This week, follow the link below, read the article. State whether this is an international, national, or local issue. Then write one fact from the article/event, write a personal opinion about the article/event, and then write one generalization about the article/event. This should be three paragraphs. Thanks everyone for participating.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/world/africa/22libya.html?pagewanted=1&ref=africa
(Just letting you know...it's two pages:) and don't forget to write you full name and class period on your blog post).
If you have any ideas for articles or for the blog, please post it on the blog spot or send me an email. Thanks and your opinion is greatly appreciated.
The issue described in this article appears to be a national issue but definitely has an international effect. One fact that the article states, is that human rights activists said that they had more than 220 deaths confirmed.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I feel like this crime is horrible and should be held with much higher importance and significance in the news. I can’t believe that a government would even consider opening fire on its own people. The way that it was described, it seemed like a full-on slaughter. This information is really upsetting because its almost unimaginable that in today’s world, there are still so many societies being abused by their own governments. Governments were created with the goal of organizing and facilitating the average citizen’s life, but instead, in many cases it’s doing the opposite.
I think that a classic generalization about this issue is that people don’t think that governments (Libya’s in specific) do such horrible things. I feel like people assume that the worst thing a government will do is make sure that the rich get richer and the poor stays poor. In this case, though, they are literally killing the people that they were appointed to ameliorate.
James Inisan
Feb. 22. 2011
Period 2
James, your analysis of this article is great. Your opinion, and generalization are so true and evident throughout the whole world when something as horrifying as this happens. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete-Ms. Stoller
This issue is an international issue as it is happening in Libya. This article talked about the escalation of violence against anti-government protesters who wish to see their leader, Qaddafi, out of office. The article describes Qaddafi has refused to step down, and is instead sending mercenaries to kill his own people.
ReplyDeleteThe mass murder of hundreds of people can't be described as anything but awful. My only hope is that the violence will soon be over and the people of Libya who are only fighting for freedom, will have their needs met. Qaddafi is not doing the job of a leader. A leader is there to listen to the needs of his country. I think the fact that Qaddafi is finding it necessary to recruit mercenary's from other country's is a sign of hope, because it shows that the Libyan people are sticking together. Slowly the bottom is dropping from underneath Quaddafi as more and more people turn against him.
We generally seem to assume that everyone has the same freedom to say/do what we want, but by looking at this event, I think people in America can recognize how lucky we are to have the freedom's we have. No matter how one-note our media can get, we have the ability to talk/write/broadcast what we like without getting killed for it. It's horrifying that the Libyan people have a leader who will work so hard to keep the truth from coming out.
I agree with James that this is mainly an issue at the national level but also international because the whole world is watching and being impacted by this event. The article stated that this rebellion in Libya is one of the bloodiest so far of all the uprisings that have been occurring in that area. This is because so many have died and it was all due to extreme measures taken by the government.
ReplyDeleteIt frightens me that we have a government in the world that has rulers that are so inhumane to their own people. I mean if the government is willing to do this to their own people imagine what they would be willing to do to countries they dislike or countries they come into war with. I feel ashamed that something like this is happening. My question is, is there anything other countries could do? Is there not away to tell Gaddafi that he can't do this to his people? Or are all countries also afraid because of my previous statement, they are afraid of what he is capable of doing. I think that for that reason he should be stopped, somehow all other countries need to come together and intervene.
If nobody else does anything to help these countries or at least not allow for stop this kind of extreme government abuse, it will continue to happen. The people of these areas are not happy with their govenrment and they will continue to rebel and the governments will simply do what they want and kill their people of they have to. I think other countries around the world should start to become aware of the fact that no one is okay when one part of the world is blowing itself to pieces. And as James said, governments are there to protect the people, but if they don't, do other countries just become bystanders and sit and watch without doing anything against this terrible injustice?
This article is a international news article. Also this article talked about the chaos happening in Libya. There is a death toll of over 220 people and it really reminds me of my own country because the same thing happened in 2009 in the the country of Kyrgyzstan. I find this a serious threat and a denial of rights. Opening fire on your own people does not cool down things it creates problems and I dont know if the Libyan Government should continue to do this. They need to negotiate. Also I agree with James and that yes this is really, really wrong. If this were to happen in the US I feel the military would be on the peoples side and help bring this to a peaceful resolution. I read an article just now that, that is exactly what the rioters thought before getting shot at. I demand change and I pledge my support for the Libyan Population.
ReplyDeleteDanil Yemelyanov
Pr. 5
2/23/11
Great observation Hallie, we are very fortunate to live where we do.
ReplyDelete-Ms. Stoller
To answer your question Arena, there really is no answer. This is sad, because sometimes some countries involve themselves in the conflicts of other countries. This is evident throughout history. Currently, the UN has basically condemned Gaddafi's actions. Which means he has NO backing from the UN ever again. This is a very diplomatic way to get involved, but not a physical, tangible way in which we will see the halting of the mercenaries. There are articles about what the U.S. is doing, well, about what our Secretary of State has announced that we are doing on the NYTimes and CNN websites.
ReplyDeleteDanil, you are a very passionate person and that is evident, especially with your own history.
