Grade 10 Civics Culminating Activity: Citizen’s Scrapbook (By: Gohulan Sivakumar)
LOCAL ARTICLES
1) TITLE: The Title of this article is “Toronto library strike: Job security the big issue again”.
AUTHOR: The author of this article is “Daniel Dale,” who is an Urban Affairs Reporter.
NEWSPAPER: The full name of the newspaper from which the article is taken is “The Toronto Star
Newspaper”.
DATE: The day that the article appeared in the newspaper was on Monday, March.19th, 2012.
SUBJECT: The overall topic that this article is unfolding is essentially regarding about how the Librarians
around Toronto have been going on strike in opposition to the Library Board. In addition, this article is talking
about how there was a serious discussion on Sunday on the issue of job security that collapsed. Furthermore,
this article is concerning about the outcomes of the strike such as the closure of 98 branches and the effects on
roughly 2,300 workers. Finally, this article is regarding about how the Librarians in Toronto are demanding to
deserve the job security and become a permanent worker.
THESIS: The major dispute between the Librarian workers and the Library Board situates a major stress and
question mark on the future of the librarian workers.
EVIDENCE: Most importantly, the explanation for why the Librarian Union went on strike was because they
failed to reach a deal with the Library Board. Furthermore, this issue has severely affected the library branches
as well as the workers. This is because this issue has caused numerous branches in Toronto to close down and
it has weakened the job security provisions by laying off majority of the workers. In addition, another reason
why the Librarians are on strike is because of the fact that the part-time librarian workers are being laid off and
because they believe that they deserve to have permanent shifts. In general, the library workers are blaming
the Library board because of their unjust and unreasonable promises to the city on the topic of budget cuts.
SIGNIFIGANCE: There are many reasons explicating why this issue is imperative. The first reason why this
issue is very important is for the reason that it’s concerning about the closure of libraries in Toronto. This is
serious because a library plays a very crucial role in society. Libraries educate people about various topics from
Genetic Engineering to Astronomy and it has been stated that its importance, as means of educating the public,
is next to schools, colleges and universities. Furthermore, libraries permit everyone to be able to borrow books,
magazines, journals, and newspapers and it has been stated that libraries enhance and expand your knowledge
of the real world. As you can see, libraries play a very key role in everyone’s lives, however if they are being
closed down, not only will it affect the citizens; it will also affect the librarians. If libraries are shut down, it will
affect the people that come there since they come there for educational purposes. Furthermore, the closure of
the libraries will affect librarians considering the fact that they will end up losing their jobs which would result
as a major crisis.
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/cityhallpolitics/article/1148830--toronto-library-strike-job-security-thebig-issue-again
2) TITLE: The Title of this article is “Toronto homeowners to receive new municipal property tax
assessments”.
AUTHOR: The author of this article is “David Nickle”.
NEWSPAPER: The full name of the newspaper from which the article is taken is “www.insidetoronto.com”.
DATE: The day that the article appeared in the newspaper was on Friday, October.26th, 2012.
SUBJECT: The overall focus that the article is recounting is that according to the figures that were calculated by
the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), a great load of the homeowners in Toronto
essentially will be paying higher property taxes. Furthermore, the article elaborates on why the property
assessments are a very vital element of setting property tax rates. Also, the article states that even if the market
value’s increase refers to an increase in property taxes, ultimately it all depends on whether that increase is
greater or less than the average increase. Finally, because Ontario’s MPAC wants to arrange all the property
assessments in an organized manner, Ontario’s MPAC mails out individual property assessments to owners
around Ontario.
THESIS: An increase in the property assessment does not always indicate an increase in property taxes
because it is the same increase for the calculated value of a home and the average in the municipality.
EVIDENCE: On the whole, Toronto homeowners have observed that since 2008, their assessments have
increased by 22.8 percent, which was the previous occasion of when the provincial property assessment
company examined the property values across Ontario. Additionally, Ontario’s MPAC stated how the property
owners will recognize an average assessment increase of 5.5% within each year for the following four years.
