157 kids rescued from West Africa trafficking ring

157 kids rescued from West Africa trafficking ring

      In Lagos, Nigeria more than 220 people were saved in between the Nigeria and the republic of Benin with 150 or more being children some even as young as 11.  Most of them have been abused and that this was there knew life, they wouldn't see there families again.  some of them were forced to become sex workers, while most were servants in both countries.  most of the kids in these countries are easy targets for easy forced labor and all this crime is fully for the money.  trafficking in the countries of Africa is a popular way to get easy money as there is many smuggling networks for prostitution rings and labor camps.  the kids in this situation were lucky because they got to be reunited with there families or they are placed in shelters. 

Questions:

1. Why do you think they do these crimes purely for the money?
2. How do you think Nigerian and republic of Benin can address these issue?
3. What should the punishment for the people that are trafficking kids be?

article: https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/25/africa/dozens-of-human-trafficking-rescued-africa-intl/index.html

ISIS Bombings in Sri Lanka

On Easter Sunday 2019 a suicide bomber targeted and attacked a church leaving 350 people dead. Because the occasion took place at a church on a day so important to Christians, the attack is believed to be targeted towards Christians. The ones who are suspect to the crime have ties to ISIS which puts revenge on the spotlight for the case. Some speculate this behavior is backlash towards the New Zealand Mosque Shootings; however, this is just speculation.

While addressing the situation, President Maithripala Sirisena blames himself partly for the lack of security and notes that big changes will arise soon. There is a big divide of the people and government, many of which blame the president for lack of security.




Questions
Who Do you think is to blame?
What should the President do going forward in regards to the situation?

Migrant Caravan: Mexico Detains Hundreds in Raid

 Mexico has detained appproximatley 400 central american immigrants traveling to the US. Many immigrants including children are fleeing their home countries of el salvador, honduras, and guatemala because there not safe and secure places to live. Mexico is being pressured by the US to detain the 20,000 people trying to migrate. Trump has threatened to shut down the borders if Mexico does not help. People were split of from there families and forced to hide because of the raids. I understand why Mexico has to try and stop these people because the US will not let them in but its a very difficult and sad situation. The US and Mexico have a good relationship so I see why Mexico is doing this.

Questions:

If you were Mexico would you help the US or try and find a different solution for immigrants?

How do you think the US should respond to the immigrants?

“Migrant Caravan: Mexico Detains Hundreds in Raid.” BBC News, BBC, 24 Apr. 2019, www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-48036092

“Migrant Caravan: Mexico Detains Hundreds in Raid.” BBC News, BBC, 24 Apr. 2019, www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-48036092.

Eiffel tower goes dark

The Eiffel tower went dark to play respect to the citizens of Sri Lanka that were killed. On Easter Sunday morning in Sri Lanka, at least 207 people were killed and hundreds more wounded by explosions that were set off by suicide bombers at three churches and four hotels. The tower also went dark in May 2017, after an explosion at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, killed 22 people; in January 2015, to honor those who died in the attack.

Do you think people noticed when the Eiffel Tower went?

How do people around the world mourn a tragedy?

The Notre-Dame Fire

The 856-year-old Notre-Dame Cathedral roof and the spiral were set on fire on Monday. CNN has interviewed many construction workers and they came up with absolutely no evidence on who had started the fire nor why someone started the fire. Although the cause of the fire is unclear many people are still wanting to help rebuild the cathedral. Due to this cause it leaves many people still wondering how the fire started. Investigators have questioned 40 people but still have gotten nowhere. The cathedral catching on fire is still unclear but President Emmanuel Macron still fights for the cathedral to be built again for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Although the roof and the spiral were badly damaged the iconic bell towers, rosed windows and organs still work perfectly fine.


