Month: March 2010

The American Kids of Haiti

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Group of high school students from QCS, many have left Haiti since the eathquake hit.
Group of high school students from QCS, many have left Haiti since the eathquake hit.

In the aftermath of the earthquake that hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti the focus in the media, understandably so,  has been on how it  has affected the population of poor Haitians.  However, there are a number of American families currently living in Haiti who have felt the effects of this natural disaster as well. The kids of these families have been forced to grow up quickly and make sacrifices including leaving those they know and love.

I know for my own family who is currently living in Port-au-Prince, this earthquake has been a curve-ball thrown into their lives, and deciding what it best for my little brother and sister has been difficult and emotinally taxing. For my little sister and brother, and so many other American students attending school in Haiti just like them, this earthquake has stopped them from having the high school experience they planned and hoped for.

There has always been a large American presence in Haiti with four American schools in Port-au-Prince alone. The one my little brother and sister attend is called Quisqueya Christian School (QCS) and many children of Americans working and living in Haiti attend school there. The school was shut down for about a month after the earthquake hit and has since reopened but with a much smaller student body. The earthquake forced many families to return to the states for many reasons including:

  • their homes being destroyed
  • loss of their jobs due to damage
  •  not feeling safe
  • wanting their children not to miss too much school

Over 80% of Quisqueya’s student body has left Haiti and many families have been split up as a result of this natural disaster. In the following interview you will hear from my little brother (Jonathan) who is currently living in Clemson, SC with my grandparents and attending high school there, while the rest of my family (Mom, Dad, and sister-Rebekah) remains in Port-au-Prince.

Jonathan’s Interview

Picture slideshow of QCS students

Trail of Dreams

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Four students, three of whom are undocumented, are traveling 1,500 miles from Miami to DC for immigration reform. On foot.
Four students, three of whom are undocumented, are traveling 1,500 miles from Miami to DC for immigration reform. On foot.

 

“Sometimes we see numbers and we forget the faces.”

 

These are the words of 23-year-old Florida student Felipe Matos, referring to the 10.8 million immigrants living the United States undocumented, as estimated by the Department of Homeland Security. 

 

Felipe is one of a group of four college students trekking 1,500 miles from Miami to Washington, DC to promote immigration reform through the DREAM Act. 

 

But they are not driving.  They are walking.

 

They call their journey “Trail of Dreams.”

 

This past week they toured the Upstate and I had the privilege of spending some time with them walking on the trail, at their place of shelter, and again when they spoke at my university.  (photos of their journey)

 

For me, it was “Love at first read.”  I heard about their movement about two months ago when I accidentally stumbled across their blog and have been virtually following them ever since via Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter. 

 

The “Dreamers” have gained national attention from media outlets such as:

 

 

Along their journey they have encountered many who oppose the reform they are trying to bring about.  (In Georgia, they were greeted by the KKK and Butch Conway, the Gwinnett county sheriff who is a major supporter of Proposition 287(g)!)

  

Immigration is a controversial subject and a comprehensive issue. 

 

While I do not have everything figured out yet, I do know this:  No human being is illegal.

 

Carlos put it well when he said, “We deserve to live in hope. Everyone deserves the chance to achieve their dreams.”

 

This is what they plan to tell President Obama when they arrive in DC on May 1st. 

 

And I plan to be there to hear it. 

Trail podcast

Conversations in Rogue

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Dr. Akan Malici
Dr. Akan Malici

I had an opportunity to sit down and speak with Dr. Akan Malici, professor of Political Science at Furman University. We discussed ways in which U.S. government officials can potentially ameliorate tensions between the United States and rogue nations. One point that his article, “Rogue States: Enemies of Our Own Making?” focuses on is “unmaking” the enemy by altercasting. Altercasting is, “treating the Other in a desired way” where another country will reciprocate one’s kind gestures.

We also spoke about the current desire of Americans to respond diplomatically as opposed to militarily. Furthermore, Dr. Malici ends the interview by stating that the United States is a great country, but how do we remain so?

