Amnesty For WWII

World War II was a period of time in history when heinous crimes against humanity occurred. Casualties of war estimated to over hundreds of millions, not just from the genocide that the Nazi committed but also from disease and famine to the after effects of using advanced weapons of war. This was an era where military strategies and weapons took a turn. Development of advanced weaponry, nuclear bombs and chemical warfare. After 6 years of fighting and defending, the war was won by the Allies. It was then that countries had to “clean up” the messes that were made.

The War resulted in many casualties, but with the war now over, there were many problems to deal with. The governments for each country now had to deal with the spike in the numbers of immigrants and many soldiers that were considered “deserters”. Those soldiers that were considered deserters from the Allied forces had become people who committed a crime against their government. The numbers of immigrants that were moving in and out of countries were being looked over two to three times for security reasons. The governments also had to handle the situation with their own citizens, the people who were imprisoned out of prejudice or who were against the war itself, causing protests around the country.

There were many events where amnesty was given to parties after the war. For instance, the Amnesty of 1947 in Poland was an amnesty directed at soldiers and activists of the Polish anti-communist underground, issued by the authorities of People’s Republic of Poland. Though the amnesty was given, the promise was not kept due to other factors. Another instance of amnesty was for the war-time deserters in England, Mr. Churchill announced the amnesty policy during part of the Coronation celebration. This policy affected 10,393 soldiers and 1,784 airmen. Though there were mixed feelings, the announcement received cheers as they moved forward with the amnesty given to these soldiers. For security reasons they were given new identities and were moved to places that did not know them.

Though amnesty is given to pardon certain groups and people, there can always be mixed feelings for these policies. The majority of people and victims of these affairs could have a different view on governments giving amnesty. Though the amnesty that is announced is usually dated and would need extensions, some feel that giving amnesty to certain groups and people may invoke different emotions from the citizens.

All About Amnesty

In criminal law, Amnesty is the act of a government “forgetting” about criminal offenses committed by one or group of persons, usually related to crimes considered political in nature. (HG.org) Usually, amnesty is granted to people or groups that have done a wrong to the government, state, humanity, etc. There are many different situations where amnesty can be granted or cannot, considering the situation and time of events. Amnesty does not give these people a “pass” for any future wrongs and does not pardon offenses that have not yet been committed. It is a condition to bring upon a return to obedience of the law within a prescribed period of time. Receiving amnesty does not erase or delete a criminal act, nor does it forgive the action; it enables political reconciliation. It brings things back in to order for the law and government settle and mend the issues at hand.

During times of war, amnesty permits the government of the nation or state to “overlook” criminal acts. Amnesty has been used in times of war to reunite the country or state and rebuild the mayhem that had occurred. Many times, in history, amnesty in times of war can be seen. For instance, President Abraham Lincoln offered multiple amnesties to Union deserters under the strict requirement they return to their regiments; Before this there was a situation when President George Washington presented the first amnesty in United States to the people who partook in the Whiskey Rebellion.

Another time amnesty is brought up is during the government hearings for immigration amnesty. This would allow illegal immigrants a chance to stay in the country and be given an opportunity to gain citizenship. Even up to this day, the immigration amnesty is debated over because of the large numbers of illegal immigrants in the states. The pros and cons for this debate has been hanging over the government and the people, with the ever-growing question, will the government permit amnesty to the immigrants.

Amnesty Law can be seen not only in the United States but internationally as well. The difference of the amnesty law varies with each country and area. There are also many organizations that handle these types of issues within the government. Coincidentally, amnesty laws coincide with human and civil rights. These subjects tend to be brought up when dealing with subjects concerned with granting amnesty.

Amnesty could be subject that can be debated over for many years, and the laws that grant amnesty can conflict with government opinion and the citizens. It just happens that the only way to resolve any issue would be to debate and weigh the pros and cons. For a government to permit amnesty to a person or group not only effects the person or group being granted amnesty but also the citizens and others that was or would be involved as a third party. An issue that demands thought and serious judgment.