-Ms. Stoller
This article is an International issue, because it is about Libya, which is outside of the United States. The article is about the protests and rebellion of the people in Libya. At this point, over 220 people have already died at the governments hands, and their supporters.
ReplyDeleteI think that what is happening in Libya is terrible, because so many innocent lives are being lost. And all those people are doing is standing up for what they believe in. Qaddafi should step down, because he has committed horrible crimes against his own people.
I think many people generally assume or believe that the only thing that concerns them, is something that directly affects them. I think that more people should be concerned about what is going on in the world around them, because it does affect them in some way, no matter how small.
Alex Swanson
Period 2
Arena, I was searching online and found this article about what President Obama and Secretary Clinton's plan is concerning Libya. Here is the link:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0211/Obama_on_Libya.html
I hope this is informing.
-Ms. Stoller
The issue presented in the article is an international one because it is happening in Libya. The article was about the violence and deaths happening in Libya and how Qaddafi ordered and allowed for his own citizens to be killed. The citizens were protesting because they wanted to see Qaddafi out of office.
ReplyDeleteI find it a bit "messed up" or even crazy that a leader of a country would even think about opening fire and killing the citizens that he is supposed to take care of and ensure the well being of. The most recent death poll was over 220 had been killed. This could even be defined as genocide because according to Websters online dictionary, genocide is defined as "the deliberate killing of a large group of people", and that is exactly what is happening in Libya.
I do not think this will end quickly and that more people will die, but I just hope that this problem is solved and that Libya's leader steps down with some dignity.
Hans Lee
Period 5
2.23.11
The issue in this article is an international one because the the article informed the reader about the violent rebellion taking place in Libya.
ReplyDeleteThis article explains that the leader of Libya, Qaddafi, is very violent. It appears as if he doesn't think about his people. This can be shown by how he has been ordering the bombers and militia to attack his own people during the protests. One witness stated that he has no humanity. We can see this by his acts of violence and also the fact that he will not step down. This can show that Qaddafi is the dictator of Libya. But did Libya start out as a dictatorship or did it gradually fall into it? The people must have liked him at fist, how else would he have been in power for 40 years? That seems to be a little too long for one person to be in power. There wouldn't be many new ideas since you are only exposed to the ideas of one person.
Many of the rebellions seem to have started in a society where the leader is a dictator. One by one countries in the Middle East have started to rise up and fight for their rights. They see other countries succeed in overthrowing the government and find they should do this too. It seems people feel the only way to be heard is through violence, however I do not feel this is the best way. You are simply exchanging one bad situation for another. I would encourage people to vote so the government knows what the majority wants. Sometimes the problem with this is the ruling party will simply ignore the voting outcomes. It is difficult to know the best way to change.
Mariko Hunter
Period 2
civics
Ben Davis
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
2/24/11
This article is a national issue for the people of Libya. It is an international issue for us. Qaddafi feels so threatened by his own people that he is spending his treasury money on mercenaries to put down this revolution. At some point, he has to realize that the citizens of his country will die for their freedom and that the only way he will be able to stop this is by killing everyone.
I think that while everyone seems extremely shocked that a government could have their soldiers attack peaceful protesters, it has happened before. In 1970, State Troopers from Ohio fired on students protesting the war in Vietnam. Four were killed and nine wounded. In times of turmoil, governments make rash decisions that are brutal and awful.
Incidents in which governments have harmed or killed their own citizens have been occurring for most of history. To bring change in the world, people have to make sacrifices and many times throughout history those sacrifices involved people dying. The civil rights movement and war protests both had fatalities. Unfortunately, peaceful protesters anger others much more than violent protesters which leads to violence by others.
This issue would be considered a national issue because it is happening in Libya. The article talked about the increasing violence that is occurring in Libya because their leader, Colonel Qaddafi, is refusing to step down. Instead of sitting back and watching the protests continue like Mubarak and Ben Ali did, he is inflaming the issue by opening fire on the protesters. One fact I found particularly scary was that the citizens of Libya are so scared that "they now fear even emerging from their houses."
ReplyDeleteIt it really scary that there are governments in the world such as the one described in the article that have to go as far as opening fire on their citizens to control them. After reading this, I am especially glad that I live in a free country where there is assurance that something like this will never happen. I think that corrupt governments should take the United States as an example and try to form their government using America as an example. Also, just the fact that Qaddafi has to open fire on the residents to reinforce his power proves that he is not fit to be a ruler.
One generalization is that you wouldn't think that governments would go as far as killing their own people to keep them under control, but this clearly demonstrates that some governments will do whatever it takes. That is a very scary thought and I didn't think that a dictator would do anything as awful as this. Hopefully the violence in Libya ends soon and doesn't further escalate.
Anu Deodhar
Period 5
Civics
Meena Rockney
ReplyDeletePeriod 2- Civics
2/24/11
This article is an international article. A fact from the article is that foreign journalists are not allowed into Libya, the internet access have almost completely been disconnected, and also some cell phone and landlines have been disconnected. This statement in the article really frightens me, because it means that the government doesn't want anyone/country to know about the horrible things it's doing to its own country. Like Gaddafi is covering up the bad blood in hopes for an out-of-sight-out-of-mind reaction to happen, so he can continue to murder his own people. It's shocking to me that he's already started to disconnect his country from the rest of the world.
