Nuclear Proliferation: extra credit

Nuclear Proliferation The spread of nuclear weapons and its technology to countries that do not already have nuclear weapons is called nuclear proliferation. These countries obtaining nuclear weapons are often opposed by Western countries that already have nuclear weapons and information. The United Sates particularly does not want any country that they are not allied with to be able to develop nuclear weapons. The most recent example of this is the situation in North Korea. The major fear is that these countries, including North Korea, will use the nuclear weapons to engage in nuclear warfare. The world is in disagreement over who should and who should not be able to have nuclear technology. Many countries have signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. There are different opinions on the denying of other nations to have nuclear weapons. Some believe that it is up to them to protect the world from the danger of other countries having nuclear weapons. Others believe that it's not their right to tell other countries that they are not allowed to have nuclear weapons while they have nuclear weapons themselves. That seems to be hypocritical- saying ‘we can have nuclear technology, but you can’t.’ On Monday, 9 October 2006, North Korea announced that they had conducted their first nuclear tests, and had developed nuclear weapons. They claim that they are serious about developing a nuclear weapons program. The entire world is nervous about the consequences of this announcement. The US President, George Bush, is afraid to go to with another country because of the issues with neighboring countries that might develop. America does not want to cause any more problems with the world or lose any more allies- North Korea’s neighbors are all “friends” of the States: South Korea, Japan and China. Others are afraid that the North Korea’s situation will jeopardize regional peace and security and that the international community is at stake. I feel that with nuclear proliferation there is a double standard. It would obviously be very dangerous if these nuclear weapons got into the wrong hands. Nuclear weapons can cause a lot of damage, and are even capable of destroying the entire world. That is a hard concept to understand, as many countries just feel that they need nuclear weapons for protection. Others just have the technology, there in case of an emergency. I do not believe that it is fair for Westernized countries (i.e. The United States) to tell other countries, such as North Korea, that they are not allowed to have nuclear weapons or technology, when they have it themselves. It’s not democratic for a supposedly democratic nation to try to deny another country a right to their own nuclear weapons. It’s true that this country might not be responsible enough to have control over these immensely dangerous weapons, and the world may be in danger, but the North Koreans may feel threatened by the United States, and think that nuclear weapons are necessary for their protection. North Korea is not telling the US that they are not allowed to have nuclear weapons, so why should the US tell North Korea that they cannot have nuclear weapons? This is where the double standard is evident, and the debate over nuclear proliferation manifests. Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_proliferation http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2006/10/12/2003331464

Current Event (5 October 2006)

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2006/09/28/1911610.html The Many Faces of Belinda & Tie By Michelle Mandel This article is about former Toronto Maple Leaf Tie Domi and his affair with politician Belinda Stronach, which led to his divorce with ex-wife Leanne Domi. The author is a female, which greatly affects her opinion on Tie Domi’s adultery. Her religion, race & political party are unknown, although these facts don’t even really apply to the article, Mandel concentrates more on the ethics of the issue. As a woman, she is obviously immensely upset with Domi and Stronach, and sides with Leanne. As the media would say, Michelle Mandel is on “Team Leanne!” This article contains a great deal of propaganda, but Mandel doesn’t even subtly try to sway the reader- she flat out says her opinion. Mandel is extremely blunt in her comments, but she is very persuasive. Such as this sentence, in response to Stronach’s complaint that her life is so public: “Poor thing. How could the Magna heiress possibly expect that carrying on an affair with a married, well-known Toronto Maple Leaf may turn into a public soap opera?” She is publicly criticizing Belinda, and shows her detest for the rich politician in her writing. Mandel is also super sarcastic, which can influence a person’s opinion. An amusing example in this sentence: “Hmm, photogenic politician with a penchant for romantic scandal links up with a popular fire hydrant of a hockey hero, who just happens to be married with three young children -- why would anyone care?” Mandel’s writing is funny and interesting to read, and I personally have a hard time disagreeing with her. Propaganda is additionally evident as Mandel uses “name-calling.” She attacks Belinda by saying the head representative for the Liberal women’s caucus should never steal another woman’s husband and be OK with it- plus feel it won’t hurt her feminist influence. Mandel is really mad at Belinda for being a horrible representative of women. She also is critical of Tie, the cheating husband. She says that if anyone has a double standard its Domi. She also makes fun of him and says that he didn’t like a sweet picture of him and his now ex-wife, Leanne, in the press a year ago because it would have ruined his ‘tough-guy’ image. Mandel’s writing is incredibly emotional, and she appeals to women and men alike for their hatred of unfaithful partners. This document is public, written for people to read. She writes using a few facts, many opinions to try to change the reader’s point-of-view. Mandel is very close to the event, as the scandal and divorce appeared in the media just last week. Her information is very relevant and up-to-date, and she is exceptionally well-researched. Mandel includes quotes from her interview with Leanne Domi from 2 years ago to try to convince the reader that Tie was a cheater and liar even back then. Mandel does use words to convey bias, and may be oversimplifying the issue, but her writing is especially good. Before I read this article, I had always been a fan of Tie Domi as a hockey player when he was on the Leafs. I always thought of him as a nice family man, with his 3 cute kids, and pretty, supportive wife. But I didn’t know Leanne’s side of the story. When he got involved with Belinda I was disheartened in my support of Tie. SinceI have heard Leanne’s opinion by reading this article, I now agree with Michelle Mandel. I have joined “Team Leanne!” Sorry, Tie, now that you are retired from the Leafs, unfaithful to your wife and dating Belinda Stronach, the selfish rich girl, I am no longer a fan of your team. ~~Elizabeth*