Furthermore, property assessments are crucial for setting property tax rates for the reason that the assessed
value of your property is what is used to calculate how much property tax you will have to pay. In addition, the
market value’s increase all depends on whether that increase is greater or less than the average increase
because municipalities are not permitted to collect more or less taxes, as a result this leads to an assessment
change. Last of all, even though Ontario’s MPAC is mailing individual property assessments to owners around
Ontario systematically, the homeowners can still argue against the assessed value of their home by scheduling
for a “Request for Reconsideration”.
SIGNIFIGANCE: The predominant reason for why this issue is important is because this is one of the
contributing factors for how your community will evolve. Furthermore, having more land means paying more
money to the government. With the money that is given to the government, portions of that money are given to
schools, police departments and the firefighting departments. As a result, this affects the public that own
houses for the reason that even though the taxes go toward the general public welfare, they are the ones who
have to pay off their property tax to the government in order to continue possessing their land. Furthermore
this also affects people who have businesses considering the fact that they have to pay for the land that they
occupy. All in all, this issue negatively affects those who own any piece of land.
http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/1313306-toronto-homeowners-to-receive-new-municipalproperty-tax-assessments/
3) TITLE: The Title of this article is “Markham's deputy mayor won't support arena financial plan”.
AUTHOR: The author of this article is “York Region News”.
NEWSPAPER: The full name of the newspaper from which the article is taken is “www.yorkregion.com”.
DATE: The day that the article appeared in the newspaper was on Thursday, November.1st, 2012.
SUBJECT: The article is mainly concerning about how Markham’s deputy minister, Jack Heath, financially
cannot support the framework behind the idea of a brand-new NHL-size rink that was projected in Markham.
Additionally, the article is giving details about Jack Heath announcing a statement that is concerning about how
the proposed financial framework is turning out to be a very contentious problem. Moreover, the article
expands on how numerous taxpayers are in opposition to the idea of Markham being incorporated in the
financial perspective of any Markham Sports, Entertainment as well as Cultural Centre. Finally, this article
describes that Mr. Heath remains positive on the idea of Markham becoming a leading location intended for a
National Hockey League team; however he does not have any indication that the dream will truly turn out to be
the truth anytime soon.
THESIS: Because Markham's deputy mayor, Jack Heath, is financially unable to support the framework behind
a new NHL-ready arena projected in Markham, GTA will need to be patient to see whether or not they will have
their second NHL franchise.
EVIDENCE: First and foremost, because of the fact that Jack Heath believes the proposed financial framework is
turning out to be a very contentious problem, Jack Heath called for the discussions regarding about the up to
date financial model to be put to an end. Also, many taxpayers are against the idea of Markham being involved
in the financial view of any Markham Sports, Entertainment and Cultural Centre because they see the risks that
may affect them in the future and they don’t believe it is necessary and beneficial. Finally, Markham’s deputy
minister, Jack Heath, financially cannot support the framework of a brand-new NHL-size rink considering the
fact that it projected to be very costly. However, Jacky Heath emphasized that he would only provide assistance
to the Site Plan, only if it is totally disconnected to the Financial Framework.
SIGNIFIGANCE: If you look at the overall picture, the deputy minister plays a huge role. In general, deputy
mayors are members of the city council and they are given the authority to play the role of a mayor in the
mayor’s absence. In this case, Markham’s deputy mayor cannot support the framework behind the idea of a
brand-new NHL-size rink that was projected in Markham. Because of this, it will be tough for GTA to introduce
their second NHL franchise in the new Markham centre. As a result, this will affect the public for the ones who
are supporting this arena financial plan because they won’t be able to witness GTA’s second NHL franchise.
Lastly, because everyone has to pay tax in order to make this area financial plan successful, this will affect the
people who don’t want to support this arena financial plan.
http://www.yorkregion.com/news/article/1528673--markham-s-deputy-mayor-won-t-support-arena-financial-plan
PROVINCIAL/NATIONAL ARTICLES
1) TITLE: The Title of this article is “Ontario Liberals fall 1 seat shy of majority after by-elections”.
AUTHOR: The author of this article is the “CBC News”.