Questions:

1. What do you think started the fire at the Cathedral?

2. Who do you think wanted to burn down the Cathedral.

3. How do you think the people of France felt about this incident.

On April 15, 2019, the Notre Dame Cathedral caught on fire in Paris France. Construction for this cathedral started in 1163 and was completed in 1345. It currently is under renovation because of weather and time. Many historical events have happened here such as King Henry VI being crowned king in 1431 and Napoleon being crowned emperor. The fire alarm sounded at 6:20 AM on Monday morning. The fire was completely put out at 8AM on Tuesday Morning. Much of the church was damaged including the parts that were under construction. The church is still standing and is in good condition. Many people are saying that the fire was caused by an electrical issue. Most of the fire only affected the outside of the church. This means that most of the artwork inside is safe and has been preserved.

1. Should France rebuild the damaged parts of the church and why?

2. What other causes do you think could of been the reason for the fire?

3. Who should pay for the damage done?

Trump Vetoes Measure to end U.S. Involvement in Yemen War

 Trump vetoes measure to try to end US involvement in Yemen War. He says that
“This resolution is an unnecessary, dangerous attempt to weaken my constitutional authorities, endangering the lives of American citizens and brave service members, both today and in the future." Trump does not want the U.S. to be involved in the Saudi Arabia and Yemen War. President Trump wants to focus on building the border wall instead of being involved with the war. He is continuing to send national emergencies at the southwestern border of the wall to try and build it faster.

Questions:

1. Do you think Trump should have vetoed?

2. Do you think the US should be involved in the Saudi Arabia / Yemen War?

3. Should Trump focus on building the wall?

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/16/us/politics/trump-veto-yemen.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

Woman Faces Jail Time For GoFundMe Scam

     

Johnny Bobbitt Jr., left, is shown with Mark D'Amico and Katelyn McClure

Katelyn McClure, 29, created a bogus GoFundMe account that ended up taking over $400,000 from GoFundMe donors. McClure, on Monday, appeared in court to admit her role in a scam that allegedly sought funds to reward a homeless man who came to the rescue after she ran out of gas which never actually happened. Their so-called "fundraising campaign" attracted more than 14,000 donors seeking to help Bobbitt put his life back on track. Authorities say that McClure and her boyfriend went on a spending spree with the money including the woman's purchase of a BMW and designer handbags, trips to Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and repeated excursions to casinos. All three pleaded guilty in court but Johnny Bobbitt, the homeless man, was given no charges but was rather placed in a drug-addiction treatment center. No federal charges are pending against D'Amico, the boyfriend, and McClure is only facing four years in prison. GoFundMe.com has refunded the donations back to the donors.

Questions:

1) Do you believe that the sentences for them were just? If so why?

2) What do you think about the concept of GoFundMe and should it be more secure?

3) Do you believe that the government should take action against these kinds of websites or companies?

  

Link:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/04/15/mcclure-damico-bobbitt-gofundme-scam-good-samaritan-guilty-plea/3480959002/

Shooting in Australia

During a drive by shooting in Melbourne's Prahran district in Australia, a 37 year old man was shot and killed, and five others were injured. The shooting took place around 1:40 pm. Police say that three of the people there were employees working. The man who was working at a security guard while this happened was sent to the hospital but died. Victoria police state that a 28 year old man is in critical condition following the shooting. Three others who were there did not get injured, and one woman was taken to the hospital for non life threatening injuries. The police still do not know who is responsible for the shooting, but are investigating the situation. While they were investigating the police found a black suv that was burnt 18 miles away and are now figuring out if the car had anything to do with the shooting.

Questions

-Do you think Australia needs better gun laws even though they don’t experience many shootings?

-What do you think the government of Australia can do better to protect the people living there?

-What do you think about the attacks?