This article reminds me of when I studied the Tiananmen Square Massacre freshman year, because they both have to do with the people protesting the government, and the government being corrupt enough to open fire on its own people. I agree with Arena, about other countries intervening to help, because otherwise it’s going to be another Massacre.
My general opinion about this article is that governments are there to protect its people and do what’s best for the country, and when it fails to do that, the leader should either be removed or other countries need to step in and help. Clearly, Gaddafi is “mad with power” and has gone too far with dealing with protestors, so I think that something drastic needs to take place before the country is completely cut off from the rest of the world, and nothing else can be done.
This article is an international issue because it takes place in the country of Libya. The leader of Libya, Muammar el-Qaddafi, decided to fight back against citizens, on Monday February 21, who were protesting his 40-year rule. Qaddafi assembled his loyal soldiers and brought in mercenaries to fire upon any protesters at his capitol building. Many of the people who had ties to Qaddafi have stepped down or resigned from their positions claiming what is being done is “genocide” and urging other countries to join in their request to remove Qaddafi. One fact that the article frequently discusses is that mercenaries were flown in from different African countries in order to fight off protesters.
ReplyDeleteIt’s hard for people in my generation to understand and believe what is going on because our only experience with “revolution” is what we have read about in history books. I feel that Qaddafi should realize that if he is forced to kill innocent civilians of his country, then perhaps it is time for him to step down from his position of power before he himself is killed. Also, I wonder why this rebellion against the Libyan government has turned out so differently from that of Egypt’s government in which Mubarak simply stepped down. Perhaps the relatively peaceful overthrow of the Egyptian government led the Libyan people to believe that their experience would be equally as peaceful. History tells us that, more often than not, when a government is overthrown there is a high price to be paid by all involved.
If these massacres continue, then Qudaffi may start something much larger and other Middle-Eastern and African countries may step in and start to aid in this civil war. His dictatorship may be the start of a large-scale war that may cause other dictators to resist attempts to overthrow their governments rather than to give in to the demands of the revolutionaries as Mubarak did.
This is a national issue because it takes place in one nation, Libya. However, as with most other large issues, the effects of what is occurring in Libya are, or should be, felt on an international level. This article described the dire situation in Libya. Col. Qaddafi has been ruling Libya for 40 years and continues to refuse to relinquish his power. He has turned to violence to remain in power, sending out warplanes and importing militiamen to fire lethally on the protesters.
ReplyDeleteWhat strikes me about Libya is the bravery the protesters show. They are willing to die for their cause, and an unfortunate number have done so. The rioters know what measures their tyrannical leader is willing to resort to, yet still they protest. This is also an indicator of how bad the government must be that so many people would lay their lives down in the name of change.
It is interesting to see the world's reaction to the atrocities being perpetrated in Libya. It does not seem that much action has been taken. The UN Security Council, the European Union, the Arab League, the African Union, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and many individual nations have all voiced their condemnation of the use of violence in Libya and their support of the Libyan people. As President Obama said, "North and south, east and west, voices are being raised together to oppose suppression and support the rights of the Libyan people" (from the article Ms. Stoller recommended for Arena). And that's good, but it doesn't seem to really matter. Is a man who orders lethal fire on his own people going to listen to raised voices? Action needs to be taken. However, I have no idea what. It doesn't seem right or feasible to assassinate Qaddafi, and it would be impossible to somehow take away all his military support. The best scenario would be if countries refused to support Qaddafi by sending militiamen and his army decided to side with the people. This, however, does not seem likely. Hopefully the protesters will somehow be able to depose their tyrant. It seems they are gaining power, but Qaddafi seems to be growing increasingly violent. The whole situation is so volatile.
I agree with Hallie that a generalization Americans generally make is that everyone has the same freedom we do. But that is not so. One Libyan said, “We just want to be able to live like human beings.” These protests are not for union rights, they are for universal rights. Freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, for example. Rights so basic we take them for granted here in America. Hopefully the Libyan people will soon have a new government that protects their rights, not eliminates them.
Grant Clifford- Period 5.
ReplyDeleteThis article on the growing situation in Libya that is being fueled by Muammar el-Qaddafi is a international article that is effecting many surrounding countries and countries no where near Libya. One fact that i thought was very interesting about this growing situation is that planes full of African Militia are being flown in to Libya day after day when it is Libya's cicil war to be fought. Why are African Militia interfering with this growing crisis and potentially making it much worse.
In my opinion i think this situation is going to get much worse because Qaddafi doesn't know when to stop and will keep pushing the people of Libya tell a civil war breaks out and thousands die because of him. He is going to make this crisis much much much bigger then it really needs to be tell all hell breaks loose and something bad happens to set off a chain reaction of bad situations.
Grant Clifford
5th period
This article is concerning the international issue in Cairo, where Qaddafi is fighting back to protests in Libya. With over 220 deaths due to these attacks, tons of families are being fled from their homes.
