Israel-Gaza Conflict

Three years ago, the political party Hamas rose to power in the Palestinian elections. Immediately after, Israel responded by blocking off the Gaza strip to the free flow of people, equipment, imports and exports. Ever since then, there have been conflicts ebbing and flowing. On December 19th, Hamas’ shaky six month truce with Israel came to an end. Since then, Israel has attacked Gaza, who has responded with rockets. The fighting has escaladed, and Israel refuses to cease fire.
In my opinion, Israel should immediately end its attack on the Gaza strip. Israel claims their disagreement is not with Hamas, but with their ability to launch rockets into Israel. However, Israel’s air, land, and sea attacks are causing more damage then the rockets. As of today, January 11th, 879 Palestinians and 13 Israeli have been killed. If Israel’s concern was with the military power of the Hamas, it would seem logical that Israeli militia would target the rocket-launching sites. This proves to be more difficult then it seems. Hamas currently uses tall buildings as their launching sites, and these buildings are filled with civilians. Schools and medical centers have been attacked, and the number of Palestinian civilian causalities continues to rise. Israel obviously cannot complete their goals of disarming Hamas without hurting civilians. Therefore, they should cease fire before more civilians are killed. On January 8th, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1860 was approved by all but the United States, who wishes to wait for the results of the Egyptian peace efforts. Israel has stated they will not accept the resolution.
Israel’s defense minister, Ehud Barak stated that this was a “war to the bitter end” against Hamas, while Hamas vowed to “fight until the last breath.” If the fighting continues, which at the moment seems inevitable, the United States is in a difficult position. The United States may feel compelled to get involved with the conflict, which will result in a slippery slope. Getting involved is easy, but getting out is the hard part. Intervention does not solve the problem, and can make it worse. American occupation can cause alienation, and to extreme degrees in an Islamic world. An American presence may only serve to exacerbate the problem and create new ones. The United States has already exhausted itself with intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan, and if we continue to intervene, we will waste billions of dollars. The optimal solution is for Israel to immediately end its attack on the Gaza strip. If they choose to persevere, United States needs to stay clear of this slippery slope.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123115402029453553.html#project%3DSLIDESHOW08%26s%3DSB123117403930054195%26articleTabs%3Darticle

Personal Freedom for Chinese Young Adults

Freedom is a matter of perspective, and the young adults of China have an interesting perspective. They have been exposed to a communist government for some time, and in their view, life is good. If life is going well, there’s simply no need to become involved with politics. While their parents grew up witnessing radical events such as the Cultural Revolution and the student protests at Tiananmen Square (with its subsequent suppression), their children were raised to associate politics with the horrific repercussions of the Cultural Revolution and Mao’s “Great Leap”. Since the 1979 Chinese one-child policy was introduced, the upcoming generation is the first generation in history to be largely comprised of only children. Only children are characteristically spoiled, and sinologists are observing that the Chinese youth really do have a solipsistic outlook. Their world is filled with iPods, Facebook, and Blogging. They care about their personal freedom, and under a communist government, they have that freedom. As long as China is amidst an economic boom, the youth couldn’t care less about politics.

Simon Elegant wrote an article for TIME magazine in which he interviewed a young woman by the name of Vicky Yang. In regards to politics, she voiced that “When it comes to democracy and all that, well, that doesn’t play a role in my life.” Our Chinese guests said they saw little difference between a capitalist and communist government. Although my peers and I see obvious differences in censorship and rights, maybe our guests don’t view freedom in the same way. If so, in their eyes, they are free. If someone doesn’t feel oppressed, they don’t feel denied freedom. They may not have the freedom to publicly criticize their government, but in their perspective, they are free.


Additional Reading:
China's Me Generation
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1647228-1,00.html

A Centrist Leader

I believe a centrist would be best equipped to lead this country. A centrist is defined as one who “espouses a 'middle ground' regarding government control of the economy and personal behavior” according to Advocates for Self-Government. Of course, some people think this is nothing more than a people pleaser who has no opinions. I strongly disagree. I think one of the most valuable virtues in politics is the ability to maintain a neutral ground, and to evaluate each issue as it presents itself. Aristotle said, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” I think if we approach each issue from a non-biased point of view, and not automatically side with our particular party's affiliation, we will all make more educated decisions. Which should we follow? Our reason or our party? If a centrist held a position of power, he or she should be able to acquire information and evaluate it without automatically choosing the side he or she deems most compatible with their parties' platforms. A centrist should be able to make an educated decision with a level head and find a “practical” solution to the current problem.

