Entry # 15 - January 16, 2014

Edmonton Staff Let Go Teen Found With Explosives

Source: Toronto Star
January 16, 2014

      Staff at Edmonton Airport made a mistake when they let a young man with explosive devices in his bag go rather than calling the police. Canada Air Transport Security Authority Mathieu Lacroque said: "the staff in Edmonton should have contacted the police right away, not four days later." The young man simply said that he forgot to take it out of his bag.

      This is a very big issue. Security of air transportation should be very strict. Even though it was a teen who has explosive devices, this case should still be dealt with carefully. There is a line between right and wrong, and this incident definitely crossed the line. However, I'm glad no harms has been made and it's a sign that airport security should be improved.

Entry # 14 - January 8th, 2014

Two Canadian Women were Arrested in Mexico in Firebombs Attack

Source: Toronto Star

January 8, 2014

      Earlier this week, two Canadian women were arrested by Mexican police in an event of bungled bomb attack in the capital city. The two women were identified as Fallon Poisson Ruiller and Amelie Pelletier. A Mexican man, Carlos Lopez Marin was also arrested in the incident. The three are said to have thrown firebombs into one of the government buildings. Two cars were damaged in the process. Canadian officials are already in contact with the local authorities.

      When I read this, I was glad Canadian government already sent officials to be in contact with the local government. At any time, even in incidents like this, the best thing to know as a traveler is that your country already spotted you and are involved in the incidents. Whether the two Canadian women were the ones throwing the firebombs? That we do not know, but it was a very responsible move by the Canadian government to get involved and help out our own citizens.

Entry # 13 - November 12, 2013

Iran Agreed to Allow International Inspectors to Nuclear Facilities

Source: Toronto Star
November 12, 2013

     The International Atomic Agency indicated on Monday that Iran has agreed to open two of their important nuclear facilities to international inspectors. These two facilities have not been regularly viewed. The agreement is the first step towards resolving the issues on Iran's nuclear program.

     This is definitely a good step taken by the Iran government. These two nuclear facilities have not been examined in a long time. And that could potentially lead to dangerous nuclear destruction. It is nice that both sides can come to an agreement and resolve the problem together.

Entry # 12 - November 4, 2013

Colorado is Asking $1 Billion From the Taxpayers to Help Schools

Source: The New York Times

November 4, 2013

     There are students in a poor school studying in a bus garage. In another, there's no money to tutor young immigrants struggling to read. These schools have struggled to keep up with schools in wealthier regions for decades. The state is asking taxpayers to approve a $1 billion dollars tax increase to help these schools. This will ask voters' income tax rate increase from 4.6 percent to 5 percent (income below $75,000), and 5.9 percent (income over $75,000).

     I thought this is the hard, but the right way to help out the schools and the students. Education is very important, it can change a person, and a nation. Improving education should always be the priority, because I believe only education can rescue the ones in poverty. The taxpayers should understand that they are paying taxes because they have income, so help out others that's not as fortunate.

Entry # 11 - October 21, 2013

Another Heartbreaking Incident of Shooter Opens Fire at Middle School in Nevada

Source: Toronto Star
October 21, 2013

     There was a shooting at a middle school in Nevada, two people dead and two boys in critical condition. The identities of the shooter and victims weren't known. The police only say the suspect is "down" and there's no further danger. The shooting happened on the campus of the school, but outside of the buildings. 

     This is definitely one of those news that nobody wants to hear about. These young kids are innocence, they shouldn't be the victims. In fact, nobody should be shot for no reasons. This is not the first time shooters went into a school and fired randomly. These incidents have to be taken seriously. I believe the time of taking guns away from citizens have come. Incidents like this have to be stopped for good.

Entry # 10 - October 17, 2013

Scarborough Subway Confirmed by Toronto Council

Source: Toronto Star
October 17, 2013

     In a very close 24 to 20 vote, the city council has confirmed its approval of the Scarborough subway. It was a major victory for the Mayor Rob Ford. There were concerns that the 30-year subway debt will squeeze out the priority projects like the maintenance of Gardiner Expressway and the downtown relief subway. 

     The extension of the subway is a great move. Public transportation plays an important role in our every day lives. I thought the extension is reasonable. It's also around the right time because the construction costs will increase every year. I believe it's more important that our city is developed in every way. We can't stop making out community better because we're in debt. 

Entry # 9 - October 15, 2013

Human Trafficking Exists in British Columbia

Source: Toronto Star
October 15, 2013

     A man in British Columbia was sentenced to 18 months in jail for human trafficking by forcing the family nanny to work long hours for little, or no pay at all. The man, Franco Orr, was convicted in June. 40 year-old Sarmiento was brought into Canada from Hong Kong on false pretenses by Franco Orr. The Supreme Court Judge said: "there's no prove that Sarmiento was subjected to humiliating or degrading treatment, but did prove that that man profited by paying low wages." 

     The is a sad news. I am upset by the fact that there are still people in Canada, where we treat everyone with respect, treat others with intolerance. I agree on the trial of Franco. The best and easiest way to stop a crime is by punishing the law breakers. Human trafficking is a big deal, it's very disrespectful and harsh. I don't think the punishment on Franco Orr can be any lighter.