The United States of America strikes again. American citizens, who also happen to be Muslim, are under surveillance in an effort to prevent terrorism. The question of whether there is any evidence that can lead the NYPD to believe Muslim Americans should be under surveillance is an irrelevant one. The United States rarely needs evidence to monitor a community they believe is associated with violence and terrorist activity.
To the military they are known as UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) or RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems), but they are more commonly known as drones. Due to recent findings, the term “targeted killings” may seem more appropriate. A 16-page white paper memo was leaked and published by NBC recently, justifying the use of drone strikes outside recognized war zones. Although there has always been controversy surrounding them since the start of their use under President George W Bush, this time, the outrage is due to their use on American citizens.
It is too often that twenty something year olds blame the economy for the lack of jobs. Maybe it’s because they’re lazy, or not qualified. Perhaps it is because they lack creativity. Maybe, then, it is time to start pointing the finger at educational systems, not the economy. Time Magazine recently did an interview with Robin Marantz Henig and her daughter Samantha Henig, who co-wrote the book Twenty Something: Why do Young adults seem stuck?
Most people I know make New Year’s resolutions. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But I do have some concerns about the concept. There is such a huge emphasis on New Year’s Eve in the Western world; the cultural norm is to do something extravagant and out of the ordinary, since you’re celebrating not just the year that ended, but also the new year that is to come.