Syria Next Genocide

Catholic Social Teaching informs us to respond and to help others in need. As the international community, we must get involved and help the people of Syria. We have had two major genocides one in Europe and the other in Rwanda occur and we should not let this one happen. CST should be able to guide our decisions on an international level, because CST only teaches good thing. However, it is not realistic to take the CST approach to make decisions as a nation. Unfortunately, we cannot just invade Syria and relocate all the people being oppressed. There are laws and guidelines when it comes to making a decision in the international world. You cannot just react on impulse. 

Silence begets violence

The shooting in Connecticut was a senseless act of violence. Since Newtown, CT barely have homicides, this shooting shocked them and the world. The reason this particular event demanded such a direct call to action because precious children were murdered. Seeing 20 little kids between the ages of 6-7 causing parents all around the world hearts to ache. As a society, I agree with President Barack Obama and that we need to regulate gun laws. Catholic Social Teaching teaches us to forgive even though it hurts. It also suggest that we do not fight violence with violence. The followers of CST would most likely vote against having someone in the school armed. I honestly do not know where we go from here. Hopefully, someone comes up with a great plan to help gun control and mental illness. 

Factory Fire

I think it is terrible how bad the conditions are in overseas factories. CEOs make millions and millions of dollars each year and they can't spare a few for their employees. Greed is taking over the world. As consumer, we should stand up for the workers but everyone has to join in. Companies need to know that as consumers we are serious about the welfare of those workers overseas. The government can't really have a say because these crimes are not committed in our country. Corporations should began paying fair wages and start having better working conditions. 

Forgiveness

Pope John Paul II is such a role model. He was able to forgive a man who tried to kill him. He is a true example of a man with strong religious values. Similar to Pope John Paul II, Immaculee has a strong faith in God and believes that you should forgive your neighbors, no matter what. She forgave the men who killed her family and friends. They are good role models on how Christians should act on forgiveness. They accomplished what many Christian can not do and that deserves recognition. What I learn is that if they can forgive someone for terrible crimes, I can forgive the people in my life.

  

"Messy" World

I feel really sad about what I hear but I barely act on my feelings. I think because we are so sheltered in the United States, we have no idea on how to relate to the violence in other countries. The Gospel tells us that we must not ignore it and try our best to help. I agree with the Andy Otto, the author,  that we can help by how we pray, how we vote, what we speak on, or what causes we become involved in. 

For example, Kony 2012 was a cause that rapidly spread across the nation. Many people supported the cause because it gave them a way to participate by donating money. If that story was just on the news one day, no one would have donated money or even thought about it twice which is sad. It takes a viral video to get the people's attention.

In addition, in AP Government we are learning a term called fleeting emotions, which normally describes the United State's people. As Americans, we go through mood swings. One month we like something, the next month we don't. Going back to Kony 2012, we only cared about that for about a month . For instance, there was suppose to be the cover the night April 20, where everyone would hang posters of Kony around the city. The video was released March 5, 2012 and around April 20, 2012, everyone forgot about it. Sadly, in a while people who were not directly affected by Hurricane Sandy will soon forget about that too. 

Global Solidarity

The world needs to acknowledge the injustice to women. However, the United States cannot fight every battle. People in those countries need to rise together against the injustice. Catholic Social Teaching tells us that we need to help our dear neighbors but it is hard when the countries are far away. Trying to stop the injustice in a country, there has to be a change in mentality within the people of that land. With natural disasters, it's more of a physical change.With hurricanes and tsunamis, you are trying to repair the  countries' land not their policies. We help the dear neighbors in those events by sending food and nurses to help the countries out. There is a difference in the level of shock because some things are easier to change than others. 

Resolutions

I believe that Bishop Ricken's suggestions are capable. Some of his suggestions are not apart of Baptist faith so I wouldn't do them. Here are my resolutions:

1. Attend Church: I will pay attention and listen to the word of God. Sometimes my mind wonders off in space, but I will try hard to remain focus.

2. Volunteer at least twice a month: I plan on tutoring at LaSalle Academy and serving food at St. Francis Inn.

3.Pray to God more: Sometimes I forget to thank God for everything he has done for me,so saying a little prayer every night will be my goal.

4. Read at least one passage from the Bible once a week besides at church and school. Doing that little step could increase my relationship with God

5. Be a kind person: I should treat others how I like to be treated. Being kind to someone can make a huge difference in his/her life.