Viva Revolution!

The age of Revolution is a period of time that took place during the 1700 and 1800s. Some would say that we have entered our own modern period of revolution. Lets take a look back at some of the revolutions that occurred during 2011. A revolution that started during 2011 and ended during 2012, is the famed Egyptian revolution. It began with peaceful protests — Egyptians were just trying to make Egypt democratic. Millions of citizens went on strikes refusing work until better treated. Before we know it Egypt’s corrupt president, Hosni Mubarak ordered the army to fire on unarmed protestors. Due to ever-growing pressure from his own people and the U.N, Hosni Mubarak resigned on February 11th 2012.

Another revolution is the Libyan revolution that started on February 15th 2011.  As early as 2010 the U.N. was receiving reports that Libya was the most censored country in the Middle East. Ruled by Muammar Gaddafi, a cruel dictator who seized power in the 60s, Libya received much attention from the international community. With an uprising from guerilla forces and support from the U.N, the rebellion ended on October 23rd 2011. The last of  “rebellions” on our list (more like civil disobedience) is Occupy Wall Street. It began in New York, people protesting   corporate greed and unfair taxation. The movements slogan “ We are the 99%” became a battle cry for many, for others it was a threat to their wealth. OWS soon spread around the nation with protest held in California, Louisiana, Alabama and many others. It did not only stop at a nationwide level it soon spread to London, Berlin, Sydney and many countries in Africa. The protests were splintered however and by fall of 2011 they were being shit down. Pepper Spray, riot shields, and flash bangs soon became commonplace. By December of 2011 the movement was effectively dead. History repeats itself; we may have entered a new age of revolution or just an insignificant period in human history. Whatever it is, whenever people are treated unfairly they will rebel.

Guantanamo’s(eternal)Prison

September 11 2001, a day that will forever live in infamy, rushed in many changes to America. From the controversial signing of the “Patriot Act” to the even more controversial opening of Guantanamo Prison, America is not the place it once was.

The facility was opened on January 11, 2002 with 20 prisoners suspected of terrorism arriving the same day. These prisoners were described by top US officials  as the “worst of the worst.” Our former President George W. Bush even acknowledges terrible treatment at the facility by stating that detainees are NOT protected by the Geneva Conventions.

President Obama had promised that during his term Guantanamo Prison would be closed. It seems he has ignored this issue even signing the Defense Authorization Bill. This bill contains provisions that make it nearly impossible for Guantanamo to be closed.

It seems that the famous prison will remain open indefinitely but it does seem that the inhumane treatment has stopped.