ReplyDeleteI was not expecting something like this to happen. I knew Qadaffi is not a great leader, and he has made bad decisions, but I never expected him to do something so rash like bombing houses. I was also surprised the military wasn't doing anything about it, and just stood by and watched. It seems like many people in Libya are protesting, and the military would stand up for their people, but instead they followed Qadaffi.
We have recently heard about many situations and protests in countries in the news, and Libya's leader Qadaffi is not handling their situation very well. Because of Libyans standing up for their rights, consequences such as damaged homes, separation of families, and even deaths have happened.
Sophia Levenson
2/24/11
Period 5
This is an international issue. The article was about Qaddafi’s control of the government and his refusal to step down. Hundreds of people have been killed in Libya. The article says that though may have died protesting, the protesting hasn’t stopped the people from continuing what they’re doing. Even officials and some military leaders are turning against Qaddafi.
ReplyDeleteThis situation scares me, knowing that Qaddafi wants to kill all of the protesters. Qaddafi seems to be more of a killer than a leader. I think he’s being selfish, and putting his own future ahead of his peoples’. I also think some officials are helping the protesters, and that this shows us that there’s a chance that Qaddafi will be overthrown. I don’t know whether Qaddafi actually realizes that he knows that his officials are fighting against him. It also almost seems that he is at the stage where he knows what’s going to happen to him if he is overthrown, and he is only doing what’s best for him, rather than what’s best for the people.
Since protesters are determined to overthrow Qaddafi, it seems like other countries should see how much these protesters are willing to fight and find a way to help them. Since even those people who worked for Qaddafi are turning against him, there seems to be more hope for the protesters. The protesters seem to know that if they continue protesting, that in Egypt, Qaddafi will lose power, and they will win.
Jeneva Kuhn
Period 2
This is an international incident as Libya's foreign representatives have resigned due to Qaddafi's actions.
ReplyDeleteWhat seems to be the general consensus is that the violence in Libya is bad and that it should be condemned and blah blah blah... Sure this may be true, but events like these signify much more than just 'violence is evil'. Significance in an event must teach the public a lesson. We all understand that violence is never the best method to solve a problem, but the focus should be less on the killing and more on the uprising.
The people in Libya have realized something of value far beyond their own lives. Every protester could just stay home and stay safe from the ever increasing violence. However they choose to revolt, because they believe in a fair government, because they believe in a just ruler, and because they believe they can change the world around them.
Thomas Jefferson declared "all tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent". Martin Luther King Jr. stated "a man who won't die for something is not fit to live." The events in Libya have shown me that if tyranny begins to take hold, I must be willing to sacrifice my body in order for the government to remain just, for the fate of the United States of America is a greater cause than my own survival.
So in conclusion, we must all be prepared to lay down our lives for what we must protect. The government is not infallible, and the people are the only force to keep it in check. Perhaps we may be where the Libyans are now, therefore we must remember these events. It may be our turn soon...
William Mao
Period 2
2/24/11
The issue is international because it deals with something outside the United States. It is a fact that Qaddafi has had control over Libya for forty years.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is terrible what Qaddafi is doing, and other countries might have to intervene for the sake of the Libyan people. Threatening your people with "rivers of blood" is just wrong. I don't think even Kim Jong Il would go as far as to slaughter your own people.
The article says that in Libya, Qaddafi took to deadly means to keep his grip on the country. Militiamen, helicopters and bomber planes killed an unknown amount of citizens while the police just stood by and watched. Qaddafi was said to be neither Ben Ali or Mubarak, Qaddafi "does not have a sense of humanity".
Jimmy Jia
Period 5
This issue is an international issue which it is taking place in Libya, but dramatically effecting the whole world. This article is about the rise of violence in Libya due to protestors protesting against their government, and protestors hoping to see their president Qaddafi step down from his role as a president of Libya. However, Qaddafi specially announced that he will not step down and continue his role, and as his plan he enforced special forces to rove the streets and freely shoot the citizens of Libya.
ReplyDeleteIn this article it said Qaddafi was willing to shed far more blood than the deposed rulers of either neighboring Egypt or Tunisia in his effort to hold the power. I don’t find a leader a leader if he is killing off all his people due to the people protesting against him. If the people are protesting against their government obviously it is from wanting a new government change and a new president. Qaddafi is not showing his leadership skills by killing off his people and he’s aiming low to keep his power in Libya.
In general, if the massacre continues in Libya and if it is not showing a decrease of protesters to Qaddafi, I feel as if Qaddafi may step in again to start a larger situation than now. To the point where other countries will have to step in causing a bigger impact on the world.
The tragedies in Libya going on right now are on an international level. However, it also affects people living in the United States and in Oregon as well so it is National and Local as well. A fact from the article that really caught my attention is that all internet, cell phone and even some land-line usage has been terminated, making it impossible for the rest of the world to really know all about what's going on, which makes it a lot different from the circumstances that happened in Egpyt not too long ago, since we had constant live news coverage of the events.
ReplyDeletePersonally I believe that the United Nations and perhaps even the United States itself needs to step in. When countries like this, ruled by corrupt dictators and officials get out of control and start killing people (and was even considered an act of "genocide" by one man), we shouldn't just stand by and have our fingers crossed for the best. This is exactly what we did when the genocide in Rwanda happened, and look what the outcome was. It's time that other nations cooperate to seize and assist the liberation and show the world that corruption like this will no longer be tolerated in the free world.