NEWSPAPER: The full name of the newspaper from which the article is taken is “www.cbc.ca”.
DATE: The day that the article appeared in the newspaper was on Thursday, September.6th, 2012.
SUBJECT: The overall area under discussion that this article is describing is how Ontario Premier Dalton
McGuinty’s “Liberal Party of Canada”, will continue to lead a minority government. In addition, this article is
regarding about how Dalton McGuinty and his Liberals took place in Thursday’s intense races. Finally, the last
major idea that this article is on the subject of is how it was very crucial for the Liberals to win in both
Vaughan, which was formerly held by Liberal Greg Sorbara, as well as Kitchener-Waterloo, formerly in the
possession of Progressive Conservative Elizabeth Witmer.
THESIS: Despite the fact that Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty’s “Liberal Party of Canada” wins in Vaughan,
they miss the opportunity of succeeding in a majority government.
EVIDENCE: First and foremost, the explanation for how the Liberals achieved only a minority government is
for the reason that Dalton McGuinty’s Liberals won only one of two seats in a pair of by-elections that took
place on Thursday. Because of the fact that the Liberals only won one of the two seats, it resulted in them
taking hold of 53 seats, which is 1 less of becoming a majority government. Furthermore, the reason why it was
very crucial for the Liberals to win in both Vaughan and Kitchener-Waterloo was because if they did win, they
would be able to return to their majority government status that they happened to lose in the previous October
provincial election. Ultimately, the MP who won in the Vaughan region was Ontario Liberal candidate Steven
Del Duca and the MP who won in the Kitchener-Waterloo region was NDP candidate Catherine Fife.
SIGNIFIGANCE: This issue is very significant considering the fact that it is regarding about Canada’s
Parliament. Furthermore, this issue is signifying whether or not the “Liberal Party of Canada” will become the
majority government in Canada’s Parliament. However, the “Liberal Party of Canada” obtained 53 seats which
is 1 less seat off of a majority government; as a result they became the minority government. Additionally, this
issue is imperative because the results of the by-election would have a major impact on the citizens of Canada.
The first reason of why this will be the outcome is because the citizens that voted for the “The Liberal Party of
Canada” may be frustrated with the fact that their party wasn’t able to become the majority government. In
addition, the citizens that supported the opposing parties may also be frustrated, but for the fact that the party
they voted for didn’t get as much votes when compared to the number of votes that the Liberals got.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2012/09/06/ontario-byelections.html
2) TITLE: The Title of this article is “Canada’s military watchdog issues urgent call for more mental-health
experts”.
AUTHOR: The author of this article is “Bruce Campion-Smith,” who is an Ottawa Bureau Chief.
NEWSPAPER: The full name of the newspaper from which the article is taken is “The Toronto Star
Newspaper”.
DATE: The day that the article appeared in the newspaper was on Monday, September.17th, 2012.
SUBJECT: The overall topic that this article is explicating about is how Canada’s war in Afghanistan imprinted a
legacy of traumatized soldiers who may possibly need some assistance for another decade or so. Additionally,
this article is describing how there is an enlisting campaign to encourage more mental-health specialists to get
into the military. Furthermore, this article is unfolding how Pierre Daigle, the Canadian Forces ombudsman,
recognizes how recruitment levels in the military’s mental-health system have declined a great deal below the
level of what is needed. Finally, this article is explaining about the perspective of Peter Mackay, the Defence
Minister, and how he intends on making a move on this issue.
THESIS: The true answer for getting to the bottom of the military mental stress issue is to be able to get more
mental-health professionals to enlist themselves in military.
EVIDENCE: First of all, the clarification for why there has been traumatized soldiers is because of the fact that it
is said that there has been collateral affliction in Canada’s military battle hostile to mental stress. Furthermore,
the reason why there has been a recruiting campaign to promote more mental-health professionals is because
of the fact that there isn’t enough health-care providers as well as caregivers. It is said that the number of
health-care providers are at hazard of burning out because of the amount of workload that they have to
complete. In addition, enlistments and hiring have increases in the ranks in 2010, however since then, it has
been a major downfall in the amount of staffing levels that are in the military’s mental-health system. Finally,
Peter Mackay, the Defence Minister, has made an effort in helping the military’s mental-health system by
proclaiming $11 million in urgent financial support in order to boost mental health services as well as hire
more frontline professionals, for example, psychologists.
