“Whenever there is conflict between human rights and property rights, human rights must prevail.” –Abraham Lincoln

2.0

This is an Honour Song

2) “The images convey no information about what lies behind the disturbing scene, about the circumstances that finally led the Aboriginal people to occupy the land or set up the barricade. The news story is all about the immediate effect of conflict. The pressure on government is to restore the status quo as quickly as possible and get back to business as usual.” – p. 30 Peter H. Russell

Democracy depends upon a healthy and educated society. To be an active member in a democratic society, one must accumulate their knowledge of news from a variety of sources. Peter H. Russell suggests that the Canadian mass media is not as honest as citizens may like to believe. “The news story is always about the immediate effect of the conflict.” Throughout the Oka Crisis, mainstream media only sought out the immediate story of the conflict. Yet as the documentary Kanehsatake 270 Years of Resistance explored the crisis was centuries of withstanding abuse from the Canadian government in the making. Experience is not what happens to a man; it is what a man does with what happens to him.” Aldous Huxley. The Fist Nation’s of Kanehsatake dealt as a community with so much mistreatment and corruption from the Canadian government, yet their strength prevailed. The only concern of our government was and is sadly their personal agenda setting and the maintenance of the status quo. “North American governments are not grounded nor connected to the center of life.” Our reputation as a peaceful and democratic nation on the world stage was more important to our government than the livelihood of the citizens who have always called Canada home. The deep power of the Aboriginal people is like no other, their strength and sense of family and love has proven to be more powerful and influential than any authoritative government figure. For the First Nations people of the Oka Crisis their individual well-being was irrelevant compared to that of their community, an inspiration to not only their own people but to all Canadians as they truly know what they believe in and will suffer to have that achieved now or for future generations. They understand the true value of a life worthwhile.

6) “…residential school did the job. It made us a landless people with the residential school as our mom and dad. The residential school bred neo-colonialism into genes—loss of culture, loss of language and loss of hope. As I filter through all these thoughts of resident school, my main worry right now is the little children that were buried at those residential school sites. They never made it home. The way they died was never disclosed to parents. This was the holocaust of my people.” – p. 61 Judy Da Silva

“This was the Holocaust of my people.” The idea of Canada as a free and democratic society comes naturally to most citizens of this country. Canadians are known as the righteous peacemakers around the world. Despite our honest reputation, Canadians and the world alike forget about the political socialization that occurred in our own backyard. The cover-up of the Residential School crisis gives absolute proof of the disrespect and disregard our government has for the Aboriginal people. The United Church created an oligarchy with the school system, much like that of the party in 1984, “Never again will you be capable of ordinary human feeling. Everything will be dead inside you… We shall squeeze you empty and fill you up with ourselves.” Just as in Orwell’s novel, the major concepts behind the residential schools were power and authority. Taking these young, venerable children out of their homes and putting them in abusive environments with the main goal of eliminating their culture while allowing no media coverage on the continued tragedy. Canadians wonder why there is such a high rate of crime and poverty in the Aboriginal population, yet it is our own government, the members of society we chose as our leaders to blame.

7) “My 11-year old daughter asked, “Mom why are Anishinabek women disappearing?”  I did not know she was aware of this until she said it. I said to her it was because we are the carriers of our nations. She could not understand that. So I told her more straightforward. It is because we can carry life in our womb and we care the Ancestors of our people to the children. We are always the reminder of creating life for our people. Without us, the people will vanish from earth. Our culture will cease, our memories to this land will disappear and we will become extinct. Not more Anishinabek to protect land, air and water. This she understood and also understood why I keep her so close to me when we go to town. … The enormous tragedy of missing and murdered Anishinabek women is so obscene and yet so minimized. “ p. 65 Judy Da Silva

“We are always the reminder of creating life for our people.” Through this quotation, Judy Da Silva is showing the true strength and internal power of her people. The Indigenous community as a collective are physically damaged and broken; yet their spirits remain strong and hopeful. Aboriginal woman carry their families, they show such strength to continue and rebuild their damaged circumstance. Their ability to forgive yet not forget is proof of their strength as a nation. Allowing 500 Anishinabek women to disappear without extensive media coverage is an ultimate failure of the Canadian justice system. These First Nation women deserve equal opportunity of safety and security. These women, the symbols of First Nation culture deserve the rights of freedom and without their safety their freedom is inexistent. “Our culture will cease, memories to this land will disappear and become extinct.” This tragedy, so obscene yet so minimized as a Canadian public we must find justice, equality and we must fine the value of First Nation people. It is time for these beautiful women to have a reason to smile.

