Dear Mate
Yep this essay concerning the contemporary sociology applied to our Civil Society and the environment seems very interesting.
Despite being one of the most vital, innovative and integrative subfields within contemporary sociology, the study of social movements confronts major problems. Much contemporary work relies on temporally-limited case studies, which, despite major virtues in terms of depth and insight, often lack analytic controls (Klandermans and Staggenborg 2002; Andrews and Edwards 2004)
While giving lip service to the need to examine social movement organizations (or SMOs) in the context of the broader mobilization of support and collective action, most research focuses exclusively on SMOs (typically limited to one or a few SMOs), collective actions, or cultural framing processes, rarely bringing these together to provide a more integrated understanding of movement mobilization.
Critics of resource mobilization theory have driven home the need to incorporate cultural perspectives into the analysis of social movements (e.g. Larana et al. 1994; Melucci 1989, 1996; Jasper 1997; Buechler 2000) but, as of yet, there is little empirical work bringing cultural analysis to bear on questions of long-term change in mobilization (but see Rochon 1988, Cress and Snow 2000; McCammon 2001; Lounsbury, et al. 2003).
Although political opportunities have long been shown to be critical to the emergence and outcomes of movements, critics point out that the concept is often applied in an ad hoc fashion, is fluid and imprecise, neglects subjective and negotiated processes, and is rarely balanced by attention to the potential mobilizing impact of political threats (Gamson and Meyer 1996; Goldstone and Tilly 2001; Goodwin and Jaspers 2003; Meyer 2004).
Equally telling, critics argue that the conceptual boundary setting off social movements from the study of interest group organizations and institutional politics is imprecise (Meyer and Tarrow 1998; Andrews and Edwards 2004) or even non-existent.
Source: J. Craig Jenkins Ohio State University
Cheers
Italo
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Darwin's Impact on Society and Science (Discussion)
About this Video:
Charles Darwin, and the legacy of his work describing evolution and natural selection, is often distorted for political ends. But as Center for American Progress Senior Fellow Susan Thistle thwaite explained yesterday, the spheres of science and religion are not in conflict, and a look at Darwin's own life can help untangle the thorny cultural history of evolution.
Few people seem to remember that Darwin graduated from seminary, she said.
Thistlethwaite spoke as a panelist at the Center yesterday, “Evolution, Transcendence, and the Nature of Faith which considered Darwin's legacy for both science and religion, and the impact of evolution on public policy.
She and was joined by Arthur Caplan, the Director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania, David Sloan Wilson, the co-founder of the Evolution Institute and a professor of evolutionary biology at Binghamton University, with CAP Senior Fellow Rick Weiss moderating the discussion.
Sally Steenland, a senior policy adviser to CAP’s Faith and Progressive Policy Initiative, noted in her opening remarks that over half of the U.S. and British populations reject Darwin's theory of evolution, which has serious consequences for education global competitiveness.
Addressing the place of evolution in education, Caplan explained that religion and Intelligent Design do not belong in science classes. But he also said that progressives often carry the prohibition too far, implying that discussions of religion belong nowhere at all in public schools, a proposition he disagreed with.
Building on the fact that Darwin was a religious man early in life, Thistlethwaite explained that the naturalist arrived at agnosticism after watching one of his young children suffer and die.
She stressed that it was this personal experience and not merely his scientific discoveries that changed his beliefs.
In my opinion Science and Religion are two different and delicate entities, these differencies/contrapositions are fundamentals; if not so, Ethics depends on God only.
Cheers
Italo
Sunday, September 06, 2009
"Civic education vital to spread tolerance in Middle - Eastern Society
Dear Readers
On the Arab Times website, there is an article concerning how is possible to achieve tolerance through civic education in the Middle-Eastern society.
This is the central point of this article (I think)
".... It is commonsense to expect that in any civil society in which personal responsibility, positive citizenship, and fulfilling different social duties are emphasized, tolerance will spread.
Educational institutions in the Middle East will continue to insert democratic hopes and potentials for the nation; yet, such hopes will remain ink on paper.
We need to reemphasize the “connection” between democracy and practicing civil behavior among the members of Middle-Eastern societies."
Source: Arab Times
Cheers
Italo
On the Arab Times website, there is an article concerning how is possible to achieve tolerance through civic education in the Middle-Eastern society.
This is the central point of this article (I think)
".... It is commonsense to expect that in any civil society in which personal responsibility, positive citizenship, and fulfilling different social duties are emphasized, tolerance will spread.
Educational institutions in the Middle East will continue to insert democratic hopes and potentials for the nation; yet, such hopes will remain ink on paper.
We need to reemphasize the “connection” between democracy and practicing civil behavior among the members of Middle-Eastern societies."
Source: Arab Times
Cheers
Italo
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Obama v De Tocqueville?
“The political associations that exist in the United States are only a single feature in the midst of the immense assemblage of associations in that country. Americans of all ages, all conditions, and all dispositions constantly form associations…” -
Alexis de Tocqueville
Dear Readers
A few sec ago, I read a controversial article concerning that the president of the United States, has restricted the lifeblood of charitable organisation, (The Bulletin of Philadelphia) how is that possible??
Honestly, I think that there must be a irrefutable reason, but unfortunately I ignore it, if you are a American citizen, or you know something about this deal, please post your opinion(s)
Thank You
Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859)
He published the two volumes of Democracy in America in 1835 and 1840, not long after he had returned to his native France from a visit to the United States.
He was an aristocrat who served in the French Chamber of Deputies and briefly as foreign minister.
His interpretation of the French Revolution, The Old Regime and the Revolution (1856), is also a classic.
He went to the United States to study the prison system but became preoccupied
with American politics in comparison to his European experiences.
He believed that America embodied the era of democratic revolutions in which he
lived and which was the wave of the future.
He emphasized "the general equality of conditions" in America that affected all aspects of politics, economics, customs, and opinions.
Democracy in America
http://files.libertyfund.org/files/667/Schleifer_0095_EBk_v4.pdf
Democracy in America (essay)
http://www.utdallas.edu/~gsc015100/tocqueville.pdf
Cheers
Italo
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
G8: Press Iran on Rights, Free Expression
(New York) - Leaders of the G8 group of industrialized nations meeting in L'Aquila, Italy on July 8, 2009, should condemn the violent attacks on peaceful protests, hundreds of arbitrary arrests, and harsh interrogations in Iran in the aftermath of the disputed June elections, Human Rights Watch said today. The G8 should demand impartial and credible investigations into these abuses and accountability for those responsible, Human Rights Watch said.