Amnesty for Illegal Immigrants; Yes or No?

Amnesty, you hear this word in the news and see it in articles and newspapers. Amnesty is a general pardon for offense, usually political or something against a government. There have been many issues that concern amnesty and they usually were coupled with the subject immigrants. Previously, there were many articles that consisted of illegal immigrants and if they should receive amnesty. There were many groups that were for it and many against it. The pros and cons of amnesty for illegal immigrants were brought up by both parties of the government and individually by many political figures. The question always stood, “Should illegal immigrants be given amnesty?”

There were many topics that were up for discussion related to this particular issue. The first was the Path to Citizenship. Many believe there are pros and cons to this debate. Some people believe that the illegal immigrants should be granted amnesty and be helped to lead a path to citizenship, where many others felt that it will be unfair and wrong to have the illegal immigrants to be granted special privileges to jump in line for citizenship. There were many others who legally have been waiting on the path for citizenship and still have not been able to obtain it. Another topic that roused debate was the economic security after giving illegal immigrants amnesty. How will the economy of the country be effected with the amnesty given to illegal immigrants, will it have an overall positive effect or negative effect to the lives of the citizens. There are two sides to this debate as well. Another discussion that arose was the fair process, like before, the overview of the path to citizenship created two sides to the issues. The fair process to obtain citizenship might be questioned if amnesty is given to illegal immigrants.

The largest problem that was brought up with the amnesty for illegal immigrants was the safety dilemma for the country. As we all know, on the news there are many refugees and country-less people emerging from the Middle East and Europe areas. The reason would be because of the never-ending war and the emergence of terrorist groups. Many reported that the refugees have been running from their homes and the danger and ended up on the borders of the European neighbors. But to their disappointment, many European countries closed their borders to these refugees because of safety reasons. There were many rumors about insurgents and terrorist individuals mixing themselves in with the refuges to infiltrate the country. For this reason, even America had to make a decision. The amnesty that many immigrants are waiting for could be stalled because of this one major issue of security.

Of course the amnesty for illegal immigrants can be negative to a country, but there are always two sides to the any decision. The decision for amnesty for illegal immigrants is a decision that cannot be made lightly. Unless people can come up with a solution for all the debated issues for amnesty, there will always be a delay in giving illegal immigrants amnesty.

A Soon to be Published Book on Human Rights Abuse: Escape From Hell

Hello. Today, I would like to introduce some information about a soon to be published book on human rights abuse. You could find this book on Amazon in few weeks. Below is a brief information on the book.

First-person Account of a Syrian Political Prisoner to be Published Soon

by

Zubair Rushk

and Daniel Romm

Zubair Rushk and Daniel Romm will soon publish their book, Escape from Hell: Based on a True Story of a Syrian Political Prisoner.

Here is a brief overview:

Zubair Rushk’s civil disobedience against the Syrian regime leads to his arrest.

In prison, a guard fires a rifle close to his face.  The guard then forces Zubair to put the barrel of the rifle in his mouth, burning his tongue and lips.

This is one of many brutalities Zubair suffers there. But, the cruelty of his jailers only strengthens his resolve to rebel against the government.

Zubair’s torture drives him to madness.  But to escape, he must risk his life—and that of his friends and family.

This powerful and enlightening historical political thriller chronicles Zubair’s motivations, the horrors he faces–and his fate.

 

*Editor’s note:  Look for my review of this book when it is published on Amazon soon.*

Gender Roles and Types

When one thinks of gender, most people in society think of two main genders: male or female. But in recent times, there have been controversial debates about the subject of “gender”. Apparently, there are more than two genders: male, female, agender, androgyne, bigender, genderqueer, and the list goes on. As more and more people start to openly state their opinion on who they are and which gender category they would like to fit into, the list of identifications of gender lengthens. What does this all mean? This means that many have given thought and reflected on who they really are, where they want to belong, and society has started to openly accept these different genders.