2.1

 “I think it taught me that racism exists within Canada and it is only covered by a very thin and fragile veneer- and that if we Aboriginal people become unified or assert our rights in a physical way it cracks their veneer and they allow their deep feelings of hatred to show” How Far Would You Go? – p. 25 Harmony Rice

Power is defined as the possession of control or command over others. As Canadians, government power is used to create guidelines to maintain a peaceful society. Yet, with the Oka Crisis, this absolute power only caused corruption, as Bismarck famously said, Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.  For the majority of our population, Canadians see our government as a positive source of power and authority. Yet, This is an Honour Song allows readers to have an honest look of the tyranny found within our leaders. As Rice’s short story explores, Canadians need to only look in their own backyards for situations of racism and poor distribution of rights. Our country covers up the inequality that is continually faced by our First Nations people, to show a united nationalistic front, yet it only takes one small event, like taking land to build a golf course to unleash years of build of hatred. The idea that Quebecer’s believed their power of authority was more influential than that of the people of Kanehsatake shows their ultimate disrespect. In order to move forward toward a positive future we must eliminate these veneers of silence. It is time that all nations of Canada are viewed with the same rights and freedoms that are outlined in our constitution. With the main topic of this novel and the documentary on the Oka Crisis being power, the most powerful aspect I’ve learned is their power of happiness. Despite all their pain, agony, and the disrespect the victims of the Oka Crisis endured, at the end of Kanehsatake 270 Years of Resistance the First Nation’s interviewed were smiling, laughing showing that their understanding of one of the most crucial lessons of life, it goes on. Happiness depends upon ourselves says Aristotle, and within a world of tyranny and abuse these desperate people are still able to laugh, to carry on towards better, brighter future.  The power of love is so much stronger than that of hate.

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October 15, 2011

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“There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly.” -Henry David Thoreau

Beyond the Text

 

This image is that of the devastation of a Uranium mining plant. In my Research Quest this week, our class was to explore the story of Robert Lovelace, who began a hunger strike in an Ontario prison to receive attention from the provincial government about the injustice of his case. He was sentenced a 6 months in jail in addition to a $50,000 fine for his involvement with the peaceful protest to keep a mine off Aboriginal land.

 Media Analysis

 Zero-Tolerance Education Policies Are Destroying Young People’s Lives

Project Censored

Project Censored reports on the United States education policy, which in 2006 had 3.3 million or one in fourteen students suspended. This policy was originally implemented to expel any student who brought a weapon to school. However, over time the policy is regularly used by school administration for children who use profanity, who talk back or students bringing over the counter drugs to school. Instead of giving these troubled children the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and grow into successful individuals, it exposes them to the judicial system at a young and highly influential age. These students faced with expulsion are more likely to drop out of schools, leading to lifelong problems with the law. The Zero-Policy effect has the greatest impact on young African-American males as they are more targeted for their behaviour by school officials, the number of African American men in jail cells highly exceeds the number in college dorm rooms, showing the negative impact the bill has placed on society. In life we all make minor mistakes, however for some of these children it can create a lifelong problem. Education may be the only opportunity for these children to end their cycle of poverty and crime and with this harsh legislation; equal opportunity is not being given. These children are being forced out of the basic constitutional right of education.

