Between classes and everything else in your hectic schedule, it’s hard to keep up with the news these days. Not to mention, it seems like every day there is a new headline that proclaims the world’s end. Not to fear, here is a brief run-through of a few pieces of information that all well-rounded Collegiettes should know.
ISIS– Predominantly led by the United States, air strikes are being carried out against this Islamic militant group. At the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, President Obama urged that other countries to rally behind America’s expanding military campaign against this lethal terrorist group. It is obvious that no president or prime minister has the intention of waging all-out war. However, serious measures must be taken to permanently eliminate the threat of terrorism against not on the United States, but the rest of the world.
Farewell, Holder– The first black US Attorney General and arguably one of the most controversial, Eric Holder, announced that he is resigning. Notable contributions of Holder have been: reducing mandatory minimum prison sentences, refusing to release documents related to the Fast and Furious scandal over border patrol, and making massive settlements with Wall Street banks regarding the 2008 recession. Holder’s successor has yet to be named, but it is more than likely that Obama will select someone who will continue Holder’s reformist legacy.
Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder
Ebola– The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published statistics saying that Ebola has the potential to infect over 1 million people living in West Africa by the beginning of 2015. Be that as it may, these statistics are often presented to provide for the worst case scenario. Increased and quick responses to the disease from the United States will affect if and how much this devastating epidemic will spread.
Climate Change– In New York and the UN Climate Summit, many world leaders gathered to address climate change and how to combat it. President Obama recently signed an executive order that directs all federal agencies to incorporate “climate resilience” into international development programs and investments. Newly named UN Messenger of Peace Leonardo DiCaprio spoke out about the issue. Despite DiCaprio’s convincing speech, it is up for debate whether he is truly aware of the issue he is lecturing us about on account of his highly frequent private jet excursions.
UN Messenger of Peace Leonardo DiCaprio speaks at the UN Climate Change Summit
And just like that, you’re informed! Remember Collegiettes, knowledge is power!