The arrest of blogger and journalist Hossein "Hoder" Derakhshan is simply outrageous and wrong. All global citizens should be allowed freedom of speech and press as one of many basic rights. It’s amazing that so many governments think that the right to free speech is theirs to give. It’s a basic human right, and it’s not theirs to grant nor prevent. A government’s position should exist to uphold these rights, protect their people, etc.
Discussion is important, but hopefully it'll lead to desperately needed activism soon. So many citizens are suffering from this kind of oppression, and it's going to take a long time to fight the ignorance, fear and power of their own governments. Let hope that as global communities continue to bond and gain strength that we’ll see far-reaching support and activism to fight this oppression and lack of basic rights.
I agree, and thanks Listenup. This is an important environmental message. I hope the Canada and the world will LISTENUP on this! This seems like trophy hunting also (probably men with too much bravado and tiny private parts)! I’m not slamming all men because the world is full of wonderful men. I’m slamming these hunters.
This is totally inhumane and UNNECESSARY (i.e. they don't need to kill these beautiful seals to survive). And given the condition of the planet and wildlife, we should only be consuming sustainable food (e.g. not killing and eating animal populations that aren't sustainable or are endangered like the despicable and superstitious demand in China for things like Bengal tiger bones, etc). These people are completely IGNORANT.
This is very disappointing especially given how many countries stood up against Apartheid in South Africa. South Africa needs to formally recognize, respect and support Tibet’s desire for independence and freedom from Chinese oppression.
Bravo EPA, and it's about time! Let's hope that this progress will be followed by continued heightened environmental consciousness from global citizens. EVERY person needs to do the right thing, be less selfish and take responsibility for his/her own human and carbon footprint. Educate yourself, and learn how to protect the earth and our natural resources:
Thanks for your perspective. However, my initial point wasn’t about linking crime to the economy. I was making a brief point about the struggling economy’s potential impact on maintaining adequate law enforcement. Budget cuts could prevent the effectiveness of law enforcement and threaten public safety (e.g. fewer officers/investigators, the parole system, cuts to public safety initiatives, etc, etc). Budget cuts in law enforcement could result in a reduction of law enforcement services that provide public safety to communities.
Regarding the effect of a weak economy on crime, crime usually does increase when the economy is weak. However, violent crime isn’t always related to financial adversity (e.g. crimes of passion, drugs, chemical imbalance, rage, shame, revenge, rejection, etc). Yes, the solution is to get to the root of any problem (rebuilding the economy will take long), but this is not law enforcement’s job. The public has a high demand for law enforcement services regardless of the reason for crime, and we must be realistic about what’s occurring on the streets.
We need to do both; have adequate law enforcement as well as adequate help/support/services to those at risk of committing a violent crime (to help solve their issues/problems before they snap). So solving the root of most problems will take time. The economy will take time to rebound for example. In the meantime, I hope we can maintain great law enforcement. By the way, after the Mumbai attacks, the Indian gov’t was severely criticized for not spending enough money on law enforcement in Mumbai (especially after they spent millions going to the moon).
Yes, I agree Laney. The last thing the US needs is another war. Tensions are running high between the US and N. Korea so let's hope the 2 female journalists (Laura Ling and Euna Lee) return safely.
Thanks for the update IG, and you're correct. Let's hope however that crime doesn't worsen since the current economic climate could force budget cuts in law enforcement.
This beta report credibility rating is intended to help our community sort through uncensored citizen media reports. For more information, see the Report Credibility section in our FAQ
Loading activation form...
Loading login form...
Loading sign up form...
Loading activation form...
Loading password form...
Loading new incentive enroll form...
Loading invite contacts form...
Invite your friends
Please enter an optional message below, check the friends you want to invite, hit "Send Invitation," and you're done!
Discussion is important, but hopefully it'll lead to desperately needed activism soon. So many citizens are suffering from this kind of oppression, and it's going to take a long time to fight the ignorance, fear and power of their own governments. Let hope that as global communities continue to bond and gain strength that we’ll see far-reaching support and activism to fight this oppression and lack of basic rights.
Peace - GG
This is totally inhumane and UNNECESSARY (i.e. they don't need to kill these beautiful seals to survive). And given the condition of the planet and wildlife, we should only be consuming sustainable food (e.g. not killing and eating animal populations that aren't sustainable or are endangered like the despicable and superstitious demand in China for things like Bengal tiger bones, etc). These people are completely IGNORANT.
Peace - GG
http://www.nrdc.org/
http://www.worldwildlife.org/
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/human-footprint/
Regarding the effect of a weak economy on crime, crime usually does increase when the economy is weak. However, violent crime isn’t always related to financial adversity (e.g. crimes of passion, drugs, chemical imbalance, rage, shame, revenge, rejection, etc). Yes, the solution is to get to the root of any problem (rebuilding the economy will take long), but this is not law enforcement’s job. The public has a high demand for law enforcement services regardless of the reason for crime, and we must be realistic about what’s occurring on the streets.
We need to do both; have adequate law enforcement as well as adequate help/support/services to those at risk of committing a violent crime (to help solve their issues/problems before they snap). So solving the root of most problems will take time. The economy will take time to rebound for example. In the meantime, I hope we can maintain great law enforcement. By the way, after the Mumbai attacks, the Indian gov’t was severely criticized for not spending enough money on law enforcement in Mumbai (especially after they spent millions going to the moon).