Saturday, July 30, 2022

Nancy Pelosi Intends To Visit Taiwan

 


House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has implied that she will visit Taiwan. This resulted in condemnation from China. The sudden desire to visit indicates a decline in US-China relations. The one China policy acknowledges that the island is a part of the PRC. Doing this visit suggests that America is making preparations for recognizing Taiwan as an independent nation. China's fear is that the island along with South Korea, and Japan could be used a launching sites for military action. The possible visit could have dire consequences. China could in response arm North Korea as a means countering American expansion into Asia. The United States has continued to provide arms to Taiwan despite objections to Beijing. The move is not one of skilled diplomacy. If Taiwan is to be discussed, a visit to Beijing would need to occur first. Risking a large East Asia war could spread to other regions. The speculation is that these actions are the culmination of the pivot to Asia. China must be undermined so that the US can continue to be the sole superpower in the world. The approach to Asian affairs has become reckless over the past three presidential administrations. Instead of creating an atmosphere of trust  and understanding a sentiment of hostility is predominant. 

Friday, July 29, 2022

The Rajapaksas Could Be Losing Their Grip on Power

 


Resignations, protests, and economic crisis is disrupting Sri Lanka. These challenges highlight long term problems the country has faced over the past decades. The Rajapaksas under these conditions might fall from power. Their power is comparable to the Sharifs or Shinawatras. Pakistan and Thailand have powerful political families. The case with both those countries is that they eventually are forced from power. The pattern might be repeating in Sri Lanka. The population does not want a dynasty ruling for decades. That model of political system is only tolerated when material conditions are high. Now Sri Lanka faces inflation and supply shortages. The cost of living has increased dramatically. The Rajapaksas could face criminal charges related to corruption. Gotabaya Rajapaksa the former president, could be charged for graft. More charges could be made related to the civil war, which ended in 2009. The abuse of the Tamils has been given more focus. The war against the Tamil Tigers did result in atrocities that have not been fully investigated. At the moment most of the Rajapaksas remain in the country. If political and economic issue continue to grow, their hold on the system will weaken. The question of war crimes and corruption might force some of the Rajapaksas to flee. Gotabaya left and remains in Singapore. Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned as prime minister, but still remains active in politics. Basil Rajapaksa attempted to escape and was apprehended by immigration authorities at an airport. 

Sunday, July 24, 2022

Viktor Orban Disparages Racial Integration

 


Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated " we are not a mixed race and we do not want to become one either." The Hungarian prime minister articulated this sentiment in a speech at Balvanyos Summer University. This rhetoric is nothing new from his government. Orban has expressed disdain for immigration and non-European peoples. The migration crisis has provided the far-right the ability to gain more political power. Orban has articulated that Europe is being replaced by non-white people. European countries have grappled with various forms of de facto segregation. France and the UK are guilty of this with much of its African, Asian, and Arab populations being marginalized. This also has a religious intolerance dimension with Muslims facing Islamophobia. The only way Europe can have stability is through racial integration. The conservatives of  Hungary rejects this and chose to believe that Hungarians have some form of racial purity. The fixation comes from either fear, hate, or intolerance of  those who are different. The EU does not favor Prime Minister Orban. Much of the criticism directed at him is not due to his racism, rather his alliance with Russia. Hungary did condemn the invasion, but is not willing to break off ties to the Russian Federation. Orban is one of President Vladimir Putin's close allies. Orban's race mixing comment  shows how xenophobic nativist nationalism has become more mainstream. 

Saturday, July 23, 2022

The Appearance of MonkeyPox Virus

 


The World Health Organization has declared MPV a public health concern. This might be an overreaction considering COVID-19 has the ability to be more lethal. The pandemic has not ended and energy should be concentrated on that outbreak. MPV's fatality risk is estimated to about 3 % to 6%. The disease does not have the same potential for a massive public health crisis. The virus is classified as an orthopoxvirus genus and part of the poxviridae family. At the moment there are over 16, 500 cases reported from a total of 74 countries. The virus has a similarity to smallpox, but the degree of severity is lower. The  number of cases is lower than that of COVID-19 so declaring a public health emergency of international concern could be premature. The reasoning is to have proper precaution. However, this can only induce international panic among the world population . The virus can spread through body fluids, contaminated  items, or be respiratory based. The symptoms of the disease include lesions, headaches, fever,  swelling of the lymph nodes, muscle pain, sore throat, and coughing. Seeing as it is infectious enclosed spaces make it easier  to spread. It has been reported a significant number of cases have been reported in gay men who are very sexually active. The fear is that this will be similar to the failed public health response to AIDS. The origin of these outbreaks remains a mystery. The accidental release from gain of function research has been suggested. Other theories is that animals carrying multiple viruses came into contact too much contact with humans. The World Health Organization still has not confirmed origins of the MPV outbreak. 

