Former Defense Secretary James Schlesinger Dies at 85
While this may not seem like a big deal in the grand scheme of things, it is important to note that a man who helped to frame many of our discussions on defense and energy has passed away. He has been a facet of the political machine of this country, and his service to us has spanned more than just party lines. So I hope you'll take a moment to remember Dr. Schlesinger and the legacy that he has left behind.
Qatar Sentences a U. S. Couple in the Death of Their Adopted Daughter
This story is the story of a lack of understanding--and a lack of true justice. It is a story that shows how prejudice and preconceived ideals and traditions can undermine truth. I urge you to take a moment and read through this story; consider how difficult it would be to trust in people who you don't believe are authorities on subjects, but in whom those who would argue against you do. Is this a lack of education? A lack of desire to leave behind traditional views on the part of Qatar? And how do we approach situations like this--with people who aren't part of our Western ideals and education system?
These are not easy questions to answer, and sadly they are part of a debate that could have lasting consequences for our future.
Russia, the Ukraine, Economics, and Us
There are three stories that are important to look at today. One of them involves investments by U. S. companies in Russian markets--most specifically retail markets. The second involves a recent U. N. resolution and those who chose to vote against it--or abstain. The third is a show of solidarity on the part of the U. S. Congress and House of Representatives with President Obama in their desire to aid Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia.
The bigger question, though, is the right of self-determination. We know that in some ways it has been infringed upon in the border dispute of Ukraine and Crimea. But there is something more here, too; how often are people more interested in being a part of something stable than in being free? What fears have motivated the people of both the Crimea and Ukraine to act as they have? How important is this to them--and not just their political leaders? How important is this to Russia, and do the people there know, or care, about the situation their president has perpetuated with his actions?
It seems to me, more often than not, that people don't really look at the ramifications of their actions. They either don't have the ability, or the desire, to look beyond the simple question of a border dispute to see the greater economic question that's at play--especially with regard to those who have chosen sides in this debate.
I hate to say that this is all about money, but in a way, I think this has a lot to do with money--from the Ukraine protests with regard to the bailout money offered by Russia as a bribe to the former Ukrainian president to the recent political upheaval in which new leaders took the place of the old. So what are we missing? A greater divide among the people of Ukraine, or is it simply a stand for a united Ukraine by politicians who don't really reflect the will of their people? Or is there something greater we really ought to be focusing on here?
I will posit that the answer to that last question is yes; when self-determination is undermined by bribery, fear, greed, and lies, we lose truth. We, as human beings, lose, because it means that we draw one step further away from civilization, growth, innovation, and hope toward a society where those who have money can control the fates of everyone. And I think that's a sad reality. Many of you may feel that we are there all ready, but I still hold out a small bit of hope for the future.
By acting against Russia and its take over of Crimea, we, too, are playing a hand in the self-determination of the Ukrainian people. We must have faith that their leaders speak for their people, and that in aiding them, we are giving them the hope to determine their own future. Whether or not that's the truth--I can't really say. I would like to believe it is, though.
A Bit of Food and a Bit of Medical Innovation
These last stories, while not as important as those I mentioned above, are still interesting and worth the read, I think. The first piece outlines some of the issues currently going on in our food industry--from drought, to worker's wages. It's a slice of life in the day-to-day workings of our nation and its food industry. The most important story, I think, is the last one--and it highlights something that I've been thinking about a lot: water.
You may think that because our planet is made up mostly of water that there shouldn't be anything to worry about, but there is. Clean water, as I mentioned in Monday's post, is not always easily accessible. And we haven't been building up the infrastructure here--at home--to deal with our own drought issues. This is pretty important, and if these drought conditions continue, it is going to become more so.
We need to invest in clean water technologies here at home, too. Finding good, cheap ways to make ocean water part of our clean water supply for drinking and watering would be amazing. But because we haven't needed to, yet, we haven't. But shouldn't we be looking to solve a problem before it becomes one rather than after?
Last, but not least, are two articles related to medical discoveries that could help us to prolong life--and perhaps lead to hibernation technologies that could allow us to travel in space for long distances without needing a lot of food, water, or other necessities. Definitely take a look at them, and consider investing in the research and development. These ideas, after all, are part of our future.
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