SIGNIFIGANCE: My first analysis for why this issue is significant is for the reason that it is concerning about
Canada’s military. Also, this issue discussed about how Canada’s military is undergoing a major affliction in
opposition to a serious mental stress. This is crucial considering the fact that Canada’s military is currently in
another country in war, which is against Afghanistan. As a result, if the effects of the mental stress severely
weaken our military, our military may possibly end up losing the war against Afghanistan. Finally, this issue is
important taking into consideration that it possibly will affect the government as well as the fate of the soldiers
in Canada’s military. The reason why is because the government must give continuous assistance to their
military in order for them to benefit and be safeguarded as well. Also, if the mental stress issue gets hold of
each and every one of the soldiers, the soldiers would have to abandon their mission in Afghanistan.
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1258135--canada-s-military-watchdog-issues-urgentcall-for-more-mental-health-experts
3) TITLE: The Title of this article is “Que. private schools defend entrance exams”.
AUTHOR: The author of this article is the “CBC News”.
NEWSPAPER: The full name of the newspaper from which the article is taken is “www.cbc.ca”.
DATE: The day that the article appeared in the newspaper was on Friday, October.12th, 2012.
SUBJECT: The overall focus of this article is on the subject of how Quebec's Education Minister, Marie Malavoy,
has requested the private schools that acquire public funding to immediately discontinue utilizing entrance
exams to remove and exclude the students with learning disabilities. In addition, this article is explaining about
how Marie Malavoy strongly believes that the private schools should be open to all students, despite their
ability. Furthermore, this article is describing how Mary Reynolds, a principle of an English Catholic secondary
school, robustly feels that eliminating the thought of entrance exams is the wrong approach.
THESIS: The idea of fairness and justice should be put in place ensuring that students with learning challenges
should deserve to go to private schools.
EVIDENCE: First and foremost, the reason for why Marie Malavoy, Quebec’s Education Minister, called on the
private schools to stop using entrance exams to remove students with learning challenges was because she
feels that everyone deserves to be in private schools despite their abilities. Also, she felt this way for the reason
that she stated how private schools as well as public schools are expected to share the responsibilities of
teaching students who have extra struggle in learning. Additionally, Mary Reynolds was against the idea of
stopping to use entrance exams to remove students with learning challenges because of the fact that she
believes that entrance exams will help ensure that future students are in a good fit for each school's program.
Ultimately, Mary Reynolds considers that eliminating entrance exams is the wrong approach since she doesn’t
think that each and every school should be made available to every student's needs.
SIGNIFIGANCE: In my opinion, I see this issue to be very crucial for many reasons. The first reason for why this
issue is imperative is for the reason that this issue portrays discrimination. This can be seen because of the fact
that a principal of a Quebec Catholic Secondary School doesn’t believe that private schools should be made to
suit everyone’s need. This signifies how she doesn’t believe that the private schools should be open to all
students, such as the students that have learning challenges. In addition, this is a very significant issue because
of the fact that it affects the education of the students that have these learning challenges. Finally, if the
students that have these learning problems don’t receive a high standard education, they won’t be able to
succeed and survive in life.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/story/2012/10/12/quebec-malavoy-private-school-entrance-exams.html
GLOBAL ARTICLES
1) TITLE: The Title of this article is “Turkish artillery fire at Syria for fifth day after mortar lands inside
Turkey”.
AUTHOR: The authors of this article are “Mehmet Guzel and Zeina Karam,” who are members of The
Associated Press.
NEWSPAPER: The full name of the newspaper from which the article is taken is “The Toronto Star
Newspaper”.
DATE: The day that the article appeared in the newspaper was on Sunday, October.7th, 2012.
