Post #8: What Role Should the Wealthy Nations of the World, like Canada and the United States, Play in Easing the Suffering of the World's Poorest People? What Responsibility do the Wealthiest People Have in Tackling Global Poverty?

Wealthy nations play a difficult role in easing the suffering of the world’s poorest people. If Canada and the United States were to simply provide monetary relief to those who are starving and poverty-stricken they could provide momentary aid, however, would not reverse the cycle in the long run. To truly relieve those who are suffering from poverty the wealthy nations must target the root of the problem and attempt to get the poorest nations on par with North American standards. In complete honesty, I do not know nor understand the root cause of poverty. It’s a mystery to me how the wealthiest nations, such as Canada and the United States, have advanced to where we are today, while leaving behind developing countries such as Zimbabwe. Disparity is the most significant factor leading to poverty, in my opinion, and the only way to reduce the cycle of poverty is to decrease disparity. In order for the gap between the richest and the poorest to shrink, the wealthiest must trade their qualities of greed for selflessness and generosity. If Canadians and Americans both experienced a change in state of mind from one of power-hungry, technology-obsessed, workaholics, to focusing on the needs of others, substantial improvements could be made. In the words of Marc Kielburger, “it’s not just our right as fortunate youth, it’s our responsibility to take action.” 

Post #7: Israeli Settlement Building- Do You Agree With Israel's Decision to Resume Settlement Building in the E1 Zone? Why?

I believe that nothing but conflict can come from resuming the settlement building in the E1 Zone. Not only does this Israeli decision negatively impact the Palestinians, but also, the rest of the world. A large amount of international pressure has been directed at interfering with the Israelis decision to resume settlement.  The reason for this support and interference is that the United States and European Union are allies to the Palestinians, therefore, protect them in all opinions they hold. The Palestinians are agitated by the argumentative construction of the E1 Zone because, in doing so, the Jewish will be isolated while somewhat obtaining power over Jerusalem. In addition, resuming settlement would mean disloyalty to the truce developed in order to prevent this act from occurring. If the E1 Zone is developed the Palestinians will experience increased travel time between the north of Jerusalem and the south of Bethlehem, which can only spark further conflict regarding which nation deserves easy access to these areas. Issues resulting from this settlement have already begun to take place, as Palestinians have attempted to gain control of their own village, which they called Bab al-Shams, however their protests led to forced evacuation. This settlement is controversial for a reason, as it would spark future conflicts between the already conflicting Muslim and Jewish people. 

Post #6: Connecticut School Shooting- What Does This Event Teach us About Violence in Society?

On December 14, 2012, 20 children and 6 teachers from Sandy Hook elementary school were shot dead in a horrifying tragedy known as the Connecticut school shooting. The perpetrator of these violent attacks was a man named Adam Lanza, 52, who shot and killed his Mother as well as himself during this same day.  Something to be noted about violence in our society is that it can come about almost meaninglessly. There is undoubtedly violence throughout our society, but there is often void reasoning behind these events. For example, it’s not known for sure what Adam Lanza’s motive was leading up to the school shooting, but some believe it to be a result of his Mother “loving the children at her school more than him.” Adam Lanza’s Mother was an employee at Sandy Hook. Another interesting aspect of violence in our community is that even in times that could potentially diminish one’s faith in humanity, total faith can never be lost. For instance, the teachers that were killed during the school shooting were all trying to protect their children. One teacher, Rachel D’Avino, reported to have died shielding a student whom she had only known for one week. Therefore, whenever a violent event occurs that could lead to a loss of faith, another event of the opposite effect will occur in order to restore this faith. Thirdly, another controversial aspect of this case is whether or not violent video games had an effect. Violent video games can, of course, increase violence in those who are already violence-prone and would already potentially initiate a shooting. However, it cannot be proved that video games can be held responsible for any violence in society. Finally, after a month has passed there are Youtube videos circulating titled “Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting was a Hoax!” Perhaps a strategy for coping with violence in society is denial, but the Connecticut shooting evidently occurred and denying so would be pointless.