Apr 02

Spotlight on North Korea

In the past few weeks, the Middle East and Europe have been the dominant geographic regions marking headlines across the media.  A majority of people have been tracking the economic situation in Cyprus, the continuing violence in Syria, and President Obama’s recent trip to Israel.  However, it is rather astonishing that the media spotlight has barely honed in on North Korea.  The hostile Communist nation has placed its missiles and artillery units “on highest alert,” and made several threats to attack South Korea, mainland United States, and U.S. bases in Hawaii and Guam.  North Korea’s military warnings are, in part, a response to South Korean President Park Guen-hye’s recent speech calling on its neighbor to dismantle its nuclear program.  The speech obviously sparked the criticism and anger of the North Korean military, and the backlash is proving to be dangerous.

Though North Korea has only just put its missiles on high alert, the country has been a ticking time bomb these past few months.  In December North Korea conducted its third nuclear test, an action that prompted the US and South Korea to urge the UN Security Council to impose greater sanctions on the volatile country.  Furthermore, earlier this month the US and South Korea resumed their annual joint military drills.  North Korea claims that the drills are a blatant sign that South Korea, with the help of the US, is planning on attacking its neighbor.  South Korea and the United States have made it clear that the drills are not aggressive, but merely a routine defense strategy warning North Korea to not attack the South.  Despite the fact that North Korea is furious over the drills, the US decided to fly nuclear capable stealth bombers over South Korea this past Thursday.  The idea was to showcase US military prowess, and keep the North from starting a war with America and South Korea.

It is clear that North Korea is angry with the United States, and seemingly the world, but what does it hope to achieve with its rhetoric?  First, the country may simply be trying to state that it has been treated poorly by the United Nations and the world in general.  In fact, North Korea, along with Iran and Syria, opposed a draft of the Arms Trade Treaty, which aims to regulate the global arms trade.   All three countries have been accused of human rights violations, and are bucking under heavy UN sanctions.  By refusing to cooperate in a global arms treaty, the three nations are making it clear that they feel no need to green light treaties which they feel will negatively affect them.  In the case of the arms treaty, all three countries have been hit with arms embargoes, and fear that the treaty will strengthen those embargoes.                                              pb-130312-north-korea-jm-05.photoblog900

Second, which is connected to the first, North Korea may very well be attempting to attempting to open talks with the US and South Korea.  Though it seems as though the North is going backwards with its diplomatic relations, there is a slight chance that it is trying to force the US and the South to give concessions, ask for humanitarian aid, or even call for less sanctions.  However, this may be a difficult line of reasoning since North Korea has cut all telephone communication with South Korea, and has reportedly rejected the armistice that settled the Korean War.

It is difficult to fathom an all out nuclear war in this day and age, but the threats North Korea is spouting seem very real and frightening.  Even if the country is all bluster and no action, the claims should not be taken lightly, and efforts must be made to deal with the issue.  It would be smart of the US to not fuel the flames by flying nuclear capable planes during practice military drills, since the drills themselves anger North Korea.  Furthermore, studies of North Korea’s nuclear program, which has become slightly stronger since 2009, must be conducted in some way.  Perhaps new diplomatic channels should be opened between North and South Korea, with a nation such as China acting as the mediator.  In this way, another country other than the US can get involved in working with the Koreas, and perhaps North Korea will act less hostile.  Of course, nothing can come about if North Korea is unwilling to shed its aggressive cloak, and that scenario is currently a pipe dream.

 

 

 

 

 

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Mar 29

Rhino’s in the dark

 

So far this year, 156 rhinos have been killed in Southern Africa alone. This means that 2 Rhino’s were killed each day of the year so far. These statistics are shocking. Rhino horns sell for around $60 000 per Kilogram or $30 000 per Pound. One full Rhino horn can weigh up to 13.30 Lbs, and Rhino horn per Lb can cost more than Gold, Platinum and cocaine. It is a known fact that at least 90% of Rhino horns, end up in Vietnam.South_Africa_Vietnam The situation is disastrous. Environmentalists have warned that the tipping point, when the Rhino death rate is higher than the birth rate, is fast approaching.

