HIV

Here's an awesome map of people living with HIV, circa 2007.

http://data.unaids.org/pub/GlobalReport/2008/GR08_2007_HIVPrevWallMap_GR08_en.jpg

"The Other Tibet"

Please click on the following link to National Geographic and read the article titled, "The Other Tibet." Please come to class prepared to discuss the article on Friday. http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2009/12/uygurs/teague-text

Photos of Kashgar

Awesome slideshow of Kashgar.

Response to Obama at West Point

When I saw how long this speech was, I thought that I would be bored watching it. I was happy when I realized my assumption was wrong because once Obama started talking, I wanted to listen. I loved how Obama started his speech with a basic summary of how we got in Afghanistan in the first place. I think this is so good because it makes it easy for Americans to understand why he made his decision. I also loved how Obama was very respectful towards the troops who are and will be fighting. I liked the line: “As your commander in chief, I owe you a mission that is clearly defined and worthy of your service”. It made me feel confident that Obama put enough thought into his decision and that it is truly the right decision. I also really loved how Obama recognized the American people and honestly gave his sympathy towards the families of those who are serving. It made me smile when Obama stated: “"As President, I have signed a letter of condolence to the family of each American who gives their life in these wars”. I think that is so admirable. The speech overall kept my attention, and was easy to understand.
When Obama stated that our troops would be out in 18 months, I was in such a trance of watching this video that I automatically wanted to believe him. Part of me still does, but the other part of me is being realistic and wonders if 18 months is enough time to actually resolve the complex situation in Afghanistan. As intelligent I think Obama is, I have to take what he says with a grain of salt because we have seen throughout the past that leaders do not always keep their word. Although I do not fully believe our troops will be out within 18 months, I do believe that Obama will take them about as soon as it is safe, and possible.
As difficult as it would be, I would support a “war tax”. As I realize the economy is not doing well and most are already financially struggling, our country needs us. It is clear that our country is in much debt and can not afford much. As no one really likes war, we need to finish what we started. If we pay an extra tax to help the war effort, it can only help to end the war quicker, so we can be done and focus more on our own issues back here in America.

Obama at West Point

Watch Obama's speech at West Point and respond to the following: 1. what was your general reaction to the speech? 2. Do you think troops will really be out in 18 months? 3. Would you support a "war tax" to help pay for the costs of the war?

Response to Obama speech

I really liked this speech, if for nothing else except for the lovely silence of the audience. While Obama made his health care speech, it was interrupted at least every 15 seconds with applause, and it was nice to hear him talk, uninterrupted, for such a long time as he did. I also liked the way he said Taliban ;), even though he pronounces it correctly, I guess I'm just not used to hearing it that way. Anyways, I support Obama's decision to send the 30,000 more troops to the area to train the Afghan police force, yet it is nowhere near enough. General McChrystal just upped the ante in October, increasing his request to over 60,000 troops, with 40,000 as the absolute minimum. As the general responsible for Afghanistan, McChrystal is more of an expert on the situation than Obama, and while it may have been political suicide to accept McChrystal's request, the lives of our troops and the prosperity of our country should come before political self-preservation. Also, there was a lot of "me me me" in this speech, and yes, while the speech is about his decision, it should mostly reflect the views of the American people. It should not be a time to dispel rumors or brag about his actions in the past and how he's right. To say some good things, he is a very charismatic speaker, and actually looked at the camera (which was exciting!). I'm just also wondering how he can drive out al-Qaeda if he doesn't have Pakistan's permission to go in. I understand that he's calling in some favors, but I don't believe that it will be enough. We need more troops, plain and simple. Overhauling an entire country and chasing al-Qaeda and the Taliban across the Middle East will take more than the approximate 108,000 troops in Afghanistan.