Fighting in Libya

Beginning this weekend, the United States and other allied forces have joined together in an effort to protect the rebellious civilians from Colonel Gadhafi and his Libyan forces.  This show of force comes weeks after many of the Libyan citizens began protesting the current government and demanding massive reform.  Their cries for change have been greeted with violence from Gadhafi. 

In early statements Gadhafi has claimed to be a patriot, fighter, revolutionary and a martyr.  He has vowed to burn the country to the ground before he would be willing to give up his reign.  He has held true to his words and continues to promote violence while protecting his power.

While the United States is not the only country committing troops to this action, President Obama’s actions have come under criticism at home.  Congressional members are questioning the president’s authority to commit troops to military actions without congressional approval.  Constitutionally speaking only Congress can declare war.  But is this war or is this military action required to halt an actual or imminent threat to civil liberties?  Presidents throughout our history have called the military to action without congressional approval when facing probable threats to the safety of individuals. 

The War Power Act of 1973 allows the president to utilize military force only when the United States in under attack or once Congress has voted to engage in war.  Every president since Nixon has questioned the War Powers constitutionality.  The president is constitutionally allowed to protect national security and protect and promoted the United States interest in foreign policy situations.

What are your thoughts concerning the United States and military action in Libya?  Do you think President Obama was justified in calling our military forces into action, or should he have asked for congressional approval first?  How would you like to see things end in Libya?

Tragedy in Japan

As people across the United States woke up on March 10, we were informed by the local, national, and cable news channels of the devastating earthquake which shook Japan and created a tsunami which made its way all the way to the coast of California.  The 8.9 earthquake was the fifth largest in recorded history and the biggest to ever shake Japan. 

The initial earthquake struck at 2:45 in the afternoon.  The epicenter was on the northeastern coast of the island nation.  Its effects were felt as far as Tokyo, hundreds of miles away.  The nation not only received substantial damage from the quake, its strength triggered a 23 foot tsunami.  The tsunami wreaked havoc on everything in its path including boats, cars, farmland, highways, airports, and rails. 

Japan continues to feel the aftershocks.  About every fifteen minutes aftershocks, some registering more than 6.0 on the Richter scale, have continued to disrupt the nation.

We are now many days past the event and the bad news continues.  In addition to surmising the devastation, thousands of people are still missing.  The death toll constantly increases as more people and bodies are discovered.  The people are without electricity, shelter, and basic necessities.  If you are lucky and have the means, you can wait upwards of five hour to purchase gasoline.

In addition, there is an ongoing threat of nuclear meltdown.  Japan has invested in nuclear energy to power its nation.  While a reasonable alternative energy source, it comes with concerns.  Those concerns are front and center in the cities across Japan as nuclear meltdowns become a possibility.    There have been multiple explosions within the plants.  The crews have worked diligently to prevent dangerous levels of radiation from being released in the air.

This story is far from over.  The death toll will continue to rise, the tragic tales seem to be endless, and while foreign and domestic aid will be there to help, it will be many years before Japan will be returned to it prominent state.

What have you heard about the earthquake in Japan?  How should the United States help the Japanese people?  What can we do here at St. Joseph’s to aid the people of Japan?

Idaho Education Reform

The most dominating story in our local news has to be the education reform bills proposed by Idaho Superintendent, Tom Luna.  The series of bills are intended to address to stagnant or even declining performance of our state’s school along with looking for ways to address budget issues.  The budget issues not only include reducing the total amount of money spent on education in the state, but further review where is the money best spent.

The highlights of the bill include increase the average class size across the state, reducing the number of teachers by over 700, and increasing the usage of technology in our education system by providing laptops access to high school students and requiring a certain number of classes to be taken on-line.

The proposals have caused uproar from parents, teachers, administrators, and students.  There are many questions about the research, rationale, and benefits from the proposal.  While most public debate has been civil, there have been a few acts of vandalism committed against Tom Luna and his family.  Most recently, high school students have organized walk outs from school to protest the bills.  While the pessimist would say the students left school for the sake of leaving school, the optimist says it is great to see students take an active part in their education.

What have you heard about education reform in Idaho?  What do you think about people’s reactions to the bills including the recent student walkout?  What do like about your education to date?  What do you think could be done differently to enhance your education?

Trouble In Libya

Throughout the week, we have become aware of further political unrest in the African continent.  It seems like the dust has just begun to settle in Egypt when new protests are appearing in Libya.  Unfortunately, the Libyan reaction has been considerably different than the Egyptian response. 

The reaction from the Libyan leader has been defiant and threatening.  Moammar Gadhafi, the Libya leader, has been in charge of Libya for the past 41 years.  He has been linked to terrorist activities along with violations of civil rights of his people amongst other charges of corruption throughout his reign. 

The Libyan people, inspired by the events of Egypt and Tunisia, have decided they want a new leader.  They are no longer going to stand by and accept the cruel and corrupt actions of the government.  Somewhat predictable, Gadhafi has publically admonished the protestors, indirectly encouraged violence against them and has hired mercenaries to help restore his order.  Fighter planes have fired upon civilian protesters while paid military personnel have threatened violence and death to anyone choosing the side against Gadhafi.

