Junior Statement The
Vol. 1 Issue 3
The Official Newspaper of the Junior State of America
The basics of peace and prejudice JSAers reflect on religious controversies making headlines throughout the world, as well as their roles in promoting--or preventing--international peace BY ANDREW MA Southern California
On March 20th, 2011, United States Pastor Terry Jones released a video supporting the burning of the Islamic holy book, the Qur’an. The issue had attracted many incendiary comments from both sides, reaching from an extreme indictment of the Islamic religion to the condemnation of American bigotry and intolerance. On the side of the burning, Pastor Jones and his followers believe heavily that the Qur’an has inspired terrorism in the Islamic population—in fact, the group has gone so far as to put the Qur’an on trial to be “found guilty.” In a church at Gainesville, Florida, less than 30 people reportedly attended the “Burn the Qur’an Day,” in stark contrast to the flaming controversy set off by Jones’ previous threats to burn the Qur’an—even threatening to burn it last September 11th. The conflict has escalated rapidly to an international scale, and as dominantly Islamic countries such as Afghanistan and Iran observe the blatant compromise of their religion, protests and conflicts have required UN intervention. UN Secretary Farhan Haq stated that the UN has “revised [its] security measures repeatedly and [it] will have to do it again.” Signs covered with words of hatred towards America indeed show
the strong reaction towards the “stupid” act. Despite conflicts and blind protests abroad, Jones remains firm with his actions. Regarding the protests and actions of angry Muslims, Jones stated, “Our government and our United States President must take a close, realistic look at radical-element Islam. Islam is not a religion of peace.” However, many Muslim leaders have pointed out that, in fact, the entire book of Muslim contains little to no violence— much less than the Christian Bible. R e garding legislative a c t i v i t y, President Obama reassured the American people, and “offered his condolences to those injured [in the protests].” There have been no moves to inhibit such a grossly heated event from ever happening and from presently continuing. The goal of condemning the terrorism stemming from Islamic teachings has, without due irony, brought more and more hate targeted towards American culture and beliefs.
BY SAM DORN Northeast
In the past few years, as the world has struggled with the influx of Islamic terrorists, countries across the globe have been forced to develop new and often controversial methods of stopping these ter-
law, France has been acting to remove religious symbols from the public for several years. In 2004, a law was passed banning the wearing of any religious items (including yarmulkes and crosses) in public, primary and secondary schools. Teachers and civil servants are also forbidden from wearing religious sym-
bols while working. The goal of these bans is to keep schools free of religious influence. In the words of then-President Jacques Chirac, “Secularism is non-negotiable. “ Recently, however, the entire controversy was reignited as a new law was passed: banning the wearing of the veil in public. Some have accused President Sarkozy of using this legislation as a means to appeal to the far-right voters in anticipation of a 2012 election.
President Sarkozy, however, described the legislation as an effort to help promote the rights of women. In the past, he described the veils as “[…] a prison for women, and a sign of their submission to their husbands, brothers or fathers.” For obvious reasons, this legislation has not been taken well by Muslims in France or elsewhere. For example, the Islamic community in Denmark, also considering a ban, commented on France, stating, “We do not recommend that Danish Muslim women wear burkas or niqabs, but they are free to choose what they wear. It is important to let the Muslim population know that when they have fled dictatorship in their home country...they will not encounter a new dictatorship or aspects of it in the Western democracies based on religious views.” In short, by passing this legislation, the French government is doing what all governments must do: balancing the needs of the populace with the adequate protection of citizens. Whether or not you agree with the decision made is of no accord; what should be respected is this: like the US, France is a place where a discussion on sensitive matters can take place. For that freedom to argue, discuss, and debate, we should all be thankful.
proclaim that we will not stand for social injustice and that we are willing to work to end it. We are willing to end the atrocities in Libya and end Qaddafi’s reign of terror. We
are willing to protect innocent Libyan civilians from bombardment, and we are willing to do that by helping NATO to destroy Qaddafi’s means of terror.