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Is The World Worth Saving ?

 People concerned about the human condition ask to themselves a rather unpleasant question. The efforts, activism, and various movements are a never ending cycle. The economic, social, and  political crises facing the world appear to be permanent fixtures. Attempts at reform, revolution, or just a state of stability are not attainable. Activists who were trying to reach a goal find themselves still trying to improve society years later. A person who has thought intensely about this comes to a realization. Is the world worth saving ? The thought might be cynical, but it cannot be avoided in conversation. The long fights or struggles just result in another. The opposing view is that this must be done to ensure for a better future. Others dismiss the question stating that the contemporary period is an improvement over the past. Progress can be gained at certain stages and then revert to a more repressive system. The tools that the citizen has are protests, voting, or  armed revolt . Whether it is revolution or reform the political system tends to go back to am oppressive system. The laws that ensure protection are repealed or new barriers are erected. It does not matter if it is an authoritarian regime or a liberal democratic one. Much of the world's problems could be solved with cooperation among nations, economic partnerships, and a devotion to diplomacy. Few nations have a desire to do so. Human behavior prevents much of this from happening. The global political structure does not allow for this to happen. Then it must be acknowledged certain elements humankind cannot control. The ability to destroy civilization has increased significantly and the world wants to accelerate the process. Reformers, revolutionaries, and activists are fighting a war which is futile. The world might not be able to be saved from the economic, social, or political stresses it faces. 

         The majority of the population has not reached a degree of political consciousness for long term change. Even those who comprehend certain problems are not inspired to take action. The citizens will continue to either vote for the same political parties or adhere to the dominant  political ideology. Trying to expose new alternatives is either met with scorn or accusations of fringe beliefs or conspiracy theory. A section of the population might want to see change, but are not willing to contribute what is required to make it happen. Those who support  the establishment o status quo want to actively prevent progress. These people either have a level of privilege or status they do not want to relinquish. Others could be so indoctrinated  that an oppressive system is deemed the natural order. A revolution does not require a large amount of people. Famous revolutions of the past did not have the support of the majority. The American, French, Russian, and Mexican revolutions were not dependent on large numbers. Using certain tactics and raising awareness about their cause brought them to power. Persuasion is the key to success into building political consciousness. The modern movements for political and social change have not been able to do this effectively. What ever the cause, it quickly vanishes becoming nothing more than a  trend. A long lasting ideology and active movement has to materialize for creating a desirable future. The people of the world are either not ready or able to reach a degree of political consciousness to make that possible. Access to information or new ideas can be difficult to get to. This obstacle can be too insuperable to overcome. 

      The presence of   world conflict is never ending. War  destroys society and people. Peace is the only solution to a world coming closer to more perilous conditions. The advocates of  human rights understand why it must be stopped. The majority of the world's population might not favor it on the basis of ethics, the economic costs, or other reasons. Yet, war zones continue to expand. World leaders encourage it by proxy wars, regime change, and intelligence operations. The erroneous assumption was that f there were more democratic governments, war would be less likely. One model of government will never stop conflict. Racial, national, and  religious hatreds are too powerful. The major world powers continue to exploit weaker nations for their own benefit. The desire for endless conflict could bright about the fall of civilization. The efforts of international bodies stopping global conflict are limited. The failure of the United Nations to promote international peace demonstrates how ineffective it can be as an institution. The UN has at times enabled hostility at particular countries. Peacekeepers to an extent are nothing more than an occupying force in war zones. Nations appear to follow policies that ensure humankind's destruction in a distant future. Nuclear weapons and persistent tension among the most powerful nations becomes a growing concern. An international peace movement does not exist to counter these developments. Citizens of various nations either support a war effort out of fear, ignorance, or thinking it is a patriotic duty. If war is ever going to be challenged, people must stop believing it is a normal state of affairs. National security has become a permanent state of warfare cabinet. That model has been replicated by most countries. The process has become to vast and complex to halt. Either soldiers refuse to fight or mass demonstrations have to be held to force change. The unfortunate reality is that most states are held together by some from of force. The military and law enforcement are instruments in enforcing a state' s will. War and armies are never going to disappear. The threat remains constant, causing destabilization around the world. 