One generalization, especially true with Americans I believe, is that these "revolutions" aren't that significant. Who knew that what happened in Egypt would spark such a endless string of events? Right now Libya is the worst we have seen, but who knows...it could only get worse for many more countries in the near future.
Connor Hutchens
2nd Period
The issue taking place in this article is international, as it's taking place in Libya. The article is talking about the current events in Libya regarding the violent actions being taken by their current leader.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, what's happening in Libya is horribly wrong, and if it continues someone will need to intervene. It also might be a good idea to have a vote held by a third party, in order to not have a rigged vote. Also that third party could help stop the violence. I think right now, figuring out a way to stop the violence without giving all the power back the their leader is the best idea. Although this will be the most complicated thing to do as well.
In this article it mostly talks about how the leader in Libya, Qadaffi, is relentlessly holding on to his powers,and does not want to let them go until he is violently overthrown or he dies. Also that he is preparing for an all out war happening in his very own country.
Period 2
Spencer Burt
The article was about the growing situation in Libya and how being fueled by Muammar el-Qadafi is a international article that is effecting many surrounding countries and other countries far from Libya. A growing situation is that the planes full of african military are being flown in african militia interfering with the growing crisis and making it much worse.
ReplyDeleteMy opinion about this article is that the situation is going to get much worse if Qaddafi doesn't know when to stop and the people will keep on getting pushed and the people with such a big crisis will eventually break out.
This article deals with an international issue because it is outside of the United States. It is talking about the events that are occurring in Libya. The ruler of Libya, Muammar el-
ReplyDeleteQaddafi, has begun to fight back against people that are protesting his rule. One fact from this article is that 220 people have died.
My opinion on this article is mixed. I can see where Qaddafi is coming from when he decides to fight back against the protesters. Who would want people protesting against your ideas and actions? However I think that the people may also be right. Since Qaddafi has been in office for 40 years or so he is most likely corrupt. This situation that is going on here is almost identical to that of Egypt.
One generalization that can be related to this article is the way that many Americans think of government. I can say that when I was growing up as a kid I never imagined a world where the government is against you. After reading articles like this I feel very thankful to live in America. I cannot imagine what it would be like to live in a world where extreme actions must be taken to achive simple rights that we take for granted.
McKenna Jones
Period 2
This article is dealing with an international issue. More specifically, the rebellion in Lybia, and how the government is responding. In Libya many protesters are rising up against the government like many others to end the oppression. Unlike the other oppositions though, Libya's government is using violence against the protesters.
ReplyDeleteIn Libya the primary power, Muammar el-Qaddafi,had decided to not resign and use all the force necessary in order to stop the rebellion. Qaddafi even threatened the protesters with "rivers of blood," if they did not stop. However, Qaddafi stands almost alone in his decisions, as many of his staff has defected. Despite this, Qaddafi has not ceased the violence.
In my opinion, and apparently the rest of classes opinion, this is FLAT OUT wrong. This is a very serious injustice. Killing your citizens will not stop them, but rather anger them and cause them to riot even more. If blood keeps being shed by the rebels then the UN should intervene and at least, mitigate the violence being used against the protesters.
Sam Hunter
Period 2
Economics
This article focuses on the violence in Libya, an international issue. This event is part of the much larger issue of the multiple uprisings in the Middle East. Libya is different from ant of the other countries experiencing an uprising, because their dictator, Muammar el-Qaddafi, is prepared to take drastic measures to hold his power.
ReplyDeleteThe most interesting aspect of the article was a witness's opinion on Qaddafi's intentions. The resident said that "the shooting was not designed to disperse the protesters," but rather that "It was meant to kill." This quote strongly illustrates their situation compared to that in Egypt and Tunisia. The violence there was to prevent the protesting, whereas Qaddafi seems to be trying to eliminate the problem entirely.
Like Grant, I also believe that Qaddafi doesn't know when to stop. He is willing to go to any means to hold his power, and killing innocent lives isn't below him. I predict that our country or some other county will take action against Qaddafi's tyranny before it gets out of control.
Cara Scalpone
5th Period
This article is an international issue that is going on right now in Libya. Just like in Egypt, (except with much more blood), the people of Libya are taking a stand and are protesting against their ruler, Muammar el-Quaddafi.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting fact from this article I think is how violent everything that is going on there is. Quaddafi and his followers do not care how many people are dying; supporters just go out and shoot any person who is against Quaddafi.
My personal opinion on this is that this entire thing, I feel, is getting out of control. One thing that I heard on the news a few days ago was about two helicopter pilots from Libya who were supposed to shoot at innocent civilians, and instead landed somewhere far away, going against what Quaddafi had told them to do. The pilots said they could never shoot at there own people. I look up to these pilots very much. They are brave, and took this matter into their own hands. I know this wasn't mentioned in the article, but I thought it would be good to get out since it is related to this issue.