Source Hrw
Think!
Italo
Source Hrw
Think!
Italo
Friday, May 29, 2009
How We Should Deal to an Irresponsible TNC’s (Essay)
Dear Readers
I am proud to announce that I wrote an essay called “How We Should Deal to an Irresponsible TNC’s”
Introduction
Key Concepts: Philosophy, Democracy, Globalisation, Environment, Global
Citizenship, CSR
On this paper my intention is to write my ideas on how to deal to an irresponsible
TNC’s based on an ethical purchase.
The key reading is based on
“A philosophical enquiry into values and as a practical application of moral
behaviour” (Hultsman 1995-512).
“Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable to ensure that it
meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs”
Brundtland Commission - our common future
How We Should Deal to an Irresponsible TNC's
Cheers
Italo
I am proud to announce that I wrote an essay called “How We Should Deal to an Irresponsible TNC’s”
Introduction
Key Concepts: Philosophy, Democracy, Globalisation, Environment, Global
Citizenship, CSR
On this paper my intention is to write my ideas on how to deal to an irresponsible
TNC’s based on an ethical purchase.
The key reading is based on
“A philosophical enquiry into values and as a practical application of moral
behaviour” (Hultsman 1995-512).
“Humanity has the ability to make development sustainable to ensure that it
meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs”
Brundtland Commission - our common future
How We Should Deal to an Irresponsible TNC's
Cheers
Italo
Monday, May 25, 2009
EUROPEAN CIVIL SOCIETY OR CIVIL SOCIETY IN EUROPE?
Dear Readers
I hope that this short paper is a good source for an interesting discussion
About this paper:
"The purpose of this short paper is to provide a basis for a first discussion of the nature of European civil society or, as the title suggests, of civil society in Europe.
The ideas put forward in it, and/or others which may be suggested in discussion over the coming six months or so are intended to contribute to the development of a document setting out an understanding of the roots and nature of civil society which will be of use to CIVICUS in defining its future role and strategy in Europe."
Source: Written by Andrew Crook
Cheers
Italo
I hope that this short paper is a good source for an interesting discussion
About this paper:
"The purpose of this short paper is to provide a basis for a first discussion of the nature of European civil society or, as the title suggests, of civil society in Europe.
The ideas put forward in it, and/or others which may be suggested in discussion over the coming six months or so are intended to contribute to the development of a document setting out an understanding of the roots and nature of civil society which will be of use to CIVICUS in defining its future role and strategy in Europe."
Source: Written by Andrew Crook
Cheers
Italo
Monday, April 27, 2009
Patrick Manning: A civil society means allowing people to govern themselves (Article)
Dear Readers
Please have a look at this wonderful article edited by The Independent
"If we are to realise the full benefits of good governance, we must act on the principle that governments must govern, not in their own interest but first and foremost in the interest of the people. Additionally, it must be recognised that if we are to realise the maximum potential of our democracies, we ought to act on the principle that in the best interest of the people, the people must themselves have their say."
Source. The Independent
Cheers
Italo
Please have a look at this wonderful article edited by The Independent
"If we are to realise the full benefits of good governance, we must act on the principle that governments must govern, not in their own interest but first and foremost in the interest of the people. Additionally, it must be recognised that if we are to realise the maximum potential of our democracies, we ought to act on the principle that in the best interest of the people, the people must themselves have their say."
Source. The Independent
Cheers
Italo
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
What to do in case of Earthquake
Be Prepared: Before, During and After an Earthquake
Do you know how to prepare for and survive a major earthquake? According to Department of Conservation scientists, it will be critical to have the right answer to that question somewhere in California sometime in the coming years.
Many people think having bottled water on hand is a good idea. That's true, as long as you have enough. Many are certain that standing in a doorway during the shaking is a good idea. That's false, unless you live in an unreinforced adode structure; otherwise, you're more likely to be hurt by the door swinging wildly in a doorway or trampled by people trying to hurry outside if you're in a public place.
How to be Prepared
o Electricity, water, gas and telephones may not be working after an earthquake.
The police and fire departments are likely to be tied up. You should be prepared to fend for yourself for at least three days, preferably for a week.
o You'll need food and water (a gallon a day per person); a first aid kit; a fire extinguisher suitable for all types of fires; flashlights; a portable radio; extra batteries, blankets, clothes, shoes and money (ATMs may not work); medication; an adjustable or pipe wrench to turn off gas or water, if necessary; baby and pet food; and an alternate cooking source (barbecue or camp stove). This list can also be applied to other disasters, such as floods or wildfires.
o It's also a good idea to decide beforehand how and where your family will reunite if separated during a quake and to conduct in-home practice drills. You might choose an out-of-the-area friend or relative that family members can call to check on you.
o Securing water heaters, major appliances and tall, heavy furniture to prevent them from toppling are prudent steps. So, too, are storing hazardous or flammable liquids, heavy objects and breakables on low shelves or in secure cabinets.
o Discuss earthquake insurance with your agent. Depending on your financial situation and the value of your home, it may be worthwhile.
During an Earthquake
o If you're indoors, stay there. Get under -- and hold onto --a desk or table, or stand against an interior wall. Stay clear of exterior walls, glass, heavy furniture, fireplaces and appliances. The kitchen is a particularly dangerous spot. If you're in an office building, stay away from windows and outside walls and do not use the elevator.
o If you're outside, get into the open. Stay clear of buildings, power lines or anything else that could fall on you.
o If you're driving, move the car out of traffic and stop. Avoid parking under or on bridges or overpasses. Try to get clear of trees, light posts, signs and power lines. When you resume driving, watch out for road hazards.
o If you're in a mountainous area, beware of the potential for landslides. Likewise, if you're near the ocean, be aware that tsunamis are associated with large earthquakes. Get to high ground.
o If you're in a crowded public place, avoid panicking and do not rush for the exit. Stay low and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
After an Earthquake
o Check for fire or fire hazards. If you smell gas, shut off the main gas valve. If there's evidence of damage to electrical wiring, shut off the power at the control box.
o If the phone is working, only use it in case of emergency. Likewise, avoid driving if possible to keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
o Be aware that items may fall out of cupboards or closets when the door is opened, and also that chimneys can be weakened and fall with a touch. Check for cracks and damage to the roof and foundation of your home.
o Listen to the radio for important information and instructions. Remember that aftershocks, sometimes large enough to cause damage in their own right, generally follow large quakes.
o If you leave home, leave a message telling friends and family your location.