Source: http://www.mediafreedominternational.org/2011/10/03/zero-tolerance-education-policies-are-destroying-young-peoples-lives/

Feed a student, feed a future

Globe and Mail

After a teenager was shot to death in the halls of a Toronto high school in 2007, it created the need for change in the troubled neighbourhood for a new system to stop violence and create a brighter future for students. Instead of taking the normal approach of setting up metal detectors in the schools or as in the above article, increasing suspension, administration implemented a meal plan for all students.“The administrators wanted a nutrition program – they wanted to make sure every kid was fed, they came out loud and clear and told us a hungry kid was an angry kid.” With the help of fundraising by the Toronto Foundation for Student Success, a universal morning meal plan was established in 7 schools. Now, three years after the tragic death, more students are showing less aggression, they are attending more classes, receiving higher grades and fewer suspensions, according to calculations by the Toronto School Board. The positive results of Feeding Our Future will hopefully continue to expand across the country, giving underprivileged youth the proper advantage needed to get ahead in life.

Source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/man-18-dies-after-trying-to-stop-fight-on-bc-bus/article2196075/

Research Quest

Robert Lovelace

Algonquin community leader Robert Lovelace was sentenced six months in jail and fined $50,000 on February 15, 2008 by the Ontario Superior Court for organizing a non-violent blockade against Uranium mining on First Nation Territory. Lovelace is a political prisoner.  “In September 2007, an Ontario provincial court issued Frontenac Ventures, the mining company, an interlocutory injunction ordering protestors from Ardoch and Sharbot Lake First Nations, to vacate the Robertsville camp. The camp is the only feasible entry point to a 30,000-acre wilderness tract in Frontenac County, where the company has its prospecting license.” Lovelace and other activists violated that order. The primary source of the conflict is in the Ontario Mining Act, which gives companies permission to stake land and prospect without consolation with private landowners, which includes First Nations. The lack of consultation, argues Lovelace is a violation of constitutional rights. “Uranium mining has no record other than environmental destruction and negative health issues,” said Doreen Davis, chief of the Shabot Lake First Nation. These companies are coming onto First Nation territory, without warning, with plans of destruction to generate wealth. Just as with the Oka Crisis, there is a absolute disrespect towards the people who have full rights to this land. As Lovelace was sentenced to jail time, it shows the Ontario government is showing how their interest in power production exceeds that of basic human rights. Lovelace began a hunger strike to demand attention from the provincial government. It shows the sad state of our government and moreover of who we elect to lead, as a well respected Aboriginal man is forced to lay his life on the line in order to receive the respect and rights to his land that he and other First Nations deserve.

Sources: http://www.dominionpaper.ca/articles/1754

Reflective Journal

This past Friday, on the Princess of Acadia Ferry on my way home to Saint John for Thanksgiving, there was a technological crisis… the fairy was unable to supply their onboard Internet service. While seeking out a Wi-Fi service on my own laptop, many others came around asking if I’d been able to connect to the Internet, as I had not, in frustration a group of passengers went to talk to the Captain about the issue. “You’d think we were looking for a drink of water” said an older man, and it struck me to think of last week’s class discussion. Being unable to connect to the Internet for three hours is in the least a minor inconvenience, yet there are thousands of Canadians living in rural communities all across country who are unable to connect to the Internet in their daily lives, this scarcity of Internet connection which ultimately leads to isolation. If the Canadian government wants to create citizens involved in the current events of the nation they must allow for Internet connection to be widely available without cost. Paying upward of $1,000 to be connected is unreasonable for anyone, anywhere. In order to move forward as a progressive society, we must allow everyone to have an equal opportunity for access of information, and knowledge, as knowledge is the most influential form of power in the world. The idea of Internet access in today’s society should be a basic human right.

Question of the Week

Why do cases such as Robert Lovelaces’ go unnoticed by the mass media until the sacrifice of a hunger strike is made? Why does the Canadian society continue to elect leaders who are more concerned with their public image then basic human rights, is it a problem with how we select our government?

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October 10, 2011

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“In times of universal deceit, telling the truth will be a revolutionary act.”–George Orwell

Beyond the Text

The central theme of class discussion this week was the impact of media upon society. My favourite novel, 1984, takes readers into a story of a complete dystopian society. The idea of media manipulation is a central theme in 1984, and with state-run media powerhouses today such as the CBC, it creates the question of is there absolute truth in what news is being told, can we rely on these stories that are being delivered? Is Big Brother watching us?

