United States
Illinois Supreme Court allows Rahm Emanuel to remain on Chicago mayoral ballet.
Significance: After typical political games that ended up with the temporary removal of Emanuel from the candidacy, a lengthy litigation that disputed Emanuel’s Chicago residency came to an end. The former White House Chief of Staff has succeeded in remaining on the ballot after several close calls. Because of the proximity of the decision to the election date, it almost cost taxpayers countless money on reprinting and correcting ballots. Polls showed Emanuel with clear leads.
Massive snowfall breaks records in the Northeast.
Significance: New York has received their highest amount of snow in January on record (almost half a meter). President Obama had cut his trip short, yet was still unavoidably detained in traffic for hours because of the white out.
International
Riots slowly get out of control in Egypt and other Arab countries.
Significance: The attempt of several Arab peoples to break away from the oppressive shackles that hold them in place may be in vain. There have been at least one thousand arrested and several dead in Egypt while their government remains in control. Hosni Mubarak, Egyptian President, raised military salaries so that the army remains loyal. The Muslim Brotherhood has orchestrated many of the demonstrations throughout the Arab world. Essentially, this is a terrorist organization in all but official recognition. It is considered a political movement throughout the region, but few other movements are responsible for massacres, Nazi-affiliations during the Second World War, and attempts at imposing Sharia law wherever they go. On the surface, it would appear that a democratic process was taking hold (even according to President Obama), but in actuality, it is uncertain. Next Arab country to look at will be Yemen. With Al Qaeda bases, insurrections and civil strife, and military conflict on the borders, recent protests will likely bring down the US-backed government.
U.N. official in charge of Human Rights denies Al Qaeda involvement in 9/11 attacks.
Significance: The guilty party, Richard Falk, is a permanent investigator on “Israel’s violations of the principles of international law”, which by itself is a bias council since it only looks at Israeli violations and not Palestinian. This is another example of the laughable existence of the United Nations. Though Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has condemned the remarks, Falk remains in his position.
Important gay activist in Uganda beaten to death.
Significance: David Kato, a campaigner for gay rights in Kampala, was beaten to death after a newspaper published his name and address for being a homosexual. Uganda, a Christian nation, has seen a surge of anti-homosexuality since several American Evangelical preachers came to spread their religious myths. In 2009, there was an attempt to pass a severe anti-homosexuality bill to replace the regular punishments. Since the time of Idi Amin, “Iron Bar Killings” (name speaks for itself) have been the preferred method of murder.
Thought of the Day: "The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn” –Emerson
Friday, January 28, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Friday, January 21st
United States
China’s premier, Hu Jintao, visited leading American officials.
Importance: On an official state visit to Washington D.C., President Jintao met with President Obama and other politicians and business leaders. Claiming China had no interest in hegemony, both presidents made a sincere effort to restart American-Chinese relations. Some unresolved issues remain after the visit: Chinese human rights, sovereignty over Taiwan and Tibet, and Chinese currency manipulation. As expected after such a visit that is plagued with economic uncertainty, stocks slightly decreased.
Well over one hundred mobsters arrested in northeastern states.
Importance: Though FBI attention has focused on Islamic terrorism this past decade, organized crime is still powerful in many areas across the U.S. While the many arrests do in fact harm the Italian mafia, they will undoubtedly recover in a matter of time. This has been the largest bust in New York history.
American and United Airlines sue O’Hare International Airport.
Importance: The Chicago-based airport has plans to modernize substantially. The airport, which used to be the busiest in the world until it dropped to 4th place (behind Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles), has legal obligations to notify airlines of any building proposals. Litigation has begun because the companies were not notified and have fears of added costs (that would eventually mean added costs to travelers). The city says it will add jobs.
International
Algerian and Tunisian rioting creates ripple effect throughout the Arab world.
Importance: Unrest in Tunisia continues regardless of the President’s exile. Arab leaders, all oppressive to some extent (some more than others), met to try and solve the problem. Self-immolations have occurred elsewhere in the countries in a sign of solidarity with Tunisians. Small, yet important, protests even appeared in places like Jordan in defiance of the monarchial government. Events such as these have laid the groundwork for democracy in countries such as France in the 18th century and Eastern Europe at the end of the Cold War. We shall see whether the same holds true.