SUBJECT: The overall area under discussion that this article is depicting is how on Sunday, Turkey’s military
fired missiles on designated targets inside of Syria in response to a Syrian mortar that landed on Turkish
territory. Furthermore, this article is describing how a video journalist from the Associated Press saw the
Syrian mortar landing approximately 200 yards inside of Turkey, in close proximity to the border town of
Akcakale. In addition, this article is revealing how on Thursday, the Turkish parliament approved a signal for
cross-border military manoeuvres inside of Syria. Finally, this article is describing how armed forces that are
loyal to Syria’s President Bashar Assad battled with rebels across the nation, from the city of Aleppo all the way
to the city of Jordan.
THESIS: Due to Syria’s actions, it causes a Civil War to erupt leading to major fatalities through Turkey’s five
consecutive days of bombardment and artillery fire.
EVIDENCE: First and foremost, the Civil War between the countries Turkey and Syria was a very grave war.
Even though Turkey and Syria were once strong allies, it was deteriorated sharply after the revolution against
Assad, who is Syria’s president, began. Prior to Turkey’s five consecutive days of bombardment on Syria, Syria
made a poor decision that happened to upset Turkey which was how Syria’s mortar shells fell inside the
Turkish terrain. Furthermore, because of the fact that five Turkish citizens died from how a mortar shell from
Syria was dropped in the Turkish town of Akcakale, the Turkish parliament authorized a bill that would permit
cross-border military procedures inside of Syria. Finally, activists stated how opposition armed forces were
strengthening their hold over the village off Khirbet al-Jouz, which borders Turkey and because of the fact that
the Turkish state regained the full control of Khirbet al-Jouz, the Syrian army was forced under pressure to
“pull back”.
SIGNIFIGANCE: In my judgment, the major reason for why this issue is important is for the reason that it has
globally raised the awareness of many organizations and countries. This is because the Security Council at the
United Nations criticized about the harsh Syrian attack and demanded that such infringements of international
law stop immediately. In addition, the United States had stated that they would stand by the side of their NATO
ally, Turkey, to agree how they have the right to defend themselves against the violence being formed from
Syria’s war. Finally, this was a very important issue considering the fact that it had affected many innocent
souls. This is because, approximately more than 30, 000 people altogether have been killed in the revolution
against Syria’s President, Bashar Assad, which actually began with relaxing street protests however ended as a
Civil War.
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1267978--turkish-artillery-fire-at-syria-for-fifth-day-aftermortar-lands-inside-turkey
2) TITLE: The Title of this article is “Peru launches project to fight child labour”.
AUTHOR: The author of this article is the “BBC News”.
NEWSPAPER: The full name of the newspaper from which the article is taken is “www.bbc.com”.
DATE: The day that the article appeared in the newspaper was on Wednesday, July.11th, 2012.
SUBJECT: The main idea that this topic is trying to deliver is that presently, the country of Peru is using the
money given by the United States to set up a pilot project to limit the percentage of child labour exploitation.
Furthermore, this article is revealing how the parents of those children who are child labourers are enhance
their crop fields and incomes with the intention that they no longer require their children to work. In addition,
this article is declaring that since the child labour rate in Peru is high, it is placing the education of the future
generation at a grave risk. Finally, this article focuses on how Peru’s labour industry initiated a $13 million
(£8.3m) project, called “The Pilot Project”, in order to improve the children’s access to education in rural areas.
THESIS: The unfortunate children of Peru that suffer from the appalling Child Labour crisis depict a small scale
of how children are mistreated around the world.
EVIDENCE: Most importantly, the reason for why “The Pilot Project” is undergoing is because the government
of Peru believes that the adolescents should be receiving a solid foundation of education rather than working in
hazardous doings. In addition, because it’s a slow process to decrease the number of child labours, the
government of Peru is ensuring that the children don’t do particular jobs without proper training, don’t exceed
working hours and don’t work in dangerous activities. Furthermore, the rate for child labour in Peru is high
considering the fact that it can be seen through the International Labour Organization. This is because,
statistically speaking, 28% of all girls and boys in Peru must work in order to make a living. Lastly, “The Pilot
Project” is confirmed to solve the crisis of child labourers in Peru because it will reduce the rate of child
labourers and it will result in heartening the girls and boy to go and stay put in school.
