tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2894995839746690902024-03-21T21:50:03.053-06:00Inedible ManifestoA once in a lifetime opportunity...Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-16049024417408710212012-10-23T15:21:00.002-06:002012-10-23T15:21:42.268-06:00Shameless PromotionEverybody should come and take a look at my Etsy shop: Ye Olde Nostalgia Shoppe. I'm selling cool vintage things that you aren't going to find anywhere else. Yes, I realize I sound like some tacky late-night infomercial but I don't really care.
Oh plus, the more you buy the faster I can add/update my stock. So if you hate what I have for sale, just convince some of your easily manipulated friends into buying something. Then everybody will be happy!
<script src="http://www.etsy.com/assets/js/etsy_mini_shop.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">new Etsy.Mini(7387497,'gallery',3,3,0,'http://www.etsy.com');</script>Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-40074625650156637442012-10-17T01:32:00.001-06:002012-10-17T01:34:02.675-06:00"Kill the Commies, Go to the Moon."Been a while. Nothing exciting to talk about lately. Finally got some inspiration. And no it's not about the election. You can all take a deep breath and relax.<br />
<br />
Just hanging out watching C-SPAN (yes, I am a gigantic nerd) and guess who pops up? My favorite astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson.<br />
<br />
He was on doing publicity for his book, <em>Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier</em>, and discussing strategies that will get the US government to start investing in space travel. <br />
<br />
Here follows a summary of his lecture that was originally aired on March 15th of this year.<br />
<br />
So, what's it going to take to boost investment? Let's think about the greatest/ most expensive projects that have occurred over the course of human history. The Great Wall of China, the Pyramids, the journey's of 15th and 16th century sea explorers. All of these projects can be traced back to four main motivators. <br />
<br />
1) War and defense. The "I don't want to die" motivation.<br />
2) Economics. The "I don't want to die poor" motivation.<br />
3) Praise of royalty or deity. The "Please don't let that guy kill me" motivation.<br />
4) Discovery is part of the human condition. The "I would rather die than live here anymore" motivation.<br />
<br />
So, if we are going to get our butts to Mars or, let's face it, back into space at all we are going to have to satisfy one of these motivators in order to get the guys with the checkbooks to give NASA some money. Mr. Tyson (Can I call you Neil? I'm going to call you Neil!) argues that any ambitions to go to space based on 'inspirational rhetoric' alone are "deluded". And I think we can rule out #3. Nobody's buying that one anymore. So, we need a military or economic motivation. <br />
<br />
50 years ago NASA was founded in order to fulfill a challenge to go to the Moon. We spent billions of dollars to do that. What was our motivation then? That would be the military motivator. Hence Neil's lovely summary of that point that I turned into the title of this post. But in 1989 the Berlin Wall came down and no more military threat = no more investment in space. We are "coasting on the investments of a previous a previous generation" and pretty soon we are going to grind to a halt. <br />
<br />
This is where the economic motivator can start to play a part in the future of space exploration. First of all, the aerospace industry, in general, is kinda of key to the economy of the 21st century in terms of transportation, commerce, and defense. Investment in the space program is going to create billions of dollars in "spin-offs". The tech that is needed to go to Mars is going to be important to the further of humanity. Just like Apollo gave microwaves, Velcro, MRIs, and Tang. R and D = more money for you and me. Eventually. The second, and arguably, most important part of investment comes in the form of inspiration. As Neil has claimed "innovator culture is a product of investment in the space program". So going into space is going to inspire a whole new generation of people to create new technologies and new devices that are going to make our lives easier. <br />
<br />
Today we spend 1/2 of 1% of every tax dollar on NASA programs. 24% gets spent on building bombs to drop on poor people. Something needs to change. Thank you Neil for doing your part to help us refocus on what's actually important.<br />
<br />
I don't know about you but when ever I watch Neil deGrasse Tyson give a lecture I have an overwhelming desire to go back to school to be an astrophysicist. Can somebody make this happen?Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-14727414397943649912012-04-05T15:11:00.000-06:002012-04-28T11:34:47.109-06:00Nothing new to report, sir.I feel like I should be updating more often but it is really hard to update people on your life when nothing is happening.<br />
<br />
I have a job now so that is cool -souvenir photographer/pushy sales person on a NYC Harbor dinner cruise. I'm not really enjoying it and the only "life skill" it's teaching me is "how to make money". But I guess that is moderately important.<br />
<br />
Do you know what is epicly frustrating? Having so many awesome ideas but no means/motivation to make them happen.<br />
<br />
That's all.Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-24942138443942507502012-03-07T15:34:00.000-07:002012-03-07T15:36:15.010-07:00Wrong Side of the RiverJust sitting in "my" apartment. I put the "my" in quotations because it really isn't mine. A dear friend is letting me stay with her for a few weeks. I know I've only been in the city for two days but one thing is for sure; New Jersey is the place dreams go to die. I still haven't actually been to NYC properly and that makes it quite difficult to find a job.<br />
<br />
Life is just so frustrating. I know what I want but I don't know what I need to do to make it happen. I am desperately lacking in some practical tools.<br />
<br />
Also I really want some cannoli...Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-30164147649719411712012-02-11T18:11:00.002-07:002012-02-15T15:04:16.616-07:00The City By the BayI'm sitting in the Long Beach airport with nothing to do. It's a problem when you spend more time traveling then at your destination. <br />