One generalization that I am thinking about, is the fact that none of the civilians of Libya have the freedom to anything. No freedom of speech, no freedom of assembly, and no freedom of press. We almost take it for granted here in America. It is hard to know that the ruler of Libya is killing so many of his own people. I feel like he has gone to far, and something must be done or else the killing could go on for a long time.
Malia Naman
5th period
just to let you know Ms. Stoller, the NY times would not let me read the second page of the article, so I was only able to read the first page.
Ellie Anderson
ReplyDelete5th period
This is an international issue because the events taking place are in Libya. Col. Qaddafi, ruler of over 40 years, has refused to give up his power. So, like many other Arab countries, the people have begun to protest. The article described the rebellion taking place there as being one of the most violent uprisings that have occurred in the Arab world so far.
Qaddafi, like many stubborn dictators we have seen, seems to not know when to stop. How could he expect his country to support him when "residents said they now feared even emerging from their houses"? His fighting back against the protesters, in my opinion, will prove to be a mistake. When the government fights back against the people, it always seems that that pushes them even more to advocate for what they want. People who are willing to put their lives on the line for change won't give up that easily.
Hallie has a good point - as Americans, we tend to assume that people in other nations enjoy the same freedoms, such as rights to assembly/petition the government/freedom of speech, as we do. These rights, even though we have had them for many years, are not available to incredible amounts of people worldwide. It's amazing how far people will go to obtain them.
The issure stated in the article is a international issue, because it is outside of the United States and we are hearing about it. One fact that is mentioned in the article is that there are 220 CONFIRMED deaths, which means there is probably many more deaths that are not heard of.
ReplyDeleteI think what happened in Libya is terrible, 220 deaths at one time caused by the government is worse. I think that the government in Libya is really messed up, if the government killed 220 of their own citizens something has to change, and i feel a revolution is going to happen in Libya, but probably many more lives will be loss.
A generalization about this article is that corrupt governments are willing to do anything to maintain their power, such as killing their own citizens which is really messed up as mentioned before.
This article is based off an international issue, occurring in Libya. One fact stated in the article is that African mercenaries were attacking the anti-government protesters. The number of dead is estimated to be around 2,000 , as a French human rights organization has estimated (not in the article). The violence will only get worst in the upcoming days as pro-Government forces reach Tripoli to clash with anti-government forces. I think this article is limited in its information so I'm going to use what I've learned from Al Jazeera, a much more reliable source on news from the Arab world.
ReplyDeleteAs Fouad Ajami, a professor from Hopkins University said, the problem with the revolution in Libya is that it is not getting support from other neighboring Arab countries. The Arab League theirself has done little to quell the conflict. Although France, Sweden, and the US are calling for sanctions against the government it will only hurt the economy. Qadaffi has truly gone insane. In my opinion, his insanity started when Reagan bombed his palace, killing many, including his own daughter. His actions are not justifiable, but I believe that's where his insanity began, because no human being, regardless if they were a dictator, would treat his people like this. Already he has tried to bomb oil reserves, and has suggested the use of mustard gas against his own people. What the representative to the Arab League said about this being a genocide isn't far from the truth.
A generalization the NY Times article points out is that Qadaffi isn't a "Bin Ali or a Mubarak". Dictators are painted as being corrupt, power-hungry men--but Qadaffi is simply insane, lost in his own Green Book and the past. In order to gain democracy, it looks like the Libyan people will have to maintain their control over Benghazi, and fight for Tripoli. I believe they have the manpower. But no amount of manpower can sustain a mustard gas attack, or airstrikes. The Egyptians and Tunisians, (Libya's neighbors) need to step in.
Dina Yazdani
5th period
As this issue indeed takes place in Libya, and this Northern African country is definitely not American, this is an international matter. One fact I learned from this article is that, unlike the other recent protests throughout the Arab world, the government is not trying to break up the protesting, the shooting, burning, and bombing is meant to kill.
ReplyDeleteI think that if Muammar el-Qaddafi is this desperate to hang onto his control, then he is a megalomaniac that shouldn't be in power. Peaceful protesting, as shown in Egypt in recent weeks, has been shown to work. However, Libya and Egypt are indeed two separate countries, so what worked in Cairo may not work in Tripoli.
What will become of all of these revolutions? Most of the revolutions we have known, we read out of history books. One thing this studying of history has taught us is that with governmental revolutions like this, there is a high price to be paid by all involved in the end.
I am, yours truly,
Josh Gillis
Period 5, Civics
This article is dealing with an international issue, as it is happening outside of the United States, in Libya. According to a human rights activist, more than two hundred and twenty Libyan people have died at the hands of their own government.
ReplyDeleteIt is truly unbelievable to me that a government would bomb and shoot its own people. I think that it is awful that Qaddafi, one person, would kill 220 people just in attempt to keep his own power. It’s so hard to imagine a place in today’s world where people are being shot and killed by their own government, and are afraid to even leave their houses. I think that because we are so far away from everything that is happening in Libya, it makes it easier to forget about it, and ignore it. Because of this, I think that the news should have more coverage about the issue in Libya. I think that because we live in America rather than Libya, it is easy for people to make the generalization that the government won’t go to great lengths to keep its power, and become corrupt. I think that the situation in Libya is a great reminder not to completely rely on and trust the government, and to make your own judgement about what is wrong, and what is right.
