What makes One Country more just than another?

What makes One Country More Just than Another?
By Reporter Odin Swidzinski - The Report Itself

The Introduction

Welcome to my report of “What makes One Country more Just than another Country.” There are 193 nations on Earth which are members of the United Nations, which if you enter the UN, it shows you are a legitimate country. However, the practices of many countries, even the People’s Republic of China and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, per se, could be considered by any movement throughout the world to be questionable. Indeed, since it and Saudi Arabia are G20 (Group of 20) members, of the top 20 economies, the PRC and Saudi Arabia are part of the organization. Thus, I am going to compare the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the People’s Republic of China.
The Criteria for a certain country to be considered a Just Country
The criteria for my definition of a just country eventually shall boil down to the following bulleted items.

• Government - A government must help defend its land, protects its citizens, and is able to survive as a sovereign state in the long run.
• Crime - The chances of a country with a CRIPPLING crime rate to be free and fair is so low, that it is extremely useless for the nation to function. It could be a large problem if criminals are actually INVOLVED in government.
• Economy - Whilst the economy may be weak, and the country could still be just, a strong economy contributes a lot for a just country since with a stronger economy, there is significant evidence that it is free, and thus, more likely to be just.
• Foreign Relations - If a nation has strong foreign relations with other nations, and friendly relations with other nations within the geographic locale in which they are likely to be at. Likewise, if they are unable to sustain themselves, or even end up corrupted, there would be no reason why said entity is just.

China (People’s Republic of)

Government

The Government of the People’s Republic of China, is the type to claim that is a democracy, and indeed, why not prove it with electoral results? However, all of the parties, are ultimately puppet parties of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which is the main party within China. Thus, with the large domination of the CCP within the People’s Republic of China, it can be safely concluded that the government of China is an oligarchy, a type of an authoritarian government. Despite that, its “National People’s Congress” claims to be democratic and even “elects” the President of the PRC, which is currently Hu Jintao. The National People’s Congress” even has 2,987 seats, allegedly representing the people of China. Indeed, people indirectly elect their representatives within the National People’s Congress but in half of all villages, they are appointed, rather than elected by the Chinese government.

However, the reason that their government is an oligarchy is due to the fact that the real source of power, really comes from the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, comprised of twenty members. When compared to a 2,987 seat body which claims to have a lot of power, you know that you have found an oligarchy, especially since it seems that the Government and the Communist Party of China are significantly intertwined. Thus, it leads to the following question: Which is more powerful? The Politburo, or the “National People’s Congress?” Actually, the answer is neither, since there is another position of power, which is the seven member Standing Committee.

Now, we come back to the “National People’s Congress” since President Hu, who is also the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, which is the most powerful position in the People’s Republic of China which was chosen by the 2,987 member body of the National People’s Congress. In such a “democratic” body, you might think that he could be “elected.” Indeed, he was “elected,” but as expected, he was a member of the Chinese Communist Party, which could mean that his predecessor could have appointed him. The things that the “National People’s Congress” does, is actually appoint the “Supreme People’s Court,” and their judiciaries of said court.

Their Justice system, however is very much different from ours, with the legal system based on Soviet-style law, as well as continental European systems, and three courts: The Local People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Court, and the Special People’s Court.

Crime

A really common crime within the People’s Republic of China is software piracy, with 82% of all software within China being pirated. However, in 2007, there were 470 executions inside China. However, in a nation this large (over one billion persons, the largest in the World, just ahead of India, one of the two ), there are 119 prisoners for every 100,000 people, imprisoned for any crime under Chinese law. Another major crime within China, is breaking the one-child limit; since in 1979, Chinese authorities placed the limit, to reduce “overpopulation,” which does not seem to be fair in my humble opinion. In regards to the death penalty, there are 470 executions per annum with 2.2 murders per 100,000 people, as well as 1.9 homicides that are intentional. However, there is 1,549,000 prisoners, the second largest prison population in the world.