The changes of gender roles and identification have been changing since the past. In the past, gender was defined as the role a person will be performing in their lives and society. Also, society was only accustomed to two main genders, two main roles, male or female. As generations change, information spreads easier, and people become more reflective about themselves, gender has evolved into more than male and female. Gender is now an introduction to who you are. By identifying oneself to a specific gender, the person is now announcing to society who they are.

Additionally, the roles of male and female genders have also loosened and changed. In the past males were the father roles, bringing money and supporting the family. Females were given the roles to be mothers, taking care of the house and children. As individuals started to reflect their positions, they started to question about the significance of their roles, can they take on a different role, and will society be open to the idea of swapping roles.

As times changed, women had become more independent from the homemaker role and started to insert themselves into the working society. Now as a member of the society that works and brings home money, female and male gender roles changed dramatically. Instead of having females at home with the children and being responsible for the home, males have stepped in to take on those roles. These modifications to gender roles help bring birth to other genders.

The various genders and roles the humans carry now shape society. Instead of categorizing and subjecting oneself to the two base genders, people have branched out and started to express the different genders that could include and come between male and female genders. For instance, as these genders are being used with our society, most have come to accept openly. Additionally, some facilities have accommodated society by making everyone feel comfortable with specific restrooms to specific genders.

A new generation and future is coming for the world, as we fully accept the fact that humans can be categorized and fit into not just the two basic genders. The specific gender types can characterize and express the true self of a person. There is nothing wrong with correctly and precisely naming oneself.

The Slum of the World

“Slumdog Millionaire” was a movie about a boy who was born in the slums of India and grew up with hardships. This movie depicts this boy as someone who lived through harsh environments. He grew up and ended up having a happy ending by becoming a millionaire. Even though this story ends with a happy ending, most children that are born and live their lives in the slums do not end up as happy as we think. The slums of the world, we don’t think about where they are and what conditions these children and people live through.

There are many parts of the world where conditions are so bad it can be considered inhabitable. Not just the environment of life but also diseases and starvation can be seen among other circumstances. But to most of society’s surprise there are people who try to survive each day by scrapping from trash dumps and make a living in these environments. Out of all the slums in the world there are 5 slums that were recorded as the largest. As many of the places of the world urbanize and grow globally, the modernization causes another outcome. The populations in the slums increase as we increase this globalization. Statistically speaking, there are more than 1 billion people living in the so called “slums” where the conditions are unimaginable. A lack of legal rights to land only makes the daily struggle worse, threatening people’s homes and efforts to invest in essential services. The largest slums of the world, where and how were they created, what are the conditions of life, and how are they being helped.

Khayeltisha, Cape Town, South Africa – As the statistics recorded in 2011, there is a population of 400,000 people. It has grown rapidly throughout the years as there was the collapse of the apartheid system in South Africa: apartheid – a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa between 1948 and 1991.

Kiberia, Nairobi, Kenya – The largest urban slum in Africa, estimated to house from 700,000 to one million people. These residents are struggling to keep the informal schools and clinics that were set up by residents and churches.

Dharavi, Mumbai, India – A famous area of 1 million and more. This area was also where they filmed for the movie “Slumdog Millionaire”. Unlike most slums that are on the outskirts of larger cities, Dharavi is in the center of Mumbai.

Ciudad Neza, Mexico City, Mexico – A place that has 1.2 million people and rising. It can be considered the suburbs of Mexico as residents try to, with much effort, build a community and public facilities. But even though efforts are made, this area is still overcome by crime and lack of schools for children.

Orangi Town, Karachi, Pakistan – Recorded as Asia’s largest slum, this place houses 2.4 million people, although this is still an estimate. Many still do not know the exact number of residents. The residents have given their all to build sewer systems and other facilities to survive, fed up by the stalling of the government.

The UN and many other organizations have stepped in to try and alleviate some problems from these slums. The improvements they are putting forth has given rise to a better environment for living, but still the change is slow. Public safety, clinics, schools, etc. there are still many areas that need development. As the residents and organizations strive for a better living, one day there will be better times for these people and children.

