Monday, December 15, 2014

Modest Proposal (Two posts)

It's a shame that countries in the European Union are troubled with poverty at a massive scale. There are individuals in the streets, the roads, and the alleys of P.I.I.G.S. (Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece, and Space) nations who must beg for alms in a disgraceful, public manner. These people have no alternative than to turn to meander aimlessly to tourist attractions in dreadful attire. They are often times famished and spend time begging rather than looking for a job to sustain their families in addition to themselves. As they grow, these children are destined to lives of misery and poverty. Perhaps a pickpocket or a mugger, no good would come from such a pathetic lifestyle. Any man or woman who could dare to resolve this crisis taking practicality into account would not only be know as a preserver of the region, be an international hero for years to come. Their legacy would outlive their lifespan tenfold.

Even while the European Union is plagued by this issue on the home-front, the Union seeks to add another country. Turkey, a nation permeated by a level of poverty and instability akin to that of a European P.I.I.G.S. nation is currently a candidate for entering the Union. Regardless of poverty levels, Turkish culture clashes with the culture of Europe as a whole for a simple reason: it is outside of Europe geographically. My intentions seek to go beyond that of acting to alleviate poverty, I seek to improve the overall economy, culture, and leadership of the continent of Europe as a whole.

My modest proposal is the quintessential plan which equates to the greatest degree of success for Western society. Since the European Union seeks to add Turkey to its member nations, why not just add the United States and Russia to the Union as well? 

This humble solution would also alleviate poverty in the region as Americans would be able to expand fast food chains even further, spreading the ideal American diet further across the globe while employing local Europeans that would otherwise be struck by poverty. The fact that Europe and Russia are separate entities from Europe is irrelevant as Turkey is as well. In order to persuade the government of Russia to join, Vladimir Putin should become the head of the European Union. He would certainly manage the Union better and create opportunity for increased liberty amongst European citizens. My simple proposition would also allow Russia to resolve all bothersome unrest with Soviet satellite states by granting the nation the right to annex land.

In terms of culture, I humbly suggest that the decision to include the United States in the European Union would improve the overall poverty stricken backwards culture of Europeans. American poverty levels are so low and the society is so accepting, they might as well send the impoverished there! Since American society is so progressive unlike that of the Europeans, they should conform to American norms to modernize. Europeans should adopt plastic surgery into their lifestyles in order to shift away from their archaic standards of beauty. Their primitive society should normalize the female removal of all body hair as well in order to conform to the superior and more natural American standard. Europeans should embrace American cuisine as its affordability, nutrients, and accessibility would surely stabilize the weight of the gaunt poor. The genetically modified food would modernize conservative Europeans who insist of consuming their practically primeval organic food.

My unassuming motion seeks to modernize the economy of European nations into that of the more productive and generally superior American job market. The adoption of genetically modified food would not only stabilize the weight of the impoverished, but also expand productivity. Genetically modified food is quicker to farm than that of the practically primal organic sustenance. Russian practices in the labor force would revolutionize the European economy. Surely their diminished worker’s rights would increase European productivity as perilously needed!

American and Russian society fosters the growth of individualism and creativity in public education so why not simply replace European education practices with that of the United States and Russia? This meek overture would revolutionize the antiquated educational institutions that prevail in the traditional areas of Europe. It ordains the advancement of youth in terms of artistic capability and individuality through the amount of standardization both Russia and the United States cherishes. 

It is possible superior propositions exist, however, none are as exceptional as my own. I proclaim with my utmost certainty and confidence that this meek proposal is the best course of action the Western world can currently take. I do not seek to simply achieve recognition globally, I sincerely aspire that my humble outline would resolve the issues detailed above and change the world forever. 

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Court orders France to pay damages to Somali pirates

The European Court of Human Rights has said that France has violated the rights of Somali pirates who had attacked French ship and has ordered compensation for them over judicial delays. They claim that the nine Somali pirates should get thousands of euros in compensation due to the fact that they were not immediately brought before a French judge.


