u=mgh

u=mgh
There is a great potential in everything. The words, the actions, the currents of fate seem determined by some underlining norm, yet there is potential nonetheless. As physical law mandates: an object being held above the ground has no kinetic energy. However, this object stores energy of its own, potential energy. In our lives, this force is almost always overlooked. We draw our attention to the moving, the acting, but we ignore the waiting.

Although elementary, this concept has plagued my thoughts for the past weeks. As I sit in class, I think not of what is happening, but what can happen. Every second that passes is growing suspense. The ruffling of papers and the ticking of the clock may as well be the sounds of the crackling fuse and the revolving chambers of a pistol. Is the bomb a dud? Is the pistol loaded? These are the questions that have driven me to a state of unrest. At any given moment in class, I could kick my desk over and:

A) Punch a whole in the wall.
B) Sprint out of the building to the nearest Peace Corps office.
C) Claim that I have been possessed by the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and demand the worship of my peers.
D) All of the above.
E) None of the above.

Fortunately for my peers, I continue to choose E. Although each option is relatively hilarious, the point becomes much too clear when A through D are replaced with acts of violence.

The following series of unorganized and underdeveloped thoughts is most certainly destined to be misconstrued. The very least I can do at this point is promise that the focus of this writing will return shortly.

Of course, this tangent has been generated by my reflection of one of the nastiest genocides to scar the face of humanity, Rwanda. It was so different. It was not the systematic extermination that the Holocaust was. It lacked the calculation, the precision, the cool blues and grays that I associate with the Nazi death machine.

This is interesting, because when reflecting upon genocide, I find myself differentiating between exterminations by referring the Modus Operandi of the exterminators. What else is there to look for? Although the victim of one murder is different from that of another murder, the piles of corpses, the mass graves, the scenes of people laying about the ground as if some large entity had spilled them there have become the universal trademark of genocide. In the end, the true victims of genocide are a constant.

Is it for this reason that I find it easier to empathize with the killers? As I mentioned, this thought is condemned to misunderstanding. However, because of some unseen circuit of logic or some unchecked emotional predisposition, I have an easier time putting myself in the shoes of a living Hutu than a deceased Tutsi. Perhaps this is natural. After all, the only thing we truly know is existence. This is undoubtedly the root from which religious belief of the afterlife stems. In this light, there is no wonder why I cannot seem to feel pain of the genocide victims, for I do not believe in an afterlife. Pain is a chemical response as well as a staple of the human psyche or as some would call it, the soul. Nevertheless, the victim dies, and so dies the soul and my chances of real empathy.

I'll write some more tomorrow.... hopefully I'll get back to the point.

Tomorrow came already. In fact, tomorrow was some months ago. Many more tomorrow’s came and went without further thought and certainly without progress towards this vague and invisible geist I mechanically identified as “the point". Several minutes ago, however, something dawned on me, and I was compelled to get to the point.

On April 6, 2011, I was standing rather composed but undeniably uncomfortable inside as Murphy’s law threw up all over the most important school presentation of my student career thus far. I remember looking at the clock; it was 1:25pm, my exact birth time eighteen years ago. Eight hours from that moment, I planned to take a moment of silence in order to reflect upon the death of Former Rwandan dictator, Habyarimana and—more importantly—the genocide that followed in his wake. Eight hours from that moment I did just that.

Several minutes ago a terribly exciting realization came over me. Habyarimana’s plane was shot down at Kigali airport at exactly 8:25pm.

Kigali.
Kigali, Rwanda.

I felt like an idiot. I went to convert the time online and a bold “1:25pm” stared at me through the screen.

Well shit…

At the exact moment my parents were most likely cradling and embracing their gigling, one-year-old future in their arms, a plane went down and with it came everything but a destined bloodbath for a tortured country. I had thought about this concept of simultaneous contrasting reality before, but I had never felt it. I never felt it this close.

Neighbors come to celebrate a family; neighbors come to destroy a family. This was the way the world worked.