SIGNIFIGANCE: Personally, I strongly believe that this issue is extremely vital for numerous reasons. The first
reason why is because universally, this catastrophe has arisen and has imprinted a legacy. This is because this
is a terrible dilemma that affects many individuals of one kind. In addition, this crisis has been known to be
very brutal which can be seen through its ways of affecting how to live and survive. When all's said and done,
this grave problem affects nobody else but the children themselves. This is because these adolescents have to
go straight to working in possibly dangerous activities that may be very hazardous and very detrimental to
their life. Ultimately, these unfortunate children don’t have the opportunity to even receive a suitable education
from when they are young resulting them to lack in having a basic foundation for education.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-18806431
3) TITLE: The Title of this article is “Madagascar palm trees at risk of extinction, study finds”.
AUTHOR: The author of this article is the “BBC News”.
NEWSPAPER: The full name of the newspaper from which the article is taken is “www.bbc.com”.
DATE: The day that the article appeared in the newspaper was on Saturday, October.16th, 2012.
SUBJECT: The overall topic of this article is unfolding how an environment protection group is saying that a
bulk amount of Madagascar's palms is undergoing a massive extinction because of obstructions such as land
clearing. Furthermore, this article expands on the idea of how the same environment protection group, called
“The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)”, said that the figures for the amount of tree ranges
that have been threatened is very shocking and terrifying. In addition, this article focuses on the negative
impacts of the “Domino Effect” that is caused due to the extinction of Madagascar’s palms. Last of all, this article
explicates the major importance of the Madagascar’s palms’ existence and why it should remain for the
environment as well as for particular groups of species.
THESIS: Due to the impactful land clearing, “The International Union for Conservation of Nature” says that
Madagascar’s palms undergo a massive extinction resulting it to lose nearly three quarters of its original size.
EVIDENCE: First of all, “The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)” called the number of
Madagascar’s palms that are being threatened horrifying because 83% of the 192 tree varieties have been
added to its “threatened species list”. Moreover, there are many negative effects due to the extinction of these
Madagascar’s palms such as more animals becoming in danger of extinction and people’s livelihoods being at
risk. Additionally, because of the Madagascar’s palms extinction, the rainforest has nearly lost three quarters of
its original size and it has negatively damaged the island’s biodiversity. Furthermore, the Madagascar’s palms’
existence is very important to many other species. Due to its isolation caused by the land clearing, a vast
amount of its mammals, half its birds, and the majority of its plants live and sustain nowhere else on Earth.
Ultimately, Madagascar’s palms symbolize an essential portion of the island's biodiversity, with numerous of its
species relying on them for providing shelter and food.
SIGNIFIGANCE: There are many reasons that prove why this issue is extremely significant. First and foremost,
trees are a very vital species that are needed to sustain a healthy ecosystem and without them nothing can
survive for the reason that they provide oxygen to everything. Additionally, Madagascar’s palms represent an
essential part of the island's biodiversity considering the fact that it is used for food, shelter, and medicine.
Also, trees such as the Madagascar’s palms assist in purifying the air by reducing heat as well as absorbing
pollutants such as carbon monoxide. Furthermore, because of the massive extinction of the Madagascar’s
palms, it affects many other organisms such as plants, animals, and humans. This is because, as mentioned
before, it provides them many essential needs for life including shelter, food, and medicine. Ultimately, as a
result of the massive extinction of the Madagascar’s palms, it negatively impacts the ecosystem.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19985536
CRITICAL RESPONSES
LOCAL (3RD ARTICLE-> POLITICAL CARTOON)
In this political cartoon, it begins off with three members of Markham’s city council discussing about the
exciting news on how the talk about the new proposed arena financial plan for the new NHL-size rink is going
smoothly. The man in the blue-greyish suit represents Jim Jones, who is a Regional Councillor of Markham. The
man in the blue suit that is sitting on the chair is portraying Gordon Landon, who is another Regional
Councillor of Markham. Finally, the man in the black suit is illustrating Howard Shore and he is the Ward 2
Councillor of Markham. In the second panel, the three of them are talking to Markham’s deputy mayor, Jack
Heath, about the successful arena financial plan and Jack Heath responds in a positive manner by saying that
the Markham Center would be a great location for GTA’s second NHL Franchise. As a result, this causes all of
the councillors to be happy since they are excited about getting a new hockey arena as well as a second NHL
Franchise. In the final panel, Jack Heath ruins the happy moment for the councillors by declaring that he cannot
support the financial portion for the proposed NHL-ready arena. Due to Jack Heath’s announcement, the
councillors become very upset and disappointed. In general, this is what my political cartoon is depicting for
the viewers.