What could possibly be done to remedy the situation? Since the CITES ban on the sale of Rhino horn, which has been in effect for over 30 years, conservation groups and environmental protection agencies have been battling with poachers, dealers and even Governments. They have tirelessly fought to bring the Rhino back from the brink of extinction. Now, the stakes have been raised higher than ever, as the demand for Rhino horn has skyrocketed, to the extent that a single horn can be sold for up to $360 000.

Since the majority of the Rhino population reside in Southern Africa, environmentalists have, rightfully, pressured the South African Government into taking action. This action has led to an increase in arrests and convictions of poachers. However, even this has failed to curtail the poaching for Rhinos.

The South African Minister of environmental affairs wants to legalize the Rhino horn trade. The minister has said that “We have tried everything else, so let’s talk about this solution.”

Benson Okita-Ouma who is a senior scientist, specializing in rhino conservation at the Kenya Wildlife Service, and is a member of Kenya’s Cites delegation, opposes the Ministers views. He has said that while South Africa has spoken about a debate on trade, the debate was not as open as it was being portrayed. “It is being pushed as if it is the only solution.”

04_three-rhinos Has this particular solution been pushed through, because legalizing the trade will give the Government a right to get its share of the pie? Whatever the reason, I personally think that it is a bad idea that will not serve in saving the Rhino.

If the WWF, at any point, considered legalizing the trade in Rhino horn, in order to save the rhino, why have no studies been conduced into this solution? Many say that legalizing the trade would bring an end to the black market. It will increase the Rhino population. It will create conditions where Rhinos are protected. Some say that it would even alleviate poverty, by way of turning potential poachers into legal rhino “Farm workers.”

But the problem I have is that if the trade was legalized, the power over the market will be transferred from organised crime syndicates to the Government, many will jest about seeing no difference between the two. Governments will control the price and the supply. Will all those organized crime syndicates accept this? I don’t think so. They are and have been enjoying large profits, and will not simply give up a portion of it.

From recent data on the number of Rhino deaths, it is blatantly obvious that the authorities cannot effectively police the ban on the Rhino horn trade. This raises another concern. How will the authorities, control the legal trade in Rhino horn, and prevent the illegal trade? It seems like the workload will effectively be doubled.

Corruption is another concern given the large amounts of money involved. So in theory legalizing the trade of Rhino horn may sound attractive, but I don’t believe it will work. article-2161452-04D37AD60000044D-960_634x432

In the late 80’s and early 90’s, Namibia started a program of de-horning rhinos. This was coupled with effective anti-poaching security. This solution worked wonders and yielded positive results. There are, admittedly, problems with this solution as well, but I believe that it is the best option currently available to bring the Rhino out of the dark

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Mar 29

What Has Happened to Immigrant Rights?

I’ve written a lot about immigration as well as prison in my time with the SISGI Group. However, it never occurred to me to discuss the two issues together. Which was a huge oversight on my part. Because they often go hand in hand. Immigrants who are here without proper documentation or have visa issues or any number of other problems will periodically have run ins with the law. However, the experience for citizens vs. non-citizens isblog_immigrantsrights2 DRAMATICALLY different.

Imagine you’ve broken some law. It can be something as minor as speeding in your car or as major as a drug arrest. As a citizen, you know what the next steps will be. You’ll be read your rights, possibly taken to prison and then processed. But you know you know more or less what to expect so whatever happens to you will be predictable. You know you’ll be treated with a certain level of respect and you’re entitled to certain things like a phone call and a lawyer if you request one. You know you won’t be kept in jail or a detention center indefinitely. You won’t just disappear.

Now imagine what that process would be like if you weren’t a citizen. You have no idea what’s going to happen to you. You don’t have the same guarantees under the law. And for all you know you’re never getting out or you’re getting deported immediately. And there’s nothing you can really do to change that. You’re not given the opportunity to call someone. You don’t know what these officials can do to you. You’re essentially powerless and likely terrified. And unfortunately this happens way more often that you would think.

