That was the coolest thing I have ever done.
I literally do not have the words to describe the way I feel about the last four months so I thought I would just share some photos.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
I *Heart* NY
Well...I am back from the big city.
That was the coolest thing I have ever done.
I literally do not have the words to describe the way I feel about the last four months so I thought I would just share some photos.
That was the coolest thing I have ever done.
I literally do not have the words to describe the way I feel about the last four months so I thought I would just share some photos.
Monday, December 6, 2010
ICC Judge Adrian Fulford: The Problem with the ICC
All this week I will be at the Assembly of States Parties for the ICC. Today I got to go to an event during my lunch break with one of the ICC Judges; Sir Adrian Fulford. He spoke about the problem with the ICC: insanely long trials. The first trial at the Court (and the one he is hearing) has already been going for two years and will probably take at least another if nothing goes wrong and something is probably going to go wrong. I wanted to share his speech because I thought it was fantastic-very realistic but still hopeful. However, I am just not in the mood to actually summarize it so you all get to read my notes :) I think this will be more fun anyways!
Two great disappointments:
We are delivering remote and distance justice. It is my hope that we can conduct our trials near the scene of the alleged crimes
Apparent slow pace at which the ICC moves
By many domestic standards they (proceedings) seem protracted
"It all takes FAR to long".
"It is critical to learn quickly from the delays of the past and ensure they are not repeated".
6 Proposals on how to fix trials
1. Consider if evidence (context, background, etc) can be dealt with by experts instead of substantial number of witnesses.
2. Room to take depositions instead of evidence heard in chamber...supervised by a single judge or legal official...happens at the ICTY and twice at the ICC. Evidence can be given multiple times...not appropriate for more central evidence
3. Increase use of television links instead of bringing witnesses to Europe...reduces disruption of the lives of witnesses...leads to more focused questions
4. Prosecution and defense under obligation to identify the parts of statement that is agreed and those controversial areas…reduce lengthy parts of evidence that are not in dispute
5. Amend Rome Statue to allow a single judge to consider parts of the trial alone.
6. Look at Court structures to see if they are efficient and are a proper use of our funds
Two great disappointments:
We are delivering remote and distance justice. It is my hope that we can conduct our trials near the scene of the alleged crimes
Apparent slow pace at which the ICC moves
By many domestic standards they (proceedings) seem protracted
"It all takes FAR to long".
"It is critical to learn quickly from the delays of the past and ensure they are not repeated".
Delays and stays of proceeding are the single more corrosive practices at the ICC.
We cannot use the Court as a laboratory experiment...you run the risk that a one or two year trial will be struck down because you may find that you are break of the Rome Statue.
There must be international will, imagination, and support for reassessment of how we try these cases. "If we secure that objective I believe the future of the court will be very bright indeed".
"It is the length of our trials that is our real Achilles heel".
6 Proposals on how to fix trials
1. Consider if evidence (context, background, etc) can be dealt with by experts instead of substantial number of witnesses.
2. Room to take depositions instead of evidence heard in chamber...supervised by a single judge or legal official...happens at the ICTY and twice at the ICC. Evidence can be given multiple times...not appropriate for more central evidence
3. Increase use of television links instead of bringing witnesses to Europe...reduces disruption of the lives of witnesses...leads to more focused questions
4. Prosecution and defense under obligation to identify the parts of statement that is agreed and those controversial areas…reduce lengthy parts of evidence that are not in dispute
5. Amend Rome Statue to allow a single judge to consider parts of the trial alone.
6. Look at Court structures to see if they are efficient and are a proper use of our funds
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Got Competence?
This last weekend I was privileged enough to attend Jon Stewart's Rally to Restore Sanity in Washington DC.
It was an amazing once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. Just the sheer humanity that was gathered together in one place blew my mind.
It was an amazing once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget. Just the sheer humanity that was gathered together in one place blew my mind.
As you can see from this hastily made map, there were more then double the anticipated amount of people. Also, I had an awesome spot. It was insane.
So some of the highlights...The Roots, John Legend, the Mythbuster guys,
Yusef,
Ozzy Osbourne, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow and don't forget Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.
Also, this.
Yeah. I was totally there. I still can't even beileve it. Nor can I adequately describe what went on. The message was simple. We cannot let fear, whether it be from Washington, the Media, or ourselves, dictate our choices. Maybe I will just let Jon Stewart explain...
* I might add more pictures later but most of them are blurry and kind of sad...
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Sudan at the UN: Aid for Amnesty
As seen on both The Interdependent and the AMICC Blog:
On September 27 2010, Sudanese Vice-President, Ali Osman Taha, took the floor at the United Nations to urge the General Assembly to reject the ICC arrest warrants that are currently against President Omar al-Bashir. VP Taha claimed that ICC involvement is “a direct threat” to the peace process in Darfur and that Khartoum will further pledged $2 billion dollars to reconstruction in the region if the charges are dropped. This is not the first time that the Vice President has tried to convince the international community to withdraw the warrants against al-Bashir. In 2008 he made a plea to the United Nations Security Council to indefinitely suspend the first warrant.
Besides the political implications of this demand, there are two very important legal reasons why Vice President Taha’s request cannot be fulfilled. First of all, the UN Security Council Resolution 1593, which referred the situation in Darfur to the ICC, requires all parties to the Darfur conflict, including the Government of Sudan, to cooperate fully with Court. This resolution is binding on all UN member states. The Member States could not condemn the prosecution of al-Bashir without coming under direct violation of 1593.