PROVINCIAL (2ND ARTICLE-> DIARY ENTRY)
Monday 12 September 2012
Dear Diary,
Canada’s war in Afghanistan has imprinted a legacy due to the fact that there have been numerous amounts of
traumatized soldiers who may possibly need to go through some rehabilitation for an extensive period. This is because
I consider there could have been some collateral damage within Canada’s military battle hostile to mental stress. After
I analysed this major mental-stress issue, I noticed that there are many other issues that become noticeable. First and
foremost, I notice that many overburdened health-care providers are at risk of giving up because of the amount of
workload that they have to do. As a result, this is why I believe that Canada’s military is in desperate need for
acquiring more mental health-care providers. In addition, as I was in an interview, I pointed out how the enrolment
levels in the military’s mental-health system are approximately 25 percent below of what is needed and that is by far
absurd. I highlighted this in my interview because it is extremely serious considering the fact that this will result the
military troops to wait for a longer period of time for their treatment as well as having shorter visits from members of
the medical staff. Furthermore, due to the fact that I have a strong opinion on this issue, it raised the awareness for
Peter Mackay, the Defence Minister, as he made a tremendous effort in helping the military’s mental-health system.
This made me very proud since Peter Mackay declared that $11 million will be given as an urgent financial support to
advance mental health services and to hire more frontline professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists.
Moreover, in my opinion, I know that the military’s capacity to take care of its mentally injured soldiers is outstripped
through demand. As a result, this is why I state that it’s the main reason for Canada’s decade-long warfare in Southern
Afghanistan. Finally, I strongly advised the military leaders to “keep their foot on the gas”. This is for the reason that
Canada’s military doesn’t exactly know what lies ahead of them and what the range is for this whole mental-stress
issue. All in all, I am noticing that this mental-stress issue is becoming very crucial and it’s terribly affecting Canada’s
military, as a result our nation should soon try to find the cure to this major problem.
Sincerely,
Pierre Daigle (The Canadian Forces
Ombudsman)
GLOBAL (1ST ARTICLE-> SONGS AND POPULAR MEDIA)
GUNS N' ROSES LYRICS
First of all, the song that I chose which analyzes the issue “Civil War” is
called “Civil War” by “Guns N’ Roses”. In essence, this song is a 'Protest
"Civil War"
Song' that is in opposition to the idea of war. Furthermore, the song “Civil
War” elaborates on many aspects of Civil Warfare such as the true
"What we've got here is failure to
individuals that benefit from it as well as the sorrow it creates. This is for
communicate.
the reason that in this song, it states that Civil War ‘feeds the rich while it
Some men you just can't reach...
buries the poor’. This is symbolizing that Civil War is basically benefitting
So, you get what we had here last week,
the arm dealers because they get rich from providing artillery and other
which is the way he wants it!
weapons to the armies. However, while these weapons are being
Well, he gets it!