Possible Focus Points of the Solutions Project

1. Education: The public education system of the St. Louis area is disjointed. The program that buses inner-city students to suburban public schools is a cop-out on the public school system of the city of St. Louis. Instead of this strategy, state/federal funding would be better spent in the overhauling of inner-city schools. In the mean time, organizations such as K-12 Connections are designed for the betterment and not the abandonment of the public school system of the city of St. Louis.

2. Anti Drug Abuse Education: St. Louis has been deemed the Nation's most dangerous city by the 2010 CQ Press crime reports. While there are a number of different ways to confront this issue, the most efficient way to end anything dangerous and infections is still to locate the source and eliminate it. According to a study called "Project DARE: No Effects at 10-Year Follow-Up", The D.A.R.E. program has had no effect on keeping kids and teens across the country off of drugs. In some areas, children who graduated from the program even showed higher rates of drug abuse than children who had not taken the 10-week course. Recently, D.A.R.E. has taken these criticisms and attempted to re-design its approach. Further research will be needed on the new program, but depending on its success level, it could be possible to recommend it to the public school system of St. Louis city.

3. St. Louis Identity Crisis: While attending a leadership conference in the summer of 2009, I had the opportunity to mingle with students from across the country. Before this conference, I thought St. Louis was a legitimate city with a sizable reputation. However, after a day at the conference, it was clear that most of the students believed that St. Louis was just like every other rural area in the mid-west. After students met me with surprised expressions because of my "normal" attire (this meant that I was, in fact, not wearing overalls and toting a pitchfork and/or firearm), I decided that St. Louis had an identity crisis on its hands. This still surprises me because of the City's rich ancient history. Over five-hundred years ago, St. Louis was home to one of the largest Native American cities in American history. This civilization had trade and cultural influence as far west as Arizona and as far south as the Gulf of Mexico. While Cahokia mounds is well known to St. Louis residents, the massive cave network under the streets of the city that once marked an even more massive hub of trade, politics, and culture is almost unheard of. St. Louis has enough ancient history to fill Museums. A revival of this history could also mean a revival of the urban culture of St. Louis. For these reasons, this aspect of our identity must take a larger step forward. The Missouri Archaeological society (MAS) is filled with experts whose knowledge of this topic is abundant. As a five-year member, I believe the society's involvement would be necessary in order to move this idea forward.

"Enemies of the People"

...I hope you enjoy it?

Research Question

What has the government of Turkey done to put an end to the clear human rights violations of its penal system since the 70's?

What I will need to find out:
-the violations in the 70's
-the government's reaction to "The Midnight Express"
-international pressure

Tentative Research Proposal

To be honest, I had not even looked at this assignment until recently. I had no idea what I wanted to research. Nevertheless, a topic hit me right in the face last night as I watched the movie, "Midnight Express". Initially, I denounced this as a topic simply because it would be too easy to "illuminate" the already illuminated human rights violations in the Turkish prison such as torture. After giving the subject more thought, It would be more interesting to research this from a legal perspective. For example, Articles 10, 11, and 14 are prevalent in Billy Hayes's experience in the foreign penal system. If I were to research the applications of human rights to the topic of foreign penal systems as a whole, other articles that could apply are articles 5, 7,9, and 28.

I am unsure about whether I should research the Billy Hayes story in detail or foreign legal systems in general, but I at least have a topic that interests me.

Here are some sources that have assisted the growth of my interest and knowledge in this topic:
http://www.daemonstv.com/2010/06/28/billy-hayes-the-real-midnight-express-exclusive-interview/
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/locked-up-abroad/all/Overview
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Hayes_(writer)
http://www.usp.com.au/fpss/index.html

Although I am gaining  firmer grasp on this topic, I do have a few questions that would further narrow my focus as I continue research:
1. Would it be more beneficial to focus on the story of Billy Hayes or the larger issue of legal treatment while incarcerated abroad?
2. Even if they are in violation of the UDHR, is it plausible to make a case against foreign penal systems?
3. Are there any stronger stories to research besides that of Billy Hayes? (After reading his interview, there were quite a few details that could lessen an audience's sympathy for his experience).

