World Police?

Final Group Blog

2004-12-06T12:00:00.000-05:00

Our project is research on different situations and conditions around the world and the approach that the US takes to aid these problems and there countries. By the U.S. being the wealthiest, strongest and most influential nation, it is considered the police of the world and its actions or inaction affects other nations. One notable area is regarding the issue of debt and poverty. Being a major part of the every country and helping to formulate the United Nations over 50 years ago, the US’ actions can be felt around the world. The problem is that the development of aid to the world's poorest countries has declined by 45 percent during the past 10 years and Western and African leaders have had to gather support at home to support efforts to prevent suffering in these countries.For example, around the world for numerous years, many have criticized the U.S. for cutting back on its promised obligations and responsibilities, and that furthermore, when it has provided aid, it has been tied to its own foreign policy objectives. Many rich nations that provide aid can be criticized in a similar way. By living in the US, we forget about problems around the world. One article that we looked at dealt with the Colombian situation with their oil. The United States claimed to be helping them, but they also were taking advantage of them because of the oil, which was the main reason we decided to help Colombia. This made me view the U.S. in a negative way, criticizing our country that we should be a genuine and honest world police. We learned so much about the world and the environment around us by simply reading about the world’s problems rather than our own. It was simply a need to find the information. We also considered the people of the world and realized that the major problems of the world are not just in the US. We researched diseases, education problems, wars, US instigations, and it all comes to the same conclusion. America needs to step up and give to the rest of the world. Perhaps if we did become the real world police, then the rest of the world would start to accept us again. It is just a matter of trust and giving.

Janie's Post: Ivory Coast War

2004-12-06T10:36:00.000-05:00

For nine months now, the Ivory Coast has been functioning
normally and without violence nor hardship. Recently, however, bombs and violence is
trying to conquer the area. The Ivory Coast is trying to combine its land and
unify it and feel as if killing and bombing those that rebel is the only way.
However, there should be other punishments and alternatives that they should
use. This is where the US should step in and tell them that war is not
something that can happen and just go away. War is serious and lasts long. If the US
would step in now, it could save itself time and energy as well as help
maintain tranquility within the Ivory Coast. If the US doesn't step in things will
get worst and the US will be forced to spend out more money and time to help
stop war.

Janie's Post: The US to Control Fighting in Kashmir

2004-12-06T10:31:00.000-05:00

Over the past 57 or more years Pakistan and India have been
battling over Kashmir. India now holds Kashmir and its prime minister has deployed
up to a million troops over the years in order to seize the fighting of islamic
groups and more. Recently, however, there has been a decline of violence in
Kashmir. As a result, Prime Minister Singh has reduced the number of troops in
Kashmir. For thre past 15 years over 40,000 people have been killed because of
the the Islamic fights for independence. One way that the US could really
help is if they bought Kashmir and made it part of the US. I know this is not as
easy as it sounds, but just think of how this would help. The US is strong
enough to make the Islamic, Indian, and Pakistanian people obey their rules and
if some rebel, the US could punish them. This would cut back on the fighting
and violence, but it would greatly cost the US.

Janie's Post: Philippines

2004-12-06T10:29:00.000-05:00

The recent article that I read was about the wonderful Philippines and
a disease that is spreading through the area, rapidly. Throughout the years,
the Philippines have been known for its beauty, but lately a disease called
meningococcemia has been devastating its people and area. Meningococcemia is a
deadly disease that causes fever and nausea and attacks the nervous system. The
people there are wearing masks and, basically, living their lives not to die
these days. Baggio is one o the cities that's been hit very hard with the
disease. America claims to have one of the best sources of healthcare, so we
should just volunteer our time in research to help find a cure or medicines to help
prevent and treat this disease. Money should not be such a factor. When it
comes to helping its fellow countries and states, America should be the first to
step in.