       Activism has a limitation. Non-profit organizations , philanthropy, and protesting are not reducing the series of global concerns. There are activists who are still protesting the same issues years before. The fact can be a serious discouragement. Conditions can even revert back to a less favorable state. Progress always is out of reach. Two perspectives are held in regard to combating the crisis facing humankind. Either incremental approaches or acceleration to the objective are advocated. Reformers tend to favor  the incremental approach to change. Those with a more revolutionary position want acceleration. When economic, political, and social problems become so intense, gradual approaches are not going to be helpful. An emergency demands a rapid response. A  unified plan and collaboration among various groups is required. Solidarity is a practical  method among those seeking solutions to many societal problems. The obstacle is that each organization o group  has its own objectives. When their goals are met, the alliance falls apart. There are common grievances, but it all are not oppressed to the same degree. The coalitions that are built whether political or organization based are temporary. When the coalitions are operational they are not as efficient as they could be. The cycle of rise and collapse plagues movements. Activists have also gotten into the habit of allying with establishment figures they assume are sympathetic to their cause.  The politicians manipulate them to get votes, but never advance legislation that supporters desire. Then a faction of activists lose sight of their own agenda. The limitations of activism hinder it from preventing major catastrophes. 

     A general feeling of frustration and hopelessness has spread. The sentiment prevents a resistance to materialize. A charismatic leader can inspire the masses, yet the momentum dies when they are gone. The struggle against  apathy become a bigger adversary to defeat. At some point the world's problems become so numerous it would be pointless to do something. Corrupt governments have been a fixture of  civilization through out history. Climate change continues to be exacerbated, that nothing will reverse the damage. The response from range from lack of concern to willing ignorance. One has to wonder if humankind wants to survive. Unfortunately .enough people have to suffer  to motivate an insurrection against the established order. Such a development will not occur fast, if ever. With no movement or leaders those struggling have no options. The networks of communication are more vast than they have ever been, yet people are more isolated. The new phenomenon is the loss of community and the loss of a common welfare. This is not the manifestation of individualism, rather an  embrace of selfishness. Some just do not care about other people and just want to consume. The upper class elite are the major culprits of this behavior. The money, land, and its resources are being horded by them at the expense of average people. The world is filled with violence, hate, and unrelenting cruelty. The most powerful inflict harm with little consequence. The despair induced by horrible environments produce the frustration that could project in mass violence. A consistent cycle can be seen with few solutions to neutralize it.  

        Looking at the collective behavior of nations and their societies, the world is in a critical condition. The power structure becomes more potent having influence in all aspects of life. Media, government, and law remain under the domination of an elite. The policies that are enacted by them are accelerating harm to the the world and the public. The tools which should help to expose and  condemn such actions have become allies to power. The media does not scrutinize leaders or corporations engaging in questionable practices. Most rather support the status quo or uphold the ideas of the establishment. Citizens who live in a country in which they cannot select their leaders have no choice. Those who can select them are at fault for deterioration of their society. The cumulative mass of problems explains a level of dysfunction too common in various countries. Few are immune from them. Economic decline,  violence ,  racism, and corrupt government are becoming regular fixtures. The only logical conclusion is that it is a wasted effort to improve a world so broken. The  only problem with surrendering to the oppressive forces or just ignoring it completely is that it will always seek victims. The luxury of  apathetic existence or capitulation are no longer options. A war is being waged against the average citizen whether they are compliant or resist. The question then shifts to matters of survival.  The world at some stage will end as all things do. Saving it depends on how much people are willing to change and make it a better place.   

