Mother’s Lungs Are On Fire

by with One Comment CultureFeaturedGlobal

One of the biggest stories of 2019… 

The Amazon burns…

The Amazon has been burning for the past three weeks and the rest of the world learned about it this week. Not only did we learn about it this week, but we learned about it through third party sites, blogs, videos, and images being shared through social media. Not one of the major news agencies around the world covered it until people started voicing their deep concerns on Facebook and other platforms stating, “Why aren’t we doing anything about the “world’s lungs” catching fire?”

That’s a pretty serious question. Especially now, when the world is finally starting to take notice of our carbon footprint, and what we have done thus far to render our planet vulnerable. The fire in the Amazon is pouring kerosene on the world. What makes this matter all the more devastating and frustrating, is that the President of Brazil claimed up until a few hours ago that it was the NGO’s within the region who set the fires in the Amazon to make a statement.

Here’s what you need to know about the Amazon fire…

The rainforest is currently burning at a record rate. Brazil had declared a state of emergency over the range and amount of fires in the region, but didn’t bring too much attention to the crisis otherwise. This year alone, there has been close to 73,000 fires in Brazil, and they have been detected by Brazil’s space research center, INPE. That’s a whopping 83% increase from 2018 and the highest number on record since 2013, according to Reuters.

What started the fires?

The confusion I seem to be hearing and reading a lot is that, “It’s a rainforest! It’ll put itself out!” or “Mother nature always has these kinds of fires; it’s fine.” These two typical responses I continue to see are frankly ludicrous, and the issue is a little more complicated and insidious than that.

Yes, it’s a rainforest, and yes, it’s usually wet and humid, but July and August are known to be the driest months of the year, also considered the “dry” season of the Amazon, with the wet season really taking place in early-September and usually coming to an end by mid-November, according to NASA.

It’s rumored that these fires are man-made, usually started to clear out sections of the land for ranching and farming. Because of that alone, the majority of fires can be attributed to humans.

The president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, has tried to blame the fires on anyone and everyone, especially taking careful aim at the NGOs, stating that they would do this because of his budget cuts to their organizations. He reneged on his statement shortly after claiming he never said it.

Is there a connection to climate change?

If we do a little research we quickly learn that greenhouse gas emissions increase as the number of forest fires increase. This situation makes the planet’s overarching temperature skyrocket. As the temperature rises, we are likely to see more extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, winter storms, and devastating droughts… a lot of them.

Is the entire Amazon affected as of now?

As of now, the entire Amazon has not been affected, but large swaths of it have. Areas such as Rondonia, Para, and Mato Grosso are currently having the majority of fires. What’s insane about all of this, is that the damage is not just felt in the Amazon when there is a wildfire. The cost goes far beyond Brazil and the surrounding nations.

As of today, there are over 2,500 active fires taking place in the Amazon. It’s so bad that you can see it from space.

Are the fires still going on?

The fires are still raging, but it seems that mother nature has decided to take matters into her own hands and reports of scattered thunderstorms have been seen all over the Amazon on Friday. We will have to see if the rains provide some relief to the rainforest.

Facts… 

The Amazon alone generates more than 20% of the world’s oxygen and is home to 10% of the worlds known biodiversity. The Amazon plays a significant role in regulating the climate around the world, and without it, the world would be dramatically impacted, from drinking water to farming. Those numbers alone send a chill down my spine, knowing that all this time this beautiful part of our earth has been engulfed in flames.

What is currently being done by humans?

From Venezuela to France, people, and politicians are all coming out to show their solidarity and concern over the lack of response from Brazil’s government on getting the fires under control. The desired effect is starting to happen, where we are seeing the Brazilian president squirm and shift under the heavy scrutiny.

At this point, all we can do is provide funds or supplies to some of the organizations that are trying their best to combat these fires, and find a way to stand with the people of Brazil. They need to find a better president that cares more about breathing than the dollar signs he believes will help Brazil, when in reality it’s only helping him and his cronies.

This article was originally published on 23 August 2019.

Similar read: Human Extinction (Brought To You By Capitalism)

Venezuela 2.0: The Insanity Continues

by with No Comment FeaturedGlobal

Once upon a time, Venezuela used to be the wealthiest nation in South America. Unfortunately, for years, the country has been caught in a violent downward spiral over political discontent, insane hyperinflation, food scarcity, and gaps in power and electricity. 

