Chile Will Be Getting A New Constituition

 

Chile will be getting a new constitution . There has not been a new constitution since the Augusto  Pinochet regime.  For 40 years Chile was following this legal document made by the right-wing authoritarian government. The Chilean public voted in a referendum for the change. Questions remain about what the new constitution will be like. Major political transformations are happening in the country. Chile has for the first time  held elections for regional governors. The country could be shifting more in a political leftist orientation. Chile for a long period of time was more of a conservative leaning government in Latin America. That is why the newly elected assembly members rise was a shock to the establishment. The failure to implement needed reforms has generated much discontent. Combined with the current economic decline and growing inequality in the region this change was a longtime coming. The new assembly has elected more women and indigenous people than in previous years. These elections will have an impact on the race for the presidency. The new constitution will finally put an end to the ghosts of the Cold War and the Pinochet regime. The new constitution will act as a foundation for a state that values human rights. If the assembly is successful, then Chile may be able to make progress in fighting longtime economic and social issues.    

The New CDC Guidelines

 

The Center for Disease Control has issued new guidelines related to masks and social distancing. Those who are vaccinated will not have to wear them in certain areas and restrictions are being reduced. Stores, restaurants , and other public accommodations are easing COVID-19 restrictions rules. This announcement comes with some skepticism. The entire population has not been vaccinated and the mask requirement would apply to those who have not done so. The only way to keep track is to have people show their CDC vaccination card to get access to certain places. Telling the vaccinated to stop wearing masks is premature, considering the pandemic is not over. India is experiencing a fourth wave. Unless travel restrictions and movement is controlled another wave could occur. The disease is highly infectious and has variants that have appeared in South Africa, Brazil, and India and UK . Keeping masks on when in crowds and being vaccinated is the best form of protection against the virus. There may actually be an ulterior motive to easing restrictions, when the pandemic is  still present. The desire to open up the economy and mobilize the workforce takes precedence over public health. Such a reckless and irresponsible action demonstrates the avarice of the business elite. There remains the concern about break through transmission of the virus. A person can be vaccinated and  still get COVID-19. This appears to be the case in Seychelles. One of the most vaccinated nations saw a rise in cases. Measures must remain in place until the pandemic is over.   

Israel and Gaza Conflict Escalates

 

Israel has conducted air strikes against  the Gaza Strip. Hamas has retaliated with rocket attacks. The outbreak of violence demonstrates that there has to be an end to occupation and blockade that Palestinians have been living under. The UN has warned that this could escalate into full scale war. However, there have been minimal actions taken in response to Israel's aggression directed at the Palestinians. Sanctions or discontinuing diplomatic relations have never been used as punishment for Israel.  A conflict similar to 2006 would most likely attract other Arab nations. Israeli Arab citizens have voiced there condemnation of  the state's military operations. Anger will grow as long as the racial hierarchy remains part of the political system. Zionism has transformed to advocate expansion outside the original borders intended in the establishment of the Jewish state. The recent developments could be the beginning of another Intifada. There were two mass uprisings between 1987 to 1993 and 2000 to 2005. Prime Minister Benjamin Nethanyahu  is using the recent crisis to extend his rule. Charges of corruption and abuse of power threatened his government. War can stall him from being removed from office. Simultaneously, the extremist elements are growing more powerful within the Likud Party. Settlement construction  will continue and evictions of Palestinian families are happening in  Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem. Violence also was reported coming from Israeli law enforcement at the al-Aqasa Mosque. Arabs inside Israel have faced discrimination and police brutality for many years. Gaza has been locked off with supplies and resources being blocked by Israel. The violence and discontent is a culmination of  an  oppressive system. If occupation and land seizures continue Israel could resemble a country similar to Apartheid South Africa.       

Demonstrations Held in Colombia Over Tax Increase

 

Colombians are protesting  the government's attempts to increase taxes. The strain brought on by the pandemic and economic inequality has culminated in public discord. The Latin American nation has long struggled with civil war and narcoterrorism . The decision to raise taxes has caused much anger at the Ivan Duque administration. The demonstrations and failure to produce rational solutions could jeopardize President Duque's chances for reelection. Increasing taxes on food and utilities only harms the average citizen. Curfews and pandemic restrictions have only added to the public's frustration. The protesters have been peaceful, but law enforcement has not. The excessive use of force has gained international attention . The plan to balance the budget with tax hikes will not work when unemployment is high. The only result will be that those who have jobs will be taxed more. The employed could end up being impoverished from ineffective government policy. As economic contraction grows, Colombia becomes more desperate. Colombia needs to get financial assistance from other countries What Colombians need is some form of universal basic income to counter economic instability. The only way the economy can be fixed is eliminating the COVID-19 virus and increasing employment. If the tax hikes continue then more civil unrest will occur.