Saturday, July 16, 2022

Accusations of Sexual Harassment At The United Nations

 


The United Nations has been accused of creating a hostile workplace for women. The international body has been exposed to have massive amounts of sexual harassment claims. Those who were subject to abuse either had their claims ignored or faced retaliation. The accusations come as the UN faces challenges related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, climate change, and growing US-China tension. The cases of sexual violence and abuse  are not shocking considering more egregious incidents. UN peacekeepers have engaged in sexual violence in conflict zones. Seeing as women are also a part of those forces similar cases have occurred. Although  the UN has denied whistleblowers were targeted for exposing crimes, evidence suggests some were terminated because they exposed this to the press. The slow response and limited investigation implies cove-up or guilt. The UN has presented itself as the institution that promotes human rights and the protection of international law. The image that has been presented to the public has gradually faded. Corruption and an unsafe work environment has damaged the UN's credibility. Women who thought the United Nations could advance the cause of women's rights are faced with a dilemma. The world's most powerful supranational institution has a sexist and male dominated workplace culture. Creating gender balance in leadership will not help, unless culprits are punished for their actions. If the United Nations does not fix failures in policy and the organization, it might not survive. The UN could become defunct from internal problems that it refuses to resolve. The exact number of incidents is unknown. The United Nations has not provided data related to sexual harassment in its offices or sexual violence during peacekeeping operations.  

Friday, July 15, 2022

Wildfires Spread Across Europe And North Africa

 


A large heatwave has cased wildfires across Europe and North Africa. Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and France are attempting to extinguish them with little success. Heatwaves are indications that climate change has gotten worse, Temperatures have reached up to 113 F. Wildfires have increased in terms of intensity. Every year there is a recurring pattern. The heatwaves  in 2021 were a cause for concern, but 2022 holds more peril. Evacuations are underway as firefighters try to stop the disaster. When the wildfires are put out the damage can last fa beyond property destruction. Deaths, homelessness, and environmental damage can not be reversed. Planting trees or rebuilding could take decades to complete. The costs would be immense. The heatwaves are becoming stronger. Combined with a longer duration wildfires will be more powerful. Climate change cannot be ignored, because it is inducing more natural disasters. Denial is not based around ignorance, rather an attempt to protect fossil fuel corporations. The increase in global temperatures puts public health in danger. Water can become limited under such conditions. Morocco has reported it is experiencing drought. Loss of water is more devastating  for North African countries based on their mostly desert based physical geography. The wildfires in Europe and North Africa demonstrate a need for an unified international strategy to fight climate change.   

Saturday, July 9, 2022

President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos Blames Economic Crisis on Sonangol Oil Firm (2016)

 

At one time Angola was a Marxist-Leninist political and economic system. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Angola allowed for a market economy to emerge. The new policy did not bring about prosperity, when President Jose Eduardo  dos Santos encouraged foreign investment. Angola became one of Africa's largest oil producers, but most Angolans did not see improvement related to income or an increase in the standard of living. The economy fell into a worse condition by 2016. He stated that Angola was broke and blamed it on mismanagement by the state oil firm Sonangol. It was apparent by this point a level of corruption was responsible for stolen wealth or missing funds. The appointment of Isabel dos Santos as chairwoman was designed to cover-up criminal acts and ensure that the  Santos family could continue to enrich itself. During that year it was a struggle to generate funds for essential imports. Jose Eduardo Dos Santos left a legacy of kleptocratic government, failed free market policies,  and nepotism.  

Friday, July 8, 2022

Shinzo Abe Has Been Assassinated

 


The former prime minister of Japan has been assassinated. While giving a speech Shinzo Abe was shot and the injury was fatal. This comes has parliamentary elections are to be held Sunday. The gunman has been identified as Tetsuya  Yamagami . Police have stated that he made his own gun and held disdain for Abe. Gun violence is not some phenomenon of a few countries. It can happen anywhere and to anyone. Gun control becomes a challenge if culprits can build their own. Japan has strict gun laws, but in this case it did not aid in crime prevention. The problem extends beyond guns. A bigger question remains about how to stop violence. Growing discontent, isolation, and rage are becoming factors in crime. The information on Tetsuya Yamagami is still being collected. It has been stated that he served in the Maritime Self Defense Force. World leaders were also shocked by the act of violence. There is a growing concern about security of political figures. The public has had to deal with the threat of gun violence on a daily basis and this is going to be the same for politicians. The Liberal Democratic Party now has navigate a political realm without Abe and ensure that it can address the rise in gun violence. 