Media Analysis

Project Censored: Afghan Children Being Sold Into Forced Labour

In this tragic article, Project Censored once again, goes beneath the headlines to discover the tragedy in the lives of the citizens in war-torn Afghanistan. The epidemic poverty in the nation is forcing many poor families to sell their children into slavery, with reports from 2010 showing 28% of all children between the ages of 5 and 15 being sold in Jawzjan Province, one of the most underdeveloped regions of the country. Parents and guardians are selling their children for $280 US. “Unfortunately, many Afghans do not know their own rights or those for children and women,” says Maghferat Samimi, head of the provincial office in Jawzjan for Afghanistan’s Independent Human Rights Commission. With the highly covered media reports on the nation, why have the real and tragic stories of the lives of these young children been covered up? As Canadians, for the most part our media only shows the positive impact we are making on the lives of these impoverished people, yet in order to continue with the efforts of our military, Canadians need to be faced with the harsh reality of the Afghan situation. Stories like these can’t be covered up if we are going to be keeping our troops in the country.

The New York Times: Twitter Tracks When We Are Happy

On the topic of social media, I was amused to find this article on the homepage of the NYT this week. The story looks into research done by examining the text found in millions of Twitter updates. Tweets are a very simple reflection of a person’s current state of mind. “After accounting for these differences, the researchers determined that for the average user in each country, positive posts crested around breakfast time, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.; they fell off gradually until hitting a trough between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., then drifted upward, rising more sharply after dinner.” Twitter is not only a way to spread news headlines or world events; it is also a way to personally broadcast how you feel at each point in your day. Recently, I looked back on my tweet history, and as I read each message I’d posted, I was mentally taken back into those moments of sadness or joy, it was a very emotional trip down memory lane. If the popularity for Twitter continues, it will be the source of media for the future, as it connects all users. As this study shows, the site allows people from all over, feeling the same things, such as dreading Monday’s or excitement for the Superbowl to connect in a way that was never before possible. Twitter is the media giant of today, and tomorrow.

Sources: http://www.mediafreedominternational.org/2011/09/20/afghan-children-being-sold-into-forced-labor/

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/30/science/30twitter.html?_r=1&ref=technology

Research Quest

The Fifth Estate’s You Should Have Stayed Home creates yet another insider look on the madness of Toronto’s G20 summit. It brings up once again, as in the Oka Crisis, the idea of Canada as a democracy. Despite a riot, that should not give the police the right of ultimate authority to the point where they are taking away the freedom of innocent citizens. There is a quotation from the video of Queens Park where a young demonstrator declaring peace disappears within the crowd of officers brings up the idea of 1984, the State has the ultimate control of the past, present and future, allowing no grounds for a free, truthful or democratic society.  “It’s like this insane Orwellian Double Speak” The idea of underground social media allows this story to come alive, as without the camera phone photos or videos, we would not see the real severity of the situation, we would only see the potential edited version supplied by the government-funded CBC.

Sources: http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/2010-2011/youshouldhavestayedathome/

Reflective Journal

“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen” The opening line of George Orwell’s iconic novel 1984, ties into my personal understanding of media. It was three years ago when my Dad came into my bedroom, telling me excitedly about an article he had just read in the Globe and Mail. On that day at the beginning of April, he asked me if I’d heard of Twitter, knowing of my normal teenage obsession with Facebook, he urged me to join saying critics were calling it “the next big thing is social media”. Being curious, I checked it out. At first, I was hesitant, but as time went on, I used it as a way of personal reflection. As popularity increased with the website, it became my routine method of knowledge on my closest friends and also favorite celebrities.  “Twitter makes you love people you don’t know. Facebook makes you hate people you already know.” This popular quote, which frequently circulates the site, could personally not be more truthful. Facebook is so repetitive, and in-your-face, while Twitter gives you more control over what you are taking in. In a society were the media is main focus; Twitter continues to rise as the primary source of information for today’s youth.

Question of the Week

With the huge popularity with websites such as Twitter, and possible budget cuts to the CBC, how will this influence the future of public media in Canada?

Climate Cover-Up by James Hoggan is the novel I am reading for the month of October.  