HONOR IN KOREA

2004-12-05T22:13:00.001-05:00

There should be no question of honor and reverence when it comes to North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Il, but lately pictures and once definite titles of the king have been stripped away from the worth king. With over 2,000 worthy titles given to Kim Jong Il, very few have been used lately. In public places, his pictures are beginning to disappear and become less frequent. Born into the title, Kim Jong Il was preceded by his father, who had no trouble at all receiving the homage that was due to him. Why is it that Kim is not getting the reverence that he deserves to get? Further investigations should be done to get to the bottom of this lack of respect. If the police were to take advantage of the signs, maybe a major uproar or rebellion can be prevented. Wouldn’t we look deeper into the situation if our president was not addressed correctly? If America’s leaders were not addressed properly, there would be corrections made and investigations done to make sure that the government and country were in order and that there were no dirty, underhanded plans being carried out. Where are the “World’s Police” when other countries need investigation, security, and reassurance?

50 YEARS AT WAR

2004-12-05T22:13:00.000-05:00

Fighting for over 50 years means that something has to be done. It is time for another power to intervene and assist. If America is the “World’s Police”, shouldn’t we take it upon our “great authority” to step in and help? Well, why haven’t we. It seems that whenever something is going wrong outside of the borders of the United States, it does not even get the acknowledgement that it deserves from the United States unless a direct threat is posed on us. I think that it is pitiful how we can beg and cry out to our allies for help when a miniscule problem arises in our nation but when a 50 year ordeal has yet to be brought to an end, we can shun the nation and see it simply as their own civil problem. It is amazing the time and effort that can go into appealing to the United Nations for help or the power to control a small situation. Why can we not put a fraction of that effort into at least listening to the problems of other countries? Too many lives are being lost and a job is being left undone every single time the United States refuses to lend a helping hand to a less fortunate country. There is no excuse as to why 40,000 lives were lost in India and Pakistan because of a war! It is excellent that the violence has dropped to a level in which troops can be cut in Kashmir, but what use does it make when 2 militants are killed in an attack just before troops are cut? Where is America when it’s needed? So quick are we to poke around in places that we are unwanted yet lack the interest to assist in places that cry out for help.

BOMB THE REBELS

2004-12-05T22:11:00.000-05:00

Bombing seems to be the only alternative left in the Ivory Coast. Their last resort to unite the country and reconquer the land is to bomb it. Now, nine months after peace has found its way into the land, bombs are demolishing the land and have the threat of war looming over the Ivory Coast. In an attempt to reunify the land, the rebels must be bombed. Common sense would step in and say “war is not the answer” (especially since you have already achieved peace), but since it hasn’t the job should lie on the “World’s Police”. Since the United States feels that it should meddle in everyone’s business and constantly control and exert superiority over other countries, it should also take an exceptionally important role in ensuring the safety of other countries’ citizens and providing feasible alternatives to war. This has not been the case since America has not yet stepped into the battle and expressed how peace has been achieved and that there is no need for bombings and war. Forcing people to stay in their homes does not appear to be an effective method for bringing peace to a country. Once again, Africa is in trouble and is crying out to the world for some form of help. If the heart is not strong, the body as a whole is in danger of functioning improperly. America must look at the under-developed countries in Africa and see to it that they receive help as soon as possible in order to build the heart and eradicate the wars that are taking so many innocent lives.

OIL IS OUR NUMBER ONE CONCERN

2004-12-05T22:10:00.000-05:00

Oil is America’s first love? Is it really all about the money? We need to safeguard the oil first! Forget about the people and their lives! It seems that America has a little too much oil in their eyes and the vision that allows us to see other countries’ problems has gotten cloudy and distorted. Why must we continue to boast our selfishness by sending troops to guard oil reserves? That’s a great way to solve the problem of innocent lives being lost during pointless wars in Columbia. All the “Police” and “Protectors of the World” care about is how we can protect the oil reserves and not to mention our money. I don’t think there is anything explaining that the government and oil reserves are identical. Since when did protecting the government of Columbia become synonymous to safeguarding the oil reserves? America must stop looking through oil-clouded eyes and send troops to keep peace rather than steal a piece of the oil industry in Columbia. In a desperate attempt to safeguard the oil reserves, we have managed to display and flaunt our selfishness and apathy for struggling countries. The last time I checked, “Police” didn’t run after money or intentionally slip on oil…