By the numbers:

  • 429,000 immigrants were detained in 2011 alone

  • They spent an average of 10 months in a detention center

  • Approximately 300 immigrants held in detentions centers will be kept in solitary confinement on any given day

  • And half of those are in solitary for 15 days or more (which can lead to mental health issues). Sometimes for up to 75 days.

This should not be happening. Unfortunately, how legal system does not really understand a) how to classify undocumented immigrants and b) what to do with them while they’re trying to figure it out. So people are disappearing into these detention centers where they’re often not given proper treatment. And where little oversight exists for the people in charge. I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t want to be held somewhere at the complete mercy of another person. Any person.

Now I know immigrants are not supposed come here without the correct documentation. But it happens all the time icewhether we like it or not. Whether it’s right or wrong. I’m not trying to pass judgement on that issue one way or the other. But I do want to argue that they should have rights while they’re here. They are still people. They are living in this country. And they deserve to be treated as such. They cannot simply be held indefinitely, without a conviction in what is essentially a prison. Maybe they did commit a crime. And maybe we do need to take action. But that MUST be decided through a legitimate, legal process. People’s civil and human rights simply cannot be brushed aside for any old reason.

Immigration has become a hot button issue in the United States recently. The Obama administration has been working with Congress on an immigration overhaul. I don’t know what exactly will be in it and I don’t know how it will affect the millions of undocumented immigrants in this country. But I do hope it addresses the their lack of rights and the gross misconduct currently taking place in detention centers.

I may not be able to directly affect how that bill plays out. But I will do everything I can to make sure these human rights violations stop. And I hope you will too. So don’t stick your head in the sand. Be aware of the problem and don’t be afraid to talk about it. Let’s stand up for what’s right. Let’s making a lasting difference in the world.

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Mar 25

Tourism in Cuba?

I’ve written a lot about the opening up of Myanmar and Bhutan and their possibilities for sustainable tourism, so today I thought I would look at another isolated country: Cuba.  Travel between the United States and Cuba hasCuba been forbidden since February 8th, 1969, just a few months after the end of the Cuban Missile Crisis.  President Kennedy hoped the travel embargo would send a message to Cuba and the world about the dangers of aligning with the Soviet Union, but now, two decades after the end of the Cold War, people are beginning to question the logic behind the ban.  Granted, Cuba remains a socialist republic and has a rather poor human rights record, but for the United States to continue to completely ban travel to and from Cuba (with a few notable exceptions like journalists, researchers, humanitarian workers, Anthony Bourdain, etc) seems, to some, to be a little extreme.

The US ban on travel certainly hasn’t stopped tourists from flowing into Cuba, as European, Asian, and even North and South American tourists have allowed Cuba to develop a fledgling travel economy.  Visitors can now choose from an array of freshly-scrubbed hotels and new restaurants (though many government owned); quite a changeCuba2 from Cuba just 10 years ago!  Cuba even participated in the most recent Moscow International Travel and Tourism (MITT) Fair as a special guest country, which is no surprise given that Russia remains one of Cuba’s main partners, with over 86,000 Russian tourists having visited Cuba in 2012.  At the MITT Fair, the Cuban Minister Manuel Marrero announced that the Ministry of Tourism plans to continue renovating and improving the country’s hotels and heritage sites in order to draw in more tourists and improve the travel economy.  Clearly, Cuba is working to become a major travel destination, which is no surprise given that tourism is the only real revenue stream Cubans can count on.

There are downsides, though, to increasing tourism in Cuba.  The environment, for one, could suffer greatly from an influx of foreign tourists.  Cuba’s strict laws prevent even locals from entering some areas, thus keeping them pristine and beautiful.  A tourist boom–which seems inevitable if the US were to drop the travel embargo–would encourage the Cuban government to ease restrictions to allow travelers access to these natural paradises, which would then, of course, not be pristine paradises any longer.  Additionally, as some have already noted, the increase in tourism just in the last 10 years has “prettified” some of the traditional Cuban landmarks, like the once-scruffy Dos Hermanos bar where Hemmingway reportedly drank.   The Cuban Ministry of Tourism would have to work hard to ensure that Cuba retains the mystery and natural beauty that makes tourists so eager to visit, or else the tourism would not be sustainable.  Once the draw of visiting a formerly forbidden country wears off, the

Cuba3

cultural heritage sites and beautiful beaches must be enough to encourage future tourism.