Isabella McVey
Period 5
The article is a national issue since it is taken place in one country, Libya. However, it can be considered as an international issue since many countries around the world have taken notice. To summarize, Qaddafi is refusing to step down from power, and is willing to kill his own people. Protesters are unhappy with this decision, and are fighting back.
ReplyDeleteI think all this news about Libya comes as a shock to us, because this type of action is unimaginable in the United States. I think it's amazing how these protesters are willing to give up their lives to try to change their country.
I agree, along with several other people above, that Americans automatically assume that everyone in the world has the same freedoms as us. The people of Libya are fighting for rights that we don't even think twice about.
Spike Madden
5th period
This is hands down an international issue. An interesting fact that i saw was that planes full of African militia men are being flown in to fight Libya's civil war.
ReplyDeleteMy opinion, im sure like many other's, is that what's going on in Libya is terrible and needs to stop.
On generalization that i think many people make is that they don't realize how bad the situation is in Libya. This article does a good job conveying that.
This article is about an international issue because it is in Libya, but also has international effects. One fact is that Colonel Qaddafi ordered one of his top generals, Abu Bakr Tounes, to be put on house arrest because he would not use force against protestors.
ReplyDeleteI find it terrifying how powerful one man can become over an entire country, and how much power he is capable of maintaining even after so much protest. It’s worrying what someone can do, and makes me wonder how secure our government truly is. I suppose it could be possible for us to end up with a corrupt government like this simply by one person gaining enough support in all three branches. I personally believe it could happen in the U.S., many people find this absurd, but looking at what’s been happening in other countries, I think it’s entirely possible.
I don’t understand how anyone could be so brutal to their own species, and their own race. This article initially made me think of Nazi Germany and how there are several who still don’t believe the Holocaust actually occurred, but this is just more proof that one person can be capable of overthrowing an entire nation.
Rebecca Van Buskirk
Period 2
This is an international issue that takes place in libya. The ruler Muammar El-Qaddafi order special forces as well as mercenaries to take over the protester, they shot and killed people at well and even sent out small bombs at the protesters.
ReplyDeleteI believe what Muammar El-Qaddafi is doing is wrong, he is killing innocent people just because he don’t want to give up his place, all these people want is rights, and true freedom but he not budging. His use of force is not right, and all this is causing is blood shed, an endless war that no one will win.
This article shows the hard ship of getting true freedom and rights. The government is abusing their rights and power. A government is supposed to help make that nation better, suppose to help the people but what Muammar El-Qaddafi is doing is the total opposite. Without the help of outside force this war will never end. All these people want is the right of free speech, be able to contact the outside world, live life in peace but the only way they can get it now is to over through the government.
xeng xiong
This issue is on a national level, although it pertains internationally. We are especially affected by it in the United States, with the headquarters of the United Nations in New York.
ReplyDeleteAs the article said, "the duputy ambassador and more than a dozen members of the Libyan mission to the United Nations called upon Colonel Quaddafi to step down and leave the country in a letter drafted Monday". This is an absolutely horrific event in Libya, as the Colonel has resorted to killing his civilians in order to remain in power.
I think that this issue is not being publicized enough. But it makes sense since Qaddafi and his regime are limiting the amount of publication that is circulating Libya, which I think it disturbing on so many levels.
I feel deeply sorry for the civilians in Libya, as they are afraid to leave their homes in fear of being killed. As a resident stated, "the shooting is not designed to disperse the protesters, it is meant to kill them".
I think a generalization that Americans often have concerning Africa is that there is nothing we can do to help them. And I think we often undermine the devastation, simply because we do not experience it. I feel very fortunate to live in as safe and well-governed country as we do.
Lauren Caffee
Period 5
Jordan Portlock
ReplyDeletePeriod 2
This NY Times article is an international one. This is because it concerns a topic in Libya which will have an effect on the rest of the world in some capacity.
The article reports on Muammar el-Qaddafi's decision to deploy overwhelmingly violent military forces on protesters who are dissatisfied with their country's current state. Qaddafi has been in power for some 40 years. I believe this will only escalate problems in this country and in the middle east. More violence form leaders will only spur on more violent protests. A vicious circle.
Governments are in place to protect their people not kill them and when the latter begins to occur, then the government no longer deserves its power. Of course, the only way a government can be relieved of power is through revolution which is precisely what is mounting.
This article covers what is happening in Libya. It is an international issue. Qadaalfi is now fighting back against the people who are protesting. His own people are being poorly, poorly, lead by this dictator. The situation will worsen as Qaddalfi continues his massacres. I hope that the U.S. can do something about it somehow. I hope more people do not die, as there are diplomatic ways to go about things.
ReplyDeleteCorey Friedman
Period 5
This event in Libya is one of national issue. The problem is mostly being contained inside of Libya where the protesters are being shot by mercenaries and milita. Its a bad decision for Muammar el-Qaddafi to use violence against protesters who arnt using violent measures them self's.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, Muammar el Qaddafi is asking for trouble. Hes using force against protesters like dropping small bombs and shooting into crowds and bringing mercenaries from Africa into their country. Muammar is boiling a bad stew for something bad. I think after 40 years, something or someone new should take place.