Listen to the entire interview below.

Dr. Akan Malici Interview

I would have to agree with Dr. Malici that past attitudes toward “rogue” states has not been beneficial to the United States. If anything, “going after them with a stick” has caused us to pour insane amounts of money into causes, leaving us with the choice of running large deficits and increasing the national debt, or having to consider making cuts in desperately needed domestic programs. And not to forget, it has continued to make relations with these countries all the more volatile. I care about the manner in which foreign policy is presented to us and the information given, because the ramifications cannot only be costly, but deadly.

Click here for more pictures and information about Dr. Malici.

Pollution Without Borders

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On Saturday, the strongest sandstorm this year moved in on Beijing, China.  Sandstorms in China are just one form and type of transport for air pollution within China, as well as across borders into South Korea, Japan, and even the United States.  Cross-border pollution can also be observed in the forms of photochemical smog and acid rain.  Even more concerning is that the sandstorms pick up toxic elements as they move through factory-polluted areas thus creating a chemically-enhanced sandstorm and much more dangerous air quality for the people in its path.

 

The sandstorm in China moves into Beijing.
The sandstorm in China moves into Beijing. Click the photo for a slideshow of related pictures.

 

Accomplished and involved Furman student Amanda Pruitt experienced air pollution in India comparable to that of China and saw the effects of cross-border pollution in Japan firsthand.  She was one of only 10 participants from the United States in 2008 for the Ship for World Youth program, which set sail from Japan after a brief homestay then made its way to India, Oman, and Singapore before returning to Japan.  In an interview with Amanda, she spoke about her observations abroad.

Click to listen to my brief conversation with Amanda:  Interview with Amanda Pruitt

A Rogue Point of View

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Clockwise from left: Mohammed Mosaddeq, Dr. Akan Malici, Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi, Dr. Akan Malici
Clockwise from left: Mohammed Mosaddeq, Dr. Akan Malici, Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi, Dr. Akan Malici

Often in United States Foreign Policy, we analyze a one-sided view of international relations. However, it is worthwhile to view motivations from the point of view of the “rogue” state. By doing this, we are better able to form opinions and make foreign policy decisions.

Dr. Akan Malici, Furman University professor of political science, offers an interesting outlook on rogue state actions. Essentially, rogue actions are not always initiated by a motive or expressed threat, but are instead a response to U.S. action or the international environment. Dr. Malici’s article, “Rogue States: Enemies of Our Own Making,” offers a few anecdotal examples. I will summarize the view of Iran.

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had been conducting covert operations in Iran since the 1940s. The strength of the operations increased when in 1950 Mohammed Mosaddeq was democratically elected Prime Minister. U.S. Government officials, fearing losing control of the Middle Eastern oil industry and Iran to communism, took part in toppling the Mosaddeq Administration. Mosaddeq was replaced with the Shah, who had a tumultuous tenure as the leader of Iran until the 1979 revolution.

Presently, Iran is located in a region that is not entirely stable. The country has seen its neighbor Iraq overcome by U.S. forces. With this information in mind, Iran’s desire for nuclear capabilities may not be solely offensive, but partially defensive. I am not suggesting that I believe Iran should have nuclear capabilities, or that their desires are completely warranted. I am however indicating a need to review our relationships with rogue nations a little more closely. If our government has in the past or will continue to operate from the viewpoint that Iran is and has always been the sole aggressor, then we may be doomed to repeat diplomatic blunders.

Read and listen to my next post where I discuss the topic of rogue states with Dr. Malici.

Mosaddeq Photo Source, Shah Photo Courtesy of the Associated Press

The latest tool in terrorism: persuasive words

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(Anwar al Awlaki, "Jihad Jane", and the lips of a U.S. citizen)
(Anwar al Awlaki, "Jihad Jane", and the lips of a U.S. citizen)

In an audiotape released Wednesday, Anwar al-Awlaki, a U.S.-born radical cleric linked to shootings at a U.S. army base and the failed bombing of a U.S. plane, is calling for a violent uprising against the United States and his words may be proving effective.

