The New American Civil War?

Help! I'm being overwhelmed by the crazy!!

1 Timothy 2:1-2

The Two Futures Project (2FP) is a movement of American Christians for the abolition of all nuclear weapons. We believe that we face two futures and one choice: a world without nuclear weapons or a world ruined by them. We support the multilateral, global, irreversible, and verifiable elimination of nuclear weapons, as a biblically-grounded mandate and as a contemporary security imperative.

Our change strategy is based around the creation of a nonpartisan, conscience-driven, enduring majority of Americans who are committed to a nuclear weapons-free world. By joining together with one voice of Christian conscience, we seek to encourage and enable our national leaders to make the complete elimination of nuclear weapons the organizing principle of American nuclear weapons policy. We join in this work to the glory of God.

via About 2FP >> Two Futures Project

Non-proliferation is not, and should not be, a solely Christian goal for the world. This coalition categorizes disarmament in a Christian world-view when it should be all-inclusive. All religions and all people must work together toward non-proliferation and disarmament. This is a goal that can be achieved.

I’ve said this before; I am an idealist so all the cynics out there will probably scoff at my conclusion. There is no way we are safer with weapons than with without them. The world was made inherently more dangerous when the first nuclear weapons were built and tested. Game theory would suggest that if only one nation (or very small group of nations) held all the nuclear weapons in the world that group would be more protected against attacks but as more and more nations gain access to weapons the world becomes exponentially more dangerous. So according to game theory what would be the most beneficial outcome for everyone? To not have any nuclear weapons!

Disarmament and non-proliferation is not going to be easy but it will be worth it. We cannot surrender to the idea that a nuclear world is inevitable. Those who claim nuclear weapons are key to continued US competiveness and key to keeping the peace have a very cynical and short sighted very of human nature.

This is a report sent by the Carnegie Foundation outlining ways the United States can be a leader in abolishing nuclear weapons.

noun: a difficult, precarious, or entrapping position

The situation in Afghanistan is getting more complicated everyday. This is a nation basically ran by regional warlords and their heroin factories. The only "legitimate" government in the country is quickly becoming not so legitimate with the recent fraudulent re-election of President Hamid Karzai. We are trying to fight and win a war in a country that no international force has EVER been able to conquer. (I mean no one ever has been able to conquer this place...Alexander the Great tried, Genghis Khan tried, the USSR tried...)

I recently stumbled on this article from The Onion:

U.S. Continues Quagmire-Building Effort in Afghanistan

"We've spent a lot of time and money fostering the turmoil and despair necessary to make this a sustaining quagmire, and we're not going to stop now," President Barack Obama said in a national address Monday night. "It won't be easy, but with enough tactical errors on the ground, shortsighted political strategies, and continued ignorance of our vast cultural differences, we could have a horrific, full-fledged quagmire by 2012."

...

With more than 80 percent of the country currently under Taliban control, Defense Secretary Robert Gates argued that U.S. nation-dismantling efforts are actually proceeding ahead of schedule.

"We've made a complete mess of local institutions, and moving forward this substantial lack of infrastructure will be the cornerstone of our strategy to ensure long-term chaos in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region," said Gates, gesturing to a complex, 6-foot-tall wall map of what were either newly established al-Qaeda bases in Waziristan, tribal trade routes over the Hindu Kush, or perhaps U.S. military outposts of some kind. "I couldn't be happier with our progress.

(This is The Onion so there is a little bit of language...just a warning. Also click on the map of Afghanistan. It's pretty funny :) )

I know it is supposed to be satire but the scary thing is, is that it isn't to far from the truth.

The best thing the US can do know is band together with other nations in order to support the rebuilding of this country. We need to support education, economic growth, and find a way to make opium less profitable. We need to focus on humanitarian and diplomatic efforts rather than military. Finding Taliban leaders and punishing them for there crimes is very important but the best way to do that is with small forces not a huge occupying force. The Taliban is a guerrilla force and we should be using guerrilla tactics to fight them. This means Special Forces and Secret Ops. This is also a matter of international cooperation and creating sustainable long-term stability in Middle eastern countries. We need true allies not ones that are scared (or defensive) about perceived American Imperialism.

Let Each Exersise the Art he Knows

This is something out of the ordinary but (hopefully) worthwhile!

Check out my portfolio for my crazy new hobby...photo editing and manipulation.

I'm I very good?
No.

Will you want to hire me to edit your photos?
Probably not.

Will you enjoy what you see?
Maybe.

Will it make me happy if you look anyways?
Absolutely! :)

Diving for a Cause

This is awesome!



