Why not, USA?

There are somethings I don't understand about my country.  For example, why our country and Somalia are the only countries in the world to not ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.   As if it wasn't bad enough to be in the same category as Somalia.  Now Somalia has announced they will soon ratify the bill.  Great.  Here's the response from Ian Kelly, US State Dept. Spokesperson on Mon. November 23, 2009:


QUESTION: Somalia announced that it’s going to join the Convention on the Rights of the Child. And if they do so, the United States is going to be the only country that hasn’t ratified the treaty. So I’m wondering what’s the position of this Administration on that treaty?

MR. KELLY: I’ll have to find out.

QUESTION: Could you take –

MR. KELLY: That’s a taken question.

QUESTION: Yeah. Can you do a similar on the landmine treaty? There’s going to be the conference in Cartagena next week.

MR. KELLY: Yeah, that’s right.

QUESTION: And what’s the U.S. –

MR. KELLY: We actually have some guidance on that. I can’t recall it off the top of my head.

QUESTION: You don’t have it with you?

MR. KELLY: No, I’m afraid not. But we do have guidance on that that we can send out to you, yeah.

I guess this issue didn't make it to the top of the list in things you bring with you to the press briefing.  But seriously, why not, USA?  Why do we not want to protect the rights of children from capital punishment, military involvement, pornography, and prostitution?  Don't we agree that children have rights and must be protected from abuse and exploitation?

Well, I do.  And I hope the USA (lone super-power and defender of democracy, freedom and justice...maybe a hint of sarcasm) will also come on board (like it should have in the 1990s) to support and ratify this bill.  Come on Obama!

And while we are at, let's also review the Ottawa Treaty (to ban land mines) and consider joining the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Whirlwind D.C. Extravaganza

Justin and I hopped in the car and headed to D.C. to attend the Middle East Institute Conference with some fellow Pattersonite classmates.  It was a whirlwind tour of visiting the Renwick art gallery, the State Dept., the classic D.C. monuments, attending the MEI conference, and hanging out with family (all accomplished in 3 days...and that includes driving time).  It was fun but now I feel tired and a bit behind on just about everything.  Though I did have a crazy time at the grocery store tonight.  I don't think I have ever bought that many groceries in one visit.  My goal is to not go back until Thanksgiving.  Alright....now it's time to start typing some papers.  But first, PICTURES.

Forsaken

I haven't been very nice to my blog recently.  Quite neglectful actually.  I really like writing but lately grad school has overwhelmed my free time.  So starting now, I am trying to be more diligent in exercising sound time management skills.  This includes exercising, blogging, and finishing my reading assignments on time (and not a week late--that was a bad habit that I am now regretting).  We'll see how long it lasts.

I have some very exciting new things to document.  My fall allergies have started....aaccheew!  I haven't taken any pictures in the last 5 months.  Maybe that isn't exciting but very unusual for me.  I feel like my life has a big black hole in it.  How will I remember the summer and fall of 09?!?!  This is serious.  I am determined to start documenting again.  Next week, Justin and I head to D.C. for the MEI conference so that should be a good time to bust out the camera.

School Update.....So far, I have received A's on my grad school midterms.  I can't even describe how happy and amazed I am.  I should get back my DIP 777 mid-term soon and I am keeping my fingers crossed that my good luck continues.  I am still worried about that 15 page paper in Int. Human Rights class that is coming up.  I hear Mingst is a wizard with a red pen when it comes to grading papers.  Khazam!

I also registered for classes this week.  My Spring 2010 schedule will be.....

AEC 626 Ag Econ Development with Skees.....the syllabus looks awesome
PS 737 Transnational Organizations with Mingst....the required class for Int. Dev majors
DIP 600 African Development Challenges with Staples....continuing the African focus
FR 101 or 102  Elementary French....hoping to get into 102, we'll see.  placement test coming soon.

I am enjoying school a lot, but go through periods where I get really stressed out.  Working and school and being involved with communality and having friends and hosting couch-surfers and visiting family is A LOT.   Whew.  I feel tired just thinking about it.

Well, my break is over.  Time to hit the books or really just some articles.  Regardless, time for some reading.

Oh, one more thing......my picture famine is officially over.

 

 

Hot tea is good for sore throat due to fall allergies.