A NEW EDUCATION

2004-12-05T22:09:00.000-05:00

In America, primary education has never been considered an issue and is many times taken for granted. It is seen as something that every child will get or already has. The thought has never occurred that Africa has to pay for primary education. Most African families cannot afford to pay (annually) the price of a single American fast food meal. Why have the “Police” not rushed over to indict illiteracy or the 240 child class size in which 100 will have to repeat their current grade? With complaints of 30 children per class as a dire inconvenience to children, imagine how one teacher manages to teach and control a whopping 240 or 250 student class. Not only has America turned a deaf ear to the cries out for help in education, but we have failed to realize that “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link”. Trying to learn on an empty (literally) stomach in an unfinished one-room schoolhouse is obviously not the best way for a child to learn. Consider the disadvantages that the children in Africa have before we hastily complain about our over-crowded school buildings or the “lack” of books for students. In our careless attitudes about the education that we are guaranteed, the “Police” need to wake up and realize that education is a privilege that everybody should receive.

RWANDA IS THE REASON

2004-12-05T22:07:00.000-05:00

What has happened to the “Mighty Military” of the world’s police? Does it not see the damage done by the Congo War and how it is affecting African countries? War brings about damage to the land, the family, the nation, and more importantly—a significant loss of life. It seems that even though Rwanda is frantically attempting to recover from the harsh killing of 100,000 people in 100 days, there must still be a need for the loss of life. This should not be the case at all. While trying to be the World’s Police, the United States should focus on problems that are indirectly related to them as well. In order to solve a problem and “control” a situation, we must start at the source; the heart of the situation. Africa, the heart of the earth, should not be an unstable body. We should be focusing on how to rebuild Africa and keep it strong. Instead of Rwanda and Uganda trying to build an army, why don’t we step in help Africa as a whole to build a strong education or economic system? The World’s Police should be instilling programs in Africa to aid with the devastating monsters of poverty, disease, and illiteracy just as it is doing in its own country.

Finally The Asian Summit

2004-11-29T23:43:00.000-05:00

Finally The Asian Summit

What Went Wrong With Suu?

2004-11-29T23:42:00.000-05:00

What Went Wrong With Suu?

What Happened To The Minners?

2004-11-29T23:40:00.000-05:00

What Happened To The Minners?

Bird Flu Epidemic Could Be Destructive

2004-11-29T23:39:00.000-05:00

Bird Flu Epidemic Could Be Destructive

Let's Help The Dolphins Across The World

2004-11-29T23:37:00.000-05:00

Let's Help The Dolphins Across The World

Janie's Post: Help from US Would Help Secure Columbia’s Oil

2004-11-29T22:57:00.001-05:00

Columbia’s troops are stretched across four states, but need the help of American forces to help secure and protect its oil sites. Oil is Columbia’s number one export, meaning that most of the country’s money is generated through the exploration of its oil sites. The problem is that Columbia’s military and government has failed to protect the oil sites and have produced unpalatable contracts for potential investors. As a result, Columbia’s oil production has fallen from 830,000 barrels a day in 1999 to 535,000 daily.
Columbia has been one of the top suppliers of crude to the US. It would greatly help Columbia if the US would send troops to secure the sites of this crude. The US could help in many ways, but it is so preoccupied with its own problems. For example, President Bush trained Columbian troops to protect a pipeline for crude, but has not sent American troops to help over in Columbia. Without the help of the US, Columbia will have to decrease taxes, extend contracts, and be desperate in order to gain more exploration and revenue for the country. The US most get involved. In order to be the biggest and the best, and respected by all, the US has to help bring along the other countries, too.

Janie's Post: America may Help Kenya and Others Learn as It Learns

2004-11-29T22:57:00.000-05:00

“In large measure, the idea of free education has gained powerful momentum because politicians in democratizing African nations have found it a great vote-getter. Deepening poverty had meant even small annual school fees - less than an American family would spend on a single fast-food meal - had put education beyond reach for millions.” (nytimes.com)
This article tells of how Kenya decision to abolish fees for primary education has had positive and negative affects on Kenya and its people. Kenya was charging a mere $16 a year for primary education, which is less than what most Americans spend in one day. After abolishing this fee, because parents of Kenya and other places in Africa were struggling to pay it, millions of kids were crowded into the small, undeveloped Kenyan schools. This sounds really good, but it is not good considering the fact that there is a great teacher shortage and most teachers have up to 240 students and barely know the students’ names. As a result, many students are left behind because they are not functioning to the capacity of the group as a whole.
"I was always working and working," she said. "I told myself that the best way to get out of this is to come to school and get an education,” said a 12 year old student of Kenya.
Education is key, but with overcrowded schools and starving kids, learning is hard. America on the other hand have classes that a considered overcrowded if there are over 25 students. Why isn’t America helping? With a few funds to be given to the African and Kenyan school systems, classes will be smaller and food will be more abundant. As a result, kids will learn, grow up to be more successful, and will help end the cycle of poverty.