<br />
I spent yesterday night and a few hours this morning in San Francisco. I was there to audition for a spot in The New School's MFA drama program. I had to do a couple monologues for the DEAN of the program. That was nerve-wracking! But I survived. Let's just hope I impressed them enough to get a callback. <br />
<br />
The city itself wasn't bad. It kind of reminded me of NYC. If New York was built in the middle of some hills and had a really crappy subway system. <br />
<br />
The food was fab! Last night I went to Pier 39 and had some traditional sourdough at the Boudin Cafe. This afternoon I had some of the best curry of my life! <br />
<br />
So overall a good trip just promise me that I will never have to spend another second at the Long Beach Airport.Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0Long Beach Airport 4100 E Donald Douglas Dr, Long Beach33.817361 -118.145252tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-16002074831102813522012-01-25T21:02:00.002-07:002012-03-07T15:36:03.880-07:00SOPA, Blackouts, and Pirates, Oh My!<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">(I just have a lot of feelings! Also, this sucker got </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">published</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> in Rexburg Idaho's most trusted news source. Want proof? Find yourself a copy of the Jan. 24th Standard Journal, turn to the Opinion page, and read for your self.)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Millions of people all over the world heaved a collective sigh of relief on the morning of Jan. 20<sup>th</sup>. A day after the single largest internet strike in history, Rep. Lamar Smith withdrew the controversial SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) from legislative consideration. Just an hour later, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that a vote on SOPA’s sister bill, PIPA (Protect IP Act), would be put on hold indefinitely. This was seen as a great victory for all of us who see freedom of information as the basis for a strong and stable democracy. I want you to imagine a world without the internet. I know for some of you that won’t be that difficult. But for those of my generation and younger who have come to depend on that soft glow of the computer screen, this world is unacceptable. The internet has reshaped the very fabric of the world. It has changed the way we interact with each other and the way we teach and learn. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">What SOPA would have done is cut off access to millions of webpages that are found to be hosting or providing access to copyrighted material. This means that if you put a link on your Facebook page to a YouTube video for your new favorite Lady Gaga song, Facebook would be obligated to cut off all access to your page. This has massive implications for continued net neutrality and creative commons use. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">The public has a fundamental right to use and access this information on the internet. There are countless underground communities of incredibly creative individuals that use copyrighted material to create everything from art to literature to music. Anyone who doesn’t believe me needs to spend 15 min. scrolling though Tumblr and you will see what I mean. Draconian copyright laws have the power to crush these thriving communities. You have these multi-billion corporations crying foul when 13 year olds and grandmothers download the newest episode of </span><i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Community</i><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> or make a video of themselves dancing to a Michael Jackson song. What we really need is to experience a fundamental paradigm shift –freedom of speech must begin to incorporate ideas of fair use.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Now, I know what some of you are thinking. SOPA (and PIPA) were originally created to put an end to the reign of digital pirates illegally downloading and sharing copyrighted material. This is a real problem! Or is it? Proponents of these types of laws point to the millions of dollars in decreased CD sales since the advent of digital music sharing. But, according to an International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) study published in 2009, music sharers (pirates) are 64% more likely than regular music buyers to </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">purchase</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> music online. These so called "freeloaders" simply have a greater demand for music than the </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">average</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> person, one that their limited budgets can't deal with. This goes the same for other forms of digital media. People who are labeled pirates buy the majority of movies, TV shows, audiobooks, and computer/video games but don't have the means to fulfill their demand and so they </span></span><span style="line-height: 18px;">supplement</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> their purchases with free material.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">The real problem is the entertainment industry’s refusal to change their business model. They need to rethink the way the distribute their products. Record companies, TV networks, and the film industry want to cut down on illegal downloading? I’ve got five pretty simple solutions that don’t require government censorship. 1) Make your TV show/music/movie/whatever available online; 2) put ads on it so you can make money off of it, or (even better) sell the viewing rights to a video streaming service, like Netflix or Hulu; 3) make it available everywhere not just the country of origin; 4) make is available as soon as it airs/becomes legally offered—not the next day or the next week, literally as soon as physically possible; and finally 5) realize that the old primary methods of distribution (CDs, theatres, cable TV, etc.) are premium services and are just way too expensive to rely on any longer especially in a world of internet streaming. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, I know. I just saved the entertainment industry. You’re welcome. I’ll be expecting a check in the mail. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-56184604759913938282012-01-17T14:22:00.001-07:002012-01-20T15:55:32.844-07:00Class of 2011I am officially a college graduate. Four and a half years of frustration and headaches and I finally have something to show for it. Sort of.<br />