Secondly, the General Assembly has no authority to make decisions regarding the status of arrest warrants. The primary authority to withdraw arrest warrants rest with the Court. Section 58(4) of the Rome Statue states that “the warrant of arrest shall remain in effect until otherwise ordered by the Court”. Nevertheless, this is not the only way to defer proceedings. Article 16 of the Rome Statue says that the Security Council may defer investigations and prosecutions for renewable 12 –month periods if there is a threat to international peace and security. The Court recognizes that its role in political questions is limited and it must respect a deferral in this case. However, it is interesting to note that the Security Council has not made an article 16 deferment before despite earlier informal requests.
In addition, the political backlash against the Sudanese government has been intense. Omer Ismail, senior policy advisor for the Enough Project, an advocacy organization set up to highlight Darfur crisis, has called Khartoum’s recent move nothing more than “political blackmail”. Mr. Ismail further explained that “there are over half a million people killed and seven million people living in warehouses. This government is doing this for political reasons. It has nothing to do with reconciliation.” Mr. Ismail finds no reason to believe that Sudan will take any reformative action in Darfur.
There continues to be a substantial amount of rhetorical support for Sudan (and all other vital parties) to cooperate with the ICC. If things continue as they have been for the last several years, there is little chance that the Sudanese government will be able to dissuade the international community from pursuing those responsible for the genocide in Darfur on either a political or legal level.
On September 27 2010, Sudanese Vice-President, Ali Osman Taha, took the floor at the United Nations to urge the General Assembly to reject the ICC arrest warrants that are currently against President Omar al-Bashir. VP Taha claimed that ICC involvement is “a direct threat” to the peace process in Darfur and that Khartoum will further pledged $2 billion dollars to reconstruction in the region if the charges are dropped. This is not the first time that the Vice President has tried to convince the international community to withdraw the warrants against al-Bashir. In 2008 he made a plea to the United Nations Security Council to indefinitely suspend the first warrant.
Besides the political implications of this demand, there are two very important legal reasons why Vice President Taha’s request cannot be fulfilled. First of all, the UN Security Council Resolution 1593, which referred the situation in Darfur to the ICC, requires all parties to the Darfur conflict, including the Government of Sudan, to cooperate fully with Court. This resolution is binding on all UN member states. The Member States could not condemn the prosecution of al-Bashir without coming under direct violation of 1593.
Secondly, the General Assembly has no authority to make decisions regarding the status of arrest warrants. The primary authority to withdraw arrest warrants rest with the Court. Section 58(4) of the Rome Statue states that “the warrant of arrest shall remain in effect until otherwise ordered by the Court”. Nevertheless, this is not the only way to defer proceedings. Article 16 of the Rome Statue says that the Security Council may defer investigations and prosecutions for renewable 12 –month periods if there is a threat to international peace and security. The Court recognizes that its role in political questions is limited and it must respect a deferral in this case. However, it is interesting to note that the Security Council has not made an article 16 deferment before despite earlier informal requests.
In addition, the political backlash against the Sudanese government has been intense. Omer Ismail, senior policy advisor for the Enough Project, an advocacy organization set up to highlight Darfur crisis, has called Khartoum’s recent move nothing more than “political blackmail”. Mr. Ismail further explained that “there are over half a million people killed and seven million people living in warehouses. This government is doing this for political reasons. It has nothing to do with reconciliation.” Mr. Ismail finds no reason to believe that Sudan will take any reformative action in Darfur.
There continues to be a substantial amount of rhetorical support for Sudan (and all other vital parties) to cooperate with the ICC. If things continue as they have been for the last several years, there is little chance that the Sudanese government will be able to dissuade the international community from pursuing those responsible for the genocide in Darfur on either a political or legal level.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Yes...I'm bragging again. Deal with it!
That title was a joke. Don't worry. I'm not that cocky. Usually...
This is a sweet article I wrote about polio:
Now is the Time to Wipe Out Polio for Good
I realize it says that some other dude wrote it but actually we were co-writers. The website publishing program only lets you put one name in the the "by" line and he won the contest.
This is a sweet article I wrote about polio:
Now is the Time to Wipe Out Polio for Good
I realize it says that some other dude wrote it but actually we were co-writers. The website publishing program only lets you put one name in the the "by" line and he won the contest.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Be the Change You Wish to See in the World
This last weekend (Sept. 17th - 19th) I was privileged enough to attend the the Millennium Campus Conference.
This was one of the greatest experiences of my life; like at least top 15. :) For two days we just sat and listened to speakers discuss development and social entrepreneurship. I think I might have finally found what I want to do after college. That in its self is a miracle.
Plus the soundtrack for the whole conference consisted entirely of The Beatles and John Lennon! :D
Charity: Water
Scott Harrision, the founder of Charity: Water was the first person to speak to us on Sat. He was a super compelling speaker and he has a great story. Seriously, check out the website! His organization has brought clean water to over a million people since 2004 and he isn't planning on stopping anytime soon!
Invisible Children
I'm sure most of you have heard of Invisible Children. It is their mission to end the war in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and free the child solders that have been used to fight these bloody civil wars. We heard from a women named Brenda. She was caught in the middle of the Ugandan Civil War, a war that killed her father and doomed her to a life of poverty. Invisible Children was able to give her a scholarship and she was able to go back to school and now she is in her final semester of college and applying to law school.