Economy

The economy of the People’s Republic of China, while it is large; is offset by its huge population, thus causing the gross national product (GNP) to be similar of those in developing countries. Thus, while overall income has been rising; it is unequally distributed, hence why the gap between the rich and poor have been increasing in recent years; which mean in a state accustomed to equal wages, it is a source of contention for the average person within the People’s Republic of China. However, China’s HDI Index is at 0.755, at 88th place. Despite that, it exports around $31,136,800,000 worth of goods and services to the United States of America, thus a common nickname, “powerhouse of the world,” could be justly applied in this instance to China.

Relations with other nations

Chinese relations with other nations are really important. In any case, since the 1990s, it believes that the United States, which China now considers it to be a “hyperpower” could be counterbalanced by alliances with the European Union and Russia. Closer to Chinese territory, it has tried to make closer relations with other Asian nations; but even then, it is marred with international tensions. A key example could be the situation on the island of Taiwan, which is controlled by the Republic of China, which governed the mainland from 1912 to 1949, when it was driven off to Taiwan; and which the PRC claims as its own territory. Yet, the South China Sea is also heavily contested, by not one, nor two, but four nations; China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines and Taiwan. However, Brunei claims some area; but it does not actively pursue its claim. Then, comes the situation with India. India claims the Aksai Chin region as part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, which Pakistan claims some area, as Azad Kashmir (Free Kashmir) and Gilgit-Baltistan (formerly Northern Areas). In fact, some believe that there could be a self-fulfilling prophecy; in the sense that it is causing its OWN encirclement of nations aligned against a well-armed China.

Saudi Arabia (Kingdom of)

Government

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, led by the King of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah, since 2005. Despite the fact that in recent years, it is gradually reforming, even allowing democracy; and proposals to grant the right to vote, to the Majlis al-Shura (Consultative Council), as well as run for office, to date, these elections have not occurred. However, whenever it comes to the spotlight, there is a significant issue that seems to affect this nation. That is human rights to women, which significantly undermines the rating of Saudi Arabia and its “justness rating,” of which it is a rating of how just one country is.

Within Saudi Arabia, it follows a strict form of Sharia law. While it is not quite as bad as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the government which was controlled by the Taliban from 1996 to 2001 that covered most of Afghanistan), it still impedes their rights and abilities within their own nation. However, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is divided into twelve Governorates, each of which are headed by a Governor, known as an Emir who answers directly to the King of Saudi Arabia. However, King Abdullah in 2011, announced that in 2013, women can nominate themselves for “election” and will be able to vote in the 2015 Municipal Elections, which really are the only way people have a say in this absolute monarchy.

Despite that, in 2005 and 2011, they are electing members of the Municipal Councils, with voters electing 50% of the seats, the rest are appointed. In the elections, men over the age of 21 are allowed to vote, whilst women cannot vote. Oddly enough, a religious book; the Qu’ran, is the country’s official “constitution” within Saudi Arabia.

Indeed, the legal system within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is based on sharia law, with some elements of Egyptian, French and customary law within its legal system; whilst in recent years, they are secularizing, even adopting some secular codes. For the most, part however; sharia law is followed in Saudi Arabia. In regards to the judicial branch of the Saudi government is the “Supreme Council of Justice,” which ought to be called the “Supreme Council of INjustice.”

Crime

The crime rate within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is seemingly rare. In Saudi Arabia, there is around 143 executions per annum. Indeed, there is a higher murder rate per 100,000 people, which is 3.2, compared to 2.2 in the People’s Republic of China. In contrast, the homicide rate is just at one. The prisoners within Saudi Arabia however is at 28,612 prisoners, which is way less than China’s prisoners.

Economy

Saudi Arabia’s HDI is at 0.772, at 75th place, slightly higher than the People’s Republic of China (Beijing). However, its exports to the United States are at $4,691,300,000, way less than China’s exports to the United States of America (hence why it is called the powerhouse of the World). Indeed, it seems to export a lot more petroleum, to many nations, such as the United States, per se, which Saudi Arabia seems to have a lot of petroleum (oil).

Relations with other nations

The relations of Saudi Arabia with other nations is really confusing to comprehend. Indeed, its relations with Iran are strained, due to differing ideologies and fear of Iranian influence within the Middle East. Despite that, Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy is influenced, on uniting the Arab World and cooperation with the Gulf States (the Persian Gulf, as it is is referred to). Indeed, its main relations is with Muslim countries such as in the Middle East, per se. However, in this instance; in terms of relations with Israel, it has a diplomatic boycott over Israel; but recognizes that its supplier and major trading partner, the United States of America has friendly ties with Israel.

