad situation even worse). This sounds like the typical "government cuts jobs and funds, citizens just let it happen" type of story, but its far from the truth.
The state workers are peacefully fighting back until they get what they want. Unfortunately all of the Democratic state senators have fled to Illinois so nothing can be done until they get back. This leaves the Governor and the Republican senators to attempt to make a short term solution to a long term problem. No one knows how long this will take and with thousands of protesters flooding the state capitol in Madison, Wisconsin, we hope it happens quickly....for their own sake.
Till next time...
Kali :)
There are tons of protests happening around the world right now......you can add Wisconsin to that list. Recently the Wisconsin government has announced plans to cut funding and possibly laying off 1500 state employees. Currently the average state employee for Wisconsin makes $48,348....annually, so the last thing these workers need is to be laid off (making a bad situation even worse). This sounds like the typical "government cuts jobs and funds, citizens just let it happen" type of story, but its far from the truth.
The state workers are peacefully fighting back until they get what they want. Unfortunately all of the Democratic state senators have fled to Illinois so nothing can be done until they get back. This leaves the Governor and the Republican senators to attempt to make a short term solution to a long term problem. No one knows how long this will take and with thousands of protesters flooding the state capitol in Madison, Wisconsin, we hope it happens quickly....for their own sake.
Till next time...
Kali :)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Introduction
Hi everyone, welcome to my current events blog!
My name is Kali Stitt. I'm currently a 16 year old Junior living in Atlanta, Ga. I've always had a passion for politics nationally and internationally which has sparked my internship with several PACs last summer. My interest in politics has also influenced me to have a minor in Political Science when I attend college. On this blog I'll be discussing some of the pressing issues within American politics today, trying to understand both sides of the story while giving my opinion on the situation. I hope you guys love the blog and it fuels your passion for politics like it does mine!
-Kali :)
My name is Kali Stitt. I'm currently a 16 year old Junior living in Atlanta, Ga. I've always had a passion for politics nationally and internationally which has sparked my internship with several PACs last summer. My interest in politics has also influenced me to have a minor in Political Science when I attend college. On this blog I'll be discussing some of the pressing issues within American politics today, trying to understand both sides of the story while giving my opinion on the situation. I hope you guys love the blog and it fuels your passion for politics like it does mine!
-Kali :)
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