Wise Monkey News is here to provide young people an opportunity to discuss the issues that affect their lives. We hope that, through your participation, this website serves as a forum for the development, exchange, and expression of ideas that will prepare us to assume our positions as the leaders of tomorrow's world. Have something to say?
An American Dream from Thailand
by: Outhorn Keophelia - printed on 04-25-2001
In 1975, at the tail end of the Vietnam War, 35-year-old Sisouk Keophila, his wife Sengphet and their three-year-old and one-year-old daughters were struggling to break free from war-torn Laos. Searching for a way to escape from the communist-ruled country, the Keophilas finally found an opportunity to flee to America.
In 1978, Trinity United Methodist Church in Salem, Oregon sponsored the Keophila family to come to America.
Have a Self-Centered Christmas!
by: Bill Dailey, C.S.C. - printed on 11-28-2001
From time to time, crotchety cultural cranks (such as the author of this piece) lament our culture’s self-centered values, our unwillingness, in politics or personal aspirations, to consider the common good. Indeed, recent articles in the pages of this venerable publication have lamented our collective apathy and self-absorption here at UP. Where are the leaders who will challenge us to ask not what can be done for us, but what we can do for others? Not me.
Confucius: A part of Chinese history
by: Meighan Doherty - printed on 10-10-2001
When one thinks of China, many negative images come to mind. Tiennaman Square, human rights violations, Tibet. However, I choose to focus on a positive person in Chinese history- Confucius. Confucius’ philosophy and wisdom greatly influenced ancient and modern China, helping many people learn about nature, the world around them, and their relationships with others. His teachings also helped the Chinese government to rule the country successfully.
Protecting Freedom
by: Celine Fitzmaurice - printed on 03-28-2001
My views on US military and foreign policy changed drastically one January day in 1989. I was travelling on a delegation to Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala with 20 students from my college and we woke up that morning in a hotel room in Guatemala City. After breakfast we boarded a bus and traveled through the Guatemalan countryside to the tiny village of Poaquil, San Jose where a series of “disappearances” had reportedly just taken place.
A one year old monkey, Happy Birthday
by: Mono Vergara - printed on 10-24-2001
After a year of publication, I can step back and look at the 13 issues that we have successfully completed. Part of our mission has been accomplished; we brought a new forum for people to talk about the issues that affect their lives. During this period we all have learned that The Wise Monkey is needed more than ever. Today the world is facing the atrocities of war, and after thousands of years we still don’t seem to understand that war accomplishes nothing.
Our Ugandan Sister
by: Sister Catherine Mukimba - printed on 01-31-2001
American Poverty vs. African Poverty
In America, the real poverties are loneliness and isolation. This poverty stems from society’s individualism and materialism. I do like the independence in the U.S., for it allows any hard-working citizen to reach the heights of one’s hard labor. People in Africa can work equally hard but the social environment doesn’t favor individual development. In Africa, much of poverty is material.