Engineers w/out Borders
The founder of Engineers Without Borders-USA, Bernard Amadei, spoke about how we need to change our view of poverty reduction.It is no longer enough to give a man a fish or even to teach a man to fish. We need to begin to build fishing industries. He had two main points on which he believes we should focus our efforts: 1)create stable and secure communities through participatory efforts and 2) provide appropriate and sustainable technologies. He then explained about another type of poverty that is even more crippling than what we usual consider. This is what he calls internal poverty; when some one is poor in spirit and lacks the will to participate in real change. He challenged us all not only to stand up to poverty but to walk until it doesn't exist.
Jeffery Sachs
Jeff Sachs in one of the world's leading development economics and is currently the UN Secretary Generals Special Advisor on the MDGs. This man is a fantastic speaker. I didn't take as many notes as I wished I had because I was so enthralled at what he was saying and applauding him every two seconds. He basically talked about how there is a massive deficit of political will in the world today to reach the MDGs. He explained that development is all about peace yet the US government spends $800 billion a year on defense (military, weapons, secret ops, surveillance). The government is willing to spend a trillion dollars to invade a country but when they have to spend a million to send children ARV drugs (a type of HIV medicine) all the sudden they get all nervous about spending their money. He explained that it would take a massive social movement, on par with civil rights, to move the government to action.
Bill McKibbin
This guy started 350.org; the organization that is pushing to to reduced carbon in the atmosphere back to 350 ppm in an effort to slowing climate change. He has been a personal hero of mine since I saw him on the Colbert Report last year. He was a really funny guy and really passionate. Check out 350.org and see how you can get involved in the movement toward alternative energy.
Ahmed Djoghlaf
He is the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity. "We are undermining the capacity of the world to sustain life." Never has anyone been so blunt.
Adam Braun/Pencils of Promise
Just one thing I want to share from his talk. He gave us 7 lessons that he had learned through his life that I really connected with. Yes, they are sappy and motivational but powerful nonetheless.
1) Get out of you comfort zone.
2) Speak the language of the individual you want to become. Not "I want to do it" but "I will do it"
3) Embrace those late, sleepless nights
4) To achieve the unreasonable you have to become an unreasonable person.
5) Just go. Find a way to achieve your dreams.
6) Find your cause and live it.
7) The impossible can be made possible. "Live not in dreams, but in contemplation of a reality that is perhaps the future".
(The dude with the mic is Bobby Bailey (founder of Invisible Children). Adam is the guy with the sling.)
The Global Poverty Project
Check it out!!! I would tell you more about it but I really don't feel like writing anymore. :p
And finally, don't forget the special video message from Justin Bieber. I'm not even joking.
This almost ruined it for me...I will not leave you with the Bieber. You can thank me later.
Hundreds of undergrad and graduate students gathered together at Columbia University to discuss the progress we are making to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
This was one of the greatest experiences of my life; like at least top 15. :) For two days we just sat and listened to speakers discuss development and social entrepreneurship. I think I might have finally found what I want to do after college. That in its self is a miracle.
Plus the soundtrack for the whole conference consisted entirely of The Beatles and John Lennon! :D
Charity: Water
Scott Harrision, the founder of Charity: Water was the first person to speak to us on Sat. He was a super compelling speaker and he has a great story. Seriously, check out the website! His organization has brought clean water to over a million people since 2004 and he isn't planning on stopping anytime soon!
Invisible Children
I'm sure most of you have heard of Invisible Children. It is their mission to end the war in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and free the child solders that have been used to fight these bloody civil wars. We heard from a women named Brenda. She was caught in the middle of the Ugandan Civil War, a war that killed her father and doomed her to a life of poverty. Invisible Children was able to give her a scholarship and she was able to go back to school and now she is in her final semester of college and applying to law school.
Engineers w/out Borders
The founder of Engineers Without Borders-USA, Bernard Amadei, spoke about how we need to change our view of poverty reduction.It is no longer enough to give a man a fish or even to teach a man to fish. We need to begin to build fishing industries. He had two main points on which he believes we should focus our efforts: 1)create stable and secure communities through participatory efforts and 2) provide appropriate and sustainable technologies. He then explained about another type of poverty that is even more crippling than what we usual consider. This is what he calls internal poverty; when some one is poor in spirit and lacks the will to participate in real change. He challenged us all not only to stand up to poverty but to walk until it doesn't exist.
Jeffery Sachs
Jeff Sachs in one of the world's leading development economics and is currently the UN Secretary Generals Special Advisor on the MDGs. This man is a fantastic speaker. I didn't take as many notes as I wished I had because I was so enthralled at what he was saying and applauding him every two seconds. He basically talked about how there is a massive deficit of political will in the world today to reach the MDGs. He explained that development is all about peace yet the US government spends $800 billion a year on defense (military, weapons, secret ops, surveillance). The government is willing to spend a trillion dollars to invade a country but when they have to spend a million to send children ARV drugs (a type of HIV medicine) all the sudden they get all nervous about spending their money. He explained that it would take a massive social movement, on par with civil rights, to move the government to action.
Bill McKibbin
This guy started 350.org; the organization that is pushing to to reduced carbon in the atmosphere back to 350 ppm in an effort to slowing climate change. He has been a personal hero of mine since I saw him on the Colbert Report last year. He was a really funny guy and really passionate. Check out 350.org and see how you can get involved in the movement toward alternative energy.
Ahmed Djoghlaf
He is the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity. "We are undermining the capacity of the world to sustain life." Never has anyone been so blunt.
Adam Braun/Pencils of Promise
Just one thing I want to share from his talk. He gave us 7 lessons that he had learned through his life that I really connected with. Yes, they are sappy and motivational but powerful nonetheless.
1) Get out of you comfort zone.