Additionally, there is still the issue of human rights abuses and, especially, child sex trafficking.  Investigations have shown that many Canadian, Spanish, and other male tourists regularly visit the island in order to have sex with minors, and the Cuban government has refused to discuss this issue.  The Cold War may no longer be a valid reason to forbid travel to Cuba, but is this?  Let me know what you think in the comments!  Should the travel embargo be removed, or are the human rights abuses still too much?  Can Cuba support sustainable tourism, or will the boom destroy the very areas that draw tourists to Cuba?

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Mar 21

The Homelessness Series: The Pursuit of Happyness

I’m just going to start off with the disclaimer: I love the movie The Pursuit of Happyness. I really do. However, I have one major objection to the film, which I would like to discuss with you.

For those of you who haven’t seen the movie, here’s the SparkNotes version: A man named Chris Gardner invests all of his life-savings into an expensive set of bone-density scanners, which he hopes to sell for great profits to doctors and hospitals. The problem? The scanners are an innovative, yet completely unnecessary expense, which most hospitals don’t want or need. His near-sighted and foolish decision quickly plunges his family into debt, as rent Poster-pursuithappynesschecks, taxes, and numerous other bills all begin to pile up. Before he knows what is happening, his wife has left him, he’s kicked out of his own apartment, and is forced to live on the streets of San Francisco with just a few dollars to his name. Desperate for a steady job, Chris takes on an unpaid internship with Dean Witter with the hopes of earning himself the one (very high-paying) job as a stockbroker with the company at the end of the six month program.

The Pursuit of Happyness resonates so profoundly with viewers because it is the classic rags-to-riches story. Chris Gardner takes the risks. He puts in the long hours. He proves his worth, and (spoiler alert) ends up landing himself the coveted job at Dean Witter. He continues to climb the ladder of success, founding his own investment firm, by the name of Gardner Rich, and eventually sells a minority stake in his brokerage firm in a multi-million dollar deal several years later. It’s the epitome of the American Dream.

Viewers love seeing one man’s journey from the depths of poverty into a self-made businessman. After all, that’s what America’s all about. We’re the land of opportunity. There’s nothing that makes us happier than when people “pull themselves up by their boostraps”, and actually make a name for themself. We’re left inspired. Exhilarated. In awe of Chris’ ingenuity, grit, and determination to do whatever it takes to accomplish his dreams. In the words of one IMBd user:

As I watched him I was inspired greatly! As my wife said “Look at his attitude and the way that he ‘carried’ himself through all of it. He didn’t bring on the feel sorry for me thing.” That truly he would have had every right to disclose his problems, but he simply kept on keeping on, until…. he won!! I think every good American should watch and get inspired by this story. It makes you think and feel, it changes perspective. Bravo Mr. Gardener. Recommended highly. You’ll learn a lot, this story is priceless.

Similar responses were documented in many online reviews of the film. Viewers were taken by Chris’ optimistic spirit and relentless work ethic. Words like “uplifting”, “heartwarming”, and “inspiring” could be found in nearly every review, as viewers were swept away by Chris’ journey.

The problem with stories like Chris’ is that they are often the exception, not the rule. He’s the one in a million, the anomaly, the lucky one who was fortunate enough Continue reading

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Mar 18

Slacktivism is not Activism

 

Social media has become a fact for civil society. The ability to become involved with a social cause is literally at the tip of our fingers. Internet applications such as Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube facilitate the creation and exchange of user-created content on today’s social movements. Hype can be generated on social issues with explosive debates carried out through blogging, or changing one’s status on a facebook page. It gives those who participate in these campaigns an illusion of having a meaningful impact on the world. These types of users of social media hashtag 2are often referred to as slacktivists.

