Invisible Children

Having only seen the last few minutes of the movie, it's remarkable how moved I was.  I was in tears after hearing a young boy talk about wanting to see his brother in heaven, as opposed to going on in this life.  This showed the harrowing affect the war is having on Africa's children.  No one so young should be talking this way.  They shouldn't have to be.  Children should be learning and experiencing a life of joy and wonder... Not fighting in wars they didn't begin, not suffering casualties that shouldn't have happened.  But, having grown up in this environment, these children know nothing else.  I imagine they'd be living in an extreme state of fear, or become extremely aggressive themselves.  They're also given no outlet or resources for changing or controlling their situation.  They feel helpless, abandoned, and violent.

HIV/AIDS in Africa

HIV, which further progresses into AIDS, is an epidemic widespread throughout Africa. Not only does this lower life expectancy, but it also creates social and economic issues, leading families and even countries to fall into a downward spiral. For example, when parents succumb to disease, their children are left to take care of and raise entire families, often watching after elders, as well. This would be extremely stressful as is, but the real harm is that it prevents children from getting an education. As long as this pattern continues, generations may never learn about HIV prevention or resources. As is, HIV/AIDS isn't discussed, in these countries, as frequently as it should be, since it is considered something to be ashamed of. This thinking is incredibly harmful, because it discourages those suffering from identifying themselves, therefore putting other at risk of contraction. Many have tried to help by donating monetary aid, however this has little effect. There is no way to determine where the money ends up, and there are often 'strings attached' from the donating country or organization. However, these countries also need a societal shift, so that those suffering with HIV/AIDS will be made comfortable enough that they are willing to seek our education and resources.

Take Action! Decision making skills

Using the CARE Mode, the Take Action Ethics Tests, and your own judgment, consider how you would deal with the following scenarios. Share your reasoning and final decision. 1) Realistically, I would definitely turn down the offer, however might not prevent the individual in question from using. Ideally, one would caution them against marijuana and remind them of their sobriety. Of necessary, one could contact an adult authority figure. 2) I would never actually lie on a résumé. However, assuming I had, I would tell my employer. Continuing to lie will only cause stress to oneself (I.e. Being given jobs you're not prepared for), place strain on you and your friend's relationship, and bring down the integrity of the business. 3) Having been in this situation, I think it's important to be completely honest with your friend: of course you should tell someone what your friend is considering- its dangerous and a BAD IDEA. However, since you don't want to lose your friends trust, no matter what you said to them beforehand, make sure they know your thoughts on the situation and that you intend to tell somebody who can help them. 4) I would caution against trespassing, since it may take away the group's integrity. 5) I have no idea. As horrific as it may sound, part of me believes torture is worth it (the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few). However, I'm also aware that this is a violation of human rights and demonstrates great disrespect for the human body. It is also likely to anger other terrorist and even activist groups, eventually causing more harm than good. I don't know what I would do.

2012 Political Predictions

• I think that the totalitarian government in Korea will continue as it was, especially since the new leader essentially trained under his father for the last three years.  I think any attempts to unify the two states will be largely unsuccessful, due to political differences and their new leader trying to remain strong and patriotic
• I think the economy in Europe will continue to go downhill, and the EU will be dissolved
• I think 2012 will be the highest grossing year in film ever, and citizens spending more over the summer may help improve the American, and therefore Canadian, economy
• Oh and the world won't end (trust me, I'm a psychic)

World Issues - Lyric Analysis

What You Don't Know (Theme from Dollhouse) by Jonatha Brooke

What you don't know won't hurt you,

Maybe the lies are true,

Try to remember, try to forget,

Those yesterdays bleeding through

I believe this verse says a lot about ignorance and human nature.

The first line, "What you don't know won't hurt you," shows how individuals turn away from issues that do not affect them.  They likely don't want to hear about all the horrible things happening in the world; but it also shows that people will not take action against something that doesn't immediately affect them.  Why risk judgment, pain or punishment if it wouldn't affect you anyways?  This is why man seems reactive, as compared to proactive: if there's nothing affecting you, ignore it until it does.  This is why we choose to remain ignorant to important issues.  We believe our lives will be simpler.  "Ignorance is bliss," as they say, and it definitely rings true.

The second line, "Maybe the lies are true," shows how passive we can be, as well as commenting on corruption.  Whether those in power are corrupt and lying to us doesn't matter, as long as we don't have to deal with the issues our selves.  We choose to be passive and accept a corrupt society to remain ignorant and, therefore, seemingly happier.

The last two lines, "Try to remember, try to forget,/ Those yesterdays bleeding through," can be interpreted as a comment on loss of innocence.  Once one becomes aware of the injustices and corruption in our world, they cannot forget it.  They cannot move past it, and may feel guilt over their inaction upon gaining awareness.  No one wants to live with this, and instead, we, as a society, choose to remain ignorant, only acting when necessary.

Belarus' Corrupt Democracy

What does the situation in Belarus say about democracy and its flaws?

Although democracy functions very well in theory, human nature is to do anything in order to gain an advantage in life.  Lies.  Corruption.  Violence.  These are all inevitable in politics.  However, in a democracy, these issues are often brushed aside, scoffed at.  Behind the smoke are manipulative, scared individuals, who can easily create any persona they want just to be admired by their people.  No one knows their true nature.  Alternatively, when one's true psyche is known, they employ the other old magician's trick: mirrors.  It's so easy to a politician to say, "This is all your fault, you voted for this.  This is what you wanted," and we are expected to live with it, because our only alternate is to be accused of disrupting the state, causing political unrest, etc., etc.

Occasionally, if the individual is corrupt enough and society wants change enough, politicians will employ both smoke and mirrors, and blatantly lie.  Lukashenko did not win 80% of the vote, and his opposition didn't win less than 3%.  These are fabrications, poorly spun tales.  And when someone tries to untangle them; reveal the truth?  Arrest.  Torture.  Being forced to flee.  You don't even have to be aggressive.  Michalevic was arrested after the election, prior to, he hadn't even been inappropriately accusatory or insulting.  This is mankind at some of its worst.  They are manipulating and torturing and doing horrible things to ensure one man stays in power, therefore ensuring economic unrest for all his people.  That is not right at all.  That's not democracy, however it is possible because of it.  It's all just smoke and mirrors.

"Think Twice, Canada, Before Attacking Tehran" Response

On November 22, 2011, the Globe and Mail published an article, written by Paul Heinbecker, entitled "Think Twice, Canada, Before Attacking Tehran."  The article discusses the controversy over Iran's rumoured nuclear development, and wether Canada should take military action or not.

Definitions:
Cassus Belli: A justification of war, an amoral or obscene act that instigates and give grounds for violent offense

Impunity: Freedom given in place of punishment for a malicious, violent or harmful action

Unilateral: An act provoked by a single country

Questions:
Many have the mentality that the 'needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.'  Does this justify an attack on Iran, as entire nations could be saved if there are nuclear weapons in development, even though many soldiers and even citizens are likely to be killed?


Would Canada's decision to militarise actually improve our relationship with Israel and, consequentially, the United States?


Is there a way to investigate the situation, and find out if there even are nuclear systems in development before attacking?