Blog # 8: Poverty

Poverty is one of the biggest issues in the world now, effecting as much as 80% of the worlds population. The biggest impact of poverty hits developing countries that dont have enough income to support a higher state of living. I feel that the wealthier countries such as Canada and the United states should ease the suffering by providing more support in as many ways possible. These countries could give some money to start improving education, and health care to start building the countries infrastructure up. As well as sending volunteers to help with creating water systems, building housing, and supplying materials for education and proper living such as clothes etc... As well i feel that the wealthiest people who are fortunate to live comfortably should feel obligated in a way to donate to charities, and even volunteer themselves to make a difference in these countries. If all the wealthier people in the world contributed to improving third world countries, they could have a huge impact on changing the way of life and poverty rates, especially with organisations that offer fresh water or food for prices such as $50. If these people just donated even 5% of their wealth they could change the lives of many people. 

blog #7: Israeli Settlement building

I disagree with Israelis decision to resume the settlement building in the E1 zone because i feel they are pushing they're limits. Israel has continually talked about how they need support in fighting off iran and the Palestine's but this building is just heating up tension between the two. They are building on land that has been previously off limits because it would damage a future Palestinian state contiguity which is the reason behind increased tension on this issue. Many countries including the U.S have stated how they do not agree with israelis decision to do this, which could mean a loss of support for them. It seems to me as if Israel is doing this just to disrupt things, which in conclusion is the reason i disagree with the continuation of the settlement building. 

blog #6: Connecticut School Shooting

I feel that this issue tells us just as much the problem with gun laws in our society as much as violence. This is not the first time there has been a shooting like this, and its time to adjust these laws. The availability of guns in the U.S has become a huge problem, the law was put in place for protection but people are using the weapons for more than just personal protection. The mother of the guy who shot up the school owned 5 guns, including semi automatic weapons. Why does someone need semi automatic weapons let alone 5 to protect themselves? I think this event has taught us that its time to adjust our gun laws and try to start restricting the availability of these guns. Because  the availability of these weapons is what is leading to the huge amounts of violence taking place in society. 

blog #5: World Issues Conference

For one of the first years running this conference i felt that it was pretty successful. I found that depending on the group of students the presentation changed. Some groups were extremely involved and there was great group discussions, were as with other groups they were extremely shy and it relied to much on the group leaders. As well when it came to the gap minder activities i felt that a bit better preparation would be better, as with my group we ran out of things to do with our group and were left with a bunch of time to kill. Overall i feel that this conference was good and with a few adjustments and a bit more organisation this could be a huge success in years to come.

Blog #4 : Income vs. fertility

In the comparison of income (dependent) vs. fertility(independent), there is a strong negative relationship. In countries with lower incomes like Niger where the average income is around $668, they are averaging 7 children per household. While as in countries with a higher income such as Macao which has an average income of $ 88,084, there average kids per household is 1.1. There could be a variety of reasons for this such as with greater incomes, there is more money for proper protection, and birth control options. As with lower income families they cannot afford the pill or condoms so the rates therefore are higher. In addition, countries with lower average incomes are not exposed to as much societal education (women's rights, birth control options, etc.) and with thus yield a larger average percentage of children born. Final impact could be that women are empowered in higher income societies, therefore they have a jobs, and are earning income meaning they dont have as much time.

post #3: U.S election

If I were a voting American in the upcoming election, I would choose the incumbent Barack Obama. I would vote for him due to his idea to improve the odds for minorities, because I feel the main issue that has to resolve in this election is the economy. He has been working on a slow recovery that takes time and taking him out before he fully implements such will do more harm than good. As well his platform revolves around compromise, meaning that if everyone works together on the economy to get it back and running, it ill be the most efficient way to get not only America but the international community out of this economic drought.In conclusion, i feel that Barack Obama is the best choice not only for the economy, but for the overall success of america. 

Post #2: Impact of U.S Ambassadors death on Arab Spring

It is still unknown who was in fact responsible for the attack on Mr. Stevens the U.S ambassador in Libya. But, serves as a reminder that the change that is trying to be reinforced is not done without risk. The previous reports on the Arab spring had never mentioned how violent and radical the extremists had become. Furthermore, since the fall of Gaddafi the militias have been able to run free, turning into bunches of thugs doing harm without reasoning. The death of Chris Stevens could mean an act of retaliation could come from the U.S. Or due to the dangerous that are now apparent they could begin to withdraw their enforcements within the Arab spring. As far as in the Arab spring, it seems that the birth of more extremists and hatred is becoming to be a theme, and hasn’t been shown if the Libyan authorities can stop them. Which leads to doubt in the U.S mind that the Libyan authorities will be able to stop/ do anything if another attack is brought upon United States forces.