Leaders from the island nation of the Maldives held a meeting on the ocean floor to bring attention to the dangers of climate change. This was brilliant! It was shocking, informative, and pretty funny. (I'm not going to lie I laughed pretty hard the first time I saw the picture.) This is just the kind of thing that world leaders need to see to get them in gear to deal with climate change. Maldives is uniquely threatened (as are most island nations) by climate change. If sea levels continue to rise due to melting ice the entire Maldivian nation would be underwater in 100 years!

(Here is the original article.)

But it isn’t only small pacific islands that could be destroyed. The entire world is venerable to the shifting climate and shifting sea levels. Current borders will be disrupted. Many of the major cities in the US will be threatened; NYC, LA, Miami, and New Orleans just to name a few. And global food production is going to suffer dramatically. Increased (or decreased) temperatures are going to change the length of the growing season making harvests less productive and in turn increasing the global food shortage. These are just a few of the catastrophes that await us if we do nothing to combat climate change. We need to invest in alternative, renewable, clean energy as a nation and as a global community before it is too late.

Imagine all the People...

When I first heard that President Obama had won the Nobel Peace Prize this morning I was happily surprised. I was especially impressed by the President’s humble remarks. He said “I am both surprised and deeply humbled by the decision of the Nobel Committee. Let me be clear: I do not view it as recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations. To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace”. This is the video of the President’s full remarks. I really think it is worth a watch.



I have been a fervent supporter of President Obama since the very beginning and I believe this award has the power to give him legitimacy in the eyes of many who still his potential. I can understand why people might be confused by his win but the thing I don’t understand is those that are angry about it. The international community is starting to regain trust in the American system. In this age of globalization multilateral cooperation is absolutely essential to our success as both a world power and legitimate nation. When the Nobel Committee gave this award to Obama they were essentially saying “we believe in you again and we want to support you in your pursuit of peace”. I stumbled across this little gem and couldn’t resist sharing it. Mr. Moore has taken the words right out of my mouth. Now that the Obama Administration has the trust of our international partners they must prove to them that they deserve it.

Satire! How Refreshing....

Now for something completely different...

Liechtenstein, Andorra Forced To Fight By Larger Countries


Obama: Health Care Plan Would Give Seniors Right To Choose How They Are Killed

These are two of my favorites :)

An Apple a Day...

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa is one of the greatest threats to the (economic and social) stability of that continent. And the bad news seems to never end...

In the space of one year, you’re seeing a huge ramping up of AIDS services,” said Mark Stirling, regional director for the United Nations’ efforts against AIDS in eastern and southern Africa. “It’s unprecedented. In the acceleration and intensification of reach, 2008 was an extraordinary year.”

But the United Nations’ progress report on AIDS also contained sobering news. While more than a million people were put on drugs in the past year — drugs they will need for the rest of their lives — 2.7 million people were newly infected with H.I.V. in 2007, the latest year for which there were estimates.

via U.N. Cites Global Rise in Detection and Treatment of AIDS – NYTimes.com.

There have been great strides in recent years because of increased funding and humanitarian aid. Many people have more access to the essential antiretroviral drugs that will keep the disease in check. But the real solution to this epidemic doesn’t lie in treatment but prevention. There needs to be more education about how the disease is spread and ways you can protect yourself from it. We can continue to spend millions handing out drugs to an ever increasing population of HIV positive patients or we can stop the disease from spreading in the first place. The South African Health Minister said this in 2006: “Unfortunately, up until now too much of the focus has been on treatment and there has been a lack of focus on prevention. Prevention has become the forgotten child of HIV response. In the absence of a cure, prevention has to be the mainstay in the struggle against AIDS.”

Open Mic Night @ the UN

There we some fun old times at the UN the other evening. But my favorite was definitely, Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez. Obama was inspiring, Qaddafi was insane, but Hugo, well see for your self....

Chavez begins speech by extensively describing "South of the Border," Oliver Stone's new movie about him. This is one high-profile movie plug.

---

"I'm not going to speak any more than Qaddafi. Qaddafi has said everything that has to be said. But I won't speak less than Obama either...or Lula."

---

Chavez seems pretty annoyed that people are walking in late.

---

Something about creating a socialist biscuit factory.

---

"There was no socialism in the Soviet Union. The 21st century will be the century of socialism."

---

Qaddafi only talked about things that happened half a century ago. Chavez is going back to the dawn of life on earth.

---

Uh oh. Chavez is talking about the Kennedy assassination too.

---

'I hope God will protect obama from the bullets that killed Kennedy.'

---

Ladies and gentlemen, we have our money quote: "It doesn't smell of sulfur here anymore."