Three million and counting Venezuelans have left the nation in the last few years to survive. In my last take on Venezuela, I explained in detail the insanity that had taken over and the driving force (Maduro) that is pushing the nation over the edge. I want to provide an update on the situation and what you, as a reader need to know.

Two presidents?

Yes, you read it right. Asking that question in most countries would be absurd, but as of January 23rd, 2019, the question makes perfect sense in Venezuela. On this day, Juan Guaidó proclaimed himself to be the new acting president of the nation and would assume the executive branch of powers moving forward.

This move was a direct “come at me bro” to Nicolás Maduro, who had been sworn into office again just two weeks ago. As expected, good ol’Maduro did not take it kindly to someone attempting to wrest power from his hands. Going as far as to call this move a ploy from the U.S. to remove him from power. 

Why are there two presidents?

Nicolås Maduro received power directly from his socialist mentor and predecessor, Hugo Chavez. Even with the direct line of succession going to him, he only won by a thin margin of 1.6%. From the very first few months of being in office, Nicolås Maduro’s government sent the Venezuelan economy into a free fall, which led to the people of the nation to blame Maduro for the nation’s woes. 

To make people hate him even more, Maduro went as far as to stage a sham election in 2018 to cement his power for a 6-year term, which most opposition parties boycotted.

His opponents were either barred from running the election against him and fled the country in fear for their lives, or were merely put into jail to remove the threat of Maduro losing completely.

How is this all coming together now?  

After being re-elected to a second term in elections in May 2018, Mr. Maduro announced in a very odd way that he would serve out his remaining first term and only then be sworn in for a second term on January 10th. It was because of this swearing-in process that the opposition got its second wind to resist and oppose. The national assembly states that because of Mr. Maduro going through some ridiculous process of becoming president, that his election was not fair, which currently makes Mr. Maduro a dictator of sorts to the people of Venezuela.

This is the narrative that is being pushed forth specifically by Juan Guaidó. Citing the articles of the Venezuelan constitution 233, and 333, the legislative body declared that in such cases like the current one, requires for the national assembly to take over as acting president hence why Juan Guaidó declared himself as president on January 23, 2019.

How is the rest of the world taking it so far? 

Well, our great commander In-Chief has officially recognized Juan Guaidó as the legitimate president of Venezuela, literally moments after Juan stated he would be taking on the role of acting president. Of course, that sparked a response from Mr. Maduro, who once again started with the same rhetoric that the U.S. government was out to get him. In an idiotic attempt to show some measure of control, Mr. Maduro broke off ties with the U.S and told the diplomats they had 72 hours to leave, which he abandoned three days later stating that each country should keep an “interest-section” open in their respective capitals.

What’s going to happen now?

Well, as of now Juan Guaidó is urging the people of Venezuela to keep protesting and resisting until the nation is liberated. He hopes with the majority of western powers on his side, and for his cause, he will be able to take control completely and bring Venezuela back from the edges of total ruin. Though he is president of the national assembly, this body of the government was rendered powerless in 2017 by the creation of the National Constituent Assembly.

Currently, the military is the only force that can indeed make an impact and break the stalemate between Maduro and Guaidó. Though currently, they are loyal to Maduro, because of consistent pay raises and reasonably good treatment of the armed forces. Following the election on Jan 23, top Venezuelan commanders tweeted their support for Maduro, so this situation does not bode all too well to providing any stability to an already unstable country.

We will have to pay close to attention to the next move either president makes now. The biggest challenge, and possibly the most significant opportunity as well falls on the man who can reduce the insane hyperinflation that the country is going through right now. The world’s the stage, and Venezuela has just started Act II. 

Venezuela: A Nation Divided And Why It Matters, Pt. II

by with No Comment International

(Part I includes reasons 1 and 2)

Here are reasons 3 – 5 why the crisis in Venezuela matters to not just you, but to everyone else in the world.

III. It could turn Venezuelans to hate America in the region

  • Dictators in Latin America love to find sentiment to rage against the United States. From Fidel Castro’s passionate denunciations of the American “imperialists” to Venezuelans late president Hugo Chavez, who spoke out against George W. Bush at the UN in 2006.
  • So it’s no surprise that Maduro is using the same rhetoric to stoke up flames of anti-American sentiment throughout the region.
  • Latin Americans are cautious and sensitive to what some consider “imperialist” policies coming from Washington, making it very easy for leaders like Maduro to build up dissent for the United States.
  • With this being said, it is important for the U.S. to play an active role in Latin America so that it can combat the negative remarks and false images that dictators are trying to create.

