Huntington West Virginia Blog - Global Politics

North Korea Nuclear Bomb

stephanie@sheck.com (Huntington West Virginia) — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 12:26:03 -0400

In light of the fact that North Korea has detonated a nuclear bomb. The nuclear bomb ups the ante quite a bit in the realm of global politics and diplomacy.

For a long time I have held the position that a potentially nuclear North Korea is a thousand times more dangerous than Muslim Extremists. North Korea is a Stalinist type communist dictatorial state that runs like a hereditary monarchy. The current leader of North Korea is the son of the former leader with whom we fought the Korean War 1950-1953.

I think it best if Japan were to invest in Patriot Missile's as a defensive counter-measure to missile attack being in close proximity to North Korea. The patriot is effective against incoming short and medium range missiles. Japan has been somewhat pacifistic in the aftermath of WW2, but in light of the recent events in North Korea, it is time for Japan to re-arm itself in a defensive posture. Japan should start to update and expand it fleet of jet fighter planes to deal with a potential threat from North Korean MiG's carrying a bomb.

Our President should bear in mind that North Korea is not a rational government that cares about its people.

Stephanie Heck

Hiroshima Japan

stephanie@sheck.com (Huntington West Virginia) — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 08:14:51 -0400

61 years ago this day a huge Mushroom Cloud from an Atomic Bomb rose over the city of Hiroshima Japan bringing a beginning of the end to the second World War, and started the atomic age of global politics of the cold war and the nuclear terror that went with it.

North Korea Missile

stephanie@sheck.com (Huntington West Virginia) — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 23:17:14 -0400

It seems that North Korea has today test launched a long range Missile, and several other short range missiles. They launched these missiles today within a few minutes of the U.S. launch of the Space Shuttle. North Korea has definite possession of long range missile technology, and North Korea is suspected by numerous weapons expert to have a very small number of nuclear weapons.

I feel that North Korea is a far more dangerous threat to the United States security than any potential threat posed by Muslim Terrorists. Leader Kim Jong IL is the paranoid leader of a Stalinist type communist country, and North Korea as a country runs more like a cult than a nation. Leader Kim Jong IL of North Korea is more like a cult leader than a head of state. Leader Kim Jong IL of North Korea is so far out in left field, that he makes other dictators look mild in contrast.

Global Warming Interview

stephanie@sheck.com (Huntington West Virginia) — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 11:40:03 -0500

Introduction: I was recently approached for an interview by a school girl here in West Virginia studying global warming. I am publishing her questions and my replies because I thought it might be educational to other students doing a class project.

Global Warming Interview

QUESTION: Can you explain what you do and how you became involved in Global Warming?

ANSWER: I am a longstanding advocate and activist for environmental concerns. I was first approached for this interview because I run an Internet blog that has some articles on the topic of global warming and other environmental concerns. I first became interested in climate changes based upon my observations over the years. A small change in the average yearly temperature can have drastic effects on the climate. We have more tornadoes and hurricanes in the USA than we once had decades ago, simply because the climate is changing as the result of greenhouse gases emitted from fossil fuel consumption. Rest assured that the winters here in West Virginia are generally milder than they were when I was a child 40 years ago.

QUESTION: I have learned that some scientists and professionals in the field do not believe in the Greenhouse Effect. Do you believe in Greenhouse Gases (Global Warming)?

ANSWER: There are some propagandists who debunk the well-established science of combustion chemistry. Combustion of hydrocarbon fuels such as petroleum and coal produce large volumes of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as a byproduct of high temperature oxidization (Combustion).

It is a matter of common knowledge among intelligent people that the physics of the Carbon atom gives Carbon qualities conducive to the absorption of radiation. This is why some nuclear reactors use graphite and other carbon polymers as an element of the control rods that are used to regulate the nuclear chain reaction within the reactor. We know that the sun produces radiation that creates heat and light within the atmosphere and carbon absorbs radiation. When radiation is absorbed, heat is produced as a byproduct. Therefore it is reasonable and rational to extrapolate a conclusion that the greater the amount of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere as the result of fossil fuel consumption, the more potential heat is absorbed from solar radiation. The percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is directly proportional to the ability of the atmosphere to absorb heat from the sun.

QUESTION: Have you studied Global Warming?

ANSWER: I have studied the chemistry and the physics of the theory, and perceive the theory to be based on generally accepted principles of science. Once the debate is stripped of the political spin from the fans of the coal and oil industry, it is really pretty basic science.

QUESTION: How do scientists research something like this?

ANSWER: Statistical analysis of long term NOAA databases used to maintain the history of weather patterns over a period of several decades to arrive at a statistical pattern of weather over the multi seasonal spectrum. Statistical Meteorology.

QUESTION: How do you research this issue?

ANSWER: I try to look at the data with a detached point of view; in short I am objective in my analysis. I m no science guru, nor am I stupid.

QUESTION: What do you think is the main cause of Global Warming?