What to do in case of Earthquake (F.A.Q.)
http://www.consrv.ca.gov/index/Earthquakes/Pages/qh_earthquakes.aspx
Source: State of California
Prepare your emergency survival kit
Japan is an earthquake-prone country. Be prepared and don't panic when it happens!
Check your emergency survival kit regularly to see if the food is outdated or any items are missing so that the kit is usable when it's needed.
Source and Link: Tokio icc
http://www.tokyo-icc.jp/guide_eng/kinkyu/05.html
Think Before
Italo
Do you know how to prepare for and survive a major earthquake? According to Department of Conservation scientists, it will be critical to have the right answer to that question somewhere in California sometime in the coming years.
Many people think having bottled water on hand is a good idea. That's true, as long as you have enough. Many are certain that standing in a doorway during the shaking is a good idea. That's false, unless you live in an unreinforced adode structure; otherwise, you're more likely to be hurt by the door swinging wildly in a doorway or trampled by people trying to hurry outside if you're in a public place.
How to be Prepared
o Electricity, water, gas and telephones may not be working after an earthquake.
The police and fire departments are likely to be tied up. You should be prepared to fend for yourself for at least three days, preferably for a week.
o You'll need food and water (a gallon a day per person); a first aid kit; a fire extinguisher suitable for all types of fires; flashlights; a portable radio; extra batteries, blankets, clothes, shoes and money (ATMs may not work); medication; an adjustable or pipe wrench to turn off gas or water, if necessary; baby and pet food; and an alternate cooking source (barbecue or camp stove). This list can also be applied to other disasters, such as floods or wildfires.
o It's also a good idea to decide beforehand how and where your family will reunite if separated during a quake and to conduct in-home practice drills. You might choose an out-of-the-area friend or relative that family members can call to check on you.
o Securing water heaters, major appliances and tall, heavy furniture to prevent them from toppling are prudent steps. So, too, are storing hazardous or flammable liquids, heavy objects and breakables on low shelves or in secure cabinets.
o Discuss earthquake insurance with your agent. Depending on your financial situation and the value of your home, it may be worthwhile.
During an Earthquake
o If you're indoors, stay there. Get under -- and hold onto --a desk or table, or stand against an interior wall. Stay clear of exterior walls, glass, heavy furniture, fireplaces and appliances. The kitchen is a particularly dangerous spot. If you're in an office building, stay away from windows and outside walls and do not use the elevator.
o If you're outside, get into the open. Stay clear of buildings, power lines or anything else that could fall on you.
o If you're driving, move the car out of traffic and stop. Avoid parking under or on bridges or overpasses. Try to get clear of trees, light posts, signs and power lines. When you resume driving, watch out for road hazards.
o If you're in a mountainous area, beware of the potential for landslides. Likewise, if you're near the ocean, be aware that tsunamis are associated with large earthquakes. Get to high ground.
o If you're in a crowded public place, avoid panicking and do not rush for the exit. Stay low and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
After an Earthquake
o Check for fire or fire hazards. If you smell gas, shut off the main gas valve. If there's evidence of damage to electrical wiring, shut off the power at the control box.
o If the phone is working, only use it in case of emergency. Likewise, avoid driving if possible to keep the streets clear for emergency vehicles.
o Be aware that items may fall out of cupboards or closets when the door is opened, and also that chimneys can be weakened and fall with a touch. Check for cracks and damage to the roof and foundation of your home.
o Listen to the radio for important information and instructions. Remember that aftershocks, sometimes large enough to cause damage in their own right, generally follow large quakes.
o If you leave home, leave a message telling friends and family your location.
What to do in case of Earthquake (F.A.Q.)
http://www.consrv.ca.gov/index/Earthquakes/Pages/qh_earthquakes.aspx
Source: State of California
Prepare your emergency survival kit
Japan is an earthquake-prone country. Be prepared and don't panic when it happens!
Check your emergency survival kit regularly to see if the food is outdated or any items are missing so that the kit is usable when it's needed.
Source and Link: Tokio icc
http://www.tokyo-icc.jp/guide_eng/kinkyu/05.html
Think Before
Italo
Cosa fare in caso di terremoto
Informazioni di comportamento in caso di terremoto. Il terremoto è un fenomeno naturale e conseguentemente dobbiamo prepararci all’eventualità che esso avvenga senza farci sorprendere impreparati, tanto più se abitiamo in una area definita storicamente “sismica”. Cosa fare quando il terremoto non c’è: - Verificare lo stato di salute della propria casa; una casa in buone condizioni subisce meno danni ed è meno pericolosa di una in cattivo stato di manutenzione.
Informarsi se sono stato fatti gli adeguamenti antisismici (esistono varie leggi che danno contributi ai cittadini per gli adeguamenti, informarsi presso gli Uffici Tecnici dei Comuni!).
- Tenere a mente dove si abita, nel senso di conoscere il proprio quartiere e memorizzare le aree libere vicino casa.
- Informarsi su cosa prevede in caso di terremoto il “Piano comunale di Protezione Civile” del proprio paese per il quartiere dove si abita, conoscere dove si trova “l’area di attesa”.
- Informarsi sul posto di lavoro e nelle scuole se esiste un piano di evacuazione. Chiedere di partecipare al progetto “Scuola sicura”. - Nei condomini: indire ogni 6 mesi una riunione per verificare le conoscenze di comportamento di ciascun inquilino, chiedere che vengano eliminate le situazioni di pericolo derivanti dagli “aggetti”, dai cornicioni, etc. (non vuol dire: eliminare gli aggetti ed i cornicioni, ma le situazioni precarie!).
Per evitare comportamenti che potrebbero aumentare i danni ed i problemi in caso di terremoto è opportuno seguire alcuni semplici consigli. Durante il terremoto: - Cercare di stare calmi e rimanere dove ci si trova. Coloro che sono a casa si debbono portare vicino ai muri maestri, sotto gli architravi, lontano dalle finestre.
- Evitare assolutamente l’ascensore, e fare attenzione alle scale. Le cose che più facilmente possono causare danni in casa sono: lo scaldabagno, i pensili della cucina, i lampadari, i mobili alti e pesanti. Evitare di accendere le luci, chiudere il gas.