2) Speak the language of the individual you want to become. Not "I want to do it" but "I will do it"
3) Embrace those late, sleepless nights
4) To achieve the unreasonable you have to become an unreasonable person.
5) Just go. Find a way to achieve your dreams.
6) Find your cause and live it.
7) The impossible can be made possible. "Live not in dreams, but in contemplation of a reality that is perhaps the future".
The Global Poverty Project
Check it out!!! I would tell you more about it but I really don't feel like writing anymore. :p
And finally, don't forget the special video message from Justin Bieber. I'm not even joking.
This almost ruined it for me...I will not leave you with the Bieber. You can thank me later.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Is Kenya Ready to Prosecute its Own War Criminals?
The controversy in Kenya over the International Criminal Court has reached a new high this week. After the outrage of the international community over Kenya’s failure to arrest Bashier last month, recent comments by the Kenyan Justice Minister have sparked a new round of discussion. Last Sunday (Sept. 18th), Mutula Kilonzo , claimed that Kenya’s new constitution gives the country the necessary tools it needs to prosecute the leadership behind the 2007/8 post-election violence. In an interview with the Sunday Nation Mr. Kilonzo claimed that "when these (appointments) are in place, we can say that Kenyan judges meet the best international standards. After that, I can even tell them not to admit the ICC case”.
He continued: “I advocate a local tribunal partly because I’m a Kenyan, and I cannot entertain the idea of a foreign court having to investigate a fellow citizen on offences committed against fellow citizens…My challenge to Kenya is this: You gave yourselves a beautiful gift on August 27. Give yourselves another one by telling the world through the institutions that we created to keep off”.
Regardless of the Justice Minister’s reservations on the need for the ICC, Prsident Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga have both held strong in their support for the investigations. Mr Moreno-Ocampo, the ICC prosecutor, has expressed that “it is [the Courts] hope that the Kenyan justice system will ultimately deal with the many perpetrators that the ICC will not prosecute” but at this time the ICC must carry out its investigation and bring those responsible to justice.
Many others echo the same sentiment that the Kenyan system is just not ready to handle to strain of these prosecutions yet. Mr Hassan Omar, former chairman and current commissioner of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, explained that the ICC can only defer the investigations if the Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) is totally convinced that Kenya is capable of handling the trials. He has continued to emphasize that reforms of necessary magnitude to please the PTC will still take a long time and the opportunity to try these criminals will be lost.
So at this time it looks as if Kenya is not yet ready to handle investigations and prosecutions of major war criminals. The ICC will continue with its case and will hopefully gather the unanimous support of Kenya in its journey to bring justice to the country.
He continued: “I advocate a local tribunal partly because I’m a Kenyan, and I cannot entertain the idea of a foreign court having to investigate a fellow citizen on offences committed against fellow citizens…My challenge to Kenya is this: You gave yourselves a beautiful gift on August 27. Give yourselves another one by telling the world through the institutions that we created to keep off”.
Regardless of the Justice Minister’s reservations on the need for the ICC, Prsident Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga have both held strong in their support for the investigations. Mr Moreno-Ocampo, the ICC prosecutor, has expressed that “it is [the Courts] hope that the Kenyan justice system will ultimately deal with the many perpetrators that the ICC will not prosecute” but at this time the ICC must carry out its investigation and bring those responsible to justice.
Many others echo the same sentiment that the Kenyan system is just not ready to handle to strain of these prosecutions yet. Mr Hassan Omar, former chairman and current commissioner of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, explained that the ICC can only defer the investigations if the Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) is totally convinced that Kenya is capable of handling the trials. He has continued to emphasize that reforms of necessary magnitude to please the PTC will still take a long time and the opportunity to try these criminals will be lost.
So at this time it looks as if Kenya is not yet ready to handle investigations and prosecutions of major war criminals. The ICC will continue with its case and will hopefully gather the unanimous support of Kenya in its journey to bring justice to the country.
What's the Problem With the ICC
I have been doing lots of research about US policy toward the ICC and I just had a few thoughts that I needed to share.
The main issue I have with the Administration’s ICC policy is the fact that there is actually no official policy.
When there is no formal policy there can be no formal action. Despite what the Administration would have you believe most of the statements they make about the ICC are pure rhetoric. The disconnect between our public statements and private action (e.g. calling for increased engagement with the court but not repealing the American Servicemen Protection Act which limits our ability to engage) is causing confusion with in our own country and the international community. We can not continue to say one thing and do another.
The 2010 National Security Strategy emphasized that the United States "moral leadership is grounded principally in the power of our example” and if we appear hypocritical to the international community we will never be able to provide the leadership that the ICC (or any international organization) needs.
The main issue I have with the Administration’s ICC policy is the fact that there is actually no official policy.
When there is no formal policy there can be no formal action. Despite what the Administration would have you believe most of the statements they make about the ICC are pure rhetoric. The disconnect between our public statements and private action (e.g. calling for increased engagement with the court but not repealing the American Servicemen Protection Act which limits our ability to engage) is causing confusion with in our own country and the international community. We can not continue to say one thing and do another.
The 2010 National Security Strategy emphasized that the United States "moral leadership is grounded principally in the power of our example” and if we appear hypocritical to the international community we will never be able to provide the leadership that the ICC (or any international organization) needs.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Check it out!
So that last post I wrote...after editing and changing the content completely like 7 different times I finally made it good enough to go on the AMICC blog. Yay!
Sierra's freaking cool article about international legal obligation that you know you want to read!