Decision

Thus, based on the current situation; I believe that China is more just than Saudi Arabia. While China may violate human rights, especially claims from American imperialists that they are violating human rights within the Tibetan Autonomous Region (known in Chinese as Xizang); Saudi Arabia is much worse in this regard. China is an oligarchy, whilst Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy that imperialists could describe as transitioning to a constitutional monarchy. Despite its change, and legal systems within Saudi Arabia, it is still criticized for its treatment of women. China, however; on government, economy and crime, is more just than Saudi Arabia.

Another key thing regarding China and Saudi Arabia, is the fact that China has the one child limit; since in China, there is not of arable land, which is barely enough to supply its population; hence why it is dependent on imports from foreign countries, such as the United States. Indeed, with Saudi Arabia’s strong economy, based on oil; is it really worth obtaining oil from Saudi Arabia? Indeed, China has a strong economy, undergoing an economic boom, which helped shaped the economy.

Thus, whilst I find out, that Saudi Arabia may be friendly; the only reason why it is not attacked yet by the “Imperialist” States of America (let alone NATO), despite its questionable antics is one word: Oil (which should be properly named petroleum). China, on the other hand; has a lot of minerals and goods awaiting export of goods. Therefore, in my humble opinion; the People’s Republic of China is more just than the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Lastly, I leave you an important question to ask ALL of you. Which nation is more just to you? Would it be the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? Or would it be the People’s Republic of China? The choice is yours to decide.

Justness Rating

As for this rating system, one is the worst, whilst ten is the best. After adding up the criterium for the Just Countries between Saudi Arabia and China, I will be posting them here. You see, the highest rating is 40, whilst the lowest is... zero, obviously. Thus, without further ado, I hereby present the Justness Ratings.
People’s Republic of China, Beijing

Government: 10/10
Crime: 5/10
Economy: 10/10
Foreign Relations: 10/10
Total Rating: 35

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh

Government: 3/10
Crime: 10/10
Economy: 9/10
Foreign Relations: 2/10
Total Rating: 24

Hence, it confirms, in a nutshell, of how just these countries truly were, and it confirms, that the government in Beijing (Peking), with 35/40, is more just than the Government in Riyadh, with 24/40. Indeed, Saudi Arabia and China may have strong economies, but in the long run, Saudi Arabia is not as just, as the People’s Republic of China.

Jot Notes for the Report
- China claims to be a democracy
- the main party in China is the Chinese Communist Party
- “National People’s Congress” claims to be democratic and “elect” the President of China
- The Government of China is an oligarchy
- 2,987 seat body claims to have power, but 20 member body actually has power
- President of China is a member of the Chinese Communist Party
- National People’s Congress appoint members of the Supreme People’s Court
- Their legal system in China is based off of Soviet law and continental European systems of law.
- China has three legal courts
- China’s most common crime is software piracy, and another major crime is having more than one child (two in the countryside).
- accustomed by people are equal wages
- large economy in China is offset by its own population
- overall income is rising, but it is distributed unequally
- Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy led by King Abdullah since 2005
- It is gradually reforming but women’s rights is still a large problem within Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Arabia follows a strict form of sharia law
- Not quite as bad as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (Taliban’s Government)
- Divided into twelve governorates, ruled by an Emir who answers to the King
- impedes women’s rights in Saudi Arabia
- in 2011, he allowed women to nominate themselves for office in 2013, and to vote in 2015
- Quran is the official constitution of Saudi Arabia
- legal system in Saudi Arabia is Sharia law, with some elements of Egyptian, French, and customary law, as well as some secular codes.
- judicial branch is the Supreme Council of Justice
- The relations of Saudi Arabia is generally friendly towards Pakistan and other Arab countries
-

Bibliography

"East and Southeast Asia: China." The World Factbook. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ch.html>.

