By Daniel DeMarco |Staff Writer|
Oct 18:
UN Security Council seat rejected by Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN security council and the country rejected the seat, according to Aljazeera. Saudi Arabia attributes the decision to the Security Council’s failure in carrying out duties to resolve the Syrian civil war or punish the Syrian president’s regime.
Oct 19:
3,000 miles of Dead Ocean
According to ENENews, a man sailed across the Pacific Ocean from Osaka, Japan to San Francisco, where the sailor described the sea as “dead.” He reported seeing hardly any wild life, but instead saw “garbage in astounding volumes.” “After we left Japan, it felt as if the ocean itself was dead. Nothing alive for over 3,000 miles. No longer saw turtles, dolphins, sharks, birds. Saw one whale, it appeared helpless with a big tumor on its head.”
“People need to take into consideration what they do with their trash because, eventually, it is going to ruin our planet. It’s not only contaminating the water but killing the animals as well,” said student Anagabriela Sweeney.
Oct 20:
U.S. resuming Pakistan aid
According to Aljazeera, the U.S. government plans on releasing about $1.6 billion in economic and military aid that the U.S. had withheld from Pakistan for over two years. The reason for the withholding was rooted in the raid which resulted in the death of Osama Bin Laden who was hiding in Pakistan at the time, and various airstrikes which killed Pakistani soldiers.
Student Stephanie Ellent asked, “This doesn’t make any sense. We just had our government shut down because we are in debt, and now we can afford to give another country over a billion and a half dollars?”
Oct 21:
Slavery still a worldwide issue
According to the Huffington Post, a report was released recently estimating that almost 30 million people are living in today’s world as slaves. The organization who compiled the report defines slavery as human trafficking, debt bondage, and forced marriage. The report shows over 3/4 of enslaved are located in various countries throughout Asia and Africa.
“I think that’s disgusting to know how little progress we have made as humans. Slavery should be a stain in history by now, not making headlines,” said student Mercedes Wimberly.
Oct 22:
Human rights groups say U.S. drone program violates international law
Human rights groups have reviewed many recent drone attacks in the Middle East, and have concluded that the majority breach international laws. The deaths of civilians and/or unjustified targets as a result of these strikes are the concern of the human rights group.
“I’m not so sure that the drone program can be considered useful if more innocent people are dying from it than those guilty [of unlawful conduct],” said Enrique Wilson, a San Bernardino Valley College student. SBVC
Syrian war shows trouble in attempts for peace
A proposed peace conference will be delayed because the Syrian opposition made it a demand that the current president, Bashar al-Assad, be removed from power. Bashar al-Assad had made it clear that he will not abide by demands of his resigning.
Oct 23:
China announces emergency measures due to air pollution
According to CNN, Chinese Officials announced emergency measures in wake of the consistent heavy pollution; such as factory closures, bans on cars entering the city. The smog has become so bad at times, it has led to temporary closing of airports, schools, and businesses.
“People should be paying attention to this,” said Kamilah Mcneill, a San Bernardino Valley College student. “I’m not so sure that we [U.S.] are far from having these same problems with air pollution where things start becoming drastic,” continued Mcneill.
Oct 24:
Two U.S. sailors captured by pirates off Nigeria coast
American defense and security sources have reported an oil-supply ship being attacked early Wednesday off of the Nigerian coast. The ship’s captain and chief engineer, both U.S. citizens, were captured by the pirates.
Student Roger Hansen said, “These incidents are happening so often. It really doesn’t surprise me anymore. If they don’t start taking more measures to protect the ships, the ships will keep getting attacked.”
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