And then after some more edits (made mostly by the editor) the same post got published in a real-live Internet magazine. Sort of also yay!
This is pretty much the same article just in a different format and with some stuff deleted...
So like the title of this post so eloquently put it...check it out!
Sierra's freaking cool article about international legal obligation that you know you want to read!
And then after some more edits (made mostly by the editor) the same post got published in a real-live Internet magazine. Sort of also yay!
This is pretty much the same article just in a different format and with some stuff deleted...
So like the title of this post so eloquently put it...check it out!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Kenya and the ICC
For the next few months I will try and share the blog posts I write for AMICC. Not all of them will be published on their blog but I don't want all of my hard work to go to waste!
Last Friday, Kenya was given a unique opportunity to show their commitment to the International Criminal Court and unfortunately they failed spectacularly.
I’m sure many of you are familiar with Sudanese president, **Omar al-Bashir’s, visit to Nairobi, Kenya on the 28th of this month. I’m also sure that many of you know that Kenya is under clear obligation to the ICC to arrest and deliver any individual charged with international crimes to The Hague for trial. In direct violation of this UN Security Council backed mandate, Kenyan authorities allowed al-Bashir to enter the county. No attempts were made to apprehend him and he was given a royal welcome into the city.
Today, in an even more bizarre attempt to eliminate accountability, it was reported that Kenyan authorities have arrested two men as they were protesting the Kenyan government’s apparent disregard for international justice. Their lawyer is in the process of appeals –claiming that the new constitution is the very thing that should be protecting these men’s right to free speech.
There has been outrage among many members of the international community over Kenya’s failure to act. Even President Obama has claimed he was “disappointed” in Kenya’s behavior and emphasized that “justice is a critical ingredient for lasting peace”.
This non- compliance by Kenya sets a dangerous precedent of inaction that could damage the long-term effectiveness of the ICC.
**(al-Bashir has been charged with five counts of crimes against humanity, two counts of war crimes, and three counts of genocide for the role he played in the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan)
Last Friday, Kenya was given a unique opportunity to show their commitment to the International Criminal Court and unfortunately they failed spectacularly.
I’m sure many of you are familiar with Sudanese president, **Omar al-Bashir’s, visit to Nairobi, Kenya on the 28th of this month. I’m also sure that many of you know that Kenya is under clear obligation to the ICC to arrest and deliver any individual charged with international crimes to The Hague for trial. In direct violation of this UN Security Council backed mandate, Kenyan authorities allowed al-Bashir to enter the county. No attempts were made to apprehend him and he was given a royal welcome into the city.
Today, in an even more bizarre attempt to eliminate accountability, it was reported that Kenyan authorities have arrested two men as they were protesting the Kenyan government’s apparent disregard for international justice. Their lawyer is in the process of appeals –claiming that the new constitution is the very thing that should be protecting these men’s right to free speech.
There has been outrage among many members of the international community over Kenya’s failure to act. Even President Obama has claimed he was “disappointed” in Kenya’s behavior and emphasized that “justice is a critical ingredient for lasting peace”.
This non- compliance by Kenya sets a dangerous precedent of inaction that could damage the long-term effectiveness of the ICC.
**(al-Bashir has been charged with five counts of crimes against humanity, two counts of war crimes, and three counts of genocide for the role he played in the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan)
I have another headache
I don't even have the time for pepole like this...
Fire at Mosque Site in Tennesse Spreads Fear
Islam is not a cult.
It is not a training program for terrorists.
It is a relgion that has over 1.5 billion adhearents.
You may not agree but that does not permit you to incite violence and fear.
Fire at Mosque Site in Tennesse Spreads Fear
Islam is not a cult.
It is not a training program for terrorists.
It is a relgion that has over 1.5 billion adhearents.
You may not agree but that does not permit you to incite violence and fear.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Let Those Lights Inspire You
In two and a half days I will be leaving the quiet and safety of Rexburg, ID for the biggest adventure that I have ever known. I am moving to New York City to be an intern in the office of the American NGO Coalition for the International Criminal Court. This is an organization that is committed to the essential nature of US support of the ICC. From their website:
AMICC is a coalition of non-governmental organizations committed to achieving through education, information, promotion and an aroused public opinion full United States support for the International Criminal Court and the earliest possible US ratification of the Court's Rome Statute. AMICC members believe that strong participation by the US in the ICC is essential to the future of the Court as an effective institution. They take pride in the historic role of the US in promoting the development of international criminal law. They emphasize that the ICC expresses and implements values traditionally championed by the United States, including international justice and the rule of law.I am so excited to work for this great organization and to experience New York for real! I will keep everyone updated as to how I am doing and don't worry; I promise not to get mugged!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Sick to Death
I read stuff like this and it makes me want to punch people in the face...
Last week Arkansas gubernatorial Tea party, write-in candidate, Billy Roper, had this to say:
Last week Arkansas gubernatorial Tea party, write-in candidate, Billy Roper, had this to say:
I don’t want non-whites in my country in any form or fashion or any status.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Can I See Your Green Card Please?
Again, this is kind of old news. I don't know why I haven't written about it yet, but this time it is personal.
Arizona has passed this lovely law that gives police officers unfettered authority to demand that any individual they deem to be illegal produce their papers to prove their legal status. How does one suppose the officers will determine if they think someone is illegal? I'll give you a hint...
As a Mexican-American I feel personally attacked by this law. Okay, so I don't look or sound Mexican but my father does and under this law, if he were in Arizona, he would be required to prove that he is a citizen if any random officer decided to go on a power trip. I understand that an illegal act is an illegal act however, this law does nothing to solve the real problem and as such is merely a useless piece of "band-aid" legislation. Except this band-aid also happens to be covered in the grime of racial discrimination.