Judges fault France for keeping the pirates in custody for an extra 48 hours. They had held French citizens hostage after seizing a French-flagged cruise ship and a French yacht in 2008. Eventually, the French military captured these pirates on the Somali coast after the hostages had been released for ransoms of $2.1m and $2m. 

Typically, Indian Ocean shipping had been tormented by pirate gangs but recently international naval action in the region has reduced attacks, effectively boosting sales for all involved parties. Officials may have been neglecting the rights of the pirates as a whole simply to improve their own nation's economy.

The extra 48 hours the pirates spent in custody on French land violated their rights to liberty and security according to the court's ruling. Regardless if these individuals are pirates, they deserve the decency of only being held as long as they possibly need to be. This fact stands especially in the European Union as they violated the European Convention on Human Rights and thus they actually had a precedent for the situation. Even if the increased trade revenue thing is my personal speculation, it may actually be linked to a motive for increased militirization in the Indian Ocean region.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

EU Court blocks gay asylum tests

The European Union's top court has ruled that refugees who claim political asylum in Europe on the grounds that they are homosexual should not have to undergo tests to prove it. Three men, including a    Ugandan failed for their bids for asylum when a Dutch court claimed they hadn't proved their sexual orientation.


 EU states including the United Kingdom have been criticized for their handling of gay asylum requests. Taking into account modern human rights, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) says they must honor human dignity. These rulings apply to all EU member states. The decision is significant across the European Union as a result of a surge in numbers of sub-Saharan Africans seeking refuge in Europe this year as they had been prosecuted in their home countries. Czech authorities had previously been an erection or "phallometric" tests, a practice dating back to communist times in order to determine whether asylum seekers were in fact homosexual. 

While authorities can can interview an asylum seeker to find our about their sexual orientation, they could not be questioned concerning their sexual activity. If an individual fails to sufficiently answer questions concerning their sexuality, it would not be probable cause to reject their credibility. The ECJ ruled last year that gay asylum seeker who had been prosecuted could in fact claim refugee status in response to another Dutch case. 

The fact that these individuals are being protected, regardless if their privacy had been breached speaks to how far Western society has progressed from primitive homophobia. Despite this progress that should be acknowledged, areas in the world such as regions in Africa and the Middle East still primitively prosecutes homosexuals, a practice that needs to be actively phased out. The United States should adopt similar policies to those that have been adopted in the EU that take into account the rights of the LGBT community. Transgender individuals should also be allowed to seek asylum in the European Union and the United States in order to fully take into account modern human rights. 

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Pope Francis: Muslim leaders should condemn terrorism

Returning from a three-day visit to Turkey, Pope Francis has urged Muslim leaders worldwide to condemn terrorism carried out in the name of Islam. He spoke to the fact that this terrorism harmfully links the entirety of Islam to a stereotype. Pope Francis said a "global condemnation" of the violence would help dispel this stereotype.



His visit to Turkey included a discussion concerning divisions between faiths. He compared the misconception that all muslims are terrorists to the misconception that all Christians are fundamentalists. In Istanbul, Pope Francis called for an end to the persecution of Christians in the Middle East. 

The fact that Pope Francis is advocating to improve the public image of Islam speaks a lot to his character as popes typically have been negligent toward the followers of other religions. A great addition to Catholicism and arguably religion in general, Pope Francis has made humanitarian efforts including statements in favor of gay civil union (not marriage) and female representation in the church. His modern opinions have made the religion more approachable and appealing to an urban demographic. The Pope's highly influential status throughout the world has assisted in progress which may begin to improve conditions for aspiring female leaders, gay individuals, and followers of Islam in Western society.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Swiss Immigration Referendum

Swiss voters are due to go to the polls in decide whether or not to severely restrict immigration.
The ballot marks the second time this year that non-EU country Switzerland has held a referendum on immigration.

In February, voters narrowly backed the reintroduction of quotas, which opted the nation out of a free movement of people agreement with Brussels. Ecopop, the new proposal seeks to limit net immigration to just 0.2% of the overall population of just 8.2 million. 