The term Slacktivism as defined by Evgeny Morozov is feel-good online activism that has zero political or social impact. Over the past decade the growth of social media has been impressive.  We believe we are being active, maybe making a difference simply by clicking a button, or adding our name to a petition. Through social media, large numbers of people can sign up, to a campaign without too much being asked of them. This is because social media allows us to connect with any organization with little or no effort.

For instance one year ago, Invisible Children created a 30-minute non-profit video Kony 2012, and generated an unprecedented level of social media buzz. The video demanded the global community capture and send to trial militant leader Joseph Kony, in the International Criminal Court by the end 2012. The record-setting YouTube documentary, fueled an enormous social media phenomenon. While Kony is certainly famous, and perhaps among the most wanted men in the world, he is still at large. Kony 2012 received significant criticism across the web, but the films inherent criticism was its promotion of slacktivism.

hashtag 4Facebook sharers, and twitter supporters of the Invisible Children campaign  were accused of being slacktivists. By tweeting, and adding their name to the Kony 2012 petition they were doing nothing to impact the Invisible Children organization . But does this mean using social media to generate awareness is a bad thing; is it fair to say everyone clicking a button is a slacktivist?

I think it is what we choose to do with social media and the information we receive that indicates whether we are slacktivist. Despite what we think about Kony 2012, there is no denying social media brought awareness to the plight of the Invisible Children. However, this is where our own personal responsibility becomes paramount.

Armed with awareness, it is now our responsibility to seek out the organizations in the afflicted areas that are directly helping the children, women and families after conflict. One such organization is the   International Rescue Committee (IRC) . The IRC has been responding to some of the world’s worst humanitarian crises for years. They have been instrumental in providing health services, safe water, and sanitation for hundreds of thousands of  Ugandans displaced by Joseph kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

In 2002, Uganda’s  Amnesty Commission  designated the  IRC  the lead agency in receiving and reintegrating into society formerly abducted children and young adults. Tens of thousand of children were abducted, turned into soldiers, porters, cooks, or sex slaves. Many were killed or forced to harm or kill others, including their own relatives. The IRC has included many former child soldiers as staff members as  they strive to restart their lives. They also train healthcare workers to provide clinical care to survivors of sexual assault.

Many of the women and girls gave birth to babies as a result of rape and sexual exploitation. IRC mental health workers are also trained to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV. The survivors, even after the conflict, are vulnerable to sexual violence and abuse stigmatized by their peers. The IRC work with local organizations to start innovative telephone hotlines where survivors can call to learn what services are available. They also started short-term loan programs for primary  women to try out business ideas. It is low cost way to provide financial services to the poor in rural areas, where banks are reluctant to invest.

They IRC do not only work in the fields. They are involved in informing politicians and diplomats around the world about the crisis wrought by the LRA.  The members work with policymakers and journalist, and lobby for action on behalf of the victims of the LRA.  In recognition of their work the IRC president George Rupp was invited to the White House as President Obama signed into law the Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009.

Kony 2012 video provided us with information on the plight of the Invisible Children. But, we fell short when we got caught up in the hype of Kony 2012 and didn’t do the necessary research to be effective. Instead of just raising awareness, research the issue and support organizations like the IRC, which make a real difference for the children impacted by the LRA.  If we claim we are concerned and have a desire to help, examine other  charities in the region that are associated with resettling the children, and getting them the aid they need. Seek out organizations that are directly involved in with working with the children at the heart of the crisis. Seek out ways to assist the children, their families and the organizations that work to get them resettled and reunited. It is organizations like the IRC that continue to work with survivors of that era, that deserve our attention and donations.

It is not about social media, or the way in which the message was delivered. It is now about being armed with the information and what we choose to do with it. The next time a cause is flashed across social media. Let us not be accused of being a loud campaign in virtual space.

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Mar 15

Exploring the New Frontier: Space Mining

Growing up, many of you have probably watched Star Trek. Exploration of space was an exciting prospect indeed. What fascinated me though, while watching, was the huge abundance of resources available, such as basic raw materials, energy, even food and water. I remember thinking that if this was actually possible it would solve all of Earth’s problems. Poverty, famine and climate destruction would be a thing of the past.

