Violence in Kenya Marks the Start of 2008

"NAIROBI, Kenya - Kenyan police battled thousands of opposition supporters enraged over President Mwai Kibaki's allegedly fraudulent re-election, firing tear gas and live ammunition as the death toll from the violence rose to 125, officials and witnesses said."

"The vote also ignited smoldering resentment between Kenya's two largest tribes, with supporters of Raila Odinga, a Luo who officially came in second, clashing with members of Kibaki's Kikuyu. The head of Kenya's Red Cross said many of the dead were killed in ethnic violence across the country."

The Entire Story

The spark of ethnic-related violence in Kenya not only marks the start of 2008, but the broad spectrum of conflict on the continent. While western media deflects coverage of the genocide in Sudan and focuses on tension in the Middle East from the Bush war, Sub-Saharan Africa is equally ignored and in far worse shape than Iraq or Kuwait or Pakistan.

Funny Pictures

A Recap on the Year

2007 was a good year, by far. I went to county college for the spring semester and transfered to Drew University in the fall. Had a couple jobs and I'm going to stay where I am for a while, clerking at a nearby law firm. After moving back to New Jersey, I got back with old friends and enjoyed my hometown more than I thought I would.


As far as New Year's resolutions, I have a few:
1. Bring my GPA back up to a 3.8
2. Save money
3. Grow my hair long
4. Get out the vote campaign

So to all - Happy New Year 2008!!!

Possible Swing States for the Primaries

Check out the statistics for:
South Carolina
Iowa
Nevada
New Hampshire

Florida

Please vote =)

Pakistan: Fractured skull killed Bhutto

CNN News Story re: the assassination of Bhutto, reportedly Al-Queda responsible

The civilized world is indeed in mourning today, while U.S. presidential hopefuls look for any opportunity to speak out about democracy to boost their polls.

My Meeting with Madeleine Albright

I wanted to take the time to talk a little about when I met former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, at my university this past November. She came in from New York City to give a lecture to the student body and the community; and I was lucky enough to meet her personally beforehand in a classroom at Brothers College. An older, petite woman now; her world perspectives are still fresher than most students my age. As former United Nations ambassador, she spoke about delightful anecdotes during her tenure. I was able to ask her about her opinion of North Korea's nuclear capabilities and what she thinks of Condoleeza Rice's job with Kim Jong Ill. Albright's frankness took me a back, as she criticized Rice's efforts towards the hostile leader in length. She also noted from the time she was in office as Secretary of State, North Korea cut the number of their nuclear warheads in half and the great progress that had been made (and then ruined). I read her book, The Mighty and the Almighty, yesterday - an interesting read if you have the time - commentary about the political influences of world religions. More to write later on this subject.

New Blog

Chances are you know who I am if you're reading this. If not, welcome, my name's Erica - a college student, living in New Jersey. I'm creating this new blog in hope of it better reflecting who I am than my old blog, BitterJersey. This blog will be more politically oriented and less personal in nature. Like just about every other 20-something boisterous American, I have a lot to say. Enjoy.