<br />
I don't know which is more terrifying; never finding a job or working somewhere I hate. My parents would claim it is the first one. They think I'm some privileged person with an inflated sense of her own place in the world when I don't want to take a minimum wage job at McDonalds. <br />
<br />
It is really tough to reconcile the fact that I need a job with the story I've been told my whole life: "If you want a good job than go to college!" I don't think it is picky to expect a decent job since I've got a degree. Maybe I'm delusional.<br />
<br />
It would be really nice to get some sort of proof that I'm not.Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0Rexburg (null)43.840406 -111.862332tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-88297306168279301162011-11-19T16:46:00.000-07:002011-11-19T16:47:18.716-07:00Occupy the WorldSo with all these Occupy Wall Street protest happening all over the country you'd think I would have made some comments about the whole situation. That's how busy I've been.<br />
<br />
All I know is that we created the situation the Occupy people are protesting. 30 years of deregulated, neo-liberal, crony capitalism destroyed the middle class; the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Bangladesh, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran (just to name a few) have a more equitable income distribution than the United States.<br />
<br />
There is nothing new I can really add to conversation but I do know that I am sick and tired of disgusting amount of police brutality that is occurring in connection with OWS. The people are peaceful. They do not need to be bludgeoned and beaten and pepper-sprayed. New York, Oakland, Denver, and now the students at UC Davis. This is unacceptable. I don't care how you feel about the protests in general, police para-military action is unacceptable <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_luwhygOBBY1r4vpxio2_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_luwhygOBBY1r4vpxio2_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is wrong.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.toonaripost.com/wp-content/themes/Yen/timthumb.php?src=http://www.toonaripost.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Police-Brutality-Toward-Wall-Street-Protesters.jpg&w=580&zc=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://www.toonaripost.com/wp-content/themes/Yen/timthumb.php?src=http://www.toonaripost.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Police-Brutality-Toward-Wall-Street-Protesters.jpg&w=580&zc=1" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is unnecessary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://uwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Occupy-Oakland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://uwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Occupy-Oakland.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is supposed to be the United States.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/images/Entertainment/ap_scott_olsen_occupy_wall_street_oakland_ll_111027_wblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://abcnews.go.com/images/Entertainment/ap_scott_olsen_occupy_wall_street_oakland_ll_111027_wblog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This shouldn't be happening.</div>Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-15446815744648434902011-09-11T16:06:00.002-06:002011-09-12T11:27:55.245-06:0010 Years Later<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">I still remember where I was when I first heard the news. It was a normal day. I had just started 7<sup>th</sup> grade and was still getting used to my new homeroom. When the principle started morning announcements there was something different in his voice. He then explained the tragedy that was currently unfolding in New York City. My teacher quickly turned on the television. All day we just sat and watched the news and stared in horror. No one could believe what was happening. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">It was this day that ultimately lead to my decision to be involved with politics. It was the day I decided I must stand up for human decency and freedom all across the global. 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 had never 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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">I found this article <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/post/our-post-911-failures/2011/09/08/gIQACYa9BK_blog.html">(Our Post 9/11 Failures)</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">today I think it says it better than I ever could...</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We failed the biggest test posed by the 9/11 outrage: In our anger and dismay we failed to recognize our common humanity, that we are made for love and that acts such as those committed on that day are an aberration. When we looked at the terrorists we did not see ourselves, we did not consider how our actions and posturing in the world may have contributed to the crime. No. We saw “others,” and we demonized them. (Archbishop Desmond Tutu)</span></blockquote>Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-36941443630314378892011-08-19T16:34:00.002-06:002011-08-19T17:45:01.152-06:00Class Warfare?I was watching the Daily Show last night, like I do. And this little magical thing happened:<br />
<br />
Part 1:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="340" style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal arial; width: 512px;"><tbody>