Janie's Post: Africa is the Land of Diversity and America Should Help Them

2004-11-29T22:56:00.000-05:00

Africa is a place inhibited by humans just as the states of America. Sometimes America tends to get so caught up in its own problems until it forgets to help out the surrounding countries. Uganda is part of Africa and has experienced many difficulties as a result of the Congo war and the attack threats of Kagame.
“Third, a large part of the Rwandan Patriotic Army's (RPA) strength in 1998 owed to the continual training and equipping of the army by sympathetic outside forces, notably the United States military. This support was soon to be officially withdrawn when it was realized in Washington that Rwanda had engaged in a risky effort to overthrow a regime that Rwanda itself was largely responsible for installing in power. In short, in August 1998 it appeared very much as though Kagame had probably bitten off more than he could chew.”
Where is the United States military when you need it most? The powerfulness of our military and army would make it almost effortless to help out Africa. As a result, it seems as if America has no concern with aiding others. The quicker the war is resolved, the quicker Africa and Uganda can go back to being normal. Kids can go back to learning and prices will lower. All of these positives will result from a little American help, so why not get to it?

The Philippines In Trouble? Why Not Provide Aid?

2004-11-29T22:55:00.000-05:00

The Philippines are a wonderful place that strives with a good economy of merchants and loving people. It only seems fair that everyone should have the best doctors. But reality is, no not everyone can be as fortunate as us. They are suffering with a disease in the Philippines known as meningococcemia. It is a deadly disease that packs a deadly punch on the victim. People could be seen wearing surgical masks and defining the days as bad. In the town of Baggio City, the disease has spread hard. Its symptoms, similar to dengue fevers, include chills, headache, neck stiffness, pain in the neck, lower extremities, nausea, vomiting, rashes and seizures. This thing is serious and it attacks the central nervous system and then in 24 hours, the victim dies. We should dedicate an entire work force of doctors and researchers to finding a cure for it right now. We have the money and time to spend. So let’s help these people out. We could definitely pose a great influence on these people by helping to cure the disease. We should set up clinic for the locals to go to and set up advisory about health, to never let this happen again. If we could stop it now we could stop it forever. That is what America needs to do. Prevent deadly diseases from spreading around the world. We don’t need to cure everyone, so let’s prevent everyone from getting these diseases and clear up the area and air. Besides, the Philippines are a wonderful place to go.

Spreading of Disease? Oh No!

2004-11-28T16:36:00.000-05:00

Every American citizen has the right to receive medical aid when needed. When we start worrying about a sickness, whether its a common cold or a fever, we can just go to the nearest hospital, which is never more than 10 minutes away, and receive treatment. Sometimes we take too much advantage of this privilege that this country has provided us. Unfortunately, not everybody in this world have this opportunity. Citizens of the Philippines are going through many struggles due to the spreading of diseases that are hardly cured. Meningococcemia is one of the main diseases that is causing many deaths around this country. Like cancer, its cure have not been founded yet. However, it is more deadly than cancer. When people get meningococcemia, they start experiencing fever, chills, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, rashes, and seizures, and once it reaches the person's nervous system, he or she dies within 24 hours. This disease is spreading very rapidly, killing more and more citizens in the Philippines. We do not want it to spread to other neighboring countries, especially us. Therefore, the United States should provide them a team of doctors to find a cure to this disease or to at least come up with an efficient system that brings less pain to these people and that decreases the pace of its spread; that is, if we truly consider ourselves the world police.