---

Chavez is just yukking it up. "Don't anyone throw a shoe at me."

---

Finally, we get to Honduras.

---

"The Pentagon is behind the coup in Honduras."

---

Chavez asks if there are "two Obamas."

---

Apparently Chavez is "good friends" with King Juan Carlos now.

---

Noam Chomsky now? He's already hyped Oliver Stone and Robert Galleano. This speech is just packed full of product placement.

---

"I'm Venezuelan, but I feel like a Colombian."

---

Chavez joins Sarkozy in praising the Stiglitz Report

---

Another book. Chavez now reading from Istvan Meszaros's "Beyond Capital," calling it one of the "masterpieces of the 21st century. He's giving Oprah a run for his money now.

---

Finished by breaking into song. Wow.

Chavez: See my movie|FP Passport

And now for my boring analysis....There are two things that came to mind as I was reading this. First was that what an effective tool humor can be. Chavez is slowing building up a bloc of supporters and I think the main way he is doing it is through is charismatic personality. He is easy and fun to listen to even if you don’t agree with anything he may say. Diplomacy is all about getting people to trust you and Chavez is doing a pretty good job of that. Second is that I think it is time for people to reexamine our relationship with Venezuela. I don’t think Chavez had a problem with the United States per say but with former President Bush and his polarizing policies. He has shown support of President Obama and I think this is the chance for the United States to start rebuilding a profitable relationship with this South American country. This is a post from a Huffington Post blog that has Chavez explaining why he supports Barack Obama.

What is it with the Nukes?

As the UN General Assembly starts up another session the big issue on everyone's mind is what to do with Iran and North Korea. From the NY Times:

As dozens of world leaders began gathering here on Monday for the General Assembly, the puzzle of how to confront Iran and another defiant, nuclear-minded state, North Korea, continued to stymie diplomats. Old strategies have proved fruitless, but it is difficult to build support for bold new ones.

Maybe I’m just a starry eyed idealist but there is only one solution to stop nuclear proliferation; old-style diplomacy. In the early 90s the United States was in the same position as it is today with the North Koreans (and now the Iranians). President Clinton decided to remove the trade embargoes and restart diplomatic talks. This was just the push that was needed to halt the North Koreas in their weapons development. We traded goods and humanitarian aid in order to stop the proliferation of WMDs. In the first few years of the Bush Administration this policy was reversed and we took a very hard-line isolationist approach. We cut off aid, placed trade embargoes on goods, and cut of diplomatic relations. In the years that have followed Pyongyang has a reemerging nuclear program and Kim Jong Il is as crazy as ever. In recent weeks the North Korean government has talked about how they will participate in bilateral talks with the United States. I believe that the only way to disarm these rouge nations is to create soft power coalitions. This is article from 1999 talking about North and South Korea diplomacy.

I think the United States should take note and resurrect the successful policy of the 90s.

Women's Rights: A Giant Leap?

The United Nations General Assembly voted Monday to create a new, more powerful agency for women, in a move supporters hailed as a breakthrough for women’s equality and rights. An Assembly resolution called for the amalgamation of four existing United Nations offices dealing with women’s affairs into a single body to be headed by an under secretary general. The unanimous vote followed three years of negotiations

via World Briefing – United Nations – New U.N. Agency for Women’s Rights – NYTimes.com

This has the potential to change the face of negotiations in the realm of women’s rights. This consolidation could (theoretically) cut back on the bureaucracy that has many UN initiatives at a standstill. With one agency more the debate and negotiations concerning specifics in resolutions could be done prior to open floor debate allowing for more real diplomacy to happen. In addition this could mean actually progress in the fight for women’s rights all around the world. Gareth Thomas, the British Development Minister claimed that, “a single agency for woman in the UN would be a far more powerful voice fighting for the rights of women – many of whom suffer appalling levels of violence and ill-treatment on a daily basis," Here is that article.

Remembering 9/11

I still remember where I was when I first heard the news. It was a normal day. I had just started 7th grade and was still getting used to my new homeroom. Then the principle started morning announcements. There was something different in his voice. He then explained of the tragedy that was currently unfolding in NYC. My teacher quickly ran to the television. All day we just watched the news and stared in horror. No one could believe what was happening. I remember sitting in gym talking with a friend. Even then we both knew this was huge. It would change the face of not only the United States but also the world. This would be in history books. This was going to be our generations Vietnam. It was this day that ultimately lead to my decision to be involved with politics. One final thought, today we need to remember what brings us together. There is enough fighting and contention in the world. Hate only breeds hate. Injustice only breeds injustice. In those few days and weeks after 9/11 this country came together in a way that has ever been seen. There is no reason why we cannot have that spirit with us all the time. To not remember is a mockery to those who died that day.

