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?
Make Every Day Earth Day
by: Chris Sparks - printed on 04-11-2001
Simple Facts…
Some simple facts to keep in mind. Though already over 6 billion, the population of the Earth grows by 83 million people a year. 80 percent of the global population lives on under $2 a day. 20 percent of the world’s population lacks safe drinking water or adequate sanitation. The 20 richest countries in the world consume nearly 80 percent of the natural gas, 65 percent of the oil, and 50 percent of the coal produced each year.
The Giant of Africa Comes Up Short
by: Anu and Tomi Oladele - printed on 01-31-2001
After 40 years of independence under alternating military and civilian regimes, where does Nigeria stand today? Wonder with me…
A great oil boom in the 1970’s exposed Nigeria’s abundance of natural resources, especially hydrocarbons. She was the top oil producing country in Africa and among the top five oil producers in the world. Because of this, the Nigerian economy was completely dependent on its oil sector, which continuously supplied 95% of its foreign exchange for two decades.
Foriegn policy goes fishing
by: Ryan O'Connor - printed on 04-25-2001
If ever the United States of America has needed a clear set of foreign policy objectives, it is now. As the world witnessed in Quebec last week, many citizens of the world are not sold on the benefits of free trade. Conversely, we also saw that most oft he Western Hemisphere’s political leaders are. In many respects, there seems to be little doubt than an integrated hemispheric (and eventually world) economy with few trade barriers will be the result of the increasing power and prevalence of multi-national corporations, non-governmental organizations, and inter-governmental organizations.
A unique student shares her global perspective
by: Christy Scheuer - printed on 01-23-2002
"What do you mean, 'crazy'" Asima laughs at my word choice, and then pelts me with questions about the incongruities of American diction and slang. "You say 'crazy' and it means so many different things. Also, 'slick.' What does that mean? None of these words mean the same here as they did in my English classes. Like 'cool' ? people don't use it to mean cold!" She looks at me inquisitively, automatically adjusting her cranberry colored headscarf, and then her face erupts into a smile.
ETA continues to terrorize Spain
by: Peter Eicker - printed on 02-02-2002
On September 11, 2001, a new word entered the American vocabulary. Before this, the word was really only used by news anchors and politicians to describe a far-away problem in a far-away land. This new word I speak of is terrorism. It is now on the tip of every American?s tongue, and it is the prime focus of the government?s actions. But before September 11 most Americans were basically oblivious to the existence of any form of terrorism within U.
All in a day's work
by: Nate Farley - printed on 03-06-2002
Tomorrow, I will shake hands with child molesters, pray with violent drug offenders and take Communion to murderers. After our Mass in the prison chapel, I will help the chaplains and volunteers take Communion to those who are unable to leave their cells for Mass—including those on Death Row.
I cannot pin down why I was first interested in doing prison ministry, but it had intrigued me for some time.