<tr style="background-color: #e5e5e5;" valign="middle"><td style="padding: 2px 1px 0px 5px;"><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/" style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Daily Show With Jon Stewart</a></td><td style="font-weight: bold; padding: 2px 5px 0px 5px; text-align: right;">Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 14px;" valign="middle"><td colspan="2" style="padding: 2px 1px 0px 5px;"><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-august-18-2011/world-of-class-warfare---warren-buffett-vs--wealthy-conservatives" style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">World of Class Warfare - Warren Buffett vs. Wealthy Conservatives</a></td></tr>
<tr style="background-color: #353535; height: 14px;" valign="middle"><td colspan="2" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 5px 0px 5px; text-align: right; width: 512px;"><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/" style="color: #96deff; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.thedailyshow.com</a></td></tr>
<tr valign="middle"><td colspan="2" style="padding: 0px;"><embed allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" allowscriptaccess="always" bgcolor="#000000" flashvars="autoPlay=false" height="288" src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:394982" style="display: block;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" wmode="window"></embed></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 18px;" valign="middle"><td colspan="2" style="padding: 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr valign="middle"><td style="padding: 3px; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/" style="color: #333333; font: 10px arial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Daily Show Full Episodes</a></td><td style="padding: 3px; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.indecisionforever.com/" style="color: #333333; font: 10px arial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Political Humor & Satire Blog</a></td><td style="padding: 3px; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thedailyshow" style="color: #333333; font: 10px arial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Daily Show on Facebook</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Part 2:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="340" style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal arial; width: 512px;"><tbody>
<tr style="background-color: #e5e5e5;" valign="middle"><td style="padding: 2px 1px 0px 5px;"><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/" style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Daily Show With Jon Stewart</a></td><td style="font-weight: bold; padding: 2px 5px 0px 5px; text-align: right;">Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 14px;" valign="middle"><td colspan="2" style="padding: 2px 1px 0px 5px;"><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-august-18-2011/world-of-class-warfare---the-poor-s-free-ride-is-over" style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">World of Class Warfare - The Poor's Free Ride Is Over</a></td></tr>
<tr style="background-color: #353535; height: 14px;" valign="middle"><td colspan="2" style="overflow: hidden; padding: 2px 5px 0px 5px; text-align: right; width: 512px;"><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/" style="color: #96deff; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.thedailyshow.com</a></td></tr>
<tr valign="middle"><td colspan="2" style="padding: 0px;"><embed allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" allowscriptaccess="always" bgcolor="#000000" flashvars="autoPlay=false" height="288" src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:394983" style="display: block;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="512" wmode="window"></embed></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 18px;" valign="middle"><td colspan="2" style="padding: 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="100%" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr valign="middle"><td style="padding: 3px; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/" style="color: #333333; font: 10px arial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Daily Show Full Episodes</a></td><td style="padding: 3px; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.indecisionforever.com/" style="color: #333333; font: 10px arial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Political Humor & Satire Blog</a></td><td style="padding: 3px; width: 33%;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/thedailyshow" style="color: #333333; font: 10px arial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Daily Show on Facebook</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This basically sums up all of my problems with the "Modern American" economic model; tax-cuts for the wealthiest individuals that leave the bottom 51% of the population to shoulder the burden. That income inequality chart really gets to me every time I see it. <a href="http://motherjones.com/politics/2011/02/income-inequality-in-america-chart-graph">This site</a> has some pretty cool infographics explaining the state of US incomes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGNhOpY6PjI/Tk7jGtuURiI/AAAAAAAAAtg/gnFGgz-8_Fk/s1600/superrich.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGNhOpY6PjI/Tk7jGtuURiI/AAAAAAAAAtg/gnFGgz-8_Fk/s400/superrich.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And then take a look at the actual distribution of wealth and American citizen's perception of that distribution:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7oqE1MXhab4/Tk7j81blhJI/AAAAAAAAAto/_ITIgnX3A54/s1600/inequality.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7oqE1MXhab4/Tk7j81blhJI/AAAAAAAAAto/_ITIgnX3A54/s400/inequality.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
92% of the 5000 polled said they would prefer the more equitable distribution. You notice the rich people still have more money than everyone else in that option. It's just not so much that it excludes the bottom 50% from having a piece of the pie. <br />
<br />