Here is an article that summarizes President Obama’s thoughts that I think is defiantly worth a read.

Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

From The Washington Post:

International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei told the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, published by a group of prominent scientists, that there’s still cause for concern – just not panic. “We have not seen concrete evidence that Tehran has an ongoing nuclear weapons program,” the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize laureate told the Bulletin for its September/October issue. “But somehow, many people are talking about how Iran’s nuclear program is the greatest threat to the world,” added ElBaradei, whose Vienna-based agency long has played a key role itself in raising international concern about Iran’s intentions. “Yes, there’s concern about Iran’s future intentions and Iran needs to be more transparent with the IAEA and the international community … But the idea that we’ll wake up tomorrow and Iran will have a nuclear weapon is an idea that isn’t supported by the facts as we have seen them so far.”

This is the most level headed responses to the “Iranian problem” we have heard in years. All of the fear-mongering that has been happening is only leads to a dangerous situation. That is exactly what happened during the build up to the Iraq war. The Bush Administration used phrases like “no other option” and “better safe than sorry” and that has lead us into one of the most costly and pointless wars in our history. The world community must be careful just as Mr. ElBaradei claimed "We still have outstanding questions that are relevant to the nature of Tehran's program, and we still need to verify that there aren't undeclared activities taking place inside of the country," But there is no need for this world-wide panic. Panic and fear are very effective motivators. They get you to react almost every time but you react sporadically, without thinking, and that leads to more problems. So I applaud the IAEA chief. He has shown restrain and thoughtfulness amid terror and rash action.

Apparently the IAEA has been saying this since late 2007. Here is a video of Mr. ElBaradei on CNN talking about the importance of diplomacy and the lack of evidence Iran has a bomb.

Obama Youth

There has been a lot of stuff going around about this speech the President Obama gave school children this morning. A lot of people have claimed that he is trying to indoctrinate the children of the United States in to being his spies and that he wants to resurrect the Hitler Youth. *coughGlenBeckcough* Many school have given parents the opportunity to opt out their child from hearing the speech. Well, since I'm no longer in the public education system I decided to look up the transcript to see for myself how much "indoctrination" was happening. Turns out Obama is planning on creating a hellish army of good students that believe in themselves and understand the importance of hard work. What is our country coming to! Seriously, that was an amazing speech! Anyone that was not allowed to see it missed an opportunity. I'm not going to outline every thing that was said but I suggest you read it yourself.

You can read it here!

I will share one of my favorite quotes:

"Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up. No one’s written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future."

Plus there was a plug for debate team so I was pretty happy. :)

Japan: Cars, Robots, and Deocratic Elections

Just a little back ground. Japan has just recently had an extremely historic election. The LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) that has ruled in Japan for the last 55 years has been defeated by the LPJ (Liberal Party of Japan).

This article gives some pretty good background and history and discusses some of the implications of this election.

Japan's election: Banzai! -The Economist

What does this election mean for the United States? I think the short answer is absolutely nothing. The new Prime Minister, Yukio Hatoyama, has claimed the he wants to distance himself fro the US and become more independent but ultimately this won't mean anything. Japan will continue to be a huge ally for the US. Japan cannot afford to let this election change its relationship with it's biggest ally and trading partner. It's economy is already falling apart. With years of mounting debt and months of rising unemployment, Japan is in no position to be cutting off realtions with anyone. The Economist articel claims that "[Japan] remains dangerously dependent on its large exporters." The BCC reported that top US officals "are confident that the strong US-Japn alliance and the close partnership with continue to florish."

However, this election means absolutely everyhting to the people of Japan. The DPJ is in a crtical position. They have to prove that they are going to be able to handle the delecate Japanese economy. One wrong move could ruin everything for them. That is what happened to in 1994 with the Japan New Party. They were voted in by wanting to solve the deep corruption within the LDP and they couldn't do it. Within 11 months their coalition fell apart and the rule of Japna was effectively returned to the LDP.

This is a time of revolution for Japan; a time to forge new partnerships and gain as much support from international sources as possible.

What do you think? Leave a comment if you have an opinion on the subject!