What is Accepted?

History has taught us many things, and the reason we learn about history is to learn from them so we do not repeat those mistakes. But it seems unavoidable that things get repeated as the years go by. People stay the same, in most aspects, but the world is changing. What is acceptable today was not accepted long ago, and things that were acceptable long ago are considered wrong in the eyes of society because it is not the “norm” today.

For instance, the idea of marriage has changed considerably throughout the years. Long ago, during the years when royalty ruled countries and monarchy was the chosen government throughout the world; it was not uncommon for royalty to marry their own families to keep the “royal” blood clean or untainted. But this concept of marriage, or incest, is something that is frowned upon today. These changes probably occurred because of evidence of diseases that developed in the families that practiced this type of marriage. These changes were for the better good of the people and was a choice that many didn’t follow. Once the majority of society turned against this idea, this concept of incest became “wrong”. Another change with marriage, as society grew and women and men are given equal rights and knowledge, the average age of marriage grew. People have been getting married later and later instead of getting married in their earlier years.

A more recent opinion on same sex marriage has been causing uproar among the people. Same sex relationships were around for hundreds of years, and were not practiced in the open, but there are records of these relationships in history. Presently, same sex relationships have become more known and society has made their opinion on this subject known as well.

Acceptance of women in the work place has also changed. In history, women were responsible for the home children and men worked to make money for the family. As the years and generations went on, the roles of men and women have changed; there are men who are now more at home taking care of the children while women work and bring home the money. The acceptance of this change has given more opportunities for people to take on other roles in their lives.

Change is something that will inevitably happen. It might not all be accepted right away, but as time goes forward and the more people want a change, it will become more “normal” to society and acceptance of this change will occur. What is accepted or denied now will eventually change as future generations learn more and experience more. It might not all be a positive change, but change is something that will shape future society. Like how history has been changed, our present will one day become history, as future generations bring more change to the world.

Government and United States

John F. Kennedy quoted, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” What does this mean to the people? It has always been “the government” and “the people”, government has given much to keep the people safe and complacent, and sometimes what the government agrees to do doesn’t fulfill the wishes of the citizens. The people are never satisfied, and government is never satisfied. But recent occurrences have put many of the citizens on three dividing fronts. Ones that support, ones that reject or disapprove, and others which are standing by and observing what outcome will be made.

In a situation that we are in now, where our new appointed president has made several speeches about immigration, many have taken sides with the three divided stand points. Some agree with the president and what he has proposed, many disapprove the idea of such nonsense, and others are still standing to one side to observe the results. But it is time for the citizens to do something for the country. A country that was built on immigration, to propose the idea of deporting or not letting certain people into the country shouldn’t be happening. Of course, for safety reasons, with ISIS crisis and trying to better the lives of the “citizens”, the idea must have been made for such reasons. But people must give a chance for others to be part of a country that can fulfill the needs of others.

Trump’s immigration crackdown seems to spread fear among the people; recent articles have interviewed citizens on how they feel or what they have heard. Some proclaim that the fear controls their bodies; every time there is a knock on their door they think it is the government to somehow deport or arrest them. The anxiety they feel are controlling their lives. People who are in the process of getting citizenship are questioning if they are willing to stay. Of course hardened criminals are being deported, but the other majority of people who would like to fulfill their dreams in this country are also affected.

It is a comforting feeling to know that many citizens are standing up and opposing this proposition. They are turning to the government to protest that immigration and diversity of people in the neighborhood brings culture and traditions that they can learn from and experience. Having an open mind and realizing the importance of diversity, some students are going to their councilmen to persuade them to disembark from this idea and settle with a more openminded and accepting perspective.

This country that has grown throughout the many years from immigrants who settled in the lands for opportunities or a better life. For a country that has history of immigrants coming and going, it doesn’t seem appropriate to have rules that are restricting people from coming and going and eventually becoming citizens of this country. It is understandable the reason why this was proposed, but for the sake of the country to grow and prosper, maybe the risk is acceptable.

