Now to Japan. We should all deticate time every day to pray for those effected by this great tragedy, and continue to pray for the resolution of standing problems like the Nuclear power plant cooling problems, Lack of water and food, and the threat of cold temperatures looming over those who have lost their homes. The worst is far from over. If you want to help, the most realistic way for most of us is to donate funds. The American Red Cross is working with Itunes (through the Itunes store) which offers donations varying from 5 dollars to 200 dollars. Every penny helps, and honestly, how many of us cannot afford to part with 5 dollars. Thats 4 less songs on our Ipods, one less meal at McDonalds, skipping 3 sodas during the week, etc. And actually.... you can donate the money you saved not buying anti-radiation pills! I made a 5 dollar donation (while I arguably could have made more), but lets all make sure we at least contribute a little bit to help people stricken by disaster. And think about it, how many awesome things has Japan given us? The Japanese people will persevere, they will recover, but if they do it alone, I will be a dark and troubled road.
Now to Lybia. As I write this, I have recently found out that the UN Security Council just introduced a draft of a no-fly zone resolution over the skies of Libya. Seems a little late, but hey if the UN were on time to the party Gaddafi could be dead or in prison by now. But im here to think, not to judge. Obama has an important decision to make, quite possibly the most important decision any president has had to make since the beginning of the Cold War. Does the United States decide to support democracy regardless of the economic consequences, or do we kiss the asses of OPEC and continue to support unjust regimes like Saudi Arabia? Its a tough call, I for one dont really like the sound of $6/gallon gasoline (which I have no doubt that mark will be eclipsed should the Saudis find themselves facing domestic instability), but something about me says that we need to unconditionally support the right of self-determination of peoples. Obama was far too slow to call out Gaddafi, and stood by silent as Egypt figured its own problems out. Which honestly might be the best strategy. But lets not call ourselves a champion of Democracy if we stand by and watch people who are seeking democracy get slaughtered.
We should support any and all peoples seeking government for themselves. The days of the Cold War, when some two bit dictator could actually serve our purposes is over. Now if we support tyrants, its based on solely economic reasons which is sketchy, and it just pisses off the populace of that country. I think that the US(and all of NATO) should intervene in Libya. It doesnt have to be a large scale invasion that requires the entire country be occupied. At most an amphibious assault of the capitol. With Gaddafi, and other major leaders taken out of the picture, the Rebels will be able to secure the rest of the country, and begin building a democratic society. We do nothing but eliminate the dictator and his inner circle. Let the people of Libya do the rest. It wont be another Iraq, because it wont be our goal to rebuild the countrys government, we just eliminate the dictator.
We benefit from helping. If we do not help, we risk a radical islamic government forming, which is the exact opposite of benefiting. It will create another enemy for our lifestyle, one who will unite under the banner "The Americans just stood by and watched as this dictator murdered our brothers". A Democracy is a friend, especially if we free it from the chain of oppression and let it grow freely.
To the News!
first, Epic Pirate Bedroom! : Props to Blah Bethany for this epic-ness.
Battle Los Angeles was Legendary..... you must see it
Beyond that, there has not been much in the news with Libya and Japan drawing most of the headlines.... and I suspect I may have lost you by now....
Thanks for Reading!!!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment