Rich Poor

"Changed Life of the Poor: Better Off, but Far Behind"
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/01/business/economy/changed-life-of-the-poor-squeak-by-and-buy-a-lot.html?ref=economy

In the article, "Changed Life of the Poor: Better Off, but Far Behind," the consumption of the poor to the middle class is compared. What is interesting to note is that the prices of goods such as housing, personal care, clothing, vehicles, cellphones, toys, personal computers, equipment, and televisions have plummeted, but prices for college, child care, health care, maintenance, and food have skyrocketed. This is predominantly why the poor might seem richer especially as compared to the rest of the world, however, in fact they are much poorer then ever before.

One of the overwhelming contributing factors to poverty is lack of education. Without education, people are much less likely to be able to move themselves up in society. Education opens up many doors for people such as better jobs with higher pay. That higher pay can pay for a better living space, food as well as better food in general, health care, and just a better standard of living in general. However, because education prices have skyrocketed, the already poverty stricken people are even more unable to pay for an education. Therefore, causing a circle to arise where they remain in their lower poor class and their children will also most likely end up as poor.

Furthermore, unessential items are now being offered at lower prices such as material goods. These material goods also make people settle. They feel like they are richer because they have more things and are able to show off more. Having more things makes them content in the place they are even if they are struggling to meet rent or having to work 3 jobs a week to make ends meet or buy food for their children. They have nice things, so they are actually doing quite well in their mind. They have less of a desire to move up and remain in the area that they are content with the material items they have obtained. This is a horrible process.

Companies are continuing the cycle by lowering material good prices. Material good prices should be the prices that skyrocket, while essentials to the development of the people as a whole such as education and health care should have prices lowering. If this is the trend that continues, the circle will continue and the poor will continue to believe they are richer, when in fact they are only making themselves poorer.

Growing the Future

"Seeing Future in Fuel Cells, Toyota Ends Tesla Deal"
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/13/business/energy-environment/seeing-future-in-fuel-cells-toyota-ends-tesla-deal.html?ref=energy-environment

In the article, "Seeing Future in Fuel Cells, Toyota Ends Tesla Deal," Toyota is allowing its battery-supply deal with Tesla Motors to expire this year so that it can focus on building sustainable cars. Toyota has long remained stubborn in not revitalizing its cars to research electric automobiles or begin competing with vehicles that are more sustainable. However, with the severe climate change that is being seen and the growing amount of carbon dioxide emissions breaking down the ozone as well as the decreased profits, Toyota has decided to take a risk and invest in something that can grow in the future.

Rather then focus on the electric automobiles that have already been seen in the market, Toyota will be building cars that run on hydrogen fuel cells. This allows them to be first to market and take over a large part of the market share. The costs are higher of course, what with increased Research and Development, therefore these sustainable cars will most likely be higher priced as well, but they would lack the carbon dioxide emissions that are so toxic to the world that is slowly wasting away.

It has begun where companies, governments, and people can no longer ignore the detrimental effects business, driving, and increased populations are having on the world. It is being destroyed. Overconsumption and overpopulation are driving forces for the ruin of the world. There will not be any natural environment left for our future children at the rate we are going. Toyota's car could possibly be the breakthrough needed in sustainable vehicles. Or it will lessen the impact on the atmosphere until a newer more innovative technique is unearthed.

Customers are always concerned with the range of the vehicle and the cost. However, if this risk pays off for Toyota, it will pay off for the environment, and other companies will flock to the market following Toyota's technique and possibly imitating the car to also vie for a part of the market share.

Globalization of Terrorism

"Africa Likely to Become a Terrorist Continent"
http://vibeghana.com/2014/04/08/africa-likely-to-become-a-terrorist-continent-ahwoi/

As indicated in the article, "Africa Likely to Become a Terrorist Continent," terrorism in Africa is widely expanding and if efforts are not made to stop the spread, Africa will predominantly become a terrorist nation. While some countries are taking measures to stop the spread, it is not enough unless conscious effort is made by all.

The real issue is what causes the spread of terrorism. It might start off with one person who manages to influence others until there is now a small group that are performing terrorist acts and committing violence. However, these groups tend to have money and be successful. The predominant factor for the globalization of terrorism is poverty. Poverty stricken areas cannot fight terrorism because (1) they could die quite easily without access to a means of protecting themselves, (2) the government cannot protect the people properly, and (3) many poverty stricken people will join the terrorist group due to the offer of essential needs. The terrorists have money and will often attract new members by paying them and providing shelter. If they do not provide shelter, the people now have a means of paying for their own. With so many people outside in the elements, starving, disease ridden, and in constant fear for their life and the lives of their families, why wouldn't they join a terrorist movement that provides for their needs even if the goal is not what they want?

The government in Ghana has made action against terrorists by fighting against money laundering, financing of terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons. They have passed Anti-Terrorism laws as well. However, if the government is not accurately enforcing them, it goes nowhere. Also, with money laundering, this involves other countries. Many times the money is being sent from a richer country to countries in Africa and is harder to catch. If they cannot convince the richer countries to also take a stance and fight against the terrorist practices, they will get nowhere. These countries only seem to be targeting the financing of the activities, which is all well and good, however, what about protecting the innocent bystanders that continue to die in masses each and every day? There needs to be multiple avenues that are being taken to suppress the terrorist groups.

Also, when a group begins stealing children, drugging them, and involving them in their practices as "Invisible Soldiers," this is the point of no return. Severe action should be taken by the government and the enemy needs to not just be suppressed, but exterminated before the innocents really get hurt.