Thursday, July 7, 2022

The Boris Johnson Set To Resign

 


Boris Johnson will be stepping down as Conservative Party leader. Prime Minister Johnson will also be resigning from office when a successor is found. A number of grievances  were growing in the UK, which resulted in cabinet resignations. The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns put much strain on the population. The sanctions on Russia, which caused more economic concerns for Europe added to the stress. The long process of Brexit and leaving the EU also caused complications. All these challenges, scandals,  and a more unstable Europe caused the fall of Johnson's government. While the British public was in lockdown, it was discovered that Prime Minister Johnson was attending parties. Partygate as it is known colloquially caused much anger, but that was not the only reason. Rising food and fuel prices in the UK are linked to the sanctions imposed on Russia. The British public is not willing to finance a proxy war in Ukraine. The Conservative Party gradually turned on Boris Johnson realizing the problems with his leadership. All the scandals began to be exposed, but this does not mean he is leaving office immediately. Johnson will remain at his post till at least October. That means he can still influence policies of government. A wave off conservative nationalist populism has swept across Europe and it enables corrupt governments to be elected. The consequences can  last far beyond a leaders service in office. The Conservative Party despite the mass resignations and scandals holds significant power. The UK over the next few years will face challenges to political and economic structure.  

Tuesday, July 5, 2022

Uganda Discovers An Estimated $12 Trillion Worth of Gold Deposits

 

Uganda has the potential to be one of Africa's richest nations. Gold deposits worth $ 12 trillion have been discovered. Combined with oil Uganda is in a position to see impressive economic growth in the coming  years. What should be done with the new found wealth is that it goes to public education, healthcare,  and infrastructure development. Doing so ensures a stable country and a rise in the standard of living. The persistent economic myth is that Africa is poor. African countries are not poor, rather their wealth has been stolen or their countries exploited by European nations. Corrupt and authoritarian regimes use wealth to empower themselves, rather than the citizens. Inflation is having a negative effect on the global economy and Uganda is not shielded from it. The Ugandan Central Bank had to increase its key interest rate. The public has to see economic improvement to share in the new found wealth. The boom in mining is positive economic news for East Africa. The Ugandan shilling could go up in value if it becomes backed by gold. Extracting the full potential of natural resources can ensure a prosperous country. The key is to have rational policies and competent economic management. 

Saturday, July 2, 2022

Growing Protests In Libya

 


Protests are spreading across Libya. The population has become vexed at the high prices, power cuts, political inaction, and an overall decline in the standard of living. The Tobruk parliament  was attacked. The country is divided between rival governments with the other based in Tripoli. Libya might be falling apart. Armed groups and terrorist organizations remain active. The prosperous African nation has become closer to a failed state over the past decade. The United Nations has attempted to broker a settlement between rival factions. The destabilization was the result of UN  Security Council Resolution 1972 and the NATO invasion. Under Qaddafi Libya had free education and healthcare. The United Nations has condemned the protesters attacks on government buildings. The condemnation seems contradictory considering the UN enabled the destabilization in the country. Libya did not hold elections last December due to the security situation and possible corruption. Libyans are now seeing their government as more of a puppet to foreign interests. Libya is gradually falling into another civil war, which if it continues could cause some form of balkanization.  

Friday, July 1, 2022

The End of Roe v. Wade

 


The Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade. This means women will not have access to safe abortion. The ruling could induce a large public health crisis. Women might seek more dangerous methods to terminate pregnancy. Considering the US healthcare system is of low quality overtime the result of this ruling will overwhelm it. The Democratic Party's failure to codify the law demonstrates it was never a liberal party. Reproductive rights were not defended even when the Democrats had a majority during the Obama administration. Political centrists that dominate the party allowed this to happen. Protests have erupted, but this will not be as effective as legal action. The role of religious fundamentalism in this ruling cannot be underestimated. Organized religion has become so incompatible with a democratic political structure it undermines rights and freedoms. The Republican triumph was engineered by the Federalist Society. The organization was responsible for getting a number of conservatives on the Supreme Court.  Other rulings might be a target regarding voting rights and gay marriage. President Joseph Biden stated he was going to codify Roe v. Wade, but took no measures to make that possible. More legal challenges will be heading to the Supreme Court. Roe v. Wade however seems to have reached its end.