Article for Week of Nov.25(Last Article)

2004-11-21T14:11:00.000-05:00

Disease in Phillipines

Article for Week of Nov. 18

2004-11-18T16:14:00.000-05:00

North Korea

Kashmir in Hope

2004-11-18T16:07:00.000-05:00

The war in Kashmir has torn Southern Asia for decades. A 50 years war between the country of India and the country of Pakistan. After the break up of the British colonial rule over the territory of India and Pakistan, the Hindus and the Muslims saw differences among culture, beliefs, and polices. So the greatest migration of human beings occurred as Muslims went to the newly developed Pakistan, and Hindus migrated to India. Another region, which was created for everyone else, Kashmir, became a battleground against the borders. Kashmir had a Hindu leader, and Muslim people. This leader wished to have Kashmir become apart of the Hindu India. But Pakistan wanted Kashmir for them as well. Both countries have been fighting over this piece of land, and more than 60,000 people have died in this struggle. Troops were deployed left and right to guard the borders from attacks by either side. And still to this day the war continues. As the world moved into the nuclear age, the stakes were raised and both countries became nuclear powers as of 1998. Now threatening with nuclear holocaust, the time for peace needed to be enacted. Though as of present day, India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, has removed troops from the northern region of Kashmir. That is not enough. For both countries to be on equal terms both must cease fire. The UN should not do everything. The US needs to continue peace talks and declare the Kashmir region a “world ground.” Meaning all countries have claim to it, and it would serve as a place global research on new technologies and designs by both Pakistan and India. The differences need to be put aside and hope let to breathe.

What To Do With Kashmir

2004-11-13T03:48:00.000-05:00

More land equals more power and more money. This is one fact that every nation knows. To the northeast of Pakistan and northwest of India, there is a small piece of land called Kashmir, and for the past 15 years, these two countries have been fighting over this land, with more than 40,000 lives being lost. This is not acceptable. Innocent people like us do not deserve to die just because they live in a different location. Recently, the prime minister of India, Manmohan Singh, recognized that the violence in Kashmir have diminished a bit. Therefore, he decided to cut down the number of troops in the northern region of Kashmir. But does this action really prove that India is trying to be as peaceful as possible? More actions leading to peace and harmony between India and Pakistan need to be done, even though they have very different cultures and religions. Instead of just making articles about these kinds of situations, the United States should step in to them and help find a solution leading to accordance between enemies. One suggestion to the world police is that we should arrange a meeting bringing together all the powerful people of both countries and find a solution to the "destiny" of the land of Kashmir because war in this land can not continue. Once again, war is not the solution.

Article For wek of Nov. 11

2004-11-11T14:36:00.000-05:00

Kashmir

War at the Ivory Coast. Once Again Africa in Trouble

2004-11-07T17:44:00.000-05:00

More Civil war and rage in the streets. When will the world realize that violence is not the answer? But with violence brings pain, and pain is something that people fear. Both emotional and physical pain. What must happen? Armageddon? Who knows? I just wish that the US, the highest power in the secular land, could help teach other countries to learn from our mistakes. Our civil war almost tore this country into oblivion. It took divine intervention to stoop it. The Ivory Coast civil war involves the coup from 2002. Not the car but the over throw of government. Warring Africa needs America, and the guidance of other democratic nationals to instill help and wise decisions. If you treat the people fairly, then they won’t see the need to rebel. Thought the cocoa is an extremely valuable product on the west coast of Africa, money is not everything. Once again, America needs to instill better foreign affairs in Africa. Africa is killing itself from the inside. Wouldn’t you help someone if they were drowning? What must it take? Please stop the war, help people, and let’s make a progressive step. The rebels talk about unifying the coast, but how do you unify anything through war? If perhaps they could sit down and delegate to each other the correct steps to peace, then maybe, just maybe war would end. But it doesn’t look good for the Ivory Coast, as the rebels seem extremely passionate in their cause. And when there’s a will there is a way. If only America would step in with diplomacy to help. But once again, mother Africa is ignored.