 

IV. It has created unimaginable suffering

  • Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” There is a fundamental human reason why we should care and pay attention to what is currently taking place in Venezuela. Venezuelans are going through unimaginable suffering, and it’s unfathomable to many of us.
  • High inflation, especially soaring food prices means that many people are not just skipping meals, but are not eating all together. According to a national survey conducted by three of the country’s major universities, the percentage of malnourished Venezuelans is increasing.
  • Some have jokingly dubbed this the “Maduro diet” who has said that doing without “makes you tough.” WTF?
  • There have also been shortages on basic goods such as toilet paper and medical supplies. Venezuela can’t pay to import goods because its government is desperately strapped for cash after years of foolish spending. The sight of people sifting through trash to find food is unfortunately a common sight.

 

V. This could ultimately hurt us in our pocketbook.

  • This crisis in Caracas could hit American citizens where it hurts the most: The gas pump.
  • The US is the main buyer of Venezuelan oil, so there’s a very intimate relationship between both governments, in that regard at least.
  • If President Trump decided to actually follow through on his threat to place heavy sanctions on Venezuelan oil, or bar shipments to the U.S., Venezuela would be crippled because at this point that is their only source of income. Its humanitarian crisis would worsen. But surprisingly, the sanctions would hurt us as well, because Venezuela is third in oil exports to the U.S., right behind Saudi Arabia and Canada.
  • Sanctions would force the U.S. to buy oil elsewhere, which means that it would inadvertently force you and I to shell out more money when we decide to visit our local BP or Mobil gas station.

So pay attention, this is bigger than our media is leading you to believe. This crisis in Venezuela can definitely get out of control, if it already hasn’t.

Venezuela: A Nation Divided And Why It Matters, Pt. I

by with No Comment International

As of this year, you have probably seen the news reports: The Vice specials, and AJ+’s coverage of the protests in the streets, the long lines at the stores. But you probably have not paid enough attention to the actual chaos gripping Venezuela.

How are the events taking place in a socialist nation of 30 million people, thousands of miles away, relevant to you in the U.S.?

Here are 5 reasons why the crisis in Venezuela matters to not just you, but to everyone else in the world.

I. It’s creating thousands of new refugees

  • The lack of food and medicine, soaring inflation, political instability, and violence are all key ingredients of creating refugees. This has and is currently taking place in Venezuela, and has forced tens of thousands of its citizens to flee. These same refugees are now the top asylum seekers in the U.S., ahead of citizens from countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and China. This is, in fact, the first time that Venezuelans have topped the list.
  • As of now, more than 21,600 Venezuelans have sought asylum so far in 2017. That number has increased by as much as four times since 2015 when 5,605 Venezuelans applied for asylum.
  • What makes this all the more challenging is that with the current American political climate, a wave of new asylum-seekers would not be welcomed with open arms.
  • There is currently a rise in xenophobia in the U.S., and a flood of Venezuelans from across the social strata into our country creates an opportunity for U.S. politicians to use them as pawns for their political agendas.

 

II. It’s an attack on democracy – which is disconcerting

  • Observers of this conflict have noted that what is currently going on politically in Venezuela over the last few years is an attack on the people’s ability to choose how they wish to be governed, which is also an attack on their presumed liberties.
  • President Nicolas Maduro filled the Venezuelan Supreme court with his supporters so that he would be able to block any impeachment attempts after the country’s opposition leaders won a majority of seats in the National Assembly in 2015.
  • To make matters worse, the Maduro-backed Supreme court then briefly tried to deconstruct the National Assembly and grab hold of its legislative powers, which only ignited a wave of violent protests that have continued almost every day since March 2017. As many as 100 people have been killed since then.
  • Last week the country held an election that was highly controversial to create a new lawmaking body, named the Constituent Assembly. The 545-seat legislative body, packed with Maduro’s supporters, would finally have the power to rewrite the country’s 1999 constitution and promptly take control of all branches of Venezuela’s government under Maduro.
  • With what is currently taking place in our own country, this should make ALL Americans sit up and pay attention. Having a leader try and bend the will of the government to suit his needs is something we all have become quite accustomed to in the U.S.

 

Part II includes reasons 3 – 5.