Ripararsi sotto il letto o sotto i tavoli robusti.
- All’esterno le prime cose che cadono sono: i cornicioni in cattive condizioni, i comignoli, le tegole, i vasi dei fiori, i balconi a sbalzo (se mal collegati!), i vetri. - Se si è in macchina fermarsi ed aspettare che il terremoto cessi (le scosse possono durare da pochi secondi a pochi minuti!)
- Sul posto di lavoro comportarsi come in casa: portarsi sotto le travi o ripararsi sotto banconi o scrivanie; la stessa cosa va fatta a scuola. - E’ molto pericoloso precipitarsi fuori da dove ci si trova, ma è opportuno uscire al termine delle scosse, con calma!
- Non usare il telefono, le linee potrebbero essere interrotte, quelle attive servono per i soccorsi. Dopo il terremoto: - Recuperare le cose più necessarie come un maglione, una coperta, una bottiglia d’acqua. Portarsi dietro una torcia elettrica, evitare la tentazione di fare la valigia, prendere la radiolina.
- Chiudere gli interruttori centrali della luce, del gas, dell’acqua.
- Uscire di casa, dal posto di lavoro, da scuola assieme, responsabilizzare subito qualcuno che chiuda la fila! - Portarsi nelle “aree di attesa” memorizzati e previsti dal Piano comunale di Protezione Civile.
- Evitare di prendere la macchina (anche se la tentazione è forte!), le strade saranno molto probabilmente non praticabili e la vostra auto contribuirà ad aumentare la confusione ed a rallentare i soccorsi!
- E’ consigliabile restare uniti, non farsi vincere dalla tentazione di tornare a casa a prendere qualcosa d’altro (un terremoto è fatto anche di repliche e scosse di assestamento, che possono essere altrettanto pericolose della prima botta !).
- Pazienza! I soccorsi hanno bisogno di un po’ di tempo per la organizzazione.
- Segnalare ai soccorritori solo i casi che hanno particolare urgenza, contribuire al rapido dispiegarsi dei soccorsi non intralciandoli, mettere a disposizione dei responsabili dei soccorsi le proprie competenze e specializzazioni, evitare la diffusione di notizie non verificate.
Fonte:
Architetto Francesco Pio ACITO Disaster Manager MATERA
Ciao
Italo
Informarsi se sono stato fatti gli adeguamenti antisismici (esistono varie leggi che danno contributi ai cittadini per gli adeguamenti, informarsi presso gli Uffici Tecnici dei Comuni!).
- Tenere a mente dove si abita, nel senso di conoscere il proprio quartiere e memorizzare le aree libere vicino casa.
- Informarsi su cosa prevede in caso di terremoto il “Piano comunale di Protezione Civile” del proprio paese per il quartiere dove si abita, conoscere dove si trova “l’area di attesa”.
- Informarsi sul posto di lavoro e nelle scuole se esiste un piano di evacuazione. Chiedere di partecipare al progetto “Scuola sicura”. - Nei condomini: indire ogni 6 mesi una riunione per verificare le conoscenze di comportamento di ciascun inquilino, chiedere che vengano eliminate le situazioni di pericolo derivanti dagli “aggetti”, dai cornicioni, etc. (non vuol dire: eliminare gli aggetti ed i cornicioni, ma le situazioni precarie!).
Per evitare comportamenti che potrebbero aumentare i danni ed i problemi in caso di terremoto è opportuno seguire alcuni semplici consigli. Durante il terremoto: - Cercare di stare calmi e rimanere dove ci si trova. Coloro che sono a casa si debbono portare vicino ai muri maestri, sotto gli architravi, lontano dalle finestre.
- Evitare assolutamente l’ascensore, e fare attenzione alle scale. Le cose che più facilmente possono causare danni in casa sono: lo scaldabagno, i pensili della cucina, i lampadari, i mobili alti e pesanti. Evitare di accendere le luci, chiudere il gas.
Ripararsi sotto il letto o sotto i tavoli robusti.
- All’esterno le prime cose che cadono sono: i cornicioni in cattive condizioni, i comignoli, le tegole, i vasi dei fiori, i balconi a sbalzo (se mal collegati!), i vetri. - Se si è in macchina fermarsi ed aspettare che il terremoto cessi (le scosse possono durare da pochi secondi a pochi minuti!)
- Sul posto di lavoro comportarsi come in casa: portarsi sotto le travi o ripararsi sotto banconi o scrivanie; la stessa cosa va fatta a scuola. - E’ molto pericoloso precipitarsi fuori da dove ci si trova, ma è opportuno uscire al termine delle scosse, con calma!
- Non usare il telefono, le linee potrebbero essere interrotte, quelle attive servono per i soccorsi. Dopo il terremoto: - Recuperare le cose più necessarie come un maglione, una coperta, una bottiglia d’acqua. Portarsi dietro una torcia elettrica, evitare la tentazione di fare la valigia, prendere la radiolina.
- Chiudere gli interruttori centrali della luce, del gas, dell’acqua.
- Uscire di casa, dal posto di lavoro, da scuola assieme, responsabilizzare subito qualcuno che chiuda la fila! - Portarsi nelle “aree di attesa” memorizzati e previsti dal Piano comunale di Protezione Civile.
- Evitare di prendere la macchina (anche se la tentazione è forte!), le strade saranno molto probabilmente non praticabili e la vostra auto contribuirà ad aumentare la confusione ed a rallentare i soccorsi!
- E’ consigliabile restare uniti, non farsi vincere dalla tentazione di tornare a casa a prendere qualcosa d’altro (un terremoto è fatto anche di repliche e scosse di assestamento, che possono essere altrettanto pericolose della prima botta !).
- Pazienza! I soccorsi hanno bisogno di un po’ di tempo per la organizzazione.
- Segnalare ai soccorritori solo i casi che hanno particolare urgenza, contribuire al rapido dispiegarsi dei soccorsi non intralciandoli, mettere a disposizione dei responsabili dei soccorsi le proprie competenze e specializzazioni, evitare la diffusione di notizie non verificate.
Fonte:
Architetto Francesco Pio ACITO Disaster Manager MATERA
Ciao
Italo
Thursday, March 19, 2009
22 March - World Water Day 2009
This video from DFID and World Vision provides an overview of the issues faced in developing countries caused by the lack of clean and safe water.
