FINALL
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
APPROACH A
Section D
HORIZONS
United States of America: Why Train the Cambodian Military? RYAN O’HARA Correspondent
On Jan. 16, Cambodian military police began a 10-day training program with the U.S. military in Phnom Penh. However, questions are being raised as to why the U.S. continues to support the Cambodian military, despite overwhelming evidence of human rights violations. The Leahy Law prohibits the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Defense from providing military assistance to foreign military units that violate human rights with impunity. On Jan. 3, Cambodian military police opened fire on their own people with AK-47 assault rifles, killing five and injuring as many as 42 after they were deployed to break up a demonstration in the Pur Senchey district. If the United States should have given any assistance in this
matter, it should have gone to the Cambodian National Rescue Party. By supporting the Cambodian People’s Party, the United States has undoubtedly supported the communist side of the spectrum. As the son of a Cambodian immigrant who actually survived the original Khmer Rouge, I find myself appalled that this administration has literally turned their backs on my family, and others who came to the United States to escape the oppressive government. There are others in this country, unfortunately, who don’t understand how communists operate, especially in Cambodia. In Cambodia, if you don’t follow what you’re told, you’re done. CPP military spokesperson Kheng Tito doesn’t get to say what he wants to say. Tito is given talking points, filled with propaganda, and the people listen to that on a daily basis. For example, do you really think that
real ammunition was used against the innocent civilians in the Pur Senchey District? Well, you’re probably saying, “Well, duh! How else would it work?”
Well, Kheng Tito has been unsuccessful in trying to convince the average Cambodian that the ammo used to kill innocent civilians, was not real ammo. The
heads of totalitarian governments are always paranoid about losing power. That is why dictators, communists, and bad people in general in charge of a nation,
choose to capture or kill the educated members of society. That is what the Khmer Rouge did en route to murdering more than 2 million people. Kim Jong Un was paranoid over the fact that his Uncle may have been plotting to overthrow him from power. As a result, Kim Jong Un had his Uncle murdered and reportedly his corpse was fed to a pack of hungry dogs, but as of today, that is still unconfirmed. America today is not in as good of shape as it has been in the past, but we’re still much better off than many other countries in the world today. But, I must ask: President Obama, why are we helping the communist regime get stronger in Cambodia? What is the purpose? What are we getting in return? I feel that this administration has been making terrible moves in foreign policy, especially when it comes to supporting terrorism in Syria. When are we going to wake up?
Roses Are Red, What Are You? JAKE SUSS Online Editor
Counseling Corner: Post-holiday Recovery with Debbie Ritterbush, MA, LPC
Coming back after winter break can be rough. For most of us, going back to the rigors of academia can be a huge adjustment. Over the course of break, most likely, your mind has been turned into goop from not having to do or think as much. Now… you are beginning to remember just how hard you worked the first semester, only to be dragged back from a fun break, to start the work over again. While relaxation is much needed, going straight back into the grind of school can be a major shock, and for some of us, it can be tough. Here are a few suggestions to ensure your post-holiday recovery won’t leave you offtrack or falling behind:
Get up Early: Over the break, college students tend to stay up late, and then naturally get up late. This cycle can’t last if you have an early morning class. Many students feel it is a lot easier just to stay in “holiday break” mode, even if that means missing classes, in the first few weeks. The dark mornings and cool weather in Prescott can make this difficult, so make a schedule and stick to it! Organize, Organize, Organize: This is the time to make a schedule for organizing your course work, studying, and socializing. Time management is key in just about any environment. So remember… the student who plans ahead, and who gets organized, will start the semester out right.
St u d y, St u d y, St u d y : Chances are the first couple of weeks back on campus will be a cakewalk in your coursework. You are just acclimating yourself to the new subjects, and your professors are trying to figure out who actually cares about their course. This is a good time to shine! It may not seem like such a big deal to start building your credibility with your professor, but this is the ideal time. By putting in an above average amount of effort right off the bat, the professor will see you in a better light all semester. Also, if you study more and bolster your grade early on in the semester, guess what you don’t have to do as much later on?
Think, Think, Think: For the last nugget of advice, I suggest that you simply think about what a new semester means for you. It can be a chance to correct all of our mistakes from the fall, or just keep doing what worked for you before. ERAU Counseling Services is available for all ERAU Students. Counseling Services is located at the Wellness Center, Building 73, in Haas Commons. Counseling services can provide a confidential and secure place to help you figure it all out! One-on-one and couples counseling is available to fit your needs. Making an appointment to see a counselor on campus is easy! Just stop by or call the Wellness Center 928.777.6653.
As January nears and New Years and the other winter holidays drift away into our memories, the next major holiday approaches: Valentine’s Day. A cause for happiness for some and panic or sadness for others, Valentine’s Day evokes a host of humanity’s most powerful emotions. Early on the morning of Feb. 14, men flood the markets and florists in search of roses or chocolates for their loved ones. More prepared and committed men are already perusing the jeweler catalogs, seeking the perfect set of earrings or a necklace. However, perhaps instead of asking what color of gold would match her eyes best, we should be asking why Valentine’s Day is a multibillion-dollar holiday. For a holiday that purports itself as a celebration of love, it certainly seems as if the love of money is the biggest winner on Valentine’s Day. From rose growers to candy manufacturers to restaurateurs, the number of companies vying for the business of the enamored is staggering. Even a dozen roses, a box of chocolates, and a dinner date can cost upwards of 100 dollars, so everyone gets to take a slice of the Valentine’s Day pie while consumers happily shell out money in the name of love. Is there an alternative? Of course there is, but still, there is
never an absolute in the world of love. Sometimes a necklace or a ring truly is the perfect gift, and sometimes nothing beats a romantic dinner out on the town. But sometimes, there is a better, cheaper solution that will make your significant other much happier. My mom used to tell me about the poems that my dad used to write her when they were dating; the experience always brought a smile to her face, and a blush to my dad’s face. The happiness that came with those poems not only made her happy when she received them, but also persists after more than 30 years of marriage. That being said, the cheap things in life do not always come easily, and that is especially true of heartfelt gifts. Often, the effort required to write a romantic poem or make a thoughtful present far surpasses the effort needed to earn the money for a mediocre gift. The results however, are indisputable, as the most memorable presents do not come out of a box and cannot be bought with a credit card; rather, they are the manifestations of love and feelings melded together to form a gift. So this Valentine’s Day, think about your significant other and your feelings towards him or her. Remember that spending time with your loved ones is the most important tenet of any relationship. Finally, do not worry about finding the perfect gift; your heart will lead you in the right direction.