ANSWER: Excessive consumption of carbon based fuels emitting huge volumes of Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide form the majority of "greenhouse gases".

QUESTION: What effect is Global Warming having on mankind?

ANSWER: The erosion of the polar ice caps is already creating problems in navigation in polar oceans. Bigger Icebergs. Eventually this influx of fresh water from the polar ice caps into the ocean will affect the saline levels of ocean water exterminating some saline sensitive species, and deterioration of the polar caps will affect the actual sea level in the long term.

QUESTION: What effect is Global Warming having on plant life and animals?

ANSWER: A slight fluctuation in temperature will have great impact on growing seasons and crop production in agriculture. Migratory patterns of certain aquatic species will change as well, affecting the food chain.

QUESTION: What effect is Global Warming having on your community?

ANSWER: Last Summer was pretty warm, that trend will continue. Last winter was pretty warm too compared to what it was decades ago. You young people need to ask the old timers to confirm this.

QUESTION: What do you know for sure will happen for us in the future, due to Global Warming?

ANSWER: A gradual rise in the temperature of planet Earth and drastic changes in climate in the long run.

QUESTION: What do you suspect will happen (in addition to the things you know for sure) for us in the future, due to Global Warming?

ANSWER: Siberia will get warmer, and the growing season will get longer in Siberia. Food production will increase in Northern Latitudes.

QUESTION: What are your personal feelings concerning Global Warming?

ANSWER: The USA needs to become more committed to the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (fostered by the UN) through the research and implementation of alternative fuels such as hydrogen, and atomic power. New scrubber technology can be used to reduce carbon gas emissions from coal-fired power plants.

QUESTION: Do you think Global Warming is a serious issue that the World needs to think about?

ANSWER: The world has thought about it and has developed a strategy to reduce the problem in the Kyoto Protocol. However the USA and China are not adding much effort to this international collaborative agreement.

QUESTION: What do you know of what is being done Worldwide to fight Global Warming?

ANSWER: The Kyoto Protocol is the best hope we have right now. More research needs to be done to find new strategies.

QUESTION: What do you know of what is being done in the US to fight Global Warming?

ANSWER: Not much of anything because the oil industry, and the coal industry, denies the existence of problem. Those industries have a lot of friends in Congress.

QUESTION: What do you feel the World Governments can do?

ANSWER: Formulate a global broad-spectrum strategy to abate the problem.

QUESTION: What do you feel that the US Government can do?

ANSWER: Encourage the sensible use of energy and reduce wastage.

QUESTION: What do you feel the Local Governments can do?

ANSWER: It would help if local governments encouraged business entities to turn off electric signs and lighting when the store or businesses are not open for business. The energy savings would be tremendous. Less fuel would be used to generate electricity and greenhouse gases would be reduced as a result. Local governments need to pass ordinances against the frivolous wastage of energy. This would reduce our dependency on imported fuels and maybe the fines from the citations would generate a wee bit of income for cash strapped municipalities.

QUESTION: What can individuals and families do to help?

ANSWER: Save energy whenever possible.

QUESTION: What actions have you personally taken to help prevent Global Warming?

ANSWER: I ride a bicycle to save money on gasoline sometimes; besides being good exercise it saves gasoline and reduces pollution.

QUESTION: What actions can you suggest that my class can take to help prevent Global Warming?

ANSWER: Your class members need to ask your grandparents and other mature people if the climate has changed over the last 40 years. Ask them if the winters of today are milder than the winters of decades past. Then if you are convinced the worlds climate is changing, act accordingly to minimize your use of energy from fossil fuels.

QUESTION: Do you use any Energy Star labeled objects?

ANSWER: Yes, many energy efficient products are superior in construction to standard products. I use a laptop rather than a desktop computer to reduce energy usage.

QUESTION: Do you have any interesting facts to share with me that I have not covered with my questions?

ANSWER: Your questions are pretty extensive.

QUESTION: Do you have any books, magazines or websites you could recommend to my class?

ANSWER: http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/convkp/kpeng.html A UN Affiliated Website

QUESTION: How can I help make people care about Global Warming?

ANSWER: Ask them what kind of world that they want to leave for their great grandchildren?

Stephanie Heck / Huntington West Virginia.

Venezuela

stephanie@sheck.com (Huntington West Virginia) — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 05:42:37 -0400

Global Politics and Political Commentary:

Venezuela has a controversial president whom is detested by Pat Robertson and certain right wing officials of the Bush Administration. Chavez is the name of the President of Venezuela. Pat Robertson has recently made a nationally televised call for the political assassination of the President of Venezuela on his CBN Christian Broadcasting Network.

The government sponsored political assassination of a foreign leader is a provocative act of war under the Geneva Convention. I do not desire that this country engage in any more wars.

The United States Supreme Court has ruled that free speech does NOT include the right to advocate on incite the commission of a felony. Freedom of religion does not include the right to advocate an assassination of leaders in Venezuela

The difference between a cult leader and a legitimate clergyman is a matter of respect for the law of the land. Cult Leaders customarily believe themselves to be above or beyond the reach of the law. Pat Robertson has issued a public apology for his conduct.