Despite low unemployment and high living standards, many Swiss worry about overcrowding and environmental degradation. Supports of the initiative claim that restricting immigration will safeguard the Swiss environment by reducing the need for new housing and transport. Opponents claim that Ecopop would have a negative impact on the economy as 25% of the Swiss workforce is foreign and business leaders seek to recruit labor across Europe. 

I believe the Ecopop initiative can be paralleled to the immigration issue in the United States. Many Republicans are seeking to limit immigration but the restriction of immigration would restrict the labor force. Immigrants in the United States, whether illegal or not, fill essential service jobs in fields such as agriculture and retail. What would happen to our already unstable economy if the immigrant workforce was reduced? Also, why can't the Swiss start protecting their environment by adjusting their own lifestyles?

Edit: The vote was rejected as 74% of Swiss voters voted against the measure. 

Friday, November 28, 2014

Modern Slavery in the UK?


Recent estimates state that as many as 10,000-13,000 individuals may be enslaved at the moment in the United Kingdom. Modern slavery victims are said to include women forced into prostitution, "imprisoned" domestic staff and workers in fields, factories, and wishing boats.

Victims are said to have been trafficked from more than 100 countries including Nigeria and Romania as well as British born adults and children.



The Modern Slavery Bill going through Parliament aims to provide courts in England and Wales with new powers to protect individuals who are trafficked into other countries and held against the will. Meanwhile, Scotland and Northern Ireland are planning similar measures. Modern tactics also include raising awareness toward the matter publicly. 

The fact that modern slavery is in place in the UK is sickening. One of the most powerful and developed nations having an institution as primitive and dehumanizing as slavery within its borders bids the question of which other developed nations are facing the same internal threat. Governmental response to these estimates have been effective as leaders are accepting the harsh reality and actively working to combat it. Efforts to promote awareness have also been effective as most individuals are entirely ignorant about the matter.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Satirical Cartoon Analysis


The above satirical cartoon expresses the economic turmoil that is currently being experienced in the Euro Zone as a result of widespread rising inflation and rates of unemployment. The author illustrates the nations in the Zone as competing for the Zone's budget in order to improve conditions within their own respective country. This cartoon portrays the leaders of these countries as selfish, childish, power-hungry, and frustrated due to the crisis. Originally a method to improve a nation's independent currency, the adoption of the Euro has left European countries with an unsustainable and unpredictable economy.

The acronym of P.I.I.G.S. includes the nations most contributing to this crisis: Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain. These countries are the cause of Euro unpredictability as the other nations have had to bail them out in the past. They all want financial assistance but the budget is already stretched as it is, represented in the cartoon above as a blanket.

As the UK has not adopted the Euro and has maintained their stronger Pound Sterling, the Euro Zone has suffered in comparison. The UK is even considering removing their affiliation in the European Union altogether, which would only further destabilize it.


Sunday, November 16, 2014

Female Bishops in the Anglican Church and a Portuguese Resignation

UK- The Church of England will be adopting legislation allowing the first female bishops to be ordained next year. I'm not very religious but equality should be promoted in all aspects of society. Obviously there is some internal opposition in the church against the decision, but it looks like the legislation will be established regardless.


Portugal- The Portuguese interior minister has resigned after an investigation on suspected corruption related to the allocation of residence permits. Miguel Macedo claims to not be a part of the scandal but had to resign to preserve state credibility. The main beneficiaries of these permits have been Chinese citizens who have been heavily investing in Portuguese property. Macedo or other government officials are probably actually involved in this scandal since the Portuguese economy just recently recovered from a recession and are probably depending on this investment.

EU/Netherlands- The European Commission will hold an urgent meeting on Monday to investigate how to combat an outbreak of a highly contagious strain of bird flu was discovered at a poultry farm in the Netherlands. It seems the WHO can't catch a break.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

A Royal Tweet and a massive Italian Protest

UK- The European Union has presented the UK with a steep fee of £1.7bn (pounds) that would go toward the EU budget as a result of the growth observed in the British pound. On Friday, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron released a statement stating that the EU had "another think coming" if it thought Britain would pay the bill by the December first deadline. I view this "fee" as a ridiculous attempt to take advantage of the prosperous pound in order to stabilize the sporadic euro. I'm interested to see how this situation is going to play out as I have do not believe the UK will end up paying the £1.7bn.