Also here is the Warren Buffet Op-Ed that started it all: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/15/opinion/stop-coddling-the-super-rich.html?_r=3&smid=tw-nytimesbusiness&seid=auto">Stop Coddling the Super-Rich</a>Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-726877356405515182011-07-01T13:26:00.000-06:002011-08-19T17:06:42.138-06:00Back Home and AwayI feel bad I don't update more often but I seriously have nothing to talk about. At this point in my life I am uber-boring.<br />
<br />
I finished up Spring Semester. Considering the amount of work I put in to it (and the amount of class I went to [re: almost none]) I think I did pretty well.<br />
<br />
I have one semester left of my undergraduate education; which is absolutely insane. I am starting my grad school applications and that is going to put me in an early grave. Who knew personal statements where so incredibly frustrating to write. I will keep everyone updated on my progress.<br />
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In other news, I am currently babysitting my cousins two dogs; Ruby and Max. That's been an adventure.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-li0mXP0r1u0/Tg4as_l24hI/AAAAAAAAAqg/QfNWKNLKCRY/s1600/GEDC0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-li0mXP0r1u0/Tg4as_l24hI/AAAAAAAAAqg/QfNWKNLKCRY/s320/GEDC0181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MP4dkdwojo/Tg4axSnQiYI/AAAAAAAAAqk/POjodYnUYrM/s1600/GEDC0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MP4dkdwojo/Tg4axSnQiYI/AAAAAAAAAqk/POjodYnUYrM/s320/GEDC0182.JPG" width="234" /></a></div>Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-78057735792863672902011-06-05T16:08:00.000-06:002011-08-19T17:06:42.138-06:00The "Other" BlogAlso I don't think I ever shared this.<br />
<br />
This is my other blog on Tumblr.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pocket-change.tumblr.com/">http://pocket-change.tumblr.com/</a><br />
<br />
I post pictures and quotes and random little things.Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-19324373155618181062011-06-05T16:04:00.000-06:002011-08-19T17:06:42.139-06:00Time is a Funny Thing......sometimes it goes by so fast you don't even realize it.<br />
<br />
This has been an interesting last few months.<br />
<br />
The last time we talked I was incapacitated by a sprained ankle and a psychosis inducing living situation . I have since removed myself from the poison environment that was my apartment and my ankle is mostly healed.<br />
<br />
I moved in with my really good friend Sierra and her husband; who were either nice enough or crazy enough (I haven't decided which yet) to let me crash at their place while I finish up Spring semester.<br />
<br />
Also, had a birthday. Turned 22. Nothing exciting to report on that front.<br />
<br />
Read a few good book and saw a few good films.<br />
<br />
Currently, totally obsessed with legendary British television show Doctor Who.<br />
<br />
I need a vacation...or a show to be in. Either one would be fine.Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-41130925970095211582011-03-28T16:57:00.000-06:002011-03-29T15:01:09.933-06:00Random MusingsIt's been a while. My life has been so crazy I almost forgot I had a blog.<br />
<br />
This afternoon I'm bored out of my mind and sitting in bed with a bag of frozen corn on my terminally sprained foot/ankle when I think to myself "hey...don't I have a blog or something I can waste some time on?"<br />
<br />
So I'm back. You can all thank my apartment's crappy Everest-like stairs for my return.<br />
<br />
Not much to say. I really miss living in NYC and having a life and my (literally) mentally unstable roommate is not helping the matter. I am in desperate need of a return to normalcy.<br />
<br />
I am excited for two things. 1) This semester is ending in 2 and a half weeks. 2) I have tickets to the Arcade Fire concert in April.<br />
<br />
Also, I had forgotten how stressful it was to be a senior. Standardized tests and grad school applications are not exciting; especially when you have no idea what you want to do. Should I get the degree in International Affairs? Public Health? Or maybe journalism? Maybe I should just join the Peace Corp? Or I could just forget it all and go to acting school.<br />
<br />
It is obvious I am not ready for real life.Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-42264855345779744972010-12-23T12:38:00.002-07:002011-03-29T15:01:00.524-06:00I *Heart* NYWell...I am back from the big city.<br />
<br />
That was the coolest thing I have ever done.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROUNW2ZjeI/AAAAAAAAAn8/38SJz1tNNCQ/s1600/DSCI0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROUNW2ZjeI/AAAAAAAAAn8/38SJz1tNNCQ/s400/DSCI0198.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROURiymglI/AAAAAAAAAoA/BoR_q8Swuac/s1600/DSCI0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROURiymglI/AAAAAAAAAoA/BoR_q8Swuac/s400/DSCI0454.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROUXGP59NI/AAAAAAAAAoE/mgJoYjSbQ-U/s1600/DSCI0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROUXGP59NI/AAAAAAAAAoE/mgJoYjSbQ-U/s320/DSCI0460.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROTO4DcpyI/AAAAAAAAAn0/fLo5dsUEhxw/s1600/old+buildings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROTO4DcpyI/AAAAAAAAAn0/fLo5dsUEhxw/s400/old+buildings.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROTlWs_n3I/AAAAAAAAAn4/Gp32VECKZ1c/s1600/broadway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROTlWs_n3I/AAAAAAAAAn4/Gp32VECKZ1c/s320/broadway.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROTGv-KScI/AAAAAAAAAno/21n_C-xLg1w/s1600/central+park+fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROTGv-KScI/AAAAAAAAAno/21n_C-xLg1w/s400/central+park+fountain.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROUjMobxkI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/kxgfk7ppIto/s1600/DSCI0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROUjMobxkI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/kxgfk7ppIto/s320/DSCI0865.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROTLsx9cgI/AAAAAAAAAnw/xXHky4hSs7I/s1600/DSCI0847+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROTLsx9cgI/AAAAAAAAAnw/xXHky4hSs7I/s400/DSCI0847+%25282%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROUnX9k89I/AAAAAAAAAoU/28QixWBf4m8/s1600/DSCI0903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TROUnX9k89I/AAAAAAAAAoU/28QixWBf4m8/s400/DSCI0903.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-31691929575300366012010-12-06T18:26:00.000-07:002010-12-23T11:01:33.170-07:00ICC Judge Adrian Fulford: The Problem with the ICCAll 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!<br />
