I have been following the Joseph Kony stories for several years now and thought a few might be interested in an update. Seems as though Obama has sent American troops to Africa to fight the Lords Resistance Army in an effort to divert a bloody Civil War in Africa. Very interesting indeed!
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Foreign-Policy/2011/1014/LRA-leader-Joseph-Kony-Why-Obama-sent-US-troops-to-Uganda-to-get-him
I always wondered what happened to Joseph Kony. I was never aware of this issue until a couple of years ago when Rebecca Moore, a Wesleyan student did a presentation over it. It was shocking to me to find out that something as tragic as this could be going on and as usual America was looking the other way. If my memory serves me right, this war has been going on since the early 90's and they have yet to put a stop to Kony. I'm glad to hear that President Obamam is trying to do something to put a stop to this. I understand that America can't intervene in every situation, but when you at the length that this has been going on and Kony's blatant disregard for human rights it seems like we need to do something. Talks with Kony and his army have previously been unsuccessful and I don't foresee this as being any different. But anything is better than nothing at this point and it's a step in the right direction to end the devastation and destruction caused by Kony.
ReplyDeleteFinally, I read something I am proud of, in regards to the choices we make when we step in and fight. We are actually helping to fight for human rights. For a long time, as long as I can remember I feel like I have grown up in a society preoccupied with money and only fighting for material goods, and looking the other way, when people really need us. As an American, I am not proud of those actions, however, I am proud, that for once, we are helping those who believe in our greatness, who probably had some hope in that the American’s would someday come, and help. And even though it is a small start, we are in fact finally there, finally the American’s have come and maybe that can give them hope. I am not trying to sound egotistical about being an American, but, a lot of nationalities, believe in us, and would hope that we would step in for matters dealing with human rights.
ReplyDeleteI am not always in agreement with the US stepping in and assisting other countries when our country is in trouble as well. I agree that something needs to be done to stop this horrific event, but I wonder where other countries are or other organizations such as the UN. This war has been going on for years, and countries turn their heads and look the other way, I am hoping that since the US has made the decision to assist the citizens of Africa other countries will be more willing to help out. When reading this article and seeing that only 100 troops were sent to Africa, I wondered what 100 troops could do compared to a whole “army” who know the land better than us and actually believe in what they are fighting for. Hopefully these 100 troops can make a difference in this war and are able to succeed in their mission of capturing leaders of the Lord Resistance Army.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that intervention against the worst human rights violators is necessary. To allow a group to reign terror and strip other people of their human rights is a moral outrage. It is against Gods laws. He does not keep changing and adding exceptions to his laws. We as a part of the human race have an obligation to assist and not turn a blind eye. To put Hillary Clinton, Susan Rice, and Samantha Power on the side of an underdog should be a heads up for any aggressor. Oh, wait they still have women oppressed in that area, well so much for ignorance. I do applaud the action taken in behalf of people who have been under attack by the terrorist Korny and his ultimate end along with his supporters. It is time for Africa to begin to heal. To start there has to be a government in place, of good people, with a respect for the needs of the people they represent and the compassion to bring the change which will lift them out of their misery.
ReplyDeleteI am actually surprised to see U.S. deploying the military forces to protect something that is not material related. A person can get without money and items but they are should not be deprived of their rights a living being. The fact that there was a go given to allow President Obama to deploy the military to stop these atrocities brings a smile to my face. After being so used to hearing the country is using the military to secure lands that are rich in deposits like oil, diamonds, or any other so called rare materials, I have nearly gotten to point where I no longer cared about what was on the news. I would think what about those people who are actually in the mist of all that. He are they fairing, will they live to see another day? Now this move is not about money, not about power, it is about stopping those who violate a person right to live their life.
ReplyDeleteIt appears as though I share a similar feeling of surprise as some of the above bloggers. I am not surprised that the American government stepped in because quite frankly, when doesn’t it want to step in? The government always wants to be a part of something bigger than itself. What surprised me here is the fact that instead of pursing its materialistic and superficial ambitions, it chose to intercede for a much nobler cause. It chose to intercede to human rights. It chose to intercede on behalf of the African citizens that live in fear every day of their lives. Although American intercession is not always the best solution, I feel that these atrocities have gone on for far too long and at this point anything is better than nothing. The citizens of Africa have lived in terror and suffering for too long. EVERY human being deserved to be respected and cared for. I will never understand the mentality of groups that murder, rape, and terrorize people in the name of God. Perhaps their mentality is much too twisted and dark and shouldn’t be deciphered. Needless to say, I am glad the American government interceded on this one. Finally, one point in favor of Obama.
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ReplyDeleteAlthough helping others who are experiencing tyranny is a great gesture however; how many times can we interfere with other countries affairs without it affecting us? In Vietnam, the president sent “advisors” yet we end up in a war. As of right now we are trying to bring men back home from Iraq but we are sending other troops to Africa? Are we ending one war to start another?
In another perspective, during our independence with out the aid of France we could not have defeated the English. If we want others to share our freedom how can we not aid other countries? I could not imagine not having the freedom that I have or what these people are going through. I think what Obama did was good. Helping others yet not opposing too much of ourselves in a conflict that is not ours.
Poor Conditions for Migrant Works
ReplyDeleteIn Wilson, North Carolina, migrant works live and work in poor conditions in tobacco labor camp. Works have to worry about bed bugs and other insects biting them as they sleep. The bathroom is unsanitary. There are no stalls for privacy for the toilet or shower. Used toilet paper is piled around an over flowing trashcan. There is in adequate protection against toxic chemicals such as, pesticides and nicotine while works work in the tobacco field. Many workers are afraid to speak up for fear of deportation. Getting sick is not an option. If you get sick your fired.
I feel this a crime against humanity. These labor camps resemble those used during WWII only black mail is used to keep migrant workers compliant. For minimal wage, these workers are baring horrible conditions to survive. I think its wrong to take advantage of vulnerable people inorder to make a greater profit.
http://fieldnotes.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/04/8620474-migrants-woes-bed-bugs-foul-toilets-illness
I agree with all comments, that it is a good thing to see the U.S step in and help fight for human rights. It is a change, because the U.S is usually quick to fight for materialistic things or personal revenge, and finally we are doing something for the greater good. My only concern is that given the background of the violent group, 100 troops may not be enough if battle breaks out. It is sad to read that this Lord’s Resistance Army has killed about 2,500, and abducted 697 children over the past 18 months, and numbers are probably growing by the day. My heart goes out to the families and everyone who has to deal with these animals. Hopefully the U.S is able to capture the LRA’s leaders, and put an end to their reign of terror quickly, and restore peace back to the people of Central Africa.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that there does need to be more efforts in trying to stop these Lords, but how much more help can be offered from other countries when they themselves our having problems? I read about these different countries and what they experience on a daily basis and I think to myself how lucky I am that I Can walk outside and not worry about being shot, and that my family has a house they can stay in. While I know America has crime and death it is no where near the horrible conditions that many people in Central Africa have to live in on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteOnce again members of the Obama administration were able to convince the president to selectively intervene in Africa. His decision to send our military into harms way is way too risky. The article states that the United States military are to act as advisers and will not engage LRA forces. This would indicate that the current administration is setting the rules at which the military can intervene and engage. In Vietnam the American people were told that our military was acting only as advisors for the South Vietnamese military. The American citizens were told a lie back then and we are being lied to again. The article states that the military advisors are on the ground to keep citizens safe. Question who is going to keep our military safe and out of harms way?
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