Source: shahidupdates.com
rorists. One such way is racial profiling. Other countries have moved onto banning religious symbols of Islam, such as Switzerland’s banning of the minaret, the tower at the top of a mosque from which the call to prayer is recited. The most recent example, however, is France’s banning of the wearing of the veil, or as it is called in Arabic, the hijab. While the ban on wearing the veil is only a recent
American presence in Libya: A vital decision BY BETTY CHEN Texas We all know the storywe’ve followed it with bated breath. On March 17, the Security Council issued its infamous declaration authorizing “all necessary measures” to protect Libyan civilians against the increasing terror being perpetuated by Libyan dictator Colonel Qaddafi. And then, chaos broke loose as our President announced that the US was answering the call of the Security Council and beginning airstrikes over Libya. Almost immediately, outrage broke out over America’s brazenness- America’s tenacity to try to defend our decision to stop the massacre of Libyan civilians was seen as overbearing and unconscionable. As to why this is the case, though, is a concept that eludes me. Time and time again, America has affirmed in our belief that we have an innate
national imperative, woven out of the fabric of our democratic roots, to promote social justice and protect nascent democracies so that they can be realized. Armed with that belief, America has been able to do exactly that in Eastern Europe, the Darfur region of Sudan, and the Middle Eastand now, in Libya. American participation in the NATO coalition only further reaffirms our belief in that national duty and helps us accomplish it effectively. By targeting the infrastructure and arms stockpiles that supply Qaddafi’s forces, NATO forces are able to hinder Qaddafi’s ability to gather support, transport munitions, and perpetuate atrocities. If we are able to cripple Qaddafi’s ability to fight back and retaliate, we will be protecting Libyan civilians from the immediate and drastic danger that Qaddafi’s forces pose. Other critics of the United State’s decision assert that we can scarcely afford another
foreign entanglement with no end date, especially when the costs of such an incursion are astronomical. America, they say, should focus on problems at home and not send precious dollars abroad. The limited support we are providing in Libya clocks in at about $36 million a day, according to Reuters. Yes, that may seem like an astronomical amount, but compare that to about $165 million a day in Afghanistan. The cost of securing civilian safety in Libya is a mere 21% of the cost per day in Afghanistan- and yet, the United States has been entrenched in Afghanistan for over a decade now. Our presence in Libya is vital because we are securing Libya’s future. No matter the cost, Americans and even humans have an inborn duty to ensure that our response to mass atrocities and blatant social injustice is quick and decisive because, as a nation, we must use one voice in order to
Sources: cnn.com, theindiadaily.com
Junior State of America and beyond BY ANDREW MA Southern California
One of the largest parts of JSA is the Expansion department. With so many JSAers able to attest to the great passion and experiences that JSA has brought them, the Expansion department in all states looks to provide JSA to those who may not already know about it. And although one might think that JSA only applies to the United States, the issues and passion of politics remains universal and extends to countries like Guam, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Here in Southern California, the Pacific Ocean separates the SoCal JSA State from inclusive international JSA activity. But expansion in the continental United States, as well as in the Hawaiian Islands, is an innovation that Southern California JSA has executed perfectly. Currently, there are chapters in Nevada, Hawaii, and even Alaska, who may fly in for future JSA conventions. Samira Damavandi, a JSA Executive Expansion Agent, recognizes the importance of her job. “My biggest pet peeve is when someone doesn’t love something because they do not have the opportunity to do so,” said Damavandi. “I think it’s just a waste of potential—and I hope the chapters I correspond with in Hawaii and Alaska recognize that as well.” Meanwhile, the Mid-Atlantic has expanded to chapters from Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. The Texas Junior State also has chapters from Honduras. These dedicated students fly into Washington, D.C. every year to attend the Mid-Atlantic/Texas JSA’s joint Winter Congress Convention. Mid-Atlantic Governor Brent Bovenzi emphasizes the impact of expansion. “Expansion is absolutely critical to JSA. We need more people to Be the People,” said Bovenzi. “Having chapters outside the 50 states come to conventions is great,” he continued. “They add a whole new layer of different backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs to every debate.” Currently, JSA also offers a summer program abroad in Beijing, China, in order to increase cultural awareness and recognition of international relations. Students learn about Chinese culture, and courses on Chinese government and language are offered and taught by Chinese professors. In tandem with learning about the government, students take frequent trips to nearby Chinese wonders, such as the Forbidden Palace and the Great Wall of China.