<br />
Two great disappointments:<br />
We are delivering remote and distance justice. It is my hope that we can conduct our trials near the scene of the alleged crimes<br />
Apparent slow pace at which the ICC moves<br />
By many domestic standards they (proceedings) seem protracted<br />
"It all takes FAR to long".<br />
"It is critical to learn quickly from the delays of the past and ensure they are not repeated".<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Delays and stays of proceeding are the single more corrosive practices at the ICC.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">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.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">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".</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"It is the length of our trials that is our real Achilles heel".</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><br />
<b>6 Proposals on how to fix trials</b><br />
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1. Consider if evidence (context, background, etc) can be dealt with by experts instead of substantial number of witnesses. <br />
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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 <br />
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3. Increase use of television links instead of bringing witnesses to Europe...reduces disruption of the lives of witnesses...leads to more focused questions<br />
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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<br />
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5. Amend Rome Statue to allow a single judge to consider parts of the trial alone.<br />
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6. Look at Court structures to see if they are efficient and are a proper use of our fundsSierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-62416250274144627272010-11-04T12:22:00.001-06:002010-11-06T21:43:57.670-06:00Got Competence?This last weekend I was privileged enough to attend Jon Stewart's Rally to Restore Sanity in Washington DC.<br />
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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. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TNL0fRvBRzI/AAAAAAAAAmc/DHg-nCu-aF0/s1600/untitled.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TNL0fRvBRzI/AAAAAAAAAmc/DHg-nCu-aF0/s400/untitled.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">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. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So some of the highlights...The Roots, John Legend, the Mythbuster guys, </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TNL47-4rJ1I/AAAAAAAAAmw/XPk37esr_w8/s1600/mythbuster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TNL47-4rJ1I/AAAAAAAAAmw/XPk37esr_w8/s320/mythbuster.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Yusef, </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TNL5Bk7gM5I/AAAAAAAAAm0/uwI_hT6OGb4/s1600/yusef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TNL5Bk7gM5I/AAAAAAAAAm0/uwI_hT6OGb4/s320/yusef.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Ozzy Osbourne, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow and don't forget Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TNL5JLuZYyI/AAAAAAAAAm4/ETaL5L3s17o/s1600/rally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TNL5JLuZYyI/AAAAAAAAAm4/ETaL5L3s17o/s320/rally.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, this.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TNL5TOYKM4I/AAAAAAAAAm8/ZcLzvnfH514/s1600/stewart+colbert.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TNL5TOYKM4I/AAAAAAAAAm8/ZcLzvnfH514/s400/stewart+colbert.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">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... </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">* I might add more pictures later but most of them are blurry and kind of sad...</span></div>Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-27382388312369132832010-10-17T14:48:00.000-06:002010-10-26T17:08:45.242-06:00Statistics and Child MortalityTalks like this are why I spend entirely too much time on Ted.com.<br />
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<object width="334" height="326"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"></param><param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/HansRosling_2010X-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/HansRosling-2010X.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=320&vh=240&ap=0&ti=974&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=hans_rosling_the_good_news_of_the_decade;year=2010;theme=rethinking_poverty;theme=a_taste_of_tedx;theme=unconventional_explanations;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=bold_predictions_stern_warnings;theme=medicine_without_borders;theme=a_greener_future;event=TEDxChange;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;" /><embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgColor="#ffffff" width="334" height="326" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/HansRosling_2010X-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/HansRosling-2010X.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=320&vh=240&ap=0&ti=974&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=hans_rosling_the_good_news_of_the_decade;year=2010;theme=rethinking_poverty;theme=a_taste_of_tedx;theme=unconventional_explanations;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=bold_predictions_stern_warnings;theme=medicine_without_borders;theme=a_greener_future;event=TEDxChange;"></embed></object>Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-14505945913177099692010-10-05T09:36:00.000-06:002010-10-26T17:08:45.243-06:00Sudan at the UN: Aid for Amnesty<span style="font-family: inherit;">As seen on both </span><a href="http://www.theinterdependent.com/blogs/icc-memo/101004/sudans-vice-president-tries-to-save-his-president-from-the-international-court"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Interdependent</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and the </span><a href="http://amicc.blogspot.com/2010/10/sudan-at-un-aid-for-amnesty.