But is it just science fiction? Space-Economy-Gold-Rush-Planetary-Resources

Years ago I would have said “Yes!” Today I believe that Space Mining is a scientific fact. “It’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” as said by Neil Armstrong. It has been over 50 years now since his words, came crackling from the moon. Major strides, around the subject of Space, have since been taken.

Space mining is real. There are currently two companies gearing up to start with that very endeavor,  a company named Deep Space Industries, and another named Planetary Resources. Both have drawn up accelerated plans to prospect asteroids, and other near Earth objects, with the view of mining in the future. I say accelerated because these companies plan to have their probing done by 2015, and plan to begin mining as early as 2023. This has been further accelerated by NASA and President Obama, who have created a change of focus from the Moon, to near Earth objects, particularly for mining purposes.

These companies are searching primarily for metals. However, water and hydrogen are also a high priority, as these could be used to produce rocket fuel in Space itself, which would further aid exploration activities. A plan currently exists to build a Space fueling station, for that very purpose.

Why Space, what if there nothing to be found? 122057-artist-rendering-of-a-quasar
It is proven that there are a vast number of objects to be found. There are over 9000 asteroid’s viably close to the Earth. The largest body of water has also been found in Space, it has a volume that is 140 trillion times more, than our own oceans. Those numbers are simply astronomical, pardon the pun. Just last month, the asteroid 1012_DA14 measuring a mere 150feet (45m) zoomed passed Earth. It, however, had $65 billion worth of water and $130 billion worth of metals within it. Imagine what the numbers would be for, even a slightly, larger asteroid.

How can this solve our problems, here on Earth?

This for me is the most exciting part, if all these resources are brought to Earth, an unlimited supply would be created. Think back to those stories, told by your parent and grandparents. The ones about how much milk used to cost, or how much they forked out for their cars. Those prices were laughably low. If resources could possibly be brought in from Space, it would bring an end to inflation all together. All that we will be paying for is the means of production. This could eliminate poverty worldwide, as there will be an abundance of water for growing food, and an abundance of metals and other materials for housing. Furthermore, mining on earth would become obsolete, freeing up valuable land, for farming and habitation. This is very possible because of one simple law, the law of supply and demand. A huge supply of a resource, coupled to an equally huge demand, means the price of those resources will drop significantly.

What are costs and legal implications?

Yes, the fact is that the initial costs are high. However like any new means of production, the initial costs will be recovered relatively quickly. Most of the costs will be negated, for the mined resources will also be used in the process of mining itself, for example, powering the Space vehicles and machinery with water and hydrogen from asteroids. The lack of atmosphere in Space also ensures an almost unlimited workable life for machinery and tools. These technologies have already been built and tested, and they stand at the ready.

fuel-miningOn the subject of Laws, new Laws will, eventually, be needed according to Professor Frans Van Der Dunk. However he believes that, the 1967 Exploration of Space treaty Sec 2 which states: No claims of sovereignty can be made by any Country in Space,  will suffice and ensure no legal issues, from the process of mining, and from the process of bringing resources to Earth.

What about deep sea mining, as an alternative?

The main issue with deep sea mining lays in the fact that, the ocean’s resources are completely unknown and undetectable. Resources available from Asteroids and other near Earth objects are presently detectable, measurable and fully known.

Earth is going into a crisis from drastic climate changes. Drastic problems call for drastic solutions. If those solutions lay in Space, then I, resoundingly, say “Go for it!” Considering Mankind’s survival is at stake, I’m sure you would say the same.

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Mar 15

Proof One Person Really Can Make a Difference

It occurred to me the other day that we really ask a lot of the people who read our website. At the end of our posts we always ask you to do something to make a difference or to get involved in some way. And I personally love that about our site. But I know that can be somewhat overwhelming at times. It’s hard to imagine that an average person could change the world in a meaningful way. I know I certainly feel overwhelmed at times. But there has been an amazing story in the news recently highlighting just how muchwhat-gsa one person really can do.