 

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October 2, 2011

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Democracy… is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder; and dispensing a sort of equality to equals and unequals alike. -Plato

Beyond the Text

This week during class discussion, we compared and contrasted the many different forms of government. Canada has a democratic system of government. By definition democracy is “A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.” Despite popular belief, Canadians may have far less control in the government then are lead to believe.  Bringing up the topic of the past two posts, the Oka Crisis, Canadians are convinced of their strong prosperity and equality, yet in this situation of crisis, all freedom was lost for the Mi’kmaq. It is as if today we are only electing power hungry individuals and not responsible leaders. Bringing the further question, is it possible to have a leader who is purely truthful, it seems as if the great leaders only come along once in a while.

Media Analysis

Vancouver police chief vows more charges for Stanley Cup riot that G20 protests

Globe & Mail

This week in Vancouver, police Chief Jim Chu confirms that the number of charges made by his team will exceed that of the G20 street disturbances in Toronto.  “You will see hundreds and hundreds of people charged. I guarantee that. … We’ve told prosecutors to get ready for a large volume of cases that will come to the courts.” During the ongoing investigation, no charges have yet to be laid, as it is more important to lay charges correctly than quickly.  The chief reported that there were approximately 700 rioters, in combination with the 20,000 hockey fans. Police were unable to control the rioters with the crowds of onlookers on the streets. The political blame exceeds the police force, as it has higher ties with the municipal and even the provincial government. The city officials have a duty to keep their tax paying citizens safe, however, it raises the question how much physical force is the government allowed to use to control the population?

Michigan: Operation Doomsday

Project Censored

In the United States, as in Canada, citizens expect a democratic government that creates equal opportunity for all citizens. While browsing Project Censored this week, I came across an article this week reporting on Republican Governor Rick Snyder supporting the move to remove 12, 600 families from public assistance. Michigan is ranked third in the country for residents who face food insecurity. Going to bed hungry creates consequences of malnutrition, leading to poor school performance in children, while also creating more frequent sickness and higher healthcare costs. Not giving these children the proper resources to succeed only creates the repeated cycle of poverty. While all of these budgets cuts are occurring, the Governor still spent $5 million of his own money in campaign for office, where he did not wage for lower or middle-class residents, allowing me to question where are his priorities? To be in office in a democratic setting should be for helping the mass population, not for personal gains of power and control. Society needs true and honest leaders; yet, they seem nowhere to be found.

Source: 

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/vancouver-police-chief-vows-more-charges-for-stanley-cup-riot-than-g20-protests/article2177238/

http://dailycensored.com/2011/09/24/in-michigan-1-8-million-don’t-have-enough-food-senatehouse-republicans-vote-to-toss-16k-families-25-30k-kids-off-public-assistance/

Research Quest

Through my research with www.politicalcompass.org, I’ve discovered where I stand on the political spectrum.

Throughout further research on the website, I’ve discovered that an ideology is the ideas that create your political compass. In comparison is that of a political thought, which is by definition, is the study of what makes a government legitimate, its liberty, justice, rights and laws.  This website is a great way to begin your political self-reflection, as it creates a basis for your political ideologies, allowing for proper comparison against other forms of politics.

Sources: http://politicalcompass.org/test

http://dictionary.reference.com/ 

Reflective Journal

This week during my reading of our textbook Canadian Democracy I was alarmed by some of the statistics on poverty found within Canada. The idea that the distribution of Canadian income has remained unchanged for decades, that the richest 20% of the population receive 47% of the overall income in contrast to less than 1% of income for the poorest 20% of the population. Yet despite this negative fact, I am inspired to work hard, and to create change in our country. As Canadians, even if we are born in a lower class we are given the opportunity of education, and I am a firm believer of the idea that knowledge is power, if we can educate our society, it is gives the most powerful and the most true form of freedom.

Question of the Week

Which system of government has a greater success rate, the two-tier political system or having more options of representation through several political parties?

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September 25, 2011

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September 18, 2011

Beyond the Text

Last night I dreamed I was an Eagle,

Flying high in the sky,

Weak from the poison

Of man trying to destroy

Unable to focus

Throwing caution to the wind

Fighting a battle

I knew I couldn’t win.

My body was burning,

From fever and the sun

Unable to understand

The harm that man has done.

Unable to understand

why other species had to die

Unable, I struggle, to stay in the sky

Fighting to live, yet wanting to die.

