During the first few weeks of 2018, there has been no shortage of events for the media to discuss. Indeed, there is always something going on in the world that is worth the time and attention to discuss and reflect upon. Though three of these things may seem to be completely unrelated, they are all part of the world that we live in and possibly point to how the rest of this year will go.
The first and most pressing issue for many is the increased aggression from North Korea. While there has never been a peaceful state between the North and South peninsula, the increase in threats and display of power from the North has leaders in many countries unsure of how events may unfold. Indeed, it seems as if Kim Jung-un is intent on starting a war, the question is how large scale will any conflict be, and will it involve deadly weapons? Our country’s leaders seem just as intent on taking the fight to the dog rather than attempting to dissolve tensions. In fact, there has been increased activity on several of our military bases including drills on quickly mobilizing troops under fire.
A second development has been the current administration’s efforts to figure out the immigration problems that have many citizens and congressional leaders concerned. As a result of his promises to stop illegal immigration and to deport those who have entered the country without the proper documentation, President Trump has announced the end of protections for several groups of immigrants. A week ago he stated that the so-called Dreamers would no longer have protected status. This refers to the children of undocumented parents who were brought to this country as children and are now students or young adults trying to make a better life here. In March, they will have to start waiting for that knock on the door that signals their return trip to their native homeland.
Along with the Dreamers, the immigrants from San Salvador are also losing their protected status. This was granted all immigrants from that country – whether documented or not – in 2001 in response to the devastating earthquake that wrought havoc on that country’s infrastructure and economy. These native Salvadorians will now have until September 2019, to get their personal affairs in order and return to their homeland or risk deportation.
Lastly, earlier this month, Oprah Winfrey announced during an acceptance speech at an award show that she may consider a run for the Presidential Office in the next election. While she may have made the comment in jest, it did not take long for the social media sites to take it and run with it. Hateful statements from both political sides poured out and soaked the screens with animosity and commendation.
While all of these events seem unrelated, is it possible that they could be? There is no lack of intolerance in all of these developments. How will this nation rise above them and become united once again?
Writer Bio: Angela Mose
I am a mom of 7 who has successfully homeschooled for 20 years. I was married for more than 25 years and have recently started my life over. I have a passion for writing and music and when the two can be combined, it is utopia. A Maryland native, I am planning to relocate north in the near future and will continue to strive to learn and experience new things on a regular basis. I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home while exploring new ways to increase my knowledge and skills and help improve the lives of those around me.