That person is Bayli Silberstein from Orlando, Florida. She is a bisexual 8th grader at Carver Middle School. Bayli is openly bisexual and is attempting to start a Gay Straight Alliance in her school. Unfortunately she has a received a lot of push back from the school itself as well as the Lake County School Board. They know they cannot reasonably deny her request for a club under the current rules, so the School Board is voting soon on new rules that would restrict the number and focus of clubs within the Middle Schools in the district. But rather than accept that, this courageous 8th grader has decided to fight back against the School Board. People throughout her community as well as the ACLU have gathered to support her cause and discourage the School Board from passing the new restrictive laws.

A vote has not yet taken place on the issue. So we don’t know exactly how this situation will playout. But even if Bayli is not successful in creating her club, she has nothing to be ashamed of. Her actions have given voice to so many others who were too afraid and too bullied to speak up. She has brought attention to an issue that many people don’t think to address. And has attempted to create a safe space for ALL the people in her school. Not just certain groups of people. Even if Bayli and her supporters lose this initial vote I’m willing to bet that the new restrictive rules will not stand. Other school boards in Florida have recently allowed GSA clubs in their districts even after initial resistance to it. And the same thing will likely happen with the Lake urlCounty district. So in the end, this one 8th grade girl will have made a difference in her own life, the lives of other LGBT students in her district, and in the lives of LGBT students around the nation.

It’s a shame that we still face issues like these in today’s world. But unfortunately that’s just the reality we live in. But people like Bayli give me hope. She was brave enough to stand up and not accept the status quo. And what’s equally wonderful, people decided to stand up with her. They saw what she was doing was right and decided to support her. We really all can be changemakers. We can have a sustainable impact on society. And Bayli has demonstrated one of the best way to do that. Her GSA club will continue affecting the students at her school long after she graduates. She started the movement but happily it will continue on even without her direct involvement. But she also created an opportunity for other people to make a difference with her. She was the catalyst but this GSA club will happen because of all the people who supported her and the movement they created.

So anytime you start feeling discouraged, just think of Bayli Silberstein. She stood up against injustice. She changed the lives of the people around her. And you can too.

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Mar 07

The NRA, Gun Owners, Advocates for Gun Control: Why Not Work Together?

There is no doubt that that the mass shooting  in Newtown, Conn., has heightened the political debate on gun control in the United States. The Obama-backed gun bills are considered a long shot in Congress. This is due to the opposing views on gun control in congress. One group in Congress is standing behind the National Rifle Association, who believes that arming citizens is the answer. While, gun control advocates are pressing for tighter

Do we need a Get Along Shirt to move the conversation on gun violence?

Do we need a Get Along Shirt to move the conversation on gun violence?

restrictions on firearms.

I agree with the gun-control advocates there should be tighter restrictions not only on gun control  but ammunitions as well. It worries me that the horrific tragedy of Newtown may soon fade from our thoughts without any changes on the issue of gun control. There has to be a way for America to prevent not just what happened in Newtown, but stop all the senseless, random murders. I think one way to begin change, is to reframe the conversation on gun control and create a cultural shift on the issue.

The current language of “gun control” alienates gun owners. Gun owners feel their  Second Amendment rights are being attacked, so they push back. What if gun advocates reframe their language to be “gun safety and working together to save lives.” Wouldn’t this be more appealing to both gun owners and non gun owners? I think reframing the issue from gun control to saving lives, shifts the conversation. The NRA, responsible gun owners, and gun control advocates want to save lives. If this is their common end goal, why not work together?

The implementation of new gun laws, does not guarantee that gun owners will keep their guns under lock and key,NRA blog 1 so that children can’t access them. However, new laws, new language and a joint partnership can change the culture on what is acceptable and responsible gun behavior. The only thing that can really change irresponsible gun behavior is a cultural shift focused on branding and ad campaigns.