"CultureGrams Online Database: Subscriber Area Only." CultureGrams Online Database: Subscriber Area Only. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. <http://online.culturegrams.com/world/world_country_sections.php?contid=3&wmn=Asia&cid=34&cn=China&snid=18>

"The Middle East: Saudi Arabia." CIA - The World Factbook. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2012. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sa.html>.

"NationMaster - Compare two countries: China and Saudi Arabia." NationMaster - World Statistics, Country Comparisons. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2012. <http://www.nationmaster.com/compare/China/Saudi-Arabia/>.

"CultureGrams Online Database: Subscriber Area Only." CultureGrams Online Database: Subscriber Area Only. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2012. <http://online.culturegrams.com/world/world_country_sections.php?contid=12&wmn=Asia&cid=139&cn=Saudi_Arabia&sname=Government&snid=18>.

"The Middle East: Saudi Arabia." CIA - World Factbook. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. <https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sa.html>.

"CultureGrams Online Database: Subscriber Area Only." CultureGrams Online Database: Subscriber Area Only. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2012. <http://online.culturegrams.com/world/world_country_sections.php?contid=3&wmn=Asia&cid=34&cn=China&sname=Economy&snid=19>.

"NationMaster - Crime stats: China vs Saudi Arabia." NationMaster - World Statistics, Country Comparisons. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2012. <http://www.nationmaster.com/compare/China/Saudi-Arabia/Crime>.

"NationMaster - Economy stats: China vs Saudi Arabia." NationMaster - World Statistics, Country Comparisons. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2012. <http://www.nationmaster.com/compare/China/Saudi-Arabia/Economy/>.

"Foreign relations of Saudi Arabia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 May 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Saudi_Arabia>

1950s, the late, relations between China, and the Soviet Union had become so divisive that in 1960. "Foreign relations of the People's Republic of China - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 May 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_the_People's_Republic_of_China>

PSA at OneTrueMedia.com

Public Service Announcement, now complete!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

PSA at OneTrueMedia.com

Public Service Announcement, now complete!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

PSA at OneTrueMedia.com

PSA pour moi and Cody's project.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Assignment for The Outsiders - CAST LIST

This is an assignment for the Outsiders, thus, I will present the actors I will potray for the main characters.

Ponyboy Curtis

Ponyboy Curtis is the youngest brother of the Curtis Family, at the age of 14. He has a high IQ, and had good grades. He is possibly the only person within the "Greasers" group to enjoy movies, and books. However, his appearance is light-brown hair, which seems to be almost red, and greenish-gray eyes. His own hair is longer, than how most boys within the neighborhood wear their own hair, which is typically long at the front and sides, and squared off in the back. Thus, I would choose Colin Farrell to portray Ponyboy Curtis, despite his negative reputation, he could be very convincing, that he was forced to join a gang just to gain reputation.

Sodapop "Soda" Curtis

Sodapop "Soda" Curtis is sixteen years old, who is going on seventeen never cracks a book at all. However, Soda tries to understand, at least, which is a lot different compared to anybody in the Greasers, since he does not holler the way Darrel Curtis does. However, he is the middle child of the Curtis Family. However, despite his childish antics, he is more "happy-go-lucky," and typically will be grinning. Therefore, Sodapop and Ponyboy really go well together, since they both love each other a lot more than they ever did to their mother and father, who died in a car accident. With this, I would be choosing Justin Bartha to potray Sodapop "Soda" Curtis, due to his innocent looks. He seemed to be innocent, indeed; as Sodapop is childish, Justin Bartha would suit Soda perfectly.

Keith "Two-Bit" Matthews

Keith "Two-Bit" Matthews is the oldest member within the Greasers gang. He, however seems to be the wisecracker of the Greasers gang, stocky in build, and is six feet tall. Another factor of his appearance seemed to be the rusty-colored sideburns; as well as his own gray eyes. The teachers, however would forget that his real name is Keith, and even the rest of the Greasers did not know that he had a real name, after all, he always had to get his two-bits in, hence the nickname. His personality is being a kleptomaniac, as evidenced by his interests of shoplifting and a switchblade he cherished (which, as one might expect, was stolen). However, he could make funny remarks, and often did; just to save himself. Some of his likes are fights, blondes, and for some bizzare reason school. Thus, I would choose Yannick Bisson to potray Keith "Two-Bit" Matthews, for he will perfectly potray, his identity, personality and known for his wise-cracks within the gang. Thus, Keith could actually be a good actor for this particular character.