Gadhafi has claimed he had not given any orders to fire shots, but when he does he will burn the country to the ground.  He will fill the streets with the blood of the protesters.  He claims to be a fighter, a revolutionary and a willingness to be a martyr before he will give up his control.

The loyal military and mercenaries continue to harass protesters and the United Nations have issued warning to the government about the unwarranted killings of civilians.  At the same time, gas prices have soared to new levels as the speculation of a drawn out civil war and restricted access to Middle Eastern oil reserves heightens.

What is your reaction to the revolutions taking place in Libya, Egypt, and Tunisia?  What is the job of the United Nations?  How should the United Nations respond?   Should the United States do anything to assist the region? Or should we wait for the direction of the United Nations?

Presidents' Day

Monday is President’s Day.  You all will be enjoying an extra day off, possibly recovering from the Hallissey weekend.  Often with our holidays, we take the day but have little knowledge of the history or the significance of the celebration.

The federal holiday is actual called “Washington’s Birthday” and was first celebrated in 1880 in the District of Columbia.   In 1885 in was spread to all federal offices to commemorate our first president.  In 1971 the holiday was moved from Washington’s actual birthday to the third Monday in February as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.  Ironically, with the decision to move to day’s recognition to the third Monday, we will never again celebrate Washington’s Birthday on his birthday of February 22.

In the 1970’s and 1980’s there have been proposals to rename the holiday President’s Day to include the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, February 12, as part of the recognition.  Although never passed at the federal level, as many as a dozen states have revised the holiday to commemorate Abe Lincoln as well as the contributions of all our presidents.

It is important to spend time to recognize those individuals who have sacrificed so much to serve our country as president.  While many have done a mediocre job at best, many more have demonstrated leadership beyond compare, astounding courage, incredible foresight, and a loyalty to our nation and its value which should be respected and emulated. 

Throughout your life, you have had three presidents, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barrack Obama.  In addition, during school you have heard or learned about many more, whether that be George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, or Ronald Reagan. 

Who is your favorite president and why?  Which presidential story inspires you the most?  As a nation should we do more to commemorate the office of the president and the men (and someday women) who have served?

Black History Month

Since 1976, the United States and Canada have recognized February as Black History Month.  The idea to dedicate time to the contributions of African Americans was originated in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson.   His vision was to increase the awareness of people and communities to the significant additions African Americans have made to the overall history of the United States. 

His vision has grown since 1926 to include an entire month where elementary, junior high and high school students take time to learn about notable figures and accomplishments of African Americans.

Black History Month’s annual celebration has come with its fair share of criticism.  From questioning the need to dedicate an entire month to a single race to complaints about the month chosen being the shortest month of the year, the opinions are as varied as they can be outlandish.

Regardless, the idea to educate ourselves about the historical influence countless African Americans have had on our country and communities is with merit.  It is a time to dig past the dates and names to attempt to put you in the shoes of race of people who have struggled to gain an equal footing in the United States. 

Without Black History Month we may be familiar but not as cognizant of the incredible feats of Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglas, or Maya Angelou.  The contributions African Americans have made to the fabric of the United States are without question. 

Throughout the history of the United States which African Americans have inspired you and why?  The person you choose can be as recent as Tiger Woods or as old as Frederick Douglas.  They person can be real or fictional.  Which stories resonate with you?  For example, Rosa Parks or Ruby Bridges.

Egyptian Protests

Over the past few days life in Egypt has been anything but normal.  The people have joined together throughout the major cities to protest the countries oppressive government.  They have chosen to organize and rise up against the 30 year ruler which has limited their democratic privileges and done little to prevent or assist an ever growing poverty stricken population.

The young population initially utilized social networking sites to coordinate protest in Cairo, Suez, and Alexandria.  The government dictatorial regime opted to interrupt the signal to stop cell service, including text messaging, and internet, including social networking sites like facebook. 

Most of the public fighting which has left many dead and many more injured was between the protesters and the police.  The police are taking their orders directly from President Hosni Mubarak.  While the police have been the people’s nemesis the army has shown tremendous restraint.  All attempts to stop the protests have been in vain.  Curfews, police harassment, and suppressed access to communication tools have done little to dissuade the people.  They want the president’s resignation.  

As the protests continue, the United States in is in delicate position.  Politically speaking, the United States has had a good relationship with President Mubarak.  Egypt has been our closest Arab ally and has proven to be a valuable friend to the U.S. as we try to protect Israel.  On the other hand the United States will always stand against oppressive government when the civil liberties of people anywhere are being challenged.  Messages from the State Department and the President are urging the people to protest peacefully and for the government to show restraint.  The U.S. has indicated they are encouraging Egypt to recognize the value of the democratic process. 

The outside fear of the United States is if President Mubarak is forced to resign, who is the next leader to be?  The emergence of an extremist could be far worse than the oppressive dictator of today.

What are your thoughts about what is happening in Egypt?  What are your thoughts about the government’s suppression of cell service and internet access?  What, if anything, should the United States government do?