900 million people around the world still dont have access to clean and safe drinking water. This affects their health, their ability to go to school, their chances of getting a job, their futures.
THINK!
Cheers Italo
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
JFK on Civil Rights
An excerpt from President John F. Kennedy's June 11, 1963 radio and television address to the American people on civil rights.
Copyright: John F. Kennedy Library Foundation
Cheers
Italo
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Is the race issue obsolete?
"Some conservative commentators will likely insist that we have entered a post-racial America, that Obama's election marks the culmination of a long struggle and the realization of the American promise.
Various liberal and leftist critics will charge that Obama's election changes little, that opponents of racial progress will use the fact of a black "first" to validate their claims that "race is over" and we'd all be better off simply moving on."
Source:Chicago Tribune
Cheers
Italo
Various liberal and leftist critics will charge that Obama's election changes little, that opponents of racial progress will use the fact of a black "first" to validate their claims that "race is over" and we'd all be better off simply moving on."
Source:Chicago Tribune
What do you think?
Do you agree to the conservative or your view are liberal?
Do you agree to the conservative or your view are liberal?
Cheers
Italo
Friday, January 09, 2009
WBI: Trade, Growth, and Poverty E-Learning Course
Dear Readers
Today I received an invitation from the WBI for this course, after
few second I enrolled.
If you're interested sign up here
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/WBI/WBIPROGRAMS/0,,contentMD...
Activity Title: Trade, Growth, and Poverty E-Learning Course
WBI Program: Trade
Activity ID: TRA09-01-116
Start Date: January 26 2009
End Date: March 20 2009
Cost: No Fees
Description
This course will explore some of the analytical and policy issues
related to the impact of trade liberalization on economic growth and
poverty reduction.
The course will include modules drawn from Bank studies, WBI-
commissioned overview papers, and non-Bank seminal works, including
critical perspectives on the relationship among trade, development,
and poverty. The course will also make extensive use of case studies
from around the world, dedicating two modules to reviewing country
evidence and simulations.
The course will help civil society and government officials understand
findings and recommendations of recent and sometimes highly technical
economic analyses related to the growth and poverty implications of
trade reforms and international trade agreements.
Most modules will consist of a video presentation and an accompanying
PowerPoint presentation and mandatory and recommended readings that
will provide more in-depth treatment of each topic. The course will be
structured via 5-week-long modules.
Objective
The purpose of the course is to help civil society and government
officials understand the findings and recommendations of recent and
sometimes highly technical economic analyses related to the growth and
poverty implications of trade reforms and international trade
agreements. As a result, participants will be better able to
participate in the formation and monitoring of their country.s trade
reform and negotiating agenda.
Topic(s)
Poverty and Trade Research
Trade Liberalization
Trade Policy
Cheers
Monday, January 05, 2009
Financial Crises from the Perspective of Human Rights: Globalization, Market, Human Rights, and Global Economic Governance
Abstract:
Globalization has various forms and waves and today ?financial? globalization is central to the contemporary wave of globalization.
Financial globalization then has been destructive in terms of economic and social well-being of citizens in many developing countries. Since the early 1990s, a large amount of private capital has flown from advanced industrial economies to developing countries and there have been a series offinancial meltdowns in developing economies: Mexico (1994/5), Asian Financial Crisis (1997/8), Brazil (1998), Russia (1998), Turkey (2001), and Argentina (2001).
Right after financial crises, in the financially-stricken countries there were massive human sufferings in the forms of the dramatic increase of unemployment, poverty, suicide rates, the number of homeless people, and the marked decrease of social welfare programs. There has been a flood of literature on the issue of financial crises (especially since the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997/8) written by numerous international economists and political economists.
It is yet a much less developed area to approach this issue from the perspective of human rights. There may be two reasons for that. First, although economic and social rights are formally recognized under international agreements, it is true that political and civil rights have been prioritized in human rights discourses and practices. Second, it is widely known that there has been a huge disconnection in terms of both theory and practice between International Political Economy (particularly International Development) and Human Rights communities. But in my view, Henry Shue argues, minimal economic subsistence is one of ?Basic Rights? that are required for the enjoyment of all other rights.
Today our economic and social rights are increasingly located in a global market structure. Then a global market has not always been benign, but rather destructive in its financial integration to hundreds of millions of people particularly in many parts of the developing world. Thus today it is extremely important to understand the mechanism of a global market structure from the perspective of human rights.
In this paper I will focus particularly on financial globalization, which is conceived of being central to the contemporary wave of globalization and attempt to demonstrate how structural violence of economic and social rights occurs in the process of global financial integration by using case studies.
In the second part of this paper, I will address the issue of global economic governance from the viewpoint of human rights. My basic argument is that transnational human rights groups should pay more attention to the structural violence of economic and social rights in this age of globalization and be more participatory in constructing global economic governance in cooperation with the International Development community.
In particular, I will focus on the future role of transnational human rights groups as transnational pressure groups or global opinion leaders in restructuring international economic institutions such as IMF and World Bank and leading socially responsible investment movements. Basically my view is that an ?unbridled? global market should be tamed or balanced at both national and international or transnational levels. At the international or transnational level, a global civil society should play a greater role in taming or balancing it. In this paper, I seek to answer why it should and attempt to make a couple of suggestions on how to do it from the standpoint of universal human rights.
Source: All Academic
You Can read this document here:
http://www.allacademic.com//meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/1/7/8/5/7/pages178576/p178576-1.php
Cheers
Italo
Globalization has various forms and waves and today ?financial? globalization is central to the contemporary wave of globalization.
Financial globalization then has been destructive in terms of economic and social well-being of citizens in many developing countries. Since the early 1990s, a large amount of private capital has flown from advanced industrial economies to developing countries and there have been a series offinancial meltdowns in developing economies: Mexico (1994/5), Asian Financial Crisis (1997/8), Brazil (1998), Russia (1998), Turkey (2001), and Argentina (2001).
Right after financial crises, in the financially-stricken countries there were massive human sufferings in the forms of the dramatic increase of unemployment, poverty, suicide rates, the number of homeless people, and the marked decrease of social welfare programs. There has been a flood of literature on the issue of financial crises (especially since the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997/8) written by numerous international economists and political economists.