Dallas (Dally) Winston

Dallas Winston is the roughest of the Greasers. As one can obviously usually tell the difference between a Greaser and a hoodlum, the difference CANNOT be told. Hence, he has an elvish face, high cheekbonwes and a pointed chin, with ears like a lynx. His hair is almost white because it was so blond, and he does not like hair oil and haircuts. Despite the hair being in tufts iand curled behind his ears and neck, he has blue eyes. For his ways that could get the entire group booted out of a restaurant, who could be more funny in the end, and very helpful? Hence, for the actor I will choose for Dallas Winston would be Gerry Dee. While yes, he is comedic, and way opposite of what Dallas is, I believe that Dally could easily be portrayed, and why not give a major character role to someone reputable? He may be glad of things and may be a good source of humor. Thus, by this logic, Gerry Dee will be a really perfect actor for the Outsiders.

Viperfish Mini-Report

The Viperfish Mini-Report
An essay by Odin Swidzinski

Physical Characteristics

The Viperfish is a fish that is a fierce predator of the deep sea. But, how does the Viperfish survive at these levels, where humans would implode and have no trace left of us? For this creature, it has huge fangs that could be used to impale their pray as the Viperfish swims at fast speeds. Because of that, it curves back close to the eyes of the fish. The viperfish themselves however are between 30 and 60 centimeters long. We now have a question by this point.

How The Viperfish Catches it Prey

How does the Viperfish see when it is extremely dark where they live in the deep sea? One could argue that the bioilluminescent organ that it turns on and off could be used to see. In reality, that is used to attract prey, since they could hang motionless, flashing its lights to attract smaller fish that will inevitably be eaten. Behind the head, however lies a shock absorber, the first vertebra in its head, and is topped with a spine, which has photophores, which produces light, which as I have mentioned before, is used to attract prey. For the Viperfish, it has a low metabolism rate, meaning that this creature can go on for days on end without eating. Its prey is typically crustaceans and small fish that exist in the deep sea. Unfortunately, like any other creature, it is part of the food chain. As for the Viperfish being the prey, it is known to be hunted by sharks and some species of dolphins.

Habitat and Reproduction

The habitat of the Viperfish is approximately between just above 600 meters below the sea during the night, to 1,500 meters or just above during the day. They typically live within tropical and subtropical waters, around the world, but they are rarely seen by humans except the ocassional catch by a deep sea trawler, in which case, scientists have a chance to study the viperfish.  It is believed that the Viperfish spawn externally, which means the males and females release sperm and eggs respectively into the water, where fertilization occurs. Due to this, the larvae are around 6 millimeters long. However, once they hatch, the Viperfish are left to fend for themselves until they reach maturity, of which they would begin finding their mates. Typically, larvae are at their highest between January and March, however, they could reproduce at any time of the year. Therefore, it is assumed that since so few Viperfish have been caught, human activity would not impact their populations.

Life Expectancy

Researchers have believed that the Viperfish live between 15 and 30 years, in the wild. However, in captivity, they rarely survive for more than a few hours.

So, how does the Viperfish survive in the deep?

Now, we face a question that is really important. "So, how does the Viperfish survive in the deep waters of the many oceans and seas? " We know that the fish migrates up to shallower waters, where food is more plentiful, that it uses light to attract its pray, on its photophores. We know as much as the researchers know of their reproductive habits right now, and we definitely know they live in tropical and subtropical waters. But, a major question is how could this fish survive those pressures which could crush us and literally, erase us from our existance? In my opinion, I believe that how the Viperfish survive in the deep was due to evolution. In the past, there could have been ancestors that lived in shallower waters, and that over time, there is a possibility that their habitats moved deeper and deeper, they have evolved to ensure that they do not get crushed. So, therefore, I believe that the present viperfish, would, a few hundred thousand years ago, would have been in shallower waters, possibly up to the low end of the "twilight" zone, but moved deeper over several generations, to where their habitats are.