In my previous posts, I have discussed Anwar al-Awlaki’s possible connection to Nidal Hassan and Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab.  However, this week Anwar al-Awlaki released a tape to CNN in which he encouraged young American Muslims to commence violence against the United States.

In the tape he asked, “to the Muslims in America, I have this to say:  How can your conscience allow you to live in peaceful coexistence with the nation that is responsible for the tyranny and crimes committed against your own brothers and sisters?”

According to both U.S. and Yemeni governments, al-Awlaki is an al-Qaida member, recruiter, and spiritual adviser and he is hiding in Yemeni tribal lands.  However, his words seem to be striking a heartstring or two with a growing number of Westerners having ties to Al-Qaida.  Perhaps, the most recent concern is over the arrest of the Pennsylvania woman named “Jihad Jane.”

According to Fox News, last week, Colleen R. La Rose, or “Jihad Jane,” was charged with the following:

-Conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists,

-Conspiracy to kill in a foreign country,

-Making false statements to a government official, and

-Attempted identity theft.

She was charged for allegedly looking to kill Lars Vilks, who drew one of the controversial Prophet Muhammad cartoons.

The Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division summed up the latest events by saying, “[the indictment] underscores the evolving nature of the threat we face.”  In my next post, I will focus on the latest developments in Yemen and the opinions of one Furman student.

Local Lobbying for a Global Problem

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Students (from left to right) Sarah Crane, Kathryn Bundy, Caroline McTeer, Bill Mitchell, and Laura Armstrong
Students (from left to right) Sarah Crane, Kathryn Bundy, Caroline McTeer, Bill Mitchell, and Laura Armstrong

Human trafficking is an issue that most Americans do not face on a daily basis, and so often, because of that, it gets brushed under the carpet when politicians come up with their lists of issues to address to appease the general public.  So, have you ever wondered who the people are who speak up for the voiceless victims of human trafficking? You can find them on our very own campus.

The Furman Chapter of IJM, as discussed in my next post, along with the South Carolina Chapter of Not for Sale hosted Furman students, Laura Armstrong, Sarah Crane, and Caroline McTeer in lobbying for anti-human trafficking legislation in Washington, D.C. in the beginning of March.

The group visited state representatives, encouraging them to sign off on the language used in the Customs Reauthorizations Bill (S 1631).  The bill works towards cutting off American financial support of products that are produced by the hands of modern day slaves.  Essentially, in the current verbiage of the bill, goods that have been produced in other countries by trafficked slaves will no longer be accepted as import goods into the United States.  The bill eliminates the demand for these goods at the source of funding.

Senior Laura Armstrong says that after speaking with representatives in D.C. she realizes how accessible the government is when confronted by the public.  “They seemed especially excited to hear from students.”  In some cases, when the topic of human trafficking arises, certain representatives, including some from South Carolina, are clear that they will not spend time or money on the issue, however, because the group was solely requesting signatures to support the current language of the bill and no funds would be needed, there is little reason for representatives to be anything but receptive.

Hear more from Laura Armstrong: Interview

View pictures from the D.C. trip

Special thanks to Sarah Crane for photos and Laura Armstrong for the interview

PEPFAR's Future Plans

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Though they were not the biggest focus under the Bush administration, condom programs are vital to the AIDS prevention efforts of PEPFAR.
Though they were not the biggest focus under the Bush administration, condom programs are vital to the AIDS prevention efforts of PEPFAR. (All photos taken by Liz Lineback.)

My last few posts have focused on PEPFAR’s past, for it is vital to understand an initiative’s history before realizing its next steps.  It is only through analyzing strengths and weaknesses that policymakers can create the best plan for the future.  Thus, PEPFAR was reauthorized by Congress in July 2008 to provide $48 billion in funds from FY 2009 to FY 2013.

According to the PEPFAR website, “as PEPFAR works to build upon its successes, it will focus on transitioning from an emergency response to promoting sustainable country programs.”