The Difficulty of Defining Human Rights

The difficulty of defining human rights becomes evident when one examines the very purpose of "human rights", for between its purpose and its origins, there lies a deep contradiction. Human rights were created in order to protect the liberties of all human beings. They describe a plethora of instances in which all humans are entitled to this and that. However, the human rights themselves were written by a single comity. It seems almost futile for a small group of people -most of whom coming from privileged Western or European societies- to write the rules for all of the human race.

The Modern Congo

1. DR Congo rebel leader arrested over mass rapes: Over the past couple of days, the UN and the Army of the Democratic Republic of Congo have been tracking down the leader of a rebel force who is responsible for coordinating the mass rapes of a local villages. Just recently, through a joint operation, the rebel leader was captured and taken into custody. In my opinion the occurrence of these mass rapes is evidence of an unstable government. This is not unexpected considering that the country hadn't become independent until 1960. It is clear that the control of Leopold I's regime has left the Congo in ruin. However, I believe that this arrest is a good sign of progress. It shows that the people and the government of the Congo will not tolerate injustice anymore.

KLG Thoughts...

1. The question that I has haunted me for the course of this book is simple. Why is most of Europe completely oblivious to the atrocities being committed in the Congo? At what Point Will King Leopold's good luck run out? When will the world grow weary of the Belgian King's greed? Unfortunately, this question will not be answered until later in the book. However, I find it enjoyable to piece together the evidence of King Leopold's weakening grip on power.

2. For the most part, my group discussion shows potential. Although Drew, Isabel, and I showed a great interest in the relevance of the text, the other half of the group often talked while a point was being made. This was frustrating to say the least. The quality of the group discussion was very high when all participants were engaged and eager to give their opinion. Since I know that I am a strong asset in seminars, it is my goal to raise the interest of others who are diverting from the overall progress of the group.

King Leopold's Ghost Reflection 1

I enjoyed this reading because it has already rounded out my knowledge of the setting of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. A memorable quote from Joseph Conrad's story made a strong connection between the two texts. As Marlow tells his tale to his crew, he comments on the imperialist expansion, "which mostly means the taking away [of land] from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much" (Conrad Pt. 1). The author of King Leopold's Ghost describes this as well. I find it intriguing that the nations of Europe got away with complete extortion and even genocide by justifying their heinous crimes with hollow rationals containing little more than hypocrisy and ignorance. The powers of Europe simply hid their injustices behind the veil of religious and humanitarian interests. Out of all of the topics discussed in the first few chapters of Kind Leopold's Ghost, I find this topic especially interesting.

Questions:

1. If the casualties of the conquest of Africa (specifically the Congo) reached levels close to those of the Holocaust, why do most people of our society continue to live their lives without learning about these events?

2. Stanley's compulsive need to reinvent his past was said to embody the attitude of many similar figures at the time. What does this say about 19th century society?

Current Event Report

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11155313

News Report

Source:

Title- Obama condemns 'slaughter' as Mid-East talks open in US

Author- None

Publication- BBC

Date- September 1^st

Summary:

-Obama met with Israeli Prime Minister, Netanyahu and later, Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas

*Mediate and Promote peace after four Israeli settlers were slaughtered in West Bank.

*happened because of Israeli declaration that they will not renew a partial freeze on their development of settlements.

Analysis:

*Important because this roots from one of the mos well known conflicts that dates back to the crusades.

*Three sides and points of view

Israel:

-demands- Safety from attacks and protection of existing settlements

-sacrifice- would have to renew partial freeze

-risk- Elected officials of settlers make up the very government that PM runs

Palestine:

-demands- renew of partial freeze → development of independent democratic Palestinian state

-sacrifice- would have to let the current Israeli expansion settlements to remain.

-risk- The Hamas (responsible for anti Israeli slaughtering in West Bank) are very influential and could revolt against Palestinian peace gestures towards Israel.

US:

Quote:

*Must remain mediator → the leaders of Israel and Palestine must want peace the most, not the US.