This poem Man’s Poison by Mi’kmaq poet, Frank Russell, explores the main themes discussed in class this week; it expands upon the search for freedom and rights of the Indigenous People of Canada. The eagle symbolizes the quest of their struggle and fight to be treated like equals in a land that was once their own.

Sources: http://www.indianheadfirstnations.com/manspoision.htm

Media Analysis

 UN approves Libya seat for former rebels

“The UN General Assembly voted Friday to give Libya’s seat in the world body to the former rebels’ National Transitional Council which led the rebellion that ousted Moammar Gadhafi” This vote allows a senior officials to join world leaders and speak on Libya’s behalf in next week’s ministerial session of the General Assembly.  Despite the continuing struggle in Libya to maintain peace, this allows a new beginning for the country, a new hope to ease the desperation in the torn society. This story represents the strength found within humans, the people of Libya have gone through so much hardship with Gahafi’s regime, yet their courage to continue fighting for justice is still found within the people.  Just as the Mi’kmaq fought endlessly for their rights at Oka, the people of Libya have shown human courage is much stronger than all thirst for power.

Some 9/11 Truth: We’ve become a society of suicide bombers

As September 11^th has just passed, the topic of “suicide bombers” has been raised countless times in mainstream news stories. This article, however, looks into the idea of “suicide as homicide.” “If viewed without bias, one might justifiably characterize modern human behavior as displaying both collective suicidal and homicidal tendencies. We’ve created and sustained a culture that requires relentless consumption and violence in order for it to function as designed.” This article brings up the idea that as humans, when bad times arise, people remain calm and hope and pray for the best, just as the passengers on United Flight 93 did. Yet, as much as you wish for the best, altered outcomes will not arise without action. If we as humans remain passive and easily manipulated, change will never occur. Relating to the major topic of the week, the Oka Crisis, those people contrasted that of the majority of the population, they stood up for their beliefs and made change happen, they became recognized. As a society, we need to be involved and more active within the decisions that are being laid out for us if we ever wish to accomplish change.

Sources: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/africa-mideast/un-approves-libya-seat-for-former-rebels/article2168828/ (Source A)

 http://www.fairsharecommonheritage.org/2011/09/09/some-911-truth-weve-become-a-society-of-suicide-bombers/ (Source B

Research Discovery

“We have to respect the local culture, whatever the research may be” This quotation is taken from Dr. Peter Irniq, he is stating how despite the population of Nunavut being highly studied, the information is unless if it is not truthful. News today is so sheltered and controlled that what Canadians believe to be truth could be totally altered, creating the question of is there any truth in our society? Without truth where do our values lie, journalist are our only source of freedom in this world based upon false reality. The idea of a just society is brought up as it was Trudeau who stated he want to create a Just Society in Canada. Most Canadians, as I previously did, believed that Canada was already a land of equal opportunity. With  John Amaroalik’s video, we come to understand that Canada has the tools and opportunities to create equality for all, however we must access these opportunities that are available to give our most impoverished citizens, the Inuits, a fair chance for success.

Source: http://plato.acadiau.ca/courses/pols/nunavut@5/video_gallery.htm#

Reflective Journal

While watching the film Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance, I was to say the least, overwhelmed. The lack of leadership demonstrated by all levels of the Canadian government was absolutely astounding. It completely contrasts the reputation that Canadians have built and prided themselves on as peacekeepers and peacemakers.  I am amazed at how significant the fight for power was for our government, because personally, taking land from the Indigenous people to build a golf course seems absurd. It brings up the question personally of how false the idea of Canadian identity is, why are we going out in the world to help others endlessly if we can’t provide those in our own country with the basic rights of freedom and respect.

Question of the Week

Why, after 4 years and 1.25 billion dollars spent by the Canadian government is there still 1 in 5 First Nations lacking clean drinking water, a commodity that most Canadians take for granted?

Source: http://www.mediaindigena.com/martha-troian/issues-and-politics/billions-spent-but-18-of-first-nations-still-lack-safe-drinking-water

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September 18, 2011

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September 12, 2011

Beyond the Text

This photo from the Oka Crisis portrays the battle on the Van Doo perimeter. Pte. Patrick Cloutier and Mohawk warrior Brad Laroque are facing off. This image is recognized as one of the most iconic in Canadian history, as it gives the audience a glimpse of the unjust situation in an image.