French government minister attacked in Gaza.
Importance: While visiting a hospital, Alliot-Marie found herself surrounded by Palestinian mobs gathered around her. The previous day she called for Red Cross representatives to see the captured Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit who has been in the hands of Hamas for over four years. Shalit, who was only 19 at the time, holds dual French-Israeli citizenship. Alliot-Marie only had her personal security guards to protect her because Hamas did not send police. She survived but was hurt on her head.
South Korean navy and commandos storm pirate ship.
Importance: The pirates captured a South Korean trading ship, one of eight, for a ransom. Instead, South Korea attacked. 21 pirates were killed and five others were captured. 21 sailors who were captured were released. The other ships were only released after ransom was paid. The South Korean government said it never negotiates with pirates. It is a reminder to the problems that still lay off the Horn of Africa.
Thought of the Day: "I know what I have given you. I do not know what you have received.” –Antonio Porchia
Friday, January 14, 2011
January 14th
United States
Higher tax hikes welcome the New Year in Illinois.
Importance: The inability of Illinois to reverse the 13 billion dollar debt it has is leading towards much higher taxes for those who live in the Land of Lincoln. Among other types of taxes, state income taxes are jumping from 3% to 5%. It is a large jump, but Illinois still remains on the much lower side of the spectrum. California, for example, has income taxes of 9.55%. Though this can surely hurt a weak economy, it may be the only final option for lawmakers who are responsible for sinking another U.S. state. California, we know how you feel.
Stricter gun laws are debated in the aftermath of the Arizona shooting.
Importance: The shooting that left six dead and about a dozen wounded, including the representative Gabrielle Giffords, has aroused the old debate about the rights of gun ownership. After most tragedies, gun sales increase and this time was no different. Whether anything would change nationally is debatable, while locally in Arizona not a whole lot.
International
Massive flooding strikes around the world.
Importance: Flooding, encompassing an area the size of France and Germany combined, devastated Australia this week without any solutions quite yet. Almost 500 dead in Brazil while around one million evacuated from their homes in Sri Lanka. The massive floods, big snowstorms, and wild weather overall may be partially to do with global warming. 2010 was the wettest year yet, while this past decade was much warmer than usual. Though the earth has normal cycles of warming and cooling, not all scientists can agree on which has had the stronger impact.
Both the North African countries of Algeria and Tunisia face heavy rioting.
Importance: The former colonies of France and ancient lands of Carthage have seen very similar protests breaking out over many similar problems. Though both countries have many things in common, (shared border, unemployment, demographic woes, pathetic governments, and an Arab background) these riots are not related. Dozens have died so far, and since the entire Arab world essentially shares the same traits of oppressive governments and suffering people, this may lead to further civil unrest in other countries.
Lebanese government collapses as ministers leave.
Importance: Hezbollah, the terrorist-organization that is funded by Iran, has toppled the Lebanese government because of their involvement with a UN tribunal into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The terrorist organization does not want its followers to learn that they are responsible for the murder of Hariri. Hezbollah was sharing power in the Lebanese government. The region is now facing uncertainty as a return to sectarian violence nears. Western countries, such as Israel and the United States, are eyeing to make sure Hezbollah does not instigate a coup d’état; If so, a possible war may erupt.
Thought of the Day: Penguins can convert salt water into fresh water. They have a gland that filters out the salt, and after consuming the remaining liquid they discard the salt.
Higher tax hikes welcome the New Year in Illinois.
Importance: The inability of Illinois to reverse the 13 billion dollar debt it has is leading towards much higher taxes for those who live in the Land of Lincoln. Among other types of taxes, state income taxes are jumping from 3% to 5%. It is a large jump, but Illinois still remains on the much lower side of the spectrum. California, for example, has income taxes of 9.55%. Though this can surely hurt a weak economy, it may be the only final option for lawmakers who are responsible for sinking another U.S. state. California, we know how you feel.
Stricter gun laws are debated in the aftermath of the Arizona shooting.
Importance: The shooting that left six dead and about a dozen wounded, including the representative Gabrielle Giffords, has aroused the old debate about the rights of gun ownership. After most tragedies, gun sales increase and this time was no different. Whether anything would change nationally is debatable, while locally in Arizona not a whole lot.