It is yet a much less developed area to approach this issue from the perspective of human rights. There may be two reasons for that. First, although economic and social rights are formally recognized under international agreements, it is true that political and civil rights have been prioritized in human rights discourses and practices. Second, it is widely known that there has been a huge disconnection in terms of both theory and practice between International Political Economy (particularly International Development) and Human Rights communities. But in my view, Henry Shue argues, minimal economic subsistence is one of ?Basic Rights? that are required for the enjoyment of all other rights.
Today our economic and social rights are increasingly located in a global market structure. Then a global market has not always been benign, but rather destructive in its financial integration to hundreds of millions of people particularly in many parts of the developing world. Thus today it is extremely important to understand the mechanism of a global market structure from the perspective of human rights.
In this paper I will focus particularly on financial globalization, which is conceived of being central to the contemporary wave of globalization and attempt to demonstrate how structural violence of economic and social rights occurs in the process of global financial integration by using case studies.
In the second part of this paper, I will address the issue of global economic governance from the viewpoint of human rights. My basic argument is that transnational human rights groups should pay more attention to the structural violence of economic and social rights in this age of globalization and be more participatory in constructing global economic governance in cooperation with the International Development community.
In particular, I will focus on the future role of transnational human rights groups as transnational pressure groups or global opinion leaders in restructuring international economic institutions such as IMF and World Bank and leading socially responsible investment movements. Basically my view is that an ?unbridled? global market should be tamed or balanced at both national and international or transnational levels. At the international or transnational level, a global civil society should play a greater role in taming or balancing it. In this paper, I seek to answer why it should and attempt to make a couple of suggestions on how to do it from the standpoint of universal human rights.
Source: All Academic
You Can read this document here:
http://www.allacademic.com//meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/1/7/8/5/7/pages178576/p178576-1.php
Cheers
Italo
Monday, December 01, 2008
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the full text of which appears in the following pages. Following this historic act the Assembly called upon all Member countries to publicize the text of the Declaration and "to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories."
http://www.unhchr.ch/udhr/lang/eng.pdf
Cheers
Italo
Sunday, November 23, 2008
What is Social Responsible Investing ?
Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), also known as sustainable investing or ethical investing, describes an investment strategy which seeks to maximize both financial return and social good.
In general, socially responsible investors favor corporate best practices that promote environmental stewardship, consumer protection, human rights, and diversity. Some (but not all) avoid businesses involved in alcohol, tobacco, gambling, weapons, the military, and/or abortion.
Source: Wikipedia
Video Description: Stephen Whipp, Certified Financial Planner, talks about the importance of Socially Responsible Investing.
Ethical Finance Interview
Video Description: Ethical Finance and Investment as part of Islam Expo, looked at Shariah options available for Muslims to access as well as covering issues to information and investment services.
The FTSE4Good Index Series has been designed to measure the performance of companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards, and to facilitate investment in those companies. Transparent management and criteria alongside the FTSE brand make FTSE4Good the index of choice for the creation of Responsible Investment products.
http://www.ftse.com/Indices/FTSE4Good_Index_Series/index.jsp
http://www.ftse.com/Indices/FTSE4Good_Index_Series/Downloads/FTSE4Good_Inclusion_Criteria.pdf
http://www.humanrightsbusiness.org/pdf_files/HOM_Best%20Practice%20Guide.pdf
Cheers
Italo
In general, socially responsible investors favor corporate best practices that promote environmental stewardship, consumer protection, human rights, and diversity. Some (but not all) avoid businesses involved in alcohol, tobacco, gambling, weapons, the military, and/or abortion.
Source: Wikipedia
Video Description: Stephen Whipp, Certified Financial Planner, talks about the importance of Socially Responsible Investing.
Ethical Finance Interview
Video Description: Ethical Finance and Investment as part of Islam Expo, looked at Shariah options available for Muslims to access as well as covering issues to information and investment services.
FTSE4Good Index Series
The FTSE4Good Index Series has been designed to measure the performance of companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards, and to facilitate investment in those companies. Transparent management and criteria alongside the FTSE brand make FTSE4Good the index of choice for the creation of Responsible Investment products.
http://www.ftse.com/Indices/FTSE4Good_Index_Series/index.jsp
- FTSE4Good - Inclusion Criteria (PDF)
- Human Rights & Business (PDF)
http://www.humanrightsbusiness.org/pdf_files/HOM_Best%20Practice%20Guide.pdf
Cheers
Italo
Friday, November 07, 2008
Obama and Civil Rights
Dear Readers
Yep Obama is the new President of the US, this is important because we live in an interconnected globalised, a complex world, I think that Obama is a step against racism, for this reason, I decided to post this message.
Next summer, I'll go to Newcastle for an academic course at the Uni of Newcastle, for a course on International Relations, as responsible citizen, I think that this course is extremely useful, because a clear position of a State in a globalised world is a must.
I believe that The CSR and SRI must be implemented by a responsible state, not from a multinational, because their target is to do money dot.
They are pro CSR and SRI because this new business model is a perfect cosmetic, a PR tool, when I was a student at uni, our philosophy was to make money, only, translated into "maximum results with minimum effort"
It's time to change
Yes we Can
Obama and Biden will work to overturn the Supreme Court's recent ruling that curtails women’s and racial minorities' ability to challenge pay discrimination. They will also pass the Fair Pay Act to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
Obama and Biden will reverse the politicization that has occurred in the Bush Administration's Department of Justice. They will put an end to the ideological litmus tests used to fill positions within the Civil Rights Division.
Obama and Biden will strengthen federal hate crimes legislation, expand hate crimes protection by passing the Matthew Shepard Act, and reinvigorate enforcement at the Department of Justice's Criminal Section.
Source: Barack Obama
The Blue Print for Change.
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/ObamaBlueprintForChange.pdf
Cheers
Italo
Yep Obama is the new President of the US, this is important because we live in an interconnected globalised, a complex world, I think that Obama is a step against racism, for this reason, I decided to post this message.
Next summer, I'll go to Newcastle for an academic course at the Uni of Newcastle, for a course on International Relations, as responsible citizen, I think that this course is extremely useful, because a clear position of a State in a globalised world is a must.
I believe that The CSR and SRI must be implemented by a responsible state, not from a multinational, because their target is to do money dot.