However, nothing is perfect. Especially in politics. If ONLY centrists were elected into political positions, I fear nothing would get done. We sometimes need the fervent political extremists who argue their point until a change is brought about. If centrists were consistently elected, the leaders would be forever waiting for a decision to manifest itself. It seems that a crazy liberal or insane conservative will be the one who sways the centrists. But if there are no political extremists in politics, who will sway those who see advantages on both sides? I think the optimal compromise is to elect a centrist leader, but keep the right and left advocates in the political game. It seems imperative that politics should always remain in balance. “Right-wing” or “left-wing” politics shouldn't exist. A balanced system seems to be the best way to please all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time.

Organic vs. Local Food: Which Is Better?

Over the last few years, grocery chains have seen a shift. Organic foods are becoming the new fad. Health nuts are thrilled at the alternative to pesticide sprayed fruits. As a cashier at our local supermarket Hannaford, I have seen an increase in this organic fad. Over the last year, we have dedicated an entire section of the store to organic food; we gave away reusable fabric bags to customers who purchased organic foods. My school recently had an organic vending machine placed in our cafeteria. So what's all the organic food excitement about? It seems that the rise in concern over harmful pesticides has directly affected the marketability of organic foods. Health-concerned consumers who fear cancer are pacified by the new emerging market of organic foods. Although organic is generally more expensive, consumers are willing to spend more. Organic is said to be better for our environment because the farms do not use synthetic pesticides. They also pay more attention to their energy expenditures, choosing efficient ways to run the farms. Organic food is a nutritious way to buy food, but there’s an alternative.

Local food has its own enthusiasts who encourage consumers to buy food locally. Organic food has been sweeping the nation, but local food advocates aren’t businessmen. They cannot secure their own section of a grocery store or market their products in a vending machine. (Would you buy an apple from a vending machine?) Despite the organic movement, local food advocates are certainly having their say. People are slowly becoming “locavores,” a term given to those who eat local food. So what’s all the local food excitement about? First of all, if you've ever bitten into a locally grown fruit or vegetable, you can taste the difference. If you don't have access to freshly grown produce, just use common sense. A tomato grown in California then shipped to New York will be stored in cold crates, many days old, and covered with pesticides. A tomato grown in a small upstate New York farm hasn't been stored or sprayed. Perhaps the success of locally grown food is simply psychological. The idea of buying processed food is pretty unappealing; however, eating food grown by a community member is a quaint idea. I personally witness the enthusiasm for local food in my home town. There are a few fruit and vegetable stands near where I live, and they are constantly occupied. Our local apple orchard sells bags of apples to our Hannaford, who in turn watch as the locally grown apples fly off the shelves. Simply said, whether it's the concept or the taste, people like locally grown food.

I remember going to a rally where the phrase “Think globally, eat locally” was used. So how does eating locally help globally? As our world becomes greener and greener, many have shifted their focuses to “what can I do?” The uneducated shrug and hide behind all-too-common rationalizations. They convince themselves that these global problems aren’t happening, it won't affect them, or they can't do anything to help. WRONG. Our global dilemma is as closely intertwined with human choices as it is with scientific research. Sure, engineers are looking for the solution in renewable energy sources, but the general public has as much control over the problem as the engineers. In relation to the organic vs. local debate, the public should take a closer look at the energy expended to get the food from the farm to the plate. Sure, organic food is healthier and more environmentally friendly to grow, but it is not necessarily more environmentally friendly to ship across the nation. If we were to ship that Californian tomato to New York, more than 3000 miles of gas would be used, whether on the road or in the air. That means more than 3000 miles of CO2 emissions.