For instance, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), through aggressive lobbying and campaigning created a cultural shift on responsible drinking. Behavior that was once acceptable became unacceptable, by encouraging people to participate in safe drinking campaigns. MADD stimulated change with the help of outside groups, ad campaigns and participation in safe drinking campaigns. They were able to bring about a cultural change on the responsibility of drunk driving. No, drunk driving has not been completely eradicated. However, the awareness of driving drunk is now embedded in people’s consciousness. This awareness has incited proactive action in others to prevent friends, family, and even strangers from driving drunk. It is now common for advertising campaigns featuring alcoholic beverages to feature additional information and symbols for safe driving.

These groups working together would demonstrate that changing gun behavior is possible without polarization. They can devise a brand around gun safety, capturing the common voice of the everyone’s desire to “save lives”. Advertisement campaigns can be created that are vividly illustrative and signify the importance, of gun safety and worktogether piecessaving lives. The brand and the ad campaigns should be inclusive and welcoming of all the groups involved. They should especially appeal to the general public’s sense of personal responsibility, public safety, and social responsibility. The catch phrases for a gun safety brand and campaign should be memorable and annoyingly hard to shake. But, at the same time depict images that are extremely creative and inspiring. They can take a page from Anti-smoking ads that are graphic and leave a lasting imprint in ones brain.

These campaigns should be on television, social media, and billboards.  The idea of these groups working together to campaign for gun safety may seem absurd.  But, ask yourself why not? Is it better to hold placards and yell at each other or toy with each other in congress? Responsible gun owners, individuals living in a house with a gun, members of the National Rifle Association and non gun owners should not be afraid of stricter laws, and creating a cultural shift on gun safety.

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Mar 07

The Homelessness Series: “The Game”

There are moments which redefine you. Ones that give you a whole new perspective on yourself, your identity, and the world you live in. Such moments force you to reevaluate your values, your beliefs, and everything you have always taken for granted about your life. Last March, one of those moments happened to me. This is about the time I learned about what it means to be one of the lucky ones. This is about when I realized what it means to be one of the housed.

It happened the first time I slept overnight at the airport. My friends and I had just spent the weekend in Prague, and were about to fly home to where we were living in Milan, Italy for the semester. We decided to stay overnight at the airport because our flight left at 6:55 a.m. the next morning, long before public transportation was up and running in the city of Prague. So around 11 p.m. the night before, we packed up our bags, left the hostel, and headed for Prague Ruzyne Airport. Once we arrived in the main concourse, we found some free seats, threw down our backpacks, and prepared ourselves for the inevitable eight hour wait until boarding time.

prague_city_mapAs expected, boredom greeted me quickly, as the minutes initially seemed to creep by. However, my attention began to shift as airport security started doing rounds around 1 a.m. As I watched in disbelief, security began to kick out everyone who was sleeping near us. They would shake the men, awaken them from their slumber, and point them towards the door. One by one, every single person laying in our area was woken up and directed outside. I sat there confused, struggling to figure out what was going on. I quickly glanced at my friend who was also asleep on the benches, wondering if I should wake her before the security got to her too. What were they going to do to her? Would they wake her too? Fear began to build as security slowly approached. I watched – fixated at the scene which was unfolding right in front of my eyes. My panic subsided as they passed by, without a single glance towards my sleeping friend. What was going on?

In total, airport security ended up clearing out around ten to fifteen men from our area. In each case, security would wake the sleeping men, some words would be exchanged, and then the men would collect their jacket, and maybe a few belongings before heading out the door.  Security hung around our area for about an hour or so after their first walk through, just chatting and passing the time. Eventually though, they headed back to the other side of the main concourse. Less than a minute after security’s departure, three of the men came back through the doors and laid down. Once security returned, they kicked out all the men once again.

The game went on, all night long. The next time, six men returned, then ten the next. Each trodding back in one by one, within mere seconds of security vacating the area. They each seemed to have their own spot, which they claimed time after time. Did they know each other? Did they do this every night? How many nights did this same game go on? It slowly dawned on me that this probably happened every night, at least during the coldest months of winter. The routine simply seemed too comfortable, the timing too perfect.

The men were neither violent nor belligerent each time they were spoken to by security. They would simply gather their belongings and head out the door. Once security was gone, they would head back Continue reading

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