They are pro CSR and SRI because this new business model is a perfect cosmetic, a PR tool, when I was a student at uni, our philosophy was to make money, only, translated into "maximum results with minimum effort"
It's time to change
Yes we Can
- Barack Obama will combat employment discrimination:
Obama and Biden will work to overturn the Supreme Court's recent ruling that curtails women’s and racial minorities' ability to challenge pay discrimination. They will also pass the Fair Pay Act to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
- Strengthen civil rights enforcement:
Obama and Biden will reverse the politicization that has occurred in the Bush Administration's Department of Justice. They will put an end to the ideological litmus tests used to fill positions within the Civil Rights Division.
- Expand hate crime statutes:
Obama and Biden will strengthen federal hate crimes legislation, expand hate crimes protection by passing the Matthew Shepard Act, and reinvigorate enforcement at the Department of Justice's Criminal Section.
Source: Barack Obama
The Blue Print for Change.
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/ObamaBlueprintForChange.pdf
Cheers
Italo
Monday, September 29, 2008
Globalisation and Civil Rights
Dear Readers
Do you have a clear knowledge between Positive and Negative Globalisation?
What about Human / Civil Rights?
If you're interested please have a look a this paper.
Cheers
Italo
Do you have a clear knowledge between Positive and Negative Globalisation?
What about Human / Civil Rights?
If you're interested please have a look a this paper.
Cheers
Italo
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
11th September - Victims of terrorism share stories at U.N.
Practical steps needed to help victims of terrorism, Ban says
9 September 2008 – United Nations Member States must take practical steps to implement their commitments to promote and protect the rights of terrorism victims so that they can help create a global culture against the scourge, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told a historic forum today.
Source: UN News Centre
Victims of terrorism share stories at U.N.
Forum is a cathartic starting point of an effort to coordinate a global effort that would help those wounded, disabled, emotionally scarred, impoverished or bereft of loved ones after terrorist acts.
By Richard Boudreaux and Geraldine Baum, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
September 10, 2008
UNITED NATIONS -- Naomi Kerongo choked with emotion in a U.N. conference hall Tuesday as she recounted her country's version of Sept. 11.
Source and Link
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-victims10-2008sep10,0,6285867.story
THINK!
Italo
Monday, August 25, 2008
China: Olympic Sponsors Ignore Human Rights Abuses (article)
TOP Sponsors Should Back Introduction of a Permanent Olympic Rights Monitor
(New York, August 19, 2008) – "The major corporate sponsors of the Beijing Olympics have failed to uphold their own principles of corporate social responsibility, Human Rights Watch said today. Sponsors have failed to speak out – either individually or collectively – about human rights abuses linked to the Beijing Games, and should be prepared to support the establishment of a permanent body inside the International Olympic Committee to monitor rights abuses at future Olympic"
Source: Human Rights Watch
Dear Readers
Just one concept: We are not Responsible Citizens, this happens because we buy their products/services.
Business as Usual has won a gold medal.
Cheers
Italo
(New York, August 19, 2008) – "The major corporate sponsors of the Beijing Olympics have failed to uphold their own principles of corporate social responsibility, Human Rights Watch said today. Sponsors have failed to speak out – either individually or collectively – about human rights abuses linked to the Beijing Games, and should be prepared to support the establishment of a permanent body inside the International Olympic Committee to monitor rights abuses at future Olympic"
Source: Human Rights Watch
Dear Readers
Just one concept: We are not Responsible Citizens, this happens because we buy their products/services.
Business as Usual has won a gold medal.
Cheers
Italo
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Amnesty: Human Rights for China
What are we campaigning for?
"During the Olympic selection process, the Chinese authorities made repeated assurances that the human rights situation in China would improve in the run-up to the event. So far they are breaking that promise.
Without improvements to human rights in China, the Olympic host will be remembered as a country that executes, tortures and silences its citizens.
Amnesty International is urging the Chinese authorities to step up their human rights reforms.
We want:
An end to executions
The death penalty violates the right to life and is an affront to human dignity. Conditions of detention on death row in China are cruel and degrading.
The authorities in China must clarify how many people are executed each year, and cut the number of capital crimes.
Fair trials for all
China's Re-education Through Labour programme violates the right to fair trial and the prohibition of forced labour. People on programmes like this risk torture and ill-treatment.
Beijing City and state authorities must clean up their approach to 'cleaning' up the city.
Respect for human rights defenders
Chinese human rights defenders are harassed, assaulted and imprisoned for their legitimate protests. This violates their right to freedom of expression, assembly and association.
Chinese human rights defenders must be free to highlight issues of concern before, during and after the Games.
Freedom from censorship
Unwarranted censorship of the internet violates the rights to freedom of expression and information.
If the Olympics are to be high tech and encourage full media freedom, there must be unrestricted access to the internet across China. "
Source: Amnesty International UK
Take Action
Italo
"During the Olympic selection process, the Chinese authorities made repeated assurances that the human rights situation in China would improve in the run-up to the event. So far they are breaking that promise.
Without improvements to human rights in China, the Olympic host will be remembered as a country that executes, tortures and silences its citizens.
Amnesty International is urging the Chinese authorities to step up their human rights reforms.
We want:
An end to executions
The death penalty violates the right to life and is an affront to human dignity. Conditions of detention on death row in China are cruel and degrading.
The authorities in China must clarify how many people are executed each year, and cut the number of capital crimes.
Fair trials for all
China's Re-education Through Labour programme violates the right to fair trial and the prohibition of forced labour. People on programmes like this risk torture and ill-treatment.
Beijing City and state authorities must clean up their approach to 'cleaning' up the city.
Respect for human rights defenders
Chinese human rights defenders are harassed, assaulted and imprisoned for their legitimate protests. This violates their right to freedom of expression, assembly and association.
Chinese human rights defenders must be free to highlight issues of concern before, during and after the Games.
Freedom from censorship
Unwarranted censorship of the internet violates the rights to freedom of expression and information.
If the Olympics are to be high tech and encourage full media freedom, there must be unrestricted access to the internet across China. "
Source: Amnesty International UK
Take Action
Italo
Monday, July 14, 2008
HardTalk:Ingrid Betancourt
About this Video:
"She was held for more than six years in the Colombian jungle. Ingrid Betancourt, was rescued last week in an audacious effort by Colombian intelligence. She talks to Stephen Sackur on HARDtalk".
