A blind eye

While the western world entertains itself with apocalyptic tales of mutant zombie outbreaks on the big screen, "Pandemic" by Stephen Lewis reminds us of a real outbreak that is devastating the continent of Africa. In this exert from his book: Race against time (2005), Mr. Lewis first tells us about his love affair with Africa. On a whim he went there and he has called it his second home ever since. Though Africa he says had its fair share of problems in the 1960's when he first arrived, the emergence of the HIV/AIDS pandemic has ravaged the people of this soulful continent and nearly all have been effected in some way or another.

Lewis gets personal with this piece. Their are a number of things I believe he wants the reader to feel. First would be sorrow. He tells stories of the people he has met and their seemingly unending hardship and loss due to this disease. Grandmothers who have lost their own children and are now raising their orphaned grandchildren. Children (some as young as 8), who are forced to raise their younger siblings when their parents have passed on from this sickness. Mothers who are left crying as their infants are taken away covered in blankets. These stories I believe are meant to pull at the readers heartstrings. He wants us to realize just how nasty this is.

Throughout the piece, Mr. Lewis tells the reader about the types of treatment that are available to the suffering. By doing this in contrast to what is readily available here in the western world, Lewis points out the double standard we have imposed on the third world. We have said that we are more important than those people over there. They are not worthy of the treatments we have.

Next is food. When Lewis was living in Africa in the 60's, he says that people were hungary but for the most part could get by. Now when he returns, the cries for hunger are so loud he is barely able to talk about the need for better medicine. Food is the most important medicine needed and sadly there is none to be found.

Though this situation looks helpless, Lewis still has hope. Not a hope for a cure or an end to the suffering, but an end to the western worlds blind eye to the people of Africa.

Do you think that the same medical treatment should be available to everyone regardless of where they live?

A concerned neighbor...

Ever since my own so-called political awakening a few years ago, I have become increasingly concerned with our neighbor to the south. And after reading Margaret Atwood's "A letter to America", I now know I'm not the only one.

In her letter, Mrs. Atwood begins by going back and sharing some of her fondest memories of America. It seems as if she begins to daydream as she reminisces on the great american film stars, animated characters, historic authors and musicians. These people clearly had a profound effect on her. One that spawned her love and admiration for American art and culture. In doing so she seems to want the reader, (hopefully an american) to join in this daydream and think back to the fond moments these things brought to their childhood as well.

Next, the letter turns to a different message. What America stood for. Or what it used to stand for anyway. "You stood up for freedom, honesty and justice; you protected the innocent." she writes.  She states how much she believed they meant what they said. These are things that American politicians continue to tout almost every chance they get. "Give me your tired, your poor." she quotes, reminding the reader of what America stood for. Reminding them of the American idea. The idea that has drawn people from all over the world to look up to America as that "city upon a hill".

After taking the reader back to a better day the letter takes a different tone. That of a concerned neighbor.

She reminds the reader of how close we as neighbors actually are. Letting them know how much of a history and effect we have on one another. In a way telling them how much we, Canada, need the U.S.. They are our biggest trading partner and defensive ally. "If you go down..., we go down." she says. I'm sure most americans are aware of the unique relationship our countries share, but it never hurts to remind them.

After 9/11, a lot of things changed for america. Starting with the Patriot act. This act has taken away some of the basic rights given to american citizens through the constitution. This worries the author. "You're gutting the constitution" she writes, giving examples of some of theses violations, incarceration without cause, unauthorized search and entry of personal property. She then kind of teases by asking the reader how such a big and powerful country could be so scared to allow such things to happen. 

Next, the economy. She reminds america of its out of control spending and sweltering debt. A debt that I believe is now upwards of 7 Trillion dollars.

Then finally a warning that she as the concerned neighbor feels she cannot hold back any longer. The warning is simple, continue down this path and we are all in trouble. Big trouble. She states that the american reputation is at stake. That instead of being looked upon as a "city upon a hill", a standard the rest of the world strives to meet, America will be looked on as any other failed empire.  Even worse, the whole democratic system that they've worked so hard to build could be lost. 

Get back to your roots, I believe is the point she is trying to subtly get across. Remember the ideals your great country was based upon and turn things around before it's to late.  

Sadly as this letter was written in 2004, almost every warning that Mrs. Atwood gave seems to have fallen on deaf ears. The debt is still spiraling, the economy is in shambles with an unemployment rate hovering around 10 percent. America still finds itself entangled in two international conflicts with no clear end in sight.

Like Mrs. Atwood, I feel like the character Wilson on the sitcom Home Improvement. Peeking over the fence at our neighbor as they grunt and groan their way through the problems facing them just hoping that they will come asking for advice. Advice that we would freely give if only they would listen. 

If you knew they would listen what one piece of advice would you give america? 

PROLOGUE

Hello,

As this is my first entry, I feel an introduction is in order. My name is Richard Paul and for the past 8 years or so I have lived in the beautiful city of Victoria, British Columbia. I am married to my incredible wife of 2 years now Melissa. Together we have two wonderful dogs. One a Yorkie-X named Malaika (swahili for angel), and the other an adorable Boston Terrier named Chi (said like the tea).

As for me, I am 26 years old and currently a serving member of the Canadian Forces. The Navy to be exact. I work as a Naval Communicator and hold a TOP SECRET security clearance which basically means I can't tell you anymore about my job. What I can tell you though is that for the past 10 years I have served my country proudly. Sadly, it is now time for me to move on from the military life and once again join the civilian populace. I am extremely interested the criminal justice field and will be seeking employment and further education in this area.

In my spare time I have a few hobbies. First and foremost I am a lover of all things hockey. This is incredibly painful at times as I am a fan of the beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, (It takes a lot of  faith). Having grown up just outside Toronto in the city of Brampton, it has been ingrained in me. I will cheer for no one else.  That being said I am also an avid baseball fan and will always remember sitting, eyes glued as Joe Carter first homered, and then caught the ball on the play to first to win two consecutive world series in '92 and '93. Definitely a highlight of my childhood.

This blog was created because...well because I had to really. (school) But I hope to maintain it even afterward. I always find myself delving deeply into political and international issues. You might call me a conspiracy theorist, but I just like to get both sides of a story before forming an opinion. In the future I hope to use this blog to do just that. Give you both sides of the story with links of course and also comment on any other points that I feel the need to share.

For now I will leave it at that. I thank you in advance for reading and please feel free to comment or ask me any questions you may have. Just not about my job of course.

God bless and good reading and remember,
"Minds are like parachutes; they work best when they are open." - Thomas Dewar

Richard Paul