War Can Not Reunite

2004-11-07T11:30:00.000-05:00

The situation in the Ivory Coast in Africa is similar to the incident of North Korea and South Korea that happened in the 40's. Before the war that broke in Korea, which is what it was called before the war, there was a group of rebels that didn't agree with the rules of the government. They gathered themselves in one area and threatened the Korean government that they would one day get rid of them and start their own one. The government decided that attacking them would be the only way to get rid of their rebellious actions, and therefore, they invaded their properties, treating them as if they were not humans. That is why Korea got divided into two separate countries, with North Korea being communist. It appears that the government of Ivory did not pay attention to the mistake that the Koreans committed for attacking the rebels. Rebels groups in the Ivory Coast are being attacked with bombs and instead of giving up their beliefs, they are feeling even more rage against the government and they want more violence. Like they said after they were bombed by the government, "The war has started again." This can not continue. The Ivory Coast of Africa needs support from us, the United States. With the powers that we have, we have make them stop this stupidity and make them learn that war is not the only way out to freedom from unwanted situations. And the United States should realize soon that they need to help these countries immediately instead of just worrying about ourselves.

Should we consider the U.S. a real world police?

2004-11-06T13:29:00.001-05:00

The United States is a country of wealth and success, and yes, people do see ourselves as a country that helps other countries that are in need. However, what is the true purpose of assisting these nations? Is our job to really help get out of their difficult situations? The answer might be no if we take a look at the oil situation in the country of Colombia. Colombian oil reserves do need help with security due to the attacks from the Marxist rebels, who have been invading their property. However, instead of having the point of view that Colombians need extra assistance with their oil reserves, the U.S. is taking the advantage of their situation to consume oil themselves. This is not an appropriate action for a country that is highly respected to do. We should be a genuine world police, who nourishes and supports foreign nations that are in need without having the expectation of getting something back. We have been blessed with goods that other countries can not have, and we should learn how to share it with no selfishness.

Article for Week of Nov. 4

2004-11-04T14:02:00.000-05:00

Here is the post for this week...

Ivory Coast

Get Off Sucking On the Oil Pipe and Start Helping Countries!

2004-11-04T13:01:00.000-05:00

It is amazing how the US always seems to help in and only if it helps US in a way. Our foreign policy should be changed to unconditional. We should do it because we know it is the right thing, and not have a “donations are appreciated” sign hanging around our neck. In Columbia the terrible coups and other faction dissidents such as Marxists rebels, are warring with each other and targeting the oil reserves of Columbia, so here we come oil thirsty and say that well protect the government of Columbia by protecting their oil reserves. Please, this is not being a savior to their country it is an excuse to take their oil for cheap. It can’t be that even when the rebels are not attacking, that the US still guards the Columbian oil reserves. Unless there is some business under the table, we should not be assisting with open pockets, especially when people are dying. No life is worth an excuse to rake in some goods. Maybe America has paid the rebels to attack the oil reserves so that it would be a good excuse for America to say they will help. I don’t know. America needs to start removing troops from oil reserves in Columbia and start a better democratic foreign policy. Talks with the faction should be made and disputes settled. All this money and time should not be wasted when the US could help from the inside out with guidance and perspective, instead of excuses for an oil pipe.

Article for Discussion Week of Oct. 29

2004-10-29T00:50:00.000-05:00

This article is concerned with the oil situation in Colombia's territory.

Safeguarding Colombia's Oil

America Should Provide Education Not Just Aid

2004-10-26T12:51:00.000-05:00

There should be no finite line between education and money. Education should be available throughout the world. No, in fact…there should be great education provided to all. It is not fair that just because you were born in a different part of the world that you don’t have access to a good education and learning environment. America should be the leader in providing great education for the world. Why shouldn’t the world’s richest superpower give education to others? In the article about schools in Africa, I was appalled at how schools were run. There is no drinking water, the teachers are not top notch, and kids are starving while going to a class that is too over crowded. It is ridiculous that these children should suffer when they should be expounding on arithmetic, books, and social skills. We should ask the United Nations to discuss with the government of the country to provide funds to the schools. An educated world is a better world for all. Schools in Africa look more like day cares. And the kids in poverty will be lost to the streets, being homeless. It is very disturbing to think a life had a chance but no one cared enough, to do something about it, except watch them suffer on TV. Action needs to be taken to raise the children of the world right. America needs to provide for everyone.