A real solution to illegal immigration is not to deport every single one of them, or patrol the border with assault rifles, or even to build a giant fence. A real solution will come when we make visas and work permits cheaper and easier to obtain. People cross illegally (and as drug runners) because 99% of the time it is the only way they can afford to make into the United States to find work. The money they make in the States is often the only income that a family will have seen in months and definitely the most they will have seen in years. All of the paperwork that is required to legal cross the border is about $500 or more per person. For a family of five that's $2500 which is (on average) more than most people make in 5 months in Mexico. Imagine spending a little over a third of you yearly income just so you can find a job. This is why people illegally come into the country. They have to choose between legally crossing the border or having food for the next few months. The Immigration Departments bureaucracy and greed is what needs to be fixed not the "illegal problem".
Arizona has passed this lovely law that gives police officers unfettered authority to demand that any individual they deem to be illegal produce their papers to prove their legal status. How does one suppose the officers will determine if they think someone is illegal? I'll give you a hint...
The United States Supreme Court, in a 1975 case, ruled that immigration officers can include racial or ethnic identity among factors in deciding whether to check someone’s right to be in the country. (NYT, 6/18/10)That's right folks; racial profiling has legal precedent! Good job Supreme Court...
As a Mexican-American I feel personally attacked by this law. Okay, so I don't look or sound Mexican but my father does and under this law, if he were in Arizona, he would be required to prove that he is a citizen if any random officer decided to go on a power trip. I understand that an illegal act is an illegal act however, this law does nothing to solve the real problem and as such is merely a useless piece of "band-aid" legislation. Except this band-aid also happens to be covered in the grime of racial discrimination.
A real solution to illegal immigration is not to deport every single one of them, or patrol the border with assault rifles, or even to build a giant fence. A real solution will come when we make visas and work permits cheaper and easier to obtain. People cross illegally (and as drug runners) because 99% of the time it is the only way they can afford to make into the United States to find work. The money they make in the States is often the only income that a family will have seen in months and definitely the most they will have seen in years. All of the paperwork that is required to legal cross the border is about $500 or more per person. For a family of five that's $2500 which is (on average) more than most people make in 5 months in Mexico. Imagine spending a little over a third of you yearly income just so you can find a job. This is why people illegally come into the country. They have to choose between legally crossing the border or having food for the next few months. The Immigration Departments bureaucracy and greed is what needs to be fixed not the "illegal problem".
To Contemplate the Mysteries of Life
I have nothing particularly interesting or important to say this evening. However, I felt like writing on my blog so deal with it!
I have been thinking a lot about my life. What exactly do I want to do with it? I thought graduating from high school was a time of big decisions. Was I ever wrong! There are just so many things that I want to do and no time or money to do any of them.
I want to travel. I want to get out of this country and experience the real world for a little while.
I want to be on stage. I wish I were still acting. I already know that not doing the BFA will be one of the biggest regrets of my life.
I just wish I could do everything that I love!
Why do there have to be so many choices...
I have been thinking a lot about my life. What exactly do I want to do with it? I thought graduating from high school was a time of big decisions. Was I ever wrong! There are just so many things that I want to do and no time or money to do any of them.
I want to travel. I want to get out of this country and experience the real world for a little while.
I want to be on stage. I wish I were still acting. I already know that not doing the BFA will be one of the biggest regrets of my life.
I just wish I could do everything that I love!
Why do there have to be so many choices...
Monday, July 5, 2010
Underwater Armageddon
This has been a long time coming. I think I was just trying to built up a sufficient amount of rage before I unleashed myself.
...
Who the HELL do you think you are BP!?! 77 days and you have done jack! Top hats and junk shots?! Are you kidding me? Do you have a 13 year old boy planning your relief operations?! You should have started with the relief well on day 1! Or maybe you should have followed protocol! That would have been cool and then we could have avoided this mess!!
There is absolutely no reason for this oil spill to have happened and now the company that has responsibility over the spill is continuing to slack off. I have said for ages that off-shore drilling is dangerous. (How is it that a 12 year old can have more foresight that a multi-billion dollar oil conglomerate!?) There are too many unknown variables to deal with when you drill. While it doesn't happen often when something goes wrong it's freaking oil Armageddon! A lose bolt and some dead batteries caused this mess. Just imagine what would have gone down if something really bad had happened. We'd probably be swimming up to our ears in crude all the way up here in Idaho...The only good thing that BP has done is set up that $20 billion relief fund.
So that is helpful. We have got money to fix the problem. However, I would have liked to use that money to get rid of our dependence on oil, create some alternative energy infrastructure in the country, or get that blasted hydrogen car they've been talking about for 20 years working. Something besides cleaning oil from pelicans which is something that we should never have to do anyways...
*sigh*
Jon Stewart is my hero so everyone just enjoy this clip while I go take a few deep breaths.
...
Who the HELL do you think you are BP!?! 77 days and you have done jack! Top hats and junk shots?! Are you kidding me? Do you have a 13 year old boy planning your relief operations?! You should have started with the relief well on day 1! Or maybe you should have followed protocol! That would have been cool and then we could have avoided this mess!!
