Welcome to world politics, where everything is made up and the points don’t matter.
Join me, as I take you on an international journey through the field of current events, as we explore the diverse, shitty news erupting out of every corner of the Earth.
Mankind, you make me so proud.
The Motherland of Dangerous Shit
You still have a better chance of being struck by a lightning bolt filled with AIDS than contracting Ebola, unless, of course, you live in the Sierra Leone region of Africa (then, you may get both!). Despite the increasing death-toll overseas (currently nearing 1,000 people) and the heightened alert statuses from the CDC and WHO, the US population has been reassured that bringing two Ebola-ridden missionary doctors from Africa to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, will not endanger US citizens in any way. It appears that, so far, experimental treatments are having mixed to positive effects on both patients.
And cue the Ebola conspiracy theories.
Zionism: I Don’t Think It Means What You Think It Means
A new old war has been raging between Israeli forces and the Hamas-led militants in the Gaza Strip via Operation Protective Edge, a military campaign formed by Israel to repel the increasing rocket fire originating from Gaza. Different news sources will give you different perspectives on the situation, and even different “facts,” but this much is certain: Hamas is a formally declared terrorist organization. People seem to forget that. Palestine is not a formal country, despite the UN’s best efforts to make it so. People seem to forget that, too. The overwhelming anti-Semitic tone of the mainstream media’s coverage, as well as the US’s standoffish approach to the situation, certainly doesn’t leave a peaceful feeling in the pit of my stomach. But, hey, they’re just Jews, and it’s probably their fault anyway. And if blaming them worked for 1930’s Nazi Germany, it can certainly work now.
Thanks for showing your true colors, world.
I Thought We Settled That Shit, Bro
ISIS is certainly making headway in Iraq (as well as the rest of the Middle East) on their quest for Sharia-led world domination. And I know of quite a few active and former service members who, aside from being enraged about the current crisis that our government helped make happen, wouldn’t mind going back to lend a hand in remedying the situation, if you know what I mean. They may just get the opportunity, thanks to a flip-flop in White House administration policy regarding the use of military force in Iraq. President Obama declared this week the authorization of targeted airstrikes in support of the defense against invading Islamic militants, but stressed that the US will not support operations with ground troops. Laughable, as this was the same policy put into effect in Libya, with pitiful consequences.
10+ years, billions of dollars, and hundreds of dead soldiers later, we’re back to where we started. If a full withdrawal of troops is Obama’s desired legacy, as has been stated, then just get the fuck out of there and let the place (further) go to shit. Why not? Putting lipstick on a pig is exactly that. Though, I’ve previously stated enough on my views of US foreign policy that I don’t think there is anything more constructive or innovative I can add here.
Good luck with your quagmire. Let us know how it works out for you.
Putin Putout
Citizens of the US can no longer purchase newly manufactured Russian made (read: Kalashnikov Concern, makers of Saiga and other Izhmash factory produced firearms) AK-pattern rifles thanks to one of the many sanctions imposed against Russia by President Barack Obama. At this news, some were pissed, some were indifferent, some were filled with joy. Multiple subsequent postings on firearms boards and trade sites had many users pulling their Russian-made rifles out of the woodwork and listing them for ridiculous premiums, similar to the phenomenon that struck the firearms industry immediately after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
So what does that have to do with anything?
Aside from my utter sadness, yet understanding, of the aforementioned news, Russia has decided to retaliate against the European Union, the US, and associated opposition for the recent tightening of sanctions. In a vibrant display of kamikaze affection, Putin announced the immediate embargo on the import of numerous foodstuffs, instigating a trade war which could possibly disrupt the world’s economies. Because if Russia’s going down, they’re taking the rest of us with them.
Sooo… can we just let them keep Crimea now? This shit is getting more and more pointless.
The Wrap Up…
The world’s plights may make for entertaining fodder, or a short discussion between friends, or a half-amusing blog post, but these are real issues affecting real people. And we’re moving backward.
The United States faces geopolitical and economic pressures like never before seen in world history. Despite our best efforts through the evolution of science and technology, obstacles such as disease, war, and famine still erode any progress we make as a society. Cultural barriers block an outstretched hand. Trade barriers block a peaceful union. Leadership barriers block a meaningful discussion. We yearn to fly, but face against the wind.
The time has come for our nation to turn around and spread its wings.
Comatose Republic 