International
Massive flooding strikes around the world.
Importance: Flooding, encompassing an area the size of France and Germany combined, devastated Australia this week without any solutions quite yet. Almost 500 dead in Brazil while around one million evacuated from their homes in Sri Lanka. The massive floods, big snowstorms, and wild weather overall may be partially to do with global warming. 2010 was the wettest year yet, while this past decade was much warmer than usual. Though the earth has normal cycles of warming and cooling, not all scientists can agree on which has had the stronger impact.
Both the North African countries of Algeria and Tunisia face heavy rioting.
Importance: The former colonies of France and ancient lands of Carthage have seen very similar protests breaking out over many similar problems. Though both countries have many things in common, (shared border, unemployment, demographic woes, pathetic governments, and an Arab background) these riots are not related. Dozens have died so far, and since the entire Arab world essentially shares the same traits of oppressive governments and suffering people, this may lead to further civil unrest in other countries.
Lebanese government collapses as ministers leave.
Importance: Hezbollah, the terrorist-organization that is funded by Iran, has toppled the Lebanese government because of their involvement with a UN tribunal into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The terrorist organization does not want its followers to learn that they are responsible for the murder of Hariri. Hezbollah was sharing power in the Lebanese government. The region is now facing uncertainty as a return to sectarian violence nears. Western countries, such as Israel and the United States, are eyeing to make sure Hezbollah does not instigate a coup d’état; If so, a possible war may erupt.
Thought of the Day: Penguins can convert salt water into fresh water. They have a gland that filters out the salt, and after consuming the remaining liquid they discard the salt.
Friday, January 7, 2011
January 7th
United States
Republicans convene new session in Congress.
Importance: The 112th Congress was sworn in after a long wait since midterm elections. Many things to possibly expect would be a possible repeal of the HealthCare Reform, investigations into Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, or nothing at all since the Democrats control the Senate while the Republicans control the House.
A string of mass animal deaths occurred.
Importance: Though one or two are well-known in the United States (such as the bird deaths in Arkanas), dozens of examples were seen all across the world. From Texas birds, to Florida fish, and England crabs are some examples. Many different types of animals in many different parts of the world died en masse. Some died from manmade reasons, such as buildings and fireworks. Others died from natural causes such as temperature shifts. Many people have tried to tie all of these deaths into some apocalyptic event when in reality these sort of things happen frequently.
William Daley appointed new White House Chief of Staff.
Importance: Another Chicagoan was named to replace the Interim Chief of Staff after Rahm Emanuel’s departure to run for Chicago mayor. Daley was, for a period, the Commerce Secretary. In addition, President Obama will be replacing his senior aide, David Axelrod, and his spokesman, Robert Gibbs, because both are returning to Chicago to help prepare Obama’s reelection bid.
International
The Ivorian political deadlock may get violent.
Importance: The disputed elections in the Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) are beginning to resemble the Great Schism in 1387 A.D. when there were two popes claiming to be the rightful leaders. Both so-called “presidents”, Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane and Ouattara, have said civil war can be avoided. Amusing statements considering violence has already broken out with their help. Also amusing considering they were both at the forefront of the civil war that devastated the country this past decade. Unfortunately, the Ivoirians lead western Africa as having one of the best economies and most stable country. Stable, considering the UN has been patrolling the border between the Muslim north and Christian south. It has a good economy thanks to the large production of cocoa. In fact, the tension has resulted in chocolate prices to increase throughout the world. If war breaks out, it will increase even more dramatically. Perhaps it is time to stock up on something sweet.
Southern Sudan prepares to become the 54th African country.
Importance: Africa’s largest country will have elections, as set by the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that was the only thing that ended decades of civil war thanks to the efforts of former-President Bush, on the 9th of January. The Christian south will almost entirely vote for independence while the Arab-Muslim government in Khartoum promised to respect the decision of the elections. Considering that they are a government responsible for war crimes in the western regions of Sudan (Darfur), peace may not prevail this week. Keep in mind, the conflict in the south is distinct from the conflict in Darfur.
Thought of the Week: “What you are shouts so loudly in my ears I cannot hear what you say” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
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