"Ingrid Betancourt Pulecio (born December 25, 1961) is a Colombian-French politician, former senator and anti-corruption activist. Betancourt was kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) on February 23, 2002, and rescued from captivity six and a half years later in Operation Jaque, along with 14 other hostages (three Americans and 11 Colombian policemen and soldiers), by Colombian security forces on July 2, 2008, who tricked the FARC into believing they were a leftist non-governmental organization.
In all, she was held captive for 2,321 days after being taken while campaigning for the Colombian presidency as a Green. She had decided to campaign in an area of high guerrilla presence in spite of warnings from the government, police and military not to do so.
While her kidnapping received media coverage worldwide this was particularly so in France due to her dual French citizenship. Betancourt was liberated by the Colombian government in a flawless rescue mission on July 2008.
Source: Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingrid_Betancourt
"During her years as a hostage, Ms. Betancourt became a symbol of suffering, courage and endurance. She suffered illnesses, pain and indignities during her captivity, but doggedly persisted in trying to escape. Toward the end of her six years as a hostage, Ms. Betancourt’s missives to the outside world showed signs of depression."
Source: The New York Times
Link:
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/ingrid_betancourt/index.html?scp=1-spot&sq=Ingrid%20Betancourt&st=cse
Think
Italo
"She was held for more than six years in the Colombian jungle. Ingrid Betancourt, was rescued last week in an audacious effort by Colombian intelligence. She talks to Stephen Sackur on HARDtalk".
"Ingrid Betancourt Pulecio (born December 25, 1961) is a Colombian-French politician, former senator and anti-corruption activist. Betancourt was kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) on February 23, 2002, and rescued from captivity six and a half years later in Operation Jaque, along with 14 other hostages (three Americans and 11 Colombian policemen and soldiers), by Colombian security forces on July 2, 2008, who tricked the FARC into believing they were a leftist non-governmental organization.
In all, she was held captive for 2,321 days after being taken while campaigning for the Colombian presidency as a Green. She had decided to campaign in an area of high guerrilla presence in spite of warnings from the government, police and military not to do so.
While her kidnapping received media coverage worldwide this was particularly so in France due to her dual French citizenship. Betancourt was liberated by the Colombian government in a flawless rescue mission on July 2008.
Source: Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingrid_Betancourt
"During her years as a hostage, Ms. Betancourt became a symbol of suffering, courage and endurance. She suffered illnesses, pain and indignities during her captivity, but doggedly persisted in trying to escape. Toward the end of her six years as a hostage, Ms. Betancourt’s missives to the outside world showed signs of depression."
Source: The New York Times
Link:
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/b/ingrid_betancourt/index.html?scp=1-spot&sq=Ingrid%20Betancourt&st=cse
Think
Italo
Monday, June 30, 2008
Xenophobia in Italy
Dear Readers
It is extremely difficult to give an opinion, because for me this is science-fiction, how is this possible? is this a dream? .... is it illegal to be a children?
This is not a solution, nor a security emergency, this is racism.
Plight of the Roma: echoes of Mussolini (By The Independent GB)
"Fingerprint the lot of them: the idea had the satisfying smack of firm government. Now the Italian government was doing something tough; something long overdue.
The Interior Minister, Roberto Maroni, a leader of the rabble-rousing Northern League – close allies of Silvio Berlusconi on the government benches – has explained his next step in his assault on the "emergenza di sicurezza", the "security emergency": fingerprinting all Gypsies.
It was the only way, he told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday, for Italy to guarantee "to those who have the right to remain here, the possibility of living in decent conditions." For this purpose the Roma – those with Italian nationality and those without, EU citizens and those from outside the Community – will all have their fingerprints taken. And the rule will even apply to Gypsy children – for reasons that to many of Mr Maroni's supporters must have sounded obvious: "to avoid phenomena," as he put it, "such as begging". The new measures, he said, were indispensable "in order to expel those who do not have the right to stay in Italy""
Source: The Independent
For the second part of this article, please click this link:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/plight-of-the-roma-echoes-of-mussolini-855436.html
Leading article: Uncivilised behaviour (By The Independent GB)
Link:
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-uncivilised-behaviour-855374.html
Italo
It is extremely difficult to give an opinion, because for me this is science-fiction, how is this possible? is this a dream? .... is it illegal to be a children?
This is not a solution, nor a security emergency, this is racism.
Plight of the Roma: echoes of Mussolini (By The Independent GB)
"Fingerprint the lot of them: the idea had the satisfying smack of firm government. Now the Italian government was doing something tough; something long overdue.
The Interior Minister, Roberto Maroni, a leader of the rabble-rousing Northern League – close allies of Silvio Berlusconi on the government benches – has explained his next step in his assault on the "emergenza di sicurezza", the "security emergency": fingerprinting all Gypsies.
It was the only way, he told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday, for Italy to guarantee "to those who have the right to remain here, the possibility of living in decent conditions." For this purpose the Roma – those with Italian nationality and those without, EU citizens and those from outside the Community – will all have their fingerprints taken. And the rule will even apply to Gypsy children – for reasons that to many of Mr Maroni's supporters must have sounded obvious: "to avoid phenomena," as he put it, "such as begging". The new measures, he said, were indispensable "in order to expel those who do not have the right to stay in Italy""
Source: The Independent
For the second part of this article, please click this link:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/plight-of-the-roma-echoes-of-mussolini-855436.html
Leading article: Uncivilised behaviour (By The Independent GB)
Link:
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-uncivilised-behaviour-855374.html
Italo
Friday, June 27, 2008
46664 Live
Nelson Mandela (Biography)
"Mandela remains one of the world's most revered statesman, who led the struggle to replace the apartheid regime of South Africa with a multi-racial democracy.
Despite many years in jail, he emerged to become the country's first black president and to play a leading role in the drive for peace in other spheres of conflict. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993"
Source: BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1454208.stm
Cheers
Italo
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Heinz Deli Mayo TV Ad
About this Video:
"A mayonnaise ad that shows two men kissing has been withdrawn from television after 200 viewers complained that it was offensive"
Source: Times Online GB"
Comments:
I think that 200 people is a small percentage in the UK, the subject of this adv is the love for a mayonnaise, does not matter if the actors is couple of homosexuals or heterosexuals.
How to explain this scene to children? simple to explain that this is a gag, a choice of love with a particular taste.
Cheers
Italo
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Amnesty International Report 2008
- Amnesty International Report 2008 Foreword
- The State of the World's Human Rights
Cheers
Italo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