A New Direction

I know it has been forever and I apologize. At least now I know I will have something to write about. Let me explain. This semester I am participating in BYU Model UN team. I am crazy excited! (Mainly because of the 10 day school excused trip to NYC in March but you know it'll be good experience too...blah, blah,blah... ;) ) But I am required to post comments on my professor's blog. So I thought I might as well start posting my comments as blog posts right here. It's the perfect way to always stay updated and I'll be saying something useful (hopefully). I know not everyone is interested in IR but think of it as a way to stay up to date on what is happening in the world. I think it's extremley important to always be aware of what's going on around you; even if you can't do anything about it. Being more informed can only help you. No matter what you want to do with your life. I could go on and on with examples but that would take all day and would be really, really boring so I will refrain.

Enjoy!

This is a title.

It has been awhile. I apologize. I just have nothing interesting or insightful to say these days. I could complain about how horrible my Econ class is but I'm sure no one wants to hear me rant about consumer surplus. I could talk about how I ended up auditioning for Humor U (the BYU stand-up club) . But then I'd be lying and that wouldn't be good. I was going to do it and then at the very last second I chickened out. I really need to learn to follow through. I could talk about how I miss my friends . But then I remember that it's my own fault for never talking with them. I could talk about plans for my birthday party but I don't think that it's going to happen this year. (6 1/2 more days till I'm 20. Crazy!) So you see, you get to listen to me blabber about nothing important. Wasn't that a fun waste of time? I know it was for me. ;)

The North Korean Problem

I've been reading a lot about North Korea and this missile/rocket thing they are testing out. Everyone is freaking out and wondering why they wan to blow us up. Well, I think I might have figured it out. World leaders are just like little kids on a playground. They just want to be included. Let me explain.

Let’s say that Little Georgie Bush just got a brand new model airplane for his birthday but little Kim Jong Il’s mom and dad could only afford to give him a ball of brown yarn. And Little Georgie is only letting those children that don’t harbor or fund terrorists play with his new toy. This means little Kim Jong can only watch the fun from afar and this obviously makes him very sad and jealous. So he skifes some matches from his good friend Mouhmoud and threatens to send a flaming ball of yarn into Georgie’s sandbox if he can’t take the plane for a spin. The only problem is that right now Kim Jong's arm is severely deformed and he can only toss the yarn as far as the mud puddle that is right in front of him. (His parents are trying to get that fixed but they have run into some technical difficulties.) The only hope the Great Free Sandbox has is Georgie's adopted brother, Barack. He has finally entered the playground and has taken over the defense of the sandbox. And, thankfully, is trying to befriend Kim Jong, but he is still paranoid. Little Georgie was so mean to him (stealing lunch money, barring him from the club house, convincing his parents and friends that he is just a lunatic) he's going to have hard time learning to trust this new guy. He better though cause Barack has one of the best arms in 5th grade and I hear he's got a whole box of matches. All we can do is pray that the kids on the playground will soon return to peaceful coexistence.

Okay maybe I took that analogy a bit to far...

Here's an article --> N. Korea Rocket on Launch Pad

I can't think of a witty enough title

So I'm thinking about trying something new. It's pretty scary for me and I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. Don't worry it's nothing too weird. Please don't laugh...or maybe you should laugh...crap. This might not work. Did you laugh just then? If the answer is yes then you can keep reading. If it was no then please stop reading immediately and go find something better to occupy your time.

Okay so I want to do stand-up comedy. I know it's weird and crazy and improbable and the hardest performing art to break into and I suck at the whole writing jokes thing but I think it would be fun. And the BYU stand-up club doesn't have a girl so that like gives me a better chance, right? Okay so probably affirmative action doesn't apply in this situation.

...Yeah so I'm already starting to doubt my abilities. I'll get back to you guys...

My Art

In the last few months I have picked up a strange hobby.

Watercolors

I'm not very good but I thought I would share a few of my personal favorites!
PS Sorry about the wonky formatting. Blogger wasn't being happy with me.

Just laugh...you know you want too!

More funny comics!

"Life has loveliness to sell..." and for a limited time it's only $9.99!

This semester I am taking a Biology class. It's nothing special, just Bio 100. I need it to graduate or I wouldn't be taking it. But you see my professor is special. And by special I mean he obviously has suffered a traumatic brain injury. His name is Hal Black and he is obsessed with birds. On several occasions he has brought in dead birds that he has carefully placed on a paper towel and passed them around the class. Apparently this man has never heard of disease. I spend 95% of the class drawing pictures and I don't miss anything. When I decide to tune in I discover we are talking about Santa. Or the fact that just because the Cardinals lost the Superbowl doesn't mean birds are any less majestic. One day we watched Amadeus. (Good movie, bad biology lesson.) Our tests are even more bizzare.

Sample Question: Dead feathers, so what?
Acceptable answer: a poem about ducks.

At this point you're all probably thinking "yeah right". I am not joking. This man is insane. I really don't understand how the administration has let this continue.