There are always pros and cons to the immigration ban, but to refuse help for some people and grant access for others seems unfair. The government should find another way or process to scan through each and every one that comes and goes within the country.

Global Warming an Its effects

Not sure if the world noticed, but amount of snow and cold weather seemed a lot shorter and not consistent since the past. The warmer temperatures during the winter season brought many people to the conclusion that we are facing a difficult problem. The ever so rise of temperature and global warming. The effects of global warming does not stop at temperatures rising, it also effects animals, plants, insects, and the human society. Recently, there have been reports of Mexico City having a water crisis. The captions to the many distressing photos repeated the city was heading towards a breaking point.

The climate changing has resulted in many cities to become places of suffering for the citizens. The warmer temperatures have created massive floods that ruin cities and overflow sewages. In some parts of the country immense droughts cause people to continue drilling and draining the land for water and resources to survive. Many plants and animals have died out from the change that has occurred. Global warming or climate change is a phenomenon in which weather patterns and temperatures are changing rapidly on a global scale. The climate change that is occurring is caused by the heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere, these gases are often referred to as greenhouse gases. Scientific statistics show that much of human activity is the source of the greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. However, with much efforts made by the people of this world, we have come to slow down the process, but because of continuous production and need for resources the resulting change of temperature has caused mass destruction in certain areas of the Earth.

Climate change has caused immense negative impact on the environment, human societies, and nature. Many countries around the equator zone and poles have faced much hardships because of the effects and show the most measured outcomes of these properties. Droughts, flooding, freak freezing, these are some of the environmental changes that have given worries and alarms to many researchers and scientists. With the changing climates, humans and animals must come to adapt just as fast as the change.

Together with the efforts of society and organizations to help the ecosystem and the people, there have been efforts to overcome the crisis we face. Humans have prepared in advance for sudden changes of temperature and freak natural disasters. Some have begun to build flood resistance houses, there have been ways to bring technology and innovative ideas to help cultivate rain water for preparation for droughts, and some countries have tried to manipulate the rice to be more adaptive in saltier waters.

The climate will keep changing, bringing chaos and distress to many. Humans have been the main cause of these effects and results. We have the responsibility to overcome, fix, and make it right again.

Nature’s Authority

There have been many incidents on record that proved Mother Nature cannot be controlled or predicted. Nature is a destructive force that can erase the existence of animals and humans and reorganize the ecosystems of areas around the world. Society believes that what we learned from the past can help with the future, but Nature is unpredictable.

The force is seen clearly in recent incidents in Indonesia and Japan. These natural disasters effected not just that country but the whole world. The tsunami that hit Indonesia wiped out the coastal area, following the tragedy, many families were lost and suffered greatly. The earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan hit the nuclear plant vicinity and created dangerous situations for Japan and the world. The debris that accumulated from these devastations circulated the currents of the ocean and is still gathering in areas far away from the area of damage. It was predicted that the debris from natural disasters circulates the oceans around the world, being carried across by currents that are found in the water.

Nature’s powers can be seen in various situations, such as floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. The limited power to keep it going, nature’s power can clear out forests, create or destroy land, etc. For these powerful elements (wind, eater, earth), scientists and researchers have tried to control this energy for good use. Our limited resources to provide power around the world, many environmentalists and researchers have found methods to hone in on the energy released by these monsters.

For instance, the constructions of dams to generate power throughout the nearby cities or developing and building wind turbines in areas with lots of wind to produce electricity. The advancements in technology has helped society to control a little bit of the enormous energy nature holds.

The development of these devices can assist cities and the way of life for society. The creation of hybrid cars to reduce emission and reduce the use of fossil fuels (that are limited), creating solar panels for homes to utilize the sun’s energy for electricity. To change our way of life can produce more outcomes and advancements in science to better the condition of the Earth and reduce the use of limited resources. The immense energy nature holds can be taken to benefit the larger population of society.