In conclusion, the question I pose is this: Will the Viperfish evolve to move deeper? Or would the Viperfish head up to shallower waters?

Sources

http://www.allthesea.com/Deep-Sea-Fish-Viperfish.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viperfish
http://www.seasky.org/deep-sea/viperfish.html

Jot Notes

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XURprXQTEGOgUM3PpGrfKF5dr9PpSgFInyxDZdvdSvo/edit

Kim Jong-il has died.

And now, we got bad news. A great leader since Kim il-Sung, the son of that leader, Kim Jong-il, has died on Dec. 17, 2011. He was a great Korean leader, that helped transform Korea. Under his rule, Korea suffered through a famine but it rapidly rebounded. He was a leader that modernized Korea, and now without him, what will Korea go through next?

In my opinion, I feel sad that the Dear Leader, Kim Jong-il has passed on. He was a great source of inspiration, a hero to all Koreans. Now that he is gone, where will Kim Jong-un lead Korea? Will he make DPRK pro-American? And did the USA assassinate Kim Jong-il?

Answers to Mr. Catton's Questions - 12 to 15

Answer the following questions on your blog in paragraph form. Make sure you use proper paragraph structure, punctuation and grammar.

1. How can movements such as The Wave be defeated?

For movements like the Wave to be Defeated, we have a few answers. One answer could be directly criticizing movements like the Wave, to say things that are against the Wave, for example, and have support from the other members of the opposition. Secondly, an idea can be joining the group, and then all of a sudden have a speech that criticizes the higher levels of the group, and demand that the group ceases its actions against the other group. A third idea can be not joining, because if you do not join a group, you will not be contributing to the mess it makes, like for example, the Wave damaging the relationships between Laurie and David. That is why they broke up, since David was part of the Wave, but Laurie criticized it, for example. Why do they want to join a group that will take away their individualism and rights in the long term? The possible reason could be to protect them from a threat, in the Wave's case, the non-members, and in the case of the Nazis, the communists. Thus, these are the methods that groups such as the Wave can be defeated.

2. What does this film say about authority and power?

If one person becomes the sole leader of a group, and has absolute authority over others, he could have good intentions, but where does it turn bad? It turns bad if you encourage people to hurt others, because of some characteristic, like being disabled, or a communist, for example. That could easily damage ones own reputation, but if the person cultivates a cult of personality, and rewards members of the group, for obedience, they could still have "support" from the members of the group. Thus, one can easily grow too authoritarian, and transform into a dictator, like many a person, now in the pages of history, has done. To quote an old saying, "Power corrupts, but absolute power corrupts absolutely." Therefore, this what the film says about authority and power.

3. What does this experiment say about the cause of the Holocaust?

The question one can pose to this concept is "How could many good German peoples do really horrible things and follow the one that can damage Germany in the long term?" The experiment says that one feels that it is not their fault if they harm someone else, if the group wants that person removed from the face of the Earth, and that it is not their fault, but rather, the group. One proof of that is by the Nazi guard, that even in the present day, has no regrets for the actions that he did, because Adolf Hitler told him to do the killings. So, because of that, if one stable group rises in a country like Somalia, one will want to join, to make the country, like Somalia, stronger, to form a greater Somalia. Therefore, the experiment proves that if one can reward members for obedience, they can follow the party, for fear of punishment.

Rise of the Nazi Party - ESSAY and SPEECH

This is my essay of the Rise of the Nazi Party for the assignment. This is the blog copy, since essays are to be on the blog. The italic in the last paragraph, is sarcasm. You will know why. ;) Anyhow, comment, comment, comment.

It was November 1918. All hope had been lost, for the German Kaiser was defeated. The German Empire had crumbled, its Kingdoms now a republic. Its empire was no more, the victory secured by the allies. It all seems like the Germans deserved to pay it, after all, while a Bosnian Serb started the First World War, Germany has to take the blame. The once great German nation was gone. Was it ever going to rise again? Or was Germany going to become a puppet state, devoid of a leader, and never going to attack anyone? Henceforth, the speech I will be making is the rise of the National Socialist German Worker’s Party, or for short, the NSDAP.