purchased, they are then being used to assassinate soldiers that are on both
N' I don't like it any more than you men." * sides of the battlefield. As a result, this shows that Civil war feeds the rich
which refers to the arm dealers and buries the poor which refers to the
soldiers. When comparing the song, “Civil War”, to the newspaper article,
Look at your young men fighting
“Turkish artillery fire at Syria for fifth day after mortar lands inside
Look at your women crying
Turkey”, there are several similarities and differences that can be
Look at your young men dying
identified. The two similarities between the song and the newspaper article
The way they've always done before
are that both forms of media supply the same idea of why Civil Wars occur
and how it looks like. This can be seen because in the article it stated that
Look at the hate we're breeding
Turkey’s military fired missiles on designated targets inside of Syria in
Look at the fear we're feeding
response to a Syrian mortar that landed on Turkish territory. Furthermore,
Look at the lives we're leading
in the song, it indicated that “young men are fighting”, “everybody's
fightin' for their promised land”, and “the wars go on with brainwashed
The way we've always done before
pride”. Therefore, as you can see, the reasons why Civil Wars occur are
because of revenge and people’s brainwashed arrogance. One difference
My hands are tied
between the newspaper article and the song is that the newspaper article
The billions shift from side to side
doesn’t talk about putting an end to the Civil War crisis. However, the
And the wars go on with brainwashed pride
song’s purpose is quite the opposite considering the fact that this song is
For the love of God and our human rights
contrary to the Civil war catastrophe and its objective is to make others
And all these things are swept aside
become aware of this issue so that they can put an end to it. Another
By bloody hands time can't deny
difference between the song and the newspaper article is that the song talks
And are washed away by your genocide
about who causes Civil Wars. This is because the song portrays that
humans generally are unable to cooperate with each other due to their
And history hides the lies of our civil wars
inconsiderate actions and that is the reason why the idea of war is arisen.
However, in the newspaper article it doesn’t mention who initially caused
D'you wear a black armband
the Civil War with a purpose. The song “Civil War” relates to my life for
When they shot the man
several reasons. The first reason why this song relates to my life is because
Who said "Peace could last forever"
in this song it repeatedly says “I don’t need your civil war” and in my
And in my first memories
viewpoint, I also believe that the idea of countries having Civil Wars is
They shot Kennedy
horrendous and that it shouldn’t take place whatsoever. In addition, this
I went numb when I learned to see
song relates to my life because in this song it states “Whaz so civil 'bout
war anyway” and personally, I also don’t see how war is civil in our world.
So I never fell for Vietnam
We got the wall of Deceased to remind us all This song connects to the world to a major extent. The first reason why this
song connects to the world is because in this era, our world faces the
That you can't trust freedom
horrific Civil War crisis and the world has already seen the negative effects
When it's not in your hands
that it leaves behind. Furthermore, this song connects to the world
When everybody's fightin'
considering the fact that this song gave examples of Civil Wars that took
For their promised land
place in the past such as the killing of Franz Ferdinand by the Serbian
Terrorist Group, “ The Black Hand” as well as the Civil war that took place
And
in Vietnam. All in all, the song “Civil War” by “Guns N’ Roses” is a great
I don't need your civil war
portrayal of the Civil War crisis.
It feeds the rich while it buries the poor
Your power hungry sellin' soldiers
In a human grocery store
Ain't that fresh
I don't need your civil war
Look at the shoes your filling
Look at the blood we're spilling
Look at the world we're killing
The way we've always done before
Look in the doubt we've wallowed
Look at the leaders we've followed
Look at the lies we've swallowed
And I don't want to hear no more
My hands are tied
For all I've seen has changed my mind
But still the wars go on as the years go by
With no love of God or human rights
'Cause all these dreams are swept aside
By bloody hands of the hypnotized
Who carry the cross of homicide
And history bears the scars of our civil wars
"WE PRACTICE SELECTIVE ANNIHILATION OF MAYORS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
FOR EXAMPLE TO CREATE A VACUUM
THEN WE FILL THAT VACUUM
AS POPULAR WAR ADVANCES
PEACE IS CLOSER" **
I don't need your civil war
It feeds the rich while it buries the poor
Your power hungry sellin' soldiers
In a human grocery store
Ain't that fresh
And I don't need your civil war
I don't need your civil war
I don't need your civil war
Your power hungry sellin' soldiers
In a human grocery store
Ain't that fresh
I don't need your civil war
I don't need one more war
I don't need one more war
Whaz so civil 'bout war anyway