Education Must Be Priority #1

2004-10-22T15:26:00.000-05:00

Someone whose friend's father passed away might not know how it feels like to have his or her father dead. This situation can be used as an analogy to the fact that we, Americans, might not realize how it feels like not to be able to earn an education in our childhoods. We were always given the opportunity and the privilege to gain knowledge and discipline without having to worry with our financial situation. This is one of the major factors that makes the United States such a favorable country. However, consideration for children that need to be educated in other countries is needed. Just because they live in another country doesn't mean that we shouldn't bother giving them the same advantage that we have here. We are blessed financially, therefore, we should use this blessing and take the action to go to foreign places and help other human beings. We are not in need for more education; African countries like Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are, even though they already got rid of education fees. The article describes the lack of books and teachers in Kenya. Mrs. Mwanyonyo, one of the few teachers in the country, has a difficult time trying to teach all of her 250 students, who are in turn very dedicated and determined to learn how to read and write, even with no books, pencils, or desks for the students. However, that is not all they lack. Physical energy to study is one of the main problems that is keeping them from being focused. African children get so hungry throughout the day that they barely have the ability to look at the teacher and know what she is saying. If the United States claims to be the world's police, we should find support in Africa now, with books, teachers, and food for the children. Africa needs a future generation to lead their countries, just like the U.S. needs one.

Article for Discussion Week of Oct. 22

2004-10-22T14:19:00.000-05:00

This article looks at the situation that is taking place in the educational field in countries of the continent of Africa. More information can be found in the following website.

In Africa, Free Schools Feed a Different Hunger

Perhaps We Should Look Closer At Africa

2004-10-19T10:04:00.000-05:00

Africa, tends to be the heart of the earth. But many people stray away from topics in Africa simply because Americans feel that Africa is of no importance to them. Perhaps because of demographics, we are separated by an ocean of water. Why shouldn’t we forget about the troubles in Africa. We are doing just fine. But take a deeper look into the mother land. The geographical continent where all humans spawned from. There is war. And with war comes killing, death, and poverty. Rwanda and Uganda have been in economic depression for a long time now. And civil war has brought both down. In an effort to gain power both have struggled on the continent. This article depicts the Ugandan War and how it is their Vietnam. The war has done nothing except depreciate the currency and cause loss of life. Besides that, the country of Rwanda is getting over their genocide, which in 100 days, 100,000 people were slaughtered with machetes. Tribal war between the Titus caused disruption in the country. So what do we do? I suggest that we increase help from the U.N. to hire more teachers, than soldiers over there. We need to get Africa back on its feet and war is not the answer. We should work on better trade regulations there and search for a way to keep peace. Africa has people too, just as we have people here. And no innocent person deserves to die. But Africa seems to have the fate of never being safe. Or free from poverty. We can not change the ideals, but we can show efficiency and how to guide people to doing the right thing. And that starts with teaching and feeding the children the children. Teach them war is not the answer to problems, and that land is not everything.

Peace or War?

2004-10-18T12:46:00.000-05:00

Humans always strive for the better. If they are not satisfied with what they have at the moment, they are always willing to work harder and sacrifice a little more of themselves to receive better compensations in order to have a better way of living. This situation can be revealed in the African countries of Rwanda and Uganda. These nations are currently in a help needed situation where they are going through a civil war due to their poor economic circumstances, and because of this war, these countries are exacerbating instead of reaching the goal they were aiming for before all this conflict started occurring. Lives are being lost, their economy is not becoming any better, and their citizens are losing the hope of being free from suffer and having the way of life that we, Americans, have. The United States, who claims to be the world police, must take a step into this situation in Africa and assist Rwanda and Uganda, directing them to a better style of living and dealing with their business, in which their outcomes define whether they will be successful or not. However, Uganda is in a dilemma. In order to attain better profits, they have to go through war. They are sacrificing their commodities in exchange of desired products. This must come to a halt. They must be taught that this is not the right way to take to have a pleasurable life because it will not always work. They can not always depend on this action. Also, children in these countries must also receive help from the United States by being provided with a good education so that they will run their countries' businesses successfully in the future.

Article For Discussion Week of Oct.15

2004-10-14T14:24:00.000-05:00

Focus on the many waring problems in Africa. For a little background look up the Rwanda genecide. We should help the African continent before more innocent blood be spilled.

Rwanda is the Reason