In the early years of the NSDAP, we describe how Hitler joined the party, and the era before the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923. In 1919, Germany finally suffers defeat as it was forced to sign the Treaty of Versailles, negotiated between the allies and the Central Powers. One of its clauses was to place the blame of the war, the starter of the war, to Germany. While Germany tries to negotiate, in Germany itself, the German Worker’s Party, the forerunner to the NSDAP, had a right-wing ideology. One man, born in Austria, was to give life into the party. Adolf Hitler, a former corporal of the German Army joins this group. Due to his speeches, one by one, he began to take a right-wing course, emphasising National Socialism, or Nazism. By 1920, the party has three thousand members, and by the following year, Hitler becomes the Fuhrer, or Leader of the Party.

Here, we describe Hitler’s attempted coup in Munich, in 1923, his trial, and his time in prison. In 1923, Hitler finally attempts a coup d’état in Munich, to try and overthrow the local authorities in Munich, known as the Beer Hall Putsch. He unfortunately has failed, and was arrested. From there, he was charged of High Treason, and so were other Nazi Party leaders.  However, while he was on trial, he used it as a propaganda platform against the Weimar Republic, and thus, after twenty-four days, he got a five year sentence, with early parole. During his time in prison, he wrote “Mein Kampf” or “My Struggle,” which reveals his nationalism, desire of a pure “Aryan” race, and elimination of other races, such as Poles, Jews, Gypsies, communists and those with disabilities. Thus, the book became a foundation for the ideology of the NSDAP, or the Nazi Party, and the Holocaust.

Now, in this part of the speech, we describe the time when Hitler began the NSDAP’s rise into power, up to the Wall Street Crash in 1929, which triggered the Great Depression, a worldwide economic crisis. In 1925, Paul von Hindenburg was elected as the President of Germany. Germany was stabilized, when that conservative military hero came into power. However, by that point, Hitler was now beginning to mobilize a mass movement, to help form a core body, for a future German government. Now, many organizations affiliated with the NSDAP were forming, like the Hitler Youth, the Student League, and the Pupils League, that were open to young Germans, whilst the females were allowed in the National Socialist Women’s league. With that, there were organizations, such as the S.A., of which the S.S. was born, as an elite division of the S.A. From 1925 to 1927, they failed to attract people from the large cities of Germany, like Berlin, and Munich, for example, so when they did poorly in the 1928 Elections, it only won 2.9% of the seats in the Reichstag. Due to that, they had to switch strategies, to rural Germany, blaming the Jews for Germany’s problems.

Finally, we reach the era between 1929 and 1932, of which during that period, the Great Depression occurs, and had impacted Germany. In 1929, the Wall Street Crash impacts the German economy, and thus, it begins a domino effect. Within a few years, unemployment grew from three million persons to six million persons, which was a third of Germany’s population, and due to that, the Grand Coalition, a “salad” of liberal and conservative parties collapsed while arguing over how to fix it. Finally, the German government pressured Paul von Hindenburg to impose emergency laws, to stabilize the Weimar Republic. The demise of the democracy in the Weimar Republic had begun, for a democratic government was now ruled by decrees, with chancellors instead of democratically elected politicians. The first Chancellor under the new system, Heinrich Brüning attempted to stabilize the Weimar Republic but it fails, causing new elections in 1930, with the NSDAP winning 18.3% of the seats. This was a victory for the NSDAP, for it became the second largest party in the Reichstag.  In 1932, however, 84 year old Hindenburg’s term was ending. As much as he did not want to run, and retire, he knew that if he did, Adolf Hitler would become President of the Weimar Republic, so he reluctantly runs for office once more. After many a debate, campaigns and efforts by both sides, Hindenburg won, but Hitler won 37% of the votes. The Government of the Weimar Republic was still on the edge, appearing like it is to fall off the metaphorical cliff. Did it even appear like it will survive? As arguments and debates upon the senior political leaders occurred, they did not think that Hitler will manoeuvre himself to the top of the German crown, so thus, they under-estimated his abilities. It was too late, by that point. Within several months, the Weimar Republic was to end and a Third Reich was beginning to rise, to be led by Hitler.

