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.

Entry # 8 - October 7th, 2013

Obama's Absence Leaves China as Dominant Force at APEC

Source: The New York Times
October 17th, 2013

     In Indonesia today,  Secretary of State John Kerry sat in the chair for President Obama at the opening meeting of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. China's president, Xi Jing-Ping was the dominant leader at the gathering. Mr. Obama decided to cancel the trip to try to resolve the government shutdown. President of Indonesia stated: "In view of difficult global economic situation, it's more critical to work together and solve the problems."

     The global economy is not doing well right now, U.S.'s national debt, Europe's economic tragedy, and  China's slowing of growth. It's more important at APEC to negotiate and come up with solutions to some problems. APEC is not like G20, there should be less worries about who's the dominant force. I thought that President of Indonesia was correct, it's more important to work together and solve the problem, not fighting over the "boss" seat.

Entry # 7 - October 3, 2013

GTA Cities Seek Stricter Safety Control of Enbridge Oil Pipeline  

Source: Toronto Star

October 3rd, 2013

     In 2010, Enbridge pipline spilled 3.3 million liters of oil into Kalamazoo River in Michigan, and it still isn't cleaned up. In Eastern Canada, a 639-kilometers pipeline transporting about 160,000 bbarrels per day between Montreal and Hamilton. Cities from Hamilton to Kingston are concerned about the pipeline's strength, emergency response plans, and shut-off valves. In Hamilton's letter of comment, city fire officials pointed out that the company wasn't sharing adequate information to allow planning emergency response.

     This is important, I thought, the safety of the pipelines. An oil spill can fiercely destroy the environment, water, animals, and the people living in the area. The oil spill in Kalamazoo River is an example. The area is still polluted, and that was 3 years ago. The safety of oil pipelines have to be taken seriously. I thought that, as most of the cities are doing right now, writing a letter of comment to the board is a great idea. We can not prevent disasters to happen forever, but we can do our best to prevent and know how to react to them.

Entry # 6 - October 1, 2013

Hungary Passes Law Criminalizing Homeless

Source: Toronto Star

October 1st, 2013

     As if being homeless is not bad enough.

     There are about thirty thousand (30,000) homeless citizens on the streets of Hungary fighting wind and rain. In the warm, comfortable parliament, the senators voted 245 to 45 for the new bill, which is criminalizing homelessness. The country now has green light to impose fines, community service, and even jail time (if caught twice within six months) on the homeless citizens.

     This is brutal, I could not believe this is happening in the world I live in. Homeless citizens are the weak group of people in our society, we should be helping them, not penalizing them. Nobody wishes to be homeless, nobody. The government should provide the homeless citizens with jobs that don't require specific skills, so that we can help them getting back on their feet. Charging these homeless citizens wouldn't do the society any good, they have nothing to lose.

A kind world is like a Spring day - Russian Proverb.