So do the ends justify the means? Is it worth emitting CO2 into the atmosphere for that organic apple? Of course not! We have locally grown food without the pesticides, yet they don’t require the money or energy to transport to your plate. True, organic farms are energy efficient in their processes, but the energy cost of transportation overshadows their green practices. Who can deny the charming image of a home-grown apple? In a world where nearly everything is processed and shipped, local food has a certain appeal. So think globally, eat locally.

http://eatlocalchallenge.com
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1595245,00.html

America's Government and Economy Rewrite

America is a great country, and I love the freedom I have as a citizen. In fact, the reason why I can write this blog, free from any persecution, is because of the rights secured by my government. However as I grow older, my perspective begins to broaden. Why can politicians continue to manipulate the system? Why is our economy unstable? Why is America hated by much of the world? Why do so many of my peers know little about the war we are involved in? It continually perplexes me to see my friends openly condemn the war, then ask me who the Taliban are. It's time to take a look in the mirror. I must admit I know little about details of our government and economy. At the moment, I am a little wary of secrecy and deception in the American government. Before I'm pegged as an anti-American, I must clarify that I do love my country and what it stands for.

Democracy gives us the freedom of individuality. Our government allows us to have individual opinions. As an American, I can openly speak about my political beliefs and condemn or acclaim whomever I wish in the upcoming election. All Americans are guaranteed the freedom of speech by the United States Constitution. Any citizen in this country can fight for his or her beliefs, and potentially bring about change on the federal level. This is proven by our Bill of Rights. To secure the citizens' rights, the amendments were added to the United States Constitution. Would we have the 15th or 19th amendments if we didn't have the ability to fight for our rights? We are quite fortunate to be part of such a successful government. Another great addition to our country is our economy. Our capitalist economy puts the power of success or failure in our individual hands. I can invest my money in a business or spend it on a new iPhone. I can buy stocks or open a savings account. As an American, I have the ability to use my individuality and intelligence to climb the economic ladder, or fail miserably. Because of our successful governmental and economic choices, our entire lifestyle is ridiculously privileged. As an American teenager, I am the epitome of privileged! I have my own computer, clothes, bed, cell phone, and a room full of possessions. Electricity, running water, and transportation are all available from my comfortable four-bedroom two-story house.

With our cushioned lifestyle, Americans are indubitably proud. Many Americans tend to believe our country is the best. Of course all countries have pride, but how soon does this turn into complacent self-acclamation? I believe that our pride causes complacency, which leads to ignorance and apathy. I think this complacency blinds us. We need to take a cold, hard look at ourselves. Wherever we look, we find greedy politicians and officials. Our dollar is failing, Wall Street is beginning to slip, yet politicians and businessmen are thriving through manipulation. Our federal government is choosing to turn a blind eye to the under-the-table money exchanges and acts of greed all too common in our politicians. Corruption is not new to our country. The American government has struggled with its fair share of greedy politicians and businessmen over the years. There are handfuls of men who are all too eager to trick the government. The problem is, there are no whistleblowers. The men who have the ability to stop the greedy are also entangled in the web of politics. In reality, Jimmy Stewart's Mr. Smith is pretty implausible. Of course, our politicians could be worse. But then again, they could be much better.

Complacency in society has altered and harmed America as a potential world model for democracy. For years, America has striven to become the 'city upon a hill' that John Winthrop spoke of in 1630. The dream for America to be a model for democracy has always been in our vision, yet we are proving to the world that we are more concerned about celebrities than foreign affairs. Recently I watched a newswoman report the death of Bernie Mac while the ticker tape below reported the current situation in South Ossetia. Honestly, Americans are oblivious to foreign issues. We embarrass ourselves with our ignorance, and continue to give other countries reason to dislike us. If we continually show the world how superficial we are, democracy and capitalism will become harder and harder to advocate. American soldiers are dying for democracy while we prove our enemy's point.

So our government is corrupt, our economy is beginning to shake, and our society is still watching American Idol. Where do we go now? Instead of complaining about the darkness, we need to light a candle. We need to educate our youth, and in some cases our adults, in politics and the economy. Two half-semester courses of Participation in Government and Economics in a student's senior year in high school is not enough to make an educated decision in an upcoming election. As citizens in a world superpower, Americans have an obligation to pay attention! We need to at least know what our foreign policy is, if not what actions we are currently taking overseas. The film Lions For Lambs follows a professor's attempt to convince an apathetic college student to take action. He urges his student that “the problem is not with the people who started this. The problem is with us, all of us, who do nothing.” As a teenager, I realistically can only change myself. I plan to educate myself in American government, economy, and foreign affairs. Let's stop complaining. Let's do something.