This was my speech of the rise of NSDAP, known as the National Socialist German Worker’s Party, or known to many English speakers as the Nazi Party. In this speech, I described the NSDAP early years, his Beer Hall Putsch in Munich in 1923, and his time in prison. We also described the NSDAP’s rise to power, from a small political party to a “dark horse” in German Politics, able to out-manoeuvre its rivals, to institute a beginning of a 1,000 year Empire, filled with happiness and joy for all. This is how a group of ex-soldiers, within 15 years, grew from many small political groups that followed right wing ideologies, to a party that controlled German society. In conclusion, I leave you with one question. Did the National Socialist German Worker’s Party have good intentions in mind, but ended up a corrupt party that seeks a pure Aryan race? Or did the party have those views all along, and wanted absolute power? The choice is up to you.

What I would have asked Father Maynard (AN EXPOSITORY ESSAY)

What I will ask Father Maynard
By Odin Callahan Swidzinski

            Many survivors of the Residential School system testify that the system has destroyed their culture, and in turn, their identity. However, we wonder whether the system had good intentions, but in the long term was marked with corruption, leading to the mistreatment of the First Nations. We also believe that they could possibly be over-exaggerating the mistreatment, so that they could have an excuse to preserve their own culture. However, some of the mistreatment could be at one residential school, which is called Kuiper Island Residential School, located off the coast of Victoria Island. They had plenty of students and staff, and even a headmaster who was later indicted with sexual abuse against the Residential School students. Thus, what I am going to discuss is the questions I would ask Father Maynard.

            I would ask Father Maynard what was his opinion on the Residential Schools. For him, he would respond, that he believed the Residential Schools helped the First Nations become a “civilized” ethnic group, instead of what they try to damage everything the Europeans have known. He would’ve said that we taught them how to farm, to work at a job, and to instil traditional European values onto the Aboriginals. Thus, another thing he could’ve said that we taught them English, mathematics, how to read English, and European science, because he felt the European model was much superior to the Aboriginal model. However, he would’ve also cited that in the long term, they helped the Aboriginals become a contributor to society.

            Another thing I would’ve asked him was why he was so determined for the First Nations to adopt European values when they could exchange ideas, just like how they did it with Hudson’s Bay Company. He may reply that at the time, the Europeans believed that they were superior to the First Nations, and because of that opinion, many believed that dominant opinion about the First Nations. Even in the 1950s and 1960s, he was enforcing the Federal Government’s orders to maintain the European values instead of the First Nation culture that used to dominate the Dominion of Canada. To quote A.O. Neville, “he would’ve attempted to protect the Aboriginal peoples from themselves.”  Thus, that was why we wanted to “civilize” the Indians. We did not treat them like how Rome treated trade to China in the past. At the time, we treated them like what they were at the time. Therefore, we did not want any Aboriginals to follow their values, but instead to follow a new culture, the European culture.

            Finally, I would’ve asked Father Maynard whether he regrets the actions of what he did when he was the headmaster of Kuiper Island Residential School. He could have responded that he admitted to his share of the atrocities that were committed in the Residential School System, from beatings to sexual abuse, and even taking First Nation children away to head to the Residential School. However, at the time, it was the orders of the Dominion of Canada for him to take the children away and make them attend the Residential School in Kuiper Island. It may have been wrong, but he may have wanted, like many others, to civilize the First Nations in Vancouver Island, to try to make them more European, to adopt a new identity that is European. He may have regretted the long term results and the damage that has impacted the First Nations ethnic groups in Vancouver Island. Thus, I would’ve summed up that he regrets for doing his part in the Residential Schools, but that at the time, he was following orders from the Dominion of Canada.

            The topic I had discussed was what I would’ve asked Father Maynard. I would have asked him what his opinion on the Residential School system was, and he could’ve replied that it had good intentions but due to corruption, it went downhill. I could’ve asked him why Europeans were so determined to eradicate the First Nations identity from the Dominion of Canada, and he may have replied that it was to “civilize” the First Nations and adopt a European identity. Finally, I would ask whether he regrets his role for the actions during the Residential School system, and he could have regretted what he had done for the First Nations in Canada, but that it was due to orders from the Government. To conclude this essay, I leave you with one question. Was the Residential Schools had good intentions or was bad all along? The choice is yours to make.