Sources: https://iconicphotos.wordpress.com/tag/oka-crisis/

Media Analysis

“At least 75 killed in Kenya pipeline explosion” 

Major news story analysis from the Globe and Mail

Monday, September 12th a leaking gas pipe exploded in Nairobi, Kenya. The death toll is currently at 75 people, however, it continues to rise as rescuers search through the devistated site. As reported by the Globe and Mail, family members continue to search for their loved ones in the wreckage. A local, Mr. Mwangi discovered the small charred body of his 5 year old daughter, as he collapses in tears, my heart begins to sink. Despite the enormous differences in my own life from that of Mr. Mwangi, I am still deeply saddened by his and the losses of many others. Life is a precious and sacred thing, knowing it can be taken at any moment creates a vulnerability like none other. Coming to Acadia, this is my first experience being away from my family. Waiting weeks before we are reunited again is hard enough, I could not imagine the sorrow of being separated permanently.

“Sexual Violence Against Women Soldiers on the Rise and Under Wraps” 

Minor new story analysis from Project Censored

The recent suicide of Lavena Johnson brings attention to the many cases of horrible sexual violence female soldiers encounter. The mainstream media covers up these and other stories of the sort in order to project the image of a strong and unified American army. If 60 Minutes or ABC News were to air stores like Lavena’s the military would be forced to pull advertising from these major networks. This tragic story, while not completely similar is a reminder of the imperfections found within the Western world. Westerner’s are so focused and devoted on helping other less developed countries reach our level of modernization that we forget about our own flaws and need for improvement. The American’s are covering up the death of a young female solider, who’s autopsy showed signs of physical distress such as a broken neck, and teeth in order to promote the army that will help fight terror in Afghanistan. Just as the Canadians, known for our peacekeeping, our own covering up of the harsh reality of living that exists within the lives of the Indigenous Canadian people. It is time that Americans and Canadians alike are exposed to the horror that exists within our own nations before we peruse our ideologies on others.

Sources: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/africa-mideast/at-least-75-killed-in-kenya-pipeline-explosion/article2162077/

-http://www.mediafreedominternational.org/2011/08/27/sexual-violence-against-women-soldiers-on-the-rise-and-under-wraps/

Research Discovery

Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act 

The AETA classifies a person who “intentionally damages or causes the loss of any real or personal property” or “intentionally places a person in reasonable fear of” death or serious bodily injury as terrorists. This act is so broad that it could send virtually anyone to jail, which bring me to the question… what are the values that our leaders have? There is an absolute lack of leadership in both democratic societies of the United States and Canada. We expect our leaders to be honest and reliable people, but as they are passing serious laws such as the AETA completely under the radar, it makes you question are we truly living up to our high standards of human rights? This relates to the story of Lavena Johnson, her story not being told the the general public in order to keep a unified front. Or in the case of the Oka Crisis, these people were betrayed and lied to, losing all human rights and freedoms. It is time for North Americans to take a deeper look into who is representing us, as their system of values seem to be virtually non existent.

Sources: http://www.alternet.org/rights/141328/the_animal_enterprise_terrorism_act:_the_most_dangerous_domestic_terror_law_you’ve_never_heard_of/-

Reflective Journal

The novel “The Honour Song” was the major topic of my reading this past weekend. I was amazed despite all the hurt and betrayal found within the Indigenous people, their power of forgiveness. As a collective group, their strength and belief in their cause, may it be clean water, their relationship with the land, or their duty as mothers overcame their self-sorrow. As a young Canadian growing up in Saint John, New Brunswick, I was virtually unaware of the pain the Indigenous Canadians have experienced. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to learn about their culture, as it is through exposure that it will remain alive. I am left with the thought that every young Canadian should have this chance to rise from ignorance and learn of the truth of Canadian history.

Question of the Week

“How was I, a youth born within the decade of the Oka Crisis never fully educated on the historic Canadian event?”

Uncategorized

September 13, 2011

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