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;">AMICC Blog</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuKx9qzsVmCg0PUl2ybRlGPkYcnEB99r5av-7zRbCEo8XNTZvM_AWFBC0dLej8aMBIbaUtmXBbw3DRrQWxWP07uquDBfNSBvCMxGmGPdw8dOtZkRs0I3zLf-KyyBc27y2lavSU3vI-ic/s1600/sudanvp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuKx9qzsVmCg0PUl2ybRlGPkYcnEB99r5av-7zRbCEo8XNTZvM_AWFBC0dLej8aMBIbaUtmXBbw3DRrQWxWP07uquDBfNSBvCMxGmGPdw8dOtZkRs0I3zLf-KyyBc27y2lavSU3vI-ic/s400/sudanvp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">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 “</span><a href="http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article36413"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a direct threat</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">” 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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">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. </span><a href="http://untreaty.un.org/cod/icc/statute/romefra.htm"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Section 58(4)</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 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. </span><a href="http://untreaty.un.org/cod/icc/statute/romefra.htm"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Article 16</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">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 “</span><a href="http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Butty-VP-UNGA-Speech-React-Is..."><span style="font-family: inherit;">political blackmail</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">”. 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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span>Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-32486288000210286742010-10-04T16:47:00.001-06:002010-10-26T17:08:45.243-06:00Yes...I'm bragging again. Deal with it!That title was a joke. Don't worry. I'm not that cocky. Usually...<br />
This is a sweet article I wrote about polio:<br />
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<a href="http://www.theinterdependent.com/101004/now-is-the-time-to-wipe-out-polio-for-good">Now is the Time to Wipe Out Polio for Good</a><br />
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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.Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-58034856652094777172010-09-22T12:49:00.000-06:002010-09-22T15:31:15.739-06:00Be the Change You Wish to See in the WorldThis last weekend (Sept. 17th - 19th) I was privileged enough to attend the the Millennium Campus Conference.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo66IcQZMI/AAAAAAAAAkI/SaTQllIRdGU/s1600/DSCI0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo66IcQZMI/AAAAAAAAAkI/SaTQllIRdGU/s320/DSCI0481.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">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). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo7EXUZwBI/AAAAAAAAAkY/4i2bRQ4TB3g/s1600/DSCI0483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo7EXUZwBI/AAAAAAAAAkY/4i2bRQ4TB3g/s320/DSCI0483.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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.<br />
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Plus the soundtrack for the whole conference consisted entirely of The Beatles and John Lennon! :D<br />
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<a href="http://www.charitywater.org/">Charity: Water</a><br />
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!<br />
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<a href="http://www.charitywater.org/whywater"> <img border="1" height="400" src="http://www.charitywater.org/media/banners/160x600_baby_bottle.jpg" style="border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204);" width="106" /> </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.invisiblechildren.com/">Invisible Children</a><br />
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. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo69ynUM2I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/uvz1oemrthQ/s1600/DSCI0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo69ynUM2I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/uvz1oemrthQ/s320/DSCI0477.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.ewb-usa.org/">Engineers w/out Borders</a><br />
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.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo7LTd4zQI/AAAAAAAAAkg/fuBYu-unHRc/s1600/DSCI0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo7LTd4zQI/AAAAAAAAAkg/fuBYu-unHRc/s320/DSCI0480.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Jeffery Sachs<br />
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.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo7cClfgPI/AAAAAAAAAk4/leGIvIFxYtA/s1600/DSCI0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo7cClfgPI/AAAAAAAAAk4/leGIvIFxYtA/s320/DSCI0488.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Bill McKibbin<br />
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 <a href="http://350.org/">350.org</a> and see how you can get involved in the movement toward alternative energy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo7ji61xPI/AAAAAAAAAlA/oAlozoSWCyM/s1600/DSCI0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo7ji61xPI/AAAAAAAAAlA/oAlozoSWCyM/s320/DSCI0503.JPG" /></a></div> <br />
Ahmed Djoghlaf<br />
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.<br />
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Adam Braun/<a href="http://www.pencilsofpromise.org/blog/">Pencils of Promise</a><br />
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. <br />
1) Get out of you comfort zone.<br />
2) Speak the language of the individual you want to become. Not "I want to do it" but "I will do it"<br />
3) Embrace those late, sleepless nights<br />
