Post #5: My Experiences at the World Issues Confrence

 The world issues conference may have been interpreted several different ways depending on the group that students were placed in, however my experience was a very positive one. The initial presentation by Marc Kielburger was passionate, impacting, inspiring and full of excitement. Overall, it was a fantastic and positive way to begin the day.  The two grade 8 students presenting during our seminar were extremely prepared, and well aware of the issues in Somalia. As a result of the engaging manner the issues of Somalia were portrayed in, the presentation as a whole was comprehensive and attention grasping. These grade 8’s offered YouTube videos, quizzes, and debates with candy rewards in order to get the audience involved and concerned about the issue, rather than just stating facts. By providing photos and videos the presenters were also able to make the issue relatable, really bringing people’s emotion and compassion for the less fortunate to light. Secondly, I took part in the Right to Play session, informing kids about issues such as malaria, HIV, and the day-to-day struggles militia may bring to less fortunate countries.  By teaching kids valuable lessons through playing with their friends and staying active, maintaining attention came easily. At the end of each game the facilitators would inform the students of the reality of each game, as well as how it’s applicable to the struggles of the less fortunate. In conclusion, the World Issues Conference is a great way to get students, whether grade 8’s or grade 12’s, more passionate about these issues that we study simply in the classroom. The World Issues Conference causes everyone involved to take a different stance on the issues of the world; what’s your solution?  

Post #4: The Relationship Between Income/Person and Infant Mortality Rates

Gap minder makes it evident that there is an inverse relationship between income per person and infant mortality rates. This graph shows that as income increases, infant mortality rates decrease. When families and countries as a whole have more money to spend on things like health care, proper tools for giving birth, as well as sanitary hospitals these children will live longer as a result. This is a concern because in less developed countries where income rates are not as high, infant mortality rates are significantly high. For this reason, families in these more poor countries will have more children as they are anticipating some of their children to not make it into adulthood. This could lead to lower female life expectancies in less developed countries because the amount of children they are bearing will eventually take a toll on their bodies. 

www.bit.ly/QuYe3A : link to graph 

Post #3: Who I Would Vote in American Election and Why

If I were a citizen of the United States, I would be voting in favour of the democratic candidate, Barack Obama, for several reasons. First, and most importantly in my opinion, because of his efforts to legalize same-sex marriage and abortion rights. The republican party, Mitt Romney, supports a 
constitutional amendment which defines marriage as the union between one man and one woman. Whereas, President Obama stands by his advocacy for equality throughout America, in both same-sex marriage and abortion. By legalizing abortion, the stress for a woman's right to make her own decisions regarding her pregnancy is voiced. The democratic party platforms states, "Abortion is a personal decision, government should not get in the way." I feel strongly about this issue, as I support equality for all people. Secondly, Barack Obama has promised tax cuts for the 98% of families who make less than $250, 000 a year, which saved these typical families about $3600 during his first term. President Barack Obama is "for the people," as he would grant citizens both equality, and attempt to save them money in any way that he can. Thirdly, Mitt Romney has a firm belief that no forgiveness should be given to anyone who intentionally violates immigration laws, regardless of how long these illegal immigrants may have been situated peacefully in the United States. Barack Obama plans to stop the problem of illegal immigration in a much more civil manner, he will ensure that illegal immigrants come out of the shadows and require them to pay taxes, and learn english in order to work toward citizenship. In this manner, he will introduce a visa system that meets the economic needs of America, while keeping these families together and enforcing the law. Finally, Barack Obama's plan to improve medicare seems far more efficient than Mitt Romney's. Obama plans to introduce new benefits, fight fraud, and improve care for patients. It is estimated that over 10 years his new medicare law will save the average medicare receiver $4200.  Since Barack is such a strong supporter of equality, he does not wish to make health care any more easily accessible for one class as opposed to others. Mitt Romney plans to stop this same health care dilemma by introducing something similar to food stamps for health care, allowing poor families to receive health care more easily than any other class. In conclusion, I would vote for Barack Obama as I support his values, and believe that his means of solving the problems America is facing are more efficient than Mitt Romney's. 

Post #2: How the Death of American's Ambassador to Lybia Impacts the Arab Spring Movement

Last week the U.S ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens, was murdered allegedly by the Al Qaeda terrorist group within Libya. America is a very powerful, and wealthy country, which, like Canada, acts as a peacekeeper within less fortunate countries. America makes allies with countries who may need their help and support in times of hardship. Therefore, when Libya needed assistance in the liberation of Libyans, the United States were there to offer their support. With this support, Libya was able to rise against a dictatorship that held both the country, and its people captive. And for what compensation? The United States is, of course, not pleased with the fate of their ambassador, leading to a harshened Libya-American alliance. This has a vast impact on the Arab Spring Movement because after the death of the American ambassador, the United States will be deterred from the assistance in present conflicts within Libya, as well as elsewhere. For example, America will be less likely to support Syria with their present civil war as a result of what has happened in Libya, making it more difficult for these countries to resolve their issues on their own. On top of this, the United States will undoubtedly work with the Libyan government to put to justice the killers of their men. This could be viewed as a positive side of the attack because if the murderers are from the Al Qaeda group that is suspected, Libya will be rid of these terrorists. 

Post #1: The most important issue in my opinion and why

In my opinion the most important issue facing the world today is it's current environmental condition. As a result of the constantly thinning ozone layer we have developed increasing issues with cancer as well as the melting of the Arctic. This is causing deaths of not only humans but also the possible extinctions of polar bears and other Arctic animals. With all of the luxuries Canadians, as well as most of the world, have access to nowadays, pollution is becoming an increasing concern. Factories, car fumes, and electricity consume much of the average Canadian's lives, and this is apparent through our environment.  Although war, poverty, and the economy are all hugely important issues in our society, environmental is the most important to me because without our environment we have nothing. Most people don't take as great of a concern to the death or even extinction of animals, compared to wars and diseases that are killing millions of people. However, considering the fact that humans need other animals in order to survive and sustain the balance of the Earth, the death of animals affect us too. For example, there has been a decreasing amount of bees in the following year, which most people would probably not be aware of, or care about. Unfortunately, humans rely on bees to pollinate flowers and maintain plant life. Without this, we are unable to live the great lives we life today. Finally, the negative changes in our environment are the largest concern to me because without taking the necessary care to our planet we could wipe out not only our species, but all of them.