America's Government and Economy

America is a great country, and I love the freedom I have as a citizen. In fact, the reason why I can write this blog, free from any persecution, is because of the rights secured by my government. However as I grow older, my perspective begins to broaden. Why can politicians continue to manipulate the system? Why is our economy unstable? Why is America hated by much of the world? Why do so many of my peers know little about the war we are involved in? It continually perplexes me to see my friends openly condemn the war, then ask me who the Taliban are. It's time to take a look in the mirror. I must admit I know little about details of our government and economy. At the moment, my perspective of America is a little skeptical of what happens behind the curtain. Before I'm pegged as an anti-American, I must clarify that I do love my country and what it stands for.

Democracy gives us the freedom of individuality. Our government allows us to have individual opinions. As an American, I can openly speak about my political beliefs and condemn or acclaim whoever I wish in the upcoming election. All Americans are guaranteed the freedom of speech by the United States Constitution. Any citizen in this country can fight for their beliefs, and potentially bring about change on the federal level. This is proven by our Bill of Rights. To secure the citizens' rights, the amendments were added to the United States Constitution. Would we have the 15th or 19th amendments if we didn't have the ability to fight for our rights? We are quite fortunate to be part of such a successful government. Another great addition to our country is our economy. Our capitalist economy puts the power of success or failure in our individual hands. I can invest my money in a business or spend it on a new iPhone. I can buy stocks or open a savings account. As an American, I have the ability to use my individuality and intelligence to climb the economic ladder, or fail miserably. Because of our successful governmental and economic choices, our entire lifestyle is ridiculously privileged. As an American teenager, I am the epitome of privileged! I have my own computer, clothes, bed, cell phone, and a room full of possessions. Electricity, running water, and transportation are all available from my comfortable four-bedroom two-story house. Hmmm... privileged? Is that an understatement?

With our cushioned lifestyle, Americans are indubitably proud. Many Americans tend to believe our country is the best. Of course all countries have pride, but how soon does this turn into complacent self-acclamation? I believe that our pride causes complacency, which leads to ignorance and apathy. I think this complacency blinds us. We need to take a cold, hard look at ourselves. Wherever we look, we find corrupted politicians and greedy officials. Our dollar is failing, Wall Street is beginning to slip, yet politicians and businessmen are thriving through manipulation. Why doesn't our federal government have control over this? Or do they have the choice, and choose to turn a blind eye? Corruption seems like it contaminates everything, even our beloved government. So much manipulation in our government and greedy pursuits are poisoning our economy.

Complacency in society has ruined America as a potential world model for democracy. However, we have moved away from any hope of this possibility by proving to the world that we are more concerned about the American Idol election than our own presidential election. Recently I watched a newswoman report the death of Bernie Mac while the ticker tape below reported the current situation in South Ossetia. Why are our celebrities more important than foreign affairs? Honestly, Americans are oblivious to foreign issues. We embarrass ourselves with our ignorance, and continue to give other countries reason to dislike us.(1) We can't possibly promote democracy in other countries when the general public cares so little. If we continually show the world how superficial we are, democracy and capitalism will crumble. American soldiers are dying for democracy while we prove our enemy's point.

So our government is corrupt, our economy is beginning to shake, and our society is still watching American Idol. Where do we go now? Instead of complaining about the darkness, we need to light a candle. We need to educate our youth, and in some cases our adults, in politics and the economy. Two half-semester courses of Participation in Government and Economics in a student's senior year in high school is not enough to make an educated decision in an upcoming election. As citizens in a world superpower, Americans have an obligation to pay attention! We need to at least know what our foreign policy is, if not what actions we are currently taking overseas. The film Lions For Lambs follows a professor's attempt to convince an apathetic college student to take action. He urges his student that “the problem is not with the people who started this. The problem is with us, all of us, who do nothing.” As a teenager, I realistically can only change myself. I plan to educate myself in American government, economy, and foreign affairs. Let's stop complaining. Let's do something.

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6W3T7MTh4M