4) To achieve the unreasonable you have to become an unreasonable person.<br />
5) Just go. Find a way to achieve your dreams.<br />
6) Find your cause and live it.<br />
7) The impossible can be made possible. "Live not in dreams, but in contemplation of a reality that is perhaps the future".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo7vb2zvlI/AAAAAAAAAlY/OgY4U7Lr_1w/s1600/DSCI0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo7vb2zvlI/AAAAAAAAAlY/OgY4U7Lr_1w/s320/DSCI0509.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">(The dude with the mic is Bobby Bailey (founder of Invisible Children). Adam is the guy with the sling.)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.globalpovertyproject.com/">The Global Poverty Project</a><br />
Check it out!!! I would tell you more about it but I really don't feel like writing anymore. :p<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo71BjOqUI/AAAAAAAAAlg/F1gXs91weZQ/s1600/DSCI0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo71BjOqUI/AAAAAAAAAlg/F1gXs91weZQ/s320/DSCI0508.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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And finally, don't forget the special video message from Justin Bieber. I'm not even joking.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo9lKVqLQI/AAAAAAAAAlw/lKZdJqnw7C8/s1600/DSCI0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo9lKVqLQI/AAAAAAAAAlw/lKZdJqnw7C8/s320/DSCI0510.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This almost ruined it for me...I will not leave you with the Bieber. You can thank me later.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo7mn0kURI/AAAAAAAAAlI/qOY3_nzhmW0/s1600/DSCI0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9Bc_qYloN0/TJo7mn0kURI/AAAAAAAAAlI/qOY3_nzhmW0/s640/DSCI0513.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-89380601340143020812010-09-21T14:00:00.000-06:002010-09-22T15:31:06.510-06:00Is 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), <a href="http://www.blogger.com/(http://www.nation.co.ke/News/politics/Mutula%20to%20Ocampo%20Quit%20Kenyan%20probe%20/-/1064/1013680/-/b1f4rs/-/index.html)">Mutula Kilonzo</a> , 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”. <br />
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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”.<br />
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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. <a href="http://www.nation.co.ke/News/politics/%20Kenya%20date%20with%20justice%20still%20on,%20says%20ICC/-/1064/1015256/-/g42kip/-/">Mr Moreno-Ocampo</a>, 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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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.Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-32514553302353242552010-09-21T12:46:00.000-06:002010-09-22T15:31:06.511-06:00What's the Problem With the ICCI have been doing lots of research about US policy toward the ICC and I just had a few thoughts that I needed to share.<br />
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The main issue I have with the Administration’s ICC policy is the fact that there is actually no official policy.<br />
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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. <br />
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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.Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-57516298720064196502010-09-02T12:20:00.000-06:002010-09-07T07:16:52.744-06:00Check 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! <br />
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<a href="http://amicc.blogspot.com/2010/09/after-refusing-to-arrest-bashir-whats.html">Sierra's freaking cool article about international legal obligation that you know you want to read!</a><br />
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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!<br />
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<a href="http://www.theinterdependent.com/blogs/icc-memo/100901/after-refusing-to-arrest-bashir-whats-next-for-kenya">This is pretty much the same article just in a different format and with some stuff deleted...</a><br />
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So like the title of this post so eloquently put it...check it out!Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289499583974669090.post-6986537431744672522010-08-30T10:16:00.000-06:002010-09-07T07:16:45.697-06:00Kenya and the ICCFor 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!<br />
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Last Friday, Kenya was given a unique opportunity to show their commitment to the International Criminal Court and unfortunately they failed spectacularly. <br />
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I’m sure many of you are familiar with Sudanese president, **Omar al-Bashir’s,<a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hj-2B3Qw3azisvSZQnF-3Uts7iyQD9HS2QU00"> visit to Nairobi, Kenya</a> 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. <br />
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Today, in an even more bizarre attempt to eliminate accountability, it was <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gImjgUdIg3d0ius9GuAikUwDEdfg">reported</a> 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. <br />
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There has been outrage among many members of the international community over Kenya’s failure to act. Even <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/08/27/statement-president-obama-promulgation-kenyas-new-constitution">President Obama</a> has claimed he was “disappointed” in Kenya’s behavior and emphasized that “justice is a critical ingredient for lasting peace”.<br />
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This non- compliance by Kenya sets a dangerous precedent of inaction that could damage the long-term effectiveness of the ICC. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">**(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)</span>Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829064138653506372noreply@blogger.com0