However that does not change the fact that Pat Robertson advocated cold blooded murder on national TV in violation of FCC standards. I want the FCC to revoke his broadcasting license. Political assassination is the tactic of a terrorist and I see no difference between fanatical christian terrorists and fanatical muslim terrorists, when both advocate murder and assassination to advance a political agenda.

Pat Robertson lied to the FCC when he applied for a broadcasting license for the Christian Broadcasting Network when it is a matter of common knowledge that Christians believe "Thou shalt not kill'.

Commandments and laws are not applicable to cult leaders and the brainwashed fools that follow them. I am opposed to all forms of violence as a political means to resolve disputes.

Stephanie Heck

Huntington West Virginia

Gas Prices

stephanie@sheck.com (Huntington West Virginia) — Sun, 14 Aug 2005 06:08:37 -0400

Saudi Arabia, Friend or Foe?

I have wondered for the longest time if Saudi Arabia was our friend or foe? One only has to look at the gas prices in Huntington WV to know the answer. It is a matter of global politics that gas prices are so high. Saudi Arabia is the worlds biggest oil exporter and a key player in OPEC so it is possible for Saudi Arabia to reduce prices to ease the strain on the economy.

Osama Bin Ladin is a Saudi citizen by birth, and the majority of the 911 hijackers were citizens of Saudi Arabia. We have spent billions because of the religious fanaticism that is centered in Saudi Arabia.

Many have criticized the nation of Saudi Arabia for failing to do enough to slow down terrorism and one has only to take a hard look at the gas prices to see the brazen manner of economic warfare that the nation of Saudi Arabia are using to make it hard on the United States.

This is a form of economic extortion. I am convinced that the nation of Saudi Arabia hates America. No doubt that the maniac terrorist Bin Ladin is enjoying all this. The Terrorist Bin Ladin is seeking to destroy the prestige and global credibility of the United States with terror. His fellow Citizens of Saudi Arabia seek to destroy the American Economy by bilking the United States for every dime they can extort via high gas prices.

Feel free to disagree with me. America is sandwiched between fanatical Arab terrorists, and the petroleum extortionists of Saudi Arabia.

Outrageous record prices for oil are merely a political retaliation for standing up to the bigotry of Bin Ladin's extremism. We need to get it through our head that the Saudi's are doing far more than charging a reasonable price for oil. They are taxing our economy for punitive reasons.

It is indeed fortunate that the local gas station is just up the road from a fine hospital, in case you have a massive heart attack when you see the prices, and then see red from patriotic anger simultaneously.

Stephanie Heck stephanie@sheck.com

Huntington Cabell County West Virginia

Iraq Casualty Report

stephanie@sheck.com (Huntington West Virginia) — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 07:32:51 -0400

Six Marines were killed by snipers and 14 more were killed by an explosion in Iraq in the last two days. This pushes the total of U.S. Military killed in action to over 1800 since the war began. I do not know if any of those recently departed military men were from West Virginia. I made a web page to honor the sacrifice of men who died in combat from this state of West Virginia. It is my hope that I never have to update that page again, and that there are no further casualty reports. A link to the page is below.

http://sheck.com/westvirginiacasualtyreport/

I acknowledge that the terrorists are a threat, however I am growing weary of seeing America's finest coming home in body bags. I am looking forward to the troops coming home.

Stephanie Heck

London Terrorist Attacks

stephanie@sheck.com (Huntington West Virginia) — Fri, 08 Jul 2005 14:38:40 -0400

It is my understanding that 38 have died as the result of the terrorist attacks in London UK.

Many here in West Virginia wish to express our human empathy for the wounded, and our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased victims of terror in London. It is our sincere desire that those terrorist criminals who have attacked the people of London are soon brought to justice.

Stephanie

Global Warming

stephanie@sheck.com (Huntington West Virginia) — Sat, 26 Feb 2005 09:08:21 -0500

President Bush appears to be worried about the long term future of Social Security.

I am more worried about the long term impact of global warming due to greenhouse effect. The polar Icecaps are gradually receding at an alarming rate. Weird things are starting to happen with the weather.

Global warming has the potential to turn the frozen wastelands of Siberia into amber waves of grain, and also to decimate the tropical rainforests that produce much of the breathable oxygen in Earths atmosphere.

I too share the presidents concern for longterm health of the Social Security system, however a large number of options are on the table to effect a fix.

However, the longterm impact of unabated global warming, due to greenhouse gas emissions, constitute a longterm threat to the very future of humanity. The potential for a disaster on a global scale has far more implications than economic issues, and yet it is ignored as being too far in the future to merit concern.

Americans do not care to stand up to meet a tough challange once they are presented with the challenge.

It seems that global warming has been swept from the agenda as American's are led into an uncertain future with blinders on.

Stephanie Heck

Huntington

Cabell County

West Virginia

25701