The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton's second baby is due in April. Can't wait! 

The Queen posted her first tweet to launch the British Science Museum Gallery saying, "It is a pleasure to open the Information Age exhibition today at the +Science Museum and I hope people will enjoy visiting. Elizabeth R." How urban of her. It really is cool to see such a regal figure in British society in touch (to an extent) with modern trends. 


Italy- A series of mass protests are being held in the Italian capital Rome today, against Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's plans for labor market reform. The PM has planned to loosen labor protection, making it easier for firms to fire workers. The angry responses make sense since Italian youth unemployment is at a record high of 44.2%.  The PM wants workers to earn job protection and benefits over a long period of time. Almost facing its third recession in six years, Italian economic output has contracted by 9% since 2007 so the PM should really focus on making jobs more attainable rather than a struggle. Honestly, what was he thinking? 

EU- The EU has agreed to cut CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emissions by 40% by 2030, a landmark decision. I hope this paves the way for a new era of environmental awareness (here in the US as well) as I believe the environment is an incredibly significant concern for the future of human progress. 

Ireland- Ireland has recovered economically to an extent as a result of a bailout, largely removing it as a concern for the EU, leaving them to focus on larger concerns (such as the suffering economies of Greece, Italy and Spain). 

Greece- Greece urges international lenders to let is delay pension reform plan. 

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Op-Ed : The Scottish Independence Referendum

Allow me to preface this post by stating that although I realize that I had previously made a statement on this blog promoting the maintenance of Scottish dependence on the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, I have since changing my position on the argument.

This post will be a response to Niall Ferguson's article published in the New York Times titled, "Scots Must Vote Nae." http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/15/opinion/scots-must-vote-nae.html
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By beginning the article through the discussion of the unity of England and Scotland, Ferguson successfully establishes credibility and provides some background knowledge that I myself, particularly did not previously know: the fact that the two nations were united as equals, unlike the nations of Wales and Northern Ireland (previously the entirety of Ireland).

Unfortunately, this is where the author's insight comes to a complete stop. Not only does he label the movement as encompassing "petty nationalism," he also attempts to cause inconsequential concern for the economic future of a fully autonomous Scotland by reflecting on what currency it would adopt. Scotland is an economic asset to Great Britain. After the 2008 financial crisis, Scotland's finances have been more prosperous than the rest of the United Kingdom's, with relatively higher revenues, lower spending, and smaller deficits. The Scots also have huge amounts of oil and potential for renewable energy. Whatever currency they would have chosen, Scottish prosperity would have been practically assured.

Something Ferguson failed to take into account was the fact that the "Yes" campaign promoted a Scotland full of hope and new opportunity while the "No" campaign simply favored maintaining tradition and an old, potentially obsolete, political dynamic.

Pictured above: the Union Jack which would have been drastically changed if Scottish independence had become a reality.

Considering the grand scheme of things beyond this article, I am satisfied with the results of the vote. It seems that the greater political entity of the United Kingdom will actually give Scotland more political autonomy based on statements by the Prime Minister David Cameron as well as other officials after the results were publicized. Although the results favored maintaining Scottish status in the United Kingdom, there was a significant amount of individuals who favored Scottish independence and the United Kingdom must have taken notice. This vote undoubtably perpetuated a growing cultural divide between the Scottish and the remainder of the UK which will need to be actively considered.

