January 7th

United States

Republicans convene new session in Congress.

Importance: The 112^th 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 54^th 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 9^th 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