The goals for PEPFAR’s future are as follows:

  • Transition from an emergency response to promotion of sustainable country programs.
  • Strengthen partner government capacity to lead the response to this epidemic and other health demands.
  • Expand prevention, care, and treatment in both concentrated and generalized epidemics.
  • Integrate and coordinate HIV/AIDS programs with broader global health and development programs to maximize impact on health systems.

While these goals are lofty, these trying economics times are making foreign aid promises harder and harder to keep.  Furthermore, limited funding is creating rifts between those who think the focus should be on prevention and those who want to focus on treatment.

Some claim, “while treatment of HIV/AIDS has gained funding support, funding of prevention has lagged behind.”  Bill Gates, founder of the philanthropic Gates Foundation, said, “The harsh mathematics of this epidemic prove that prevention is essential to expanding treatment, and that stressing treatment without paying adequate attention to prevention is simply unsustainable.”

While distribution of funds is never an uncomplicated task, it is certainly an important one for Obama to keep in mind as PEPFAR progresses.  In my next post I will update you on more of Obama’s developments.

Testing Furman Students' "Green" Knowledge

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How do Furman students feel about environmental policy?
How do Furman students feel about environmental policy?

There are a lot of changes going on in the United States and in Europe regarding environmental policy.  Even so, I think that it will be up to my generation to make a lot of the decisions regarding this issue.  Because of this, I wanted to see how college seniors, about to enter into the real world, felt about environmental policy and how they would be willing to change in order lower there environmental impact.

I talked with Susanna Guffey and Allie Pinkerton about these issues.  Both discussed learning experiences through Furman and how they helped them better understand the depth of environmental policy.  For Susanna, it was through interning with a member of the European Parliament in Brussels during a Furman study abroad trip.  For Allie, it is through an environmental sociology class.

I believe that education is going to be a part of how the United States deals with environmental issues.  The experiences of these two students show that learning opportunities about what we are doing, and what other parts of the world, including Europe are doing, will help to push more environmental policy.  This is the only way that we can “catch up to Europe,” as Allie said.

I also spoke with them about what they would be willing to do to help reduce our country’s environmental impact.  They said

  • Unplug cords
  • Use energy efficient light bulbs
  • Buy Energy Star products

To listen to more of what they had to say on environmental policy, check out this podcast:

student interviews

Also check out photos about what we discussed.

Overall, based on the students I talked with, Furman students have good “green” knowledge based on what Furman is teaching students about living a more sustainable lifestyle.

Photo Sources:

Furman, Parliament, Eco House

Reconcile and Re-build

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Dictionary.com defines reconciliation as 1. “An act of reconciling or the state of being reconciled, and 2. “The process of making consistent or compatible.”

reconciliation

As stated in my previous post, this week Furman’s own organization, Africa Rising, has sponsored “Reconciliation Week.” Throughout the week Africa Rising has sponsored different activities such as showing the movie Hotel Rwanda, bringing in guest speakers, and setting up booths designed to show Furman students what reconciliation looks like in African countries, the United States and in their own lives.  I interviewed a handful of students and asked them what reconciliation means to them, and how small philanthropy groups and organizations such as Africa Rising influence and impact larger organizations and help create a more connected and global world. Below are some of the most interesting responses:

“Reconciliation is very important to me and small groups such as Africa Rising can work together with other small groups who have similar passions with hope for rebuilding torn countries at a faster pace.” –Libby Wallin

“Reconciliation is essential because without compromise nothing in the world would get accomplished. We would not come to any conclusions, because everyone would be fighting for their own agendas. For the betterment of mankind we need reconciliation, and Africa Rising has done a great job here on campus showing the student body how differences can be reconciled throughout the world and in our own lives.” –Jake Ogle

Small groups and organizations such as Africa Rising do many great things in order to benefit the world at large. Reconciliation among countries is just one step in creating a more connected and global world in terms of poverty, diseases such as HIV/Aids, and starvation.

Interview with Africa Rising President, Caitlyn Griffith

Pictures From Reconciliation Week