Overall, the referendum resulted in a "happy medium," promising the establishment of increased political freedoms for Scotland while maintaining one of the most powerful and influential political entities on Earth: the United Kingdom.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

9/27/14 Update

Hey Everyone! I hope your weekend is going well. Western European news has been wild as ever this past week. 
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UK- In Scotland a cultural divide has been noticed as a result of the Scottish independence referendum. I expect this will simmer down in the coming days (hopefully) as if it doesn't, it could prove to be a serious issue for the future of Scotland. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-29300724
Prime Minister David Cameron has released a statement saying the UK will "play its part." I expected this since the US and France have already taken action. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-29357116
Prince Charles, the prince of Wales is expected to attend National Police Memorial Day service. I view this a highly respectable and appropriate action. http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-29394531
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EU hopeful of gas deal between Ukraine and Russia. I hope this pans out as this would be extremely beneficial in boosting the European economy and reducing tensions along the Ukraine/Russian border. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-29380637
Greece- Greeks have discovered a tomb from Alexander the Great's era, distracting them from a dire economic crisis. It is being protected at all times of the day from raiders and extremists. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29239529
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Spain- The president of the Spanish region of Catalonia has signed a decree calling for a referendum on independence. The Spanish government quickly denounced the plan, deeming it unconstitutional. The region of Catalonia accounts for one of Spain's most richest and industrial regions. Personally, I hope this plan for independence falls through as Spain's economy is already experiencing setbacks and independence will only further destabilized the Euro. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29390774
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Cyprus- Police in Cyprus have persuaded nearly 300 migrants, thought to be Syrian refugees, to disembark from the cruise ship that had rescued them. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29358265
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Italy- Italy stands in firm support of the Islamic State coalition.  As expected. http://www.thelocal.it/20140925/italy-stands-firm-in-support-of-isis-coalition

George Clooney was married to Amal Alamuddin in Venice. Congrats! 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/25/george-clooney-marries-amal-alamuddin_n_5881690.html
Germany- German anti-Semitism on the rise. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/09/25/germanys_jewish_problem_angela_merkel_anti_semitism_europe
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France- France's first Ebola patient in "stable" condition. 
http://online.wsj.com/articles/frances-first-ebola-virus-patient-in-stable-condition-1411729278

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Welcome!

Introduction

Hey, welcome to my blog.
I will be posting here about noteworthy news happening in this region this school year. 
Maintaining this blog this year will be manageable and (hopefully) enjoyable as I've taken both AP World History at Varela as well as AP European History and was interested in both courses while I took them (I also passed both exams). I've always been interested in Western Europe and I've actually been privileged enough to visit Ireland, Wales, England, France, and Spain at some point. My own goal for this blog is go beyond a classroom assignment and actually become more globally conscious as well potentially getting a classmate interested in this region and its diverse nature. 

The first significant events that occurred in this area include:

The vote for Scottish independence was ruled in favor of remaining in the UK, leading the Pound (£) to surge in Asia. The results also lead David Cameron, the Prime Minister of the UK to promise some kind of reform of the UK government as there were a significant amount of votes in favor of Scottish independence. 
Personally, I feel that the results were favorable. If Scotland had achieved independence  their economy would have to shift back to bartering over sheep or adopting the less valuable Euro. The results promise UK governmental reform across the board, another positive consequence in my opinion. (Also, without Scotland, the flag would be much less appealing to the eye.)
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-29271763
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-29268196?OCID=twitterasia
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France carried out its first air strikes over Iraq against IS militants according to French President Francois Hollande. 
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29277630

Republic of Ireland's economy sees strong growth
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-29252950
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Pro-independence citizens of the Catalonian region of Spain watch the Scottish vote for independence closely as they plan for a similar vote in November.  
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29234242
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Switzerland may take Edward Snowden in return for Testimony on Spying.
I am really not sure how to interpret this. 
http://www.newsweek.com/switzerland-may-take-edward-snowden-return-testimony-spying-270745
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Italy to Remain in Recession This Year, Says IMF
http://online.wsj.com/articles/italy-to-remain-in-recession-this-year-says-imf-1411052486
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Greece to not receive a third bailout, official says
Hopefully Greece actually has seen improvement and this statement is not a result of pride.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/09/20/greece-new-bailout-out-question/BNtg5UxVtxwMIjQalTsBUK/story.html

Myself and my travel companions in front of a Welsh Castle this past summer.
(Not pictured: the drama and physical stress involved in trans-Atlantic travel.)