There is absolutely no reason for this oil spill to have happened and now the company that has responsibility over the spill is continuing to slack off. I have said for ages that off-shore drilling is dangerous. (How is it that a 12 year old can have more foresight that a multi-billion dollar oil conglomerate!?) There are too many unknown variables to deal with when you drill. While it doesn't happen often when something goes wrong it's freaking oil Armageddon! A lose bolt and some dead batteries caused this mess. Just imagine what would have gone down if something really bad had happened. We'd probably be swimming up to our ears in crude all the way up here in Idaho...The only good thing that BP has done is set up that $20 billion relief fund.
"The cost of the response to date amounts to approximately 3.12 billion dollars, including the cost of the spill response, containment, relief well drilling, grants to the Gulf states, claims paid, and federal costs," BP said
http://www.theprovince.com/news/spill+costs+soar+above/3235491/story.html#ixzz0spaSlz15
So that is helpful. We have got money to fix the problem. However, I would have liked to use that money to get rid of our dependence on oil, create some alternative energy infrastructure in the country, or get that blasted hydrogen car they've been talking about for 20 years working. Something besides cleaning oil from pelicans which is something that we should never have to do anyways...
*sigh*
Jon Stewart is my hero so everyone just enjoy this clip while I go take a few deep breaths.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Day 59 - Judgment Day - The Strife Aquatic | ||||
| ||||
Monday, June 28, 2010
Pretty much the only good reason to drink soda
And now for something completely different!
I am not a crafty person. My artsy projects usually just get paint everywhere or start vinyl fires. Don't ask... So when the urge to make something hit me today I had every right to be worried. But I think that I did a good job in finding a project that wouldn't potentially burn down my house. Pop-top bracelet!
It stared by pulling the pop-tops off of my Dad's Pepsi can collection.
Sticky and gross...
I dug through my scrap box and found some ribbon that I thought would be suitable. The black piece was really easy to work with but a word of advice if anyone undertakes the challenge -do not use wired ribbon!! The green wired ribbon kept snagging and the wire started poking and well, guess who has a few new scars tonight?
I then began the threading process. Yes, it is as hard as it looks. If it doesn't look hard you must be an alien. There is no other explanation. It took me 45 min. to figure out how to get 4 tabs on the stupid ribbon. Here it is about half way done.
But after about two hours, several bloody fingers, and not a few curses I had a finished product! I cut the extra ribbon and sealed it with some clear nail polish so it wouldn't fray.
I have got to say I am pretty proud of myself! What do you guys think?
**If you want to learn how to make your own awesome pop-top braclet visit here!
I am not a crafty person. My artsy projects usually just get paint everywhere or start vinyl fires. Don't ask... So when the urge to make something hit me today I had every right to be worried. But I think that I did a good job in finding a project that wouldn't potentially burn down my house. Pop-top bracelet!
It stared by pulling the pop-tops off of my Dad's Pepsi can collection.
I dug through my scrap box and found some ribbon that I thought would be suitable. The black piece was really easy to work with but a word of advice if anyone undertakes the challenge -do not use wired ribbon!! The green wired ribbon kept snagging and the wire started poking and well, guess who has a few new scars tonight?
I then began the threading process. Yes, it is as hard as it looks. If it doesn't look hard you must be an alien. There is no other explanation. It took me 45 min. to figure out how to get 4 tabs on the stupid ribbon. Here it is about half way done.
But after about two hours, several bloody fingers, and not a few curses I had a finished product! I cut the extra ribbon and sealed it with some clear nail polish so it wouldn't fray.
I have got to say I am pretty proud of myself! What do you guys think?
**If you want to learn how to make your own awesome pop-top braclet visit here!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Oh, the good ole' days...
The Onion | Money Spent For Old Times Sake
I feel for you Leslie...
BROCKWAY, PA—Harkening back to an abandoned custom that had long existed only in memory, 28-year-old unemployed graphic designer Leslie Gordon exchanged currency for physical goods at a local shopping establishment Friday. "I was reminiscing about all the good times I used to have buying things with money, so I figured why not give it another go?" said Gordon, happily reliving the once-common act of selecting an item of her choosing, taking it to the register for payment, and then becoming its sole owner. "Look, they even still have those barcodes like I remember." As a result of her nostalgic splurge, Gordon will be forced to subsist entirely on maple-syrup- flavored Quaker Oats until next week.
7X3
Well, it is official.
21.
The age of absolute power.
(Minus the whole rent a car thing but who does that ever.)
I do not feel like I'm 21. Several reasons why I am still 7 years old...
1) I still enjoy coloring...with crayons.
2) TGIF was the best thing on television...ever.
3) Ice cream is an acceptable dinner substitute.
4) Summertime is the best time.
5) I enjoy playing dress up
6) I can't talk to boys.
Oh dear...I think it's time for an intervention...
21.
The age of absolute power.
(Minus the whole rent a car thing but who does that ever.)
I do not feel like I'm 21. Several reasons why I am still 7 years old...
1) I still enjoy coloring...with crayons.
2) TGIF was the best thing on television...ever.
3) Ice cream is an acceptable dinner substitute.
4) Summertime is the best time.
5) I enjoy playing dress up
6) I can't talk to boys.
Oh dear...I think it's time for an intervention...
Monday, May 24, 2010
MUN: The Real Fight Begins!
Sorry about the lack of updates...I can't even finish talking about NYC...that is how busy I have been... So let me give you the highlights of the MUN competition. This was my committee-or at least most of it.And these are just some of the awesome friends I made! Fran and Felix (on the left) are from Germany and were representing South Africa and Adrien and Caroline are from France and were representing the delegation from the UK. Lots of good memories! (Times Square hikes, healthcare chats, late night dancing, raspberry hot chocolate! :) )
Here is the entire BYU team at the United Nations!