Isaac Ableidinger
5th Period
This article is an international issue surrounding rioting against the government in Libya, and it has an effect all over the world.
ReplyDeleteThis article states that now "residents feared even ermerging from their house." After mass killings and Qaddafi showing absolutley no humanity, people are afraid to even leave their homes. This situation seems to be much worse than the situation in Egypt because Qaddafi seems to have absolutley no problem murdering inocent people.With a death toll of at least 220 people and more unknown, the situation seems to be spiraling out of control.
I think it is incredible the scale that this situation has risen to. The death toll unknown, people afraid to leave their houses, and Qaddafi looking no where near stepping down. But the people say after what they have seen they will never give up. I think this is really incredible because all the violence and killings have not scared them away, but instead redoubled their efforts to force Qadaffi out of power.
One generalization you can make from this article, is that as riots continue in Arab countries, they will not decrease in strengh, but increase. As one protestor said “This is not Ben Ali or Mubarak,” proving that although they know their case is different and much more difficult than previous ones, this will not stop them. Proving that the scale of these riots could continue to grow.
Alyssa Crooke
Period 5
Sorry this is late Ms. Stoller my posts never post using google chrome and so I have to use firefox to post on here.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion this article has to do with an international subject but has an effect on us as well. The situation in Libya is horrible and only getting worse with the mass killings taking place. I believe Qaddafi saw what happened in Egypt and feels threatened by what is happening in Libya and therefore is ordering mass murders on the people trying to put him out of power. The 220 and probably more people who have died just makes more and more people want him out of power and I believe he will be within the next 6 months. People are afraid to do anything now because of the terrible situation in Libya and something needs to change.
this is a international issue in libya. the protesters are gettin killed for no reason the army and hired militia have been sent to kill them.
ReplyDeleteI feel that Qassafi is showing how he shouldnt not been in power because he is killing his own people. he is showing how he has became to much of a dictator and how he has to much pwoer and is using it in the wrong way by killing his people
This article is an international issue, concerning the protests in Lybia. There have been large protest for the leader Muammar el-Qaddafi to step down, however, he does not want to lose his power. In order to do this, he has taken a very bloody route and is hiring mercenaries to shoot the protesters down. However, these killings have been said by citizens that it is only strengthening there desire for freedom.
ReplyDeleteI believe it is extremely couragous for all the people of Lybia to be standing up against this dictator. It is terrible however, that Qaddafi is resorting to murdering all these inocent people. With the death toll so high, I wonder why other countries do not get involved to stop this killing. It seems like someone should get involved to stop these murders.
A generalization from this article could be that Qaddafi is not going to stop his tyrain at any cost. Since he's already killed so many innocent people, he probably is willing to go even further, which is very scary considering what he is capable of doing. He has already tried or even dropped bombs in crowds, so i'm guessing his killing won't be stopped unless he steps down or other countries become involved.
This article is an international issue, concerning the protests in Lybia. There have been large protest for the leader Muammar el-Qaddafi to step down, however, he does not want to lose his power. In order to do this, he has taken a very bloody route and is hiring mercenaries to shoot the protesters down. However, these killings have been said by citizens that it is only strengthening there desire for freedom.
ReplyDeleteI believe it is extremely couragous for all the people of Lybia to be standing up against this dictator. It is terrible however, that Qaddafi is resorting to murdering all these inocent people. With the death toll so high, I wonder why other countries do not get involved to stop this killing. It seems like someone should get involved to stop these murders.
A generalization from this article could be that Qaddafi is not going to stop his tyrain at any cost. Since he's already killed so many innocent people, he probably is willing to go even further, which is very scary considering what he is capable of doing. He has already tried or even dropped bombs in crowds, so i'm guessing his killing won't be stopped unless he steps down or other countries become involved.
P.S. sorry it's late.
Peter Kessinger
Period 2
This issue is international because although it takes place solely within Libya’s borders, the whole world is also watching this happening and responding to it. This article was about how Qaddafi is ordering the army to kill hundreds of thousands of protesters and how the whole world is reacting to his actions.
ReplyDeleteA fact from this article is that Qaddafi is killing off his fellow Libyans. I find this issue to be very serious. I think that what Qaddafi is doing is wrong and that he really should have realized that shooting and air bombing the protesters was not going to solve anything. This killing and such that is happening in Libya reminds me of what happened in China, the TIan An Men massacre. I find that both situations are strikingly similar, both countries civilians wanted democracy or a change in government and that the protesters were also shot down by the army. I really do agree with practically the rest of the world, Qaddafi should really step down; he should also stop killing his own people. Again, killing a person’s own country’s civilians is a really bad way to get things their way.
Athena Tanada
Period 5
**
Sorry the response was late :(
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteQaddafi is doing exactly what any other "leader" would do if they had same power as him for aslong as he did. He want's to keep his power by any means, even if it means that he has to kill his own people with the military. this issue is a very seriouse matter, Qaddafi is out of control, and it has to be resolved soon befor more people are dead.
ReplyDelete