The U.S. Immigration System May Have Reached a Breaking Point

Many people who are wanting to cross the U.S. border are most likely trying to flee from deadly conditions in their home countries.  Because of the process of coming to the US is unreasonably long, many people are forced to cross the border illegally. For people like Jeremias Pascoal, when they get caught or surrender to Border Patrol, they are forced to stay in asylum buildings Brownsville, TX, which happens to be filled with a bunch of diseases like Chickenpox, Tuberculosis, Scabies, etc.  Even though Trump is trying to shut down immigration, people who do get excepted into asylum will have to wait in Tijuana or their home countries until their hearings in court.  Because of this issue, many people like Miguel Aquino are having lawyers, decline their cases as they still in Mexico for their hearing date to arrive.


1) What do you think about the way that immigrants are treated? Why?

2) Do you think that people should be allowed to wait in Texas or California while waiting for their hearing date?  How do you feel about the conditions inside the asylum buildings?

3) What do you think the US can do to better support people who are awaiting their trials?


https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/10/us/immigration-border-mexico.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

The Activist Who Has Come to Symbolize Sudan's Protests

This week a mass sit-in occurred in Sudan's capital. The crowd was determined to force the nations president to step down. During the protest 22 year old Alaa Salah stood on a car to rouse the crowd. She declared that "Sudan is for all" Since the protest Salah has become a symbol for the protests in Sudan. She represents the large role women are playing in the protests. The photo taken of Salah during the protest has gone viral. She says she never expected the reaction it received but she hopes for more people to be aware of the protests that are currently happening.

1. What affect will this going viral have on the protests?
2. Do you think it is important to have someone to symbolize a protest?

https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/10/middleeast/sudan-woman-iconic-photo-revolution-intl/index.html

New York couple goes missing in the Dominican Republic

Orlando Moore and Portia Ravenelle went to the Dominican Republic for a vacation trip. Their original plan was to return home March 27, but never made it to the airport. Moore's half-sister was concerned and reported them missing. The body of a woman fitting the description of Portia Ravenelle was found unconscious near the airport. She was then transferred to the hospital and died 8 days later. The body of a man fitting the description of Orlando Moore was found at sea, but the body was found in a level of decomposition. Police believe they found the car that was rented by the couple located in the ocean. It is said that there is no evidence of foul play. The couples finger prints are currently being processed.

1) Do you think the Dominican Republic is a safe place to visit after this incident?

2) Do you think somebody caused their injuries/deaths?

3) Would finding the car help the police in their investigation?

https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/09/americas/missing-americans-dominican-republic/index.html

Algeria police protests escalate

In 90 days Abdelkader Bensalah is set to succeed Abdelaziz Bouteflika as president of Algeria, who resigned last week. While most did not support Bouteflika, they aren't happy with Bensalah being his replacement, wanting a more radical change. As soon as Mr Bensalah was announced, the people took to the streets to protest the new interim president. Bensalah is seen as very close to the former president and not different enough. Algerian police have been using a water cannon against protesters.
1. Should police have used water cannons to stop the protesters?
2. Do you think that the people should have been protesting peacefully?
3. How long do you think presidents should stay in office for?

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-47868262

Québec Proposes Bill Preventing Employees From Wearing Religious Symbols at Work

The Québec government is proposing a bill to prevent school teachers, judges,
police officers and other public employees from “wearing religious symbols including
Muslim head scarves while working, a move that could aggravate simmering
cultural tensions in the province.” The French Premiere also stated that the same rule
applies to “Catholic crosses, Jewish skullcaps and Sikh turbans, [because it is] necessary
to preserve Québec’s secular values and identity.” Religious human rights advocates and
religious lawyers attacked this bill saying it goes against the freedom to religion. Prime Minister
of Canada Justin Trudeau also criticized the bill saying it was unthinkable “that in a free society,
we would legitimize discrimination of citizens based on their religion.” People are concerned
that this will turn away people immigrating to Québec and have a loss of public
workers in the province.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you agree with this bill, why?
2. Do you think this would lower conflicts among religious groups?
3. If this works in Québec should something like this be posed in the US?

Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/28/world/canada/quebec-head-scarves.html