And this is the best news....
Friday, April 9, 2010
New York Food: Day 3
Today was an exciting culinary adventure!
Breakfast: Me and Kayley went to Europa Cafe for breakfast. I was not to impressed. The food was good enough (minus the burnt English muffin) but the service was horrible! They pretty much lied to our faces. It was about hashbrowns so not the end of the world but still...
Lunch: This was some funky, cheap Chinese. We found this dingy little buffet in Chinatown where you could get 5 entrees + soup for 4 dollars. That should have been our first clue. I didn't even taste the soup. It looked like tofu water...
We then went to get cannolis! It was needed trust me...
Dinner: Ethipiopian!!! So amazing! The bread was a little odd. It was this vinergery, soft, tortilla-like stuff. It was pretty good in small amounts but the acidity was getting to me by the end. I wish I would have had a fork to eat the rest of the food with because it was AMAZING!
When we got back to the hotel Amanda and Robbie, being the amazing people they are, gave me an extra cupcake from their trip to Magnolia Bakery. The best cupcake I have ever had. Period. It had this amazing coconut frosting and it was perfectly moist. I wish the picture was better...that's what I get for trying to take a picture of something that is completely white...
Breakfast: Me and Kayley went to Europa Cafe for breakfast. I was not to impressed. The food was good enough (minus the burnt English muffin) but the service was horrible! They pretty much lied to our faces. It was about hashbrowns so not the end of the world but still...
Lunch: This was some funky, cheap Chinese. We found this dingy little buffet in Chinatown where you could get 5 entrees + soup for 4 dollars. That should have been our first clue. I didn't even taste the soup. It looked like tofu water...
We then went to get cannolis! It was needed trust me...
Dinner: Ethipiopian!!! So amazing! The bread was a little odd. It was this vinergery, soft, tortilla-like stuff. It was pretty good in small amounts but the acidity was getting to me by the end. I wish I would have had a fork to eat the rest of the food with because it was AMAZING!
When we got back to the hotel Amanda and Robbie, being the amazing people they are, gave me an extra cupcake from their trip to Magnolia Bakery. The best cupcake I have ever had. Period. It had this amazing coconut frosting and it was perfectly moist. I wish the picture was better...that's what I get for trying to take a picture of something that is completely white...
New York Day 3: Last Day to Party
Monday was a lazy day. I slept in and we just walked around the city. We went to 5th Ave. and did some window shopping. This was my favorite window... :)
We went in to Tiffany's! WOW! I wish I would have been allowed to take pictures inside the store because it was amazing! We saw a giant 11 carat ring. It was so big it looked fake. I don't understand why someone would want something that extreme....
We also found Carnegie Hall. It was sort of by accident. We were looking for a hotel that we could sit down in and rest for a little while but instead we found a famous concert hall.
Then we went back to Chinatown and did a lot of shopping. That was exciting! It was fun to watch Felix (he was one of our TAs and basically our guide for the day) try and haggle with the shop keepers. They wouldn't budge and he just kept pushing.
That night a big group of us went and got Ethiopian food for dinner. Would would have thought it would have been as good as it was. I never would have thought that Ethiopia had such good food. It was pretty basic stuff also. Chicken, beef, corn, beans, beets, collard greens. It was like the original soul food! Either way we all had fun!
Good times!
We also found Carnegie Hall. It was sort of by accident. We were looking for a hotel that we could sit down in and rest for a little while but instead we found a famous concert hall.
Then we went back to Chinatown and did a lot of shopping. That was exciting! It was fun to watch Felix (he was one of our TAs and basically our guide for the day) try and haggle with the shop keepers. They wouldn't budge and he just kept pushing.
That night a big group of us went and got Ethiopian food for dinner. Would would have thought it would have been as good as it was. I never would have thought that Ethiopia had such good food. It was pretty basic stuff also. Chicken, beef, corn, beans, beets, collard greens. It was like the original soul food! Either way we all had fun!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
New York Day 2: Sunday in the City
We started our second day in the city by heading to church. It was a little bizzare going to church in the temple. There aren't LDS churches on every block like in Provo or Rexburg. The ward was amazing! It is cool to see that no matter where you go the church is always the same.
Next, we decided to take it easy and spent about 2 and half hours wandering around Central Park. I haven't seen the entire city yet but I can say with a high level of confidence that Central Park is my absolute favorite part of the city. It was overcast and was raining off and on all day and it was a perfect day for a stroll. The park is like in the city without being of the city, if you know what I mean. You could see all of the buildings and cars driving up and down Central Park Way but all that you could hear were the birds chirping. I took lots of pictures so I will just share a few.
This is the fountain from Enchanted!
I thought this was hilarious. I have a morbid sense of humor.
And after much searching we found Strawberry Fields. This a memorial to John Lennon located directly across from the building where he was shot in 1980. I just need to go to Abbey Road and then my life will be complete
Also look what I found.
Then that night the whole team took the subway to Brooklyn to go to a fireside at the Stake President's home. It was...interesting... I could rant for hours about the craziness that was the fireside...Ask me if you really want to know...
I thought this was hilarious. I have a morbid sense of humor.
And after much searching we found Strawberry Fields. This a memorial to John Lennon located directly across from the building where he was shot in 1980. I just need to go to Abbey Road and then my life will be complete
Also look what I found.
Then that night the whole team took the subway to Brooklyn to go to a fireside at the Stake President's home. It was...interesting... I could rant for hours about the craziness that was the fireside...Ask me if you really want to know...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