Future: If successful, this could be a turning point on the road to peace

Thoughts at the End of 9/2 History Class

Today I learned the small difference between Imperialism and Colonialism. I have always used thought these words to be synonyms so from now on, I will have to be more thoughtful of my word usage. Also, I have a deeper understanding of the wide array of reasons a country could have for governing other nations. I'm curious to learn more about one of the major themes of my favorite book. Learning more about Imperialism and Colonialism should enhance my knowledge of the setting of Heart Of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.

Moments in History

Most newsworthy events in my lifetime:
9/11: I remember being in my third grade English class when I heard the news. I remember my teacher crying when the principal announced the details over the PA system. My peers and I were perhaps too small to receive any instant impact from the event, however, that would come later. My friends' parents were taking them home early because they were afraid of other attacks. There was talk of an invasion going around as well as sleeper agents and assassinations. I was too young to comprehend just how large of a scale everything was becoming. All I remember is that the school principal decided that the best and safest thing to do was to come together and continue working and so did the rest of the country

Hurricane Katrina: I thought I knew about hurricanes. They seemed like little more than bad sea storms before Katrina hit. I remember watching the morning news day after day. The images of the rapid wind and rain had little affect on me at the moment. I thought that it would be just like any other hurricane that hit the gulf. Then, all at once, my predictions and conceptions cracked and flooded with the news of the broken levees. All of a sudden, the streets of the crescent city were no longer visible. They became replaced by the rushing brown waters riddled with debris. To this day the image of the disaster that gets me the most is a camera shot from the side of a news helicopter that shows the Superdome. The roof panels of one of the largest football stadiums in the country were scared and torn. Sections of the gargantuan building were ripped off completely. However, every time I visit the great city I am pleased to be in a state of disbelief. Regardless of the hard times, the good people of New Orleans still pack the streets of the French Quarter each night and celebrate whatever there is to be celebrated. "How far off is Saint Patrick's Day? Two and a half weeks? Alright then, let's have a preliminary parade tonight! Aren't the Italians in our city neat? Lets have an Italian pride parade the next night!". Although New Orleans has endured many hardships, it will continue to happily thrive.

Election to Inauguration of Barack Obama: I remember very few details about this moment in particular. Feelings, however, stand out to me. I remember the irritation I felt when I read Facebook status' such as, "Welcome to the United Socialist States of America! I'm moving to Canada". I also remember the pride I felt when I replied, "Canada is actually socialist". During the inauguration, I was as happy as any teenager not able to vote could possibly be. My mind was filled with thoughts of policy changes and new beginnings for the war in the middle east. However, it wasn't until Obama was taking his oath that it all hit me. I was standing there with my arms around the shoulders of Tyla Daniels And Morgan Bosman and with their arms around mine. It was right about then when I looked to my right and then to my left and realized that I was living through something I would tell my grandchildren about.

Most newsworthy events that my parents have lived through:

Berlin Wall: This was a significant event in the lives of my parents because the events surrounding the Eastern Bloc dominated the news they watched. To them it was as if for years the news reports and protests had built up an intense pressure and when the wall came down, the pressure was instantly released. My parents remember being moved by films and pictures of young people knocking holes in the graffiti covered concrete. They said that images like that made them want to take the next plane to Berlin and become a part of something bigger.

9/11: My parents remember a their frantic phone calls whit each other as they tried to determine what to do with my brother and me. After watching footage of the two fuselages crashing through the towers, they had been stunned. But as the minutes went by, rumors spread of a larger attack or even an invasion. Radio personalities speculated the possibilities of sleeper agents and dormant assassins. Fearing a coordinated strike, my parents called my school and asked if we were safe. My parents argued over whether Andy and I would be safer at home or at school, but eventually, it was decided that we were much safer at school. So my parents waited impatiently for the school day to end and then picked me up.

Inauguration of Barack Obama: My mom remembers watching the event on the projector in Woods Hall. She felt alienated by the massive amount of republicans staring holes in her grinning face. She felt very uncomfortable watching the inauguration with the people she worked with because she knew that they were republicans and she knew what they were thinking about at the moment. She didn't really realize the historical significance of the moment until she directed her gaze downwards towards me. She told me that when she saw me embracing Tyla and Morgan, she teared up at the realization of just how far our society had come.