On October 8th, Sudanese government proxies attacked and destroyed a village controlled by the Sudanese Liberation Army, a group with which they have an established cease-fire. 100 people were killed and the town was razed.
This shameful act underscores the need for swift action on the world community’s part to halt the genocide. We need the Bush Administration to put some of its highest ranking diplomats on this issue, giving it the attention it deserves. We need to target Sudan’s economic partners, such as China, to force change in Khartoum. We need to prevent the conflict from spreading to neighboring nations such as Chad. The regime is not the only group we should engage, but also the rebel groups and we should moderate productive discussions between them officially. Finally, if we are to stand for international law against genocide, we should join the International Criminal Court.
These six steps are Governor Richardson’s plan to end the genocide. However, we can’t wait till January 20, 2009 to see these policies implemented. We, as citizens, need to stand with the Governor and oppose the outright massacre of innocent civilians every day until the crisis is resolved.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Letter to State News: Fairness in Coverage
I would like to write today in regards to the cartoon printed in the Wednesday, August 29, 2007 edition of The State News, relating to the ‘reservations’ some seem to have with Senators Obama and Clinton in their bid for the presidency. The portrayal of Obama as a weak child and of Clinton as enraged and manly, was offensive, and takes away credibility from those who do have legitimate concerns with their leadership ability. Senator Obama could be viewed as inexperienced, it is wrong to characterize him as weak. While Senator Clinton does appear to many to be too much of a ‘Washington insider’, the gender jokes should be reserved for a more appropriate venue, such as the halls of a local middle school.
The cartoon also continues to demonstrate the unwillingness of The State News to cover the other candidates in the Presidential Roundup. The Republicans are virtually nonexistent in coverage, and solid Democrats such as Bill Richardson or John Edwards seem wholly discounted.
If you are going cover politics, cover them equally and fairly. Do not hop on to one train of thought and ride it to the detriment of those more legitimate. As an influential publication with a large readership, you have the duty to be fair to your readers, and provide them with content that caters to the college intellect, rather than the gutter-mindedness of teenagers.
The cartoon also continues to demonstrate the unwillingness of The State News to cover the other candidates in the Presidential Roundup. The Republicans are virtually nonexistent in coverage, and solid Democrats such as Bill Richardson or John Edwards seem wholly discounted.
If you are going cover politics, cover them equally and fairly. Do not hop on to one train of thought and ride it to the detriment of those more legitimate. As an influential publication with a large readership, you have the duty to be fair to your readers, and provide them with content that caters to the college intellect, rather than the gutter-mindedness of teenagers.
Fight the Changed Primaries
This past week, Governor Jennifer Granholm signed legislation to move Michigan's presidential primaries up to January 15th. This was a grievous mistake, and has ramifications for the State of Michigan, as well as the state of democracy.
Under this legislation, taxpayers have to pay for these member-only elections. When looking in the hole of a $1 billion deficit, tacking on another $10 million is fiscally irresponsible.
Democracy will also suffer. If Michigan wants to be significant in national politics, turning away candidates is not the way to do it. Instead of giving people a better choice and more information, voters will be ill-informed. The less-well covered candidates, such as Governor Bill Richardson, will be at a disadvantage to the 'media rock stars'.
Do not support this crimp on democracy. Let your voice be heard in opposition to this horrible idea, and preserve the sanctity of democracy, and our fiscal future.
Under this legislation, taxpayers have to pay for these member-only elections. When looking in the hole of a $1 billion deficit, tacking on another $10 million is fiscally irresponsible.
Democracy will also suffer. If Michigan wants to be significant in national politics, turning away candidates is not the way to do it. Instead of giving people a better choice and more information, voters will be ill-informed. The less-well covered candidates, such as Governor Bill Richardson, will be at a disadvantage to the 'media rock stars'.
Do not support this crimp on democracy. Let your voice be heard in opposition to this horrible idea, and preserve the sanctity of democracy, and our fiscal future.
Romney: Wrong For Michigan
Many have seen the Mitt Romney campaign ads in Michigan on the television, where he stands in a warehouse lamenting the growth of China and pledging to implement policies to keep the US as the 'world's only economic superpower'.
However, while he makes these statements, Bain Capital (the investment firm he found and led in a state other than Michigan) is doing the opposite. 3com, an established and respected American semiconductor manufacturer, has recently come on hard times. In a bid to gain more access to the American market and 3com's advanced technology, a group of Chinese investors came together in an attempt to take over the company. And, guess what company was partnering with them in this bid: the same Bain Capital.
When making a choice for president, or even for candidates, make sure you have the full story. Vote for people who stand up for America, in both word and deed. Romney has failed that test, and has failed the people of Michigan.
However, while he makes these statements, Bain Capital (the investment firm he found and led in a state other than Michigan) is doing the opposite. 3com, an established and respected American semiconductor manufacturer, has recently come on hard times. In a bid to gain more access to the American market and 3com's advanced technology, a group of Chinese investors came together in an attempt to take over the company. And, guess what company was partnering with them in this bid: the same Bain Capital.
When making a choice for president, or even for candidates, make sure you have the full story. Vote for people who stand up for America, in both word and deed. Romney has failed that test, and has failed the people of Michigan.
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