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.
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.
Friendlly Fair Trade Coffee
by: Peter Kelley - printed on 04-24-2002
College students are beginning to demand Fair Trade Coffee. It has universities around the country organizing clubs, protests and full marketing campaigns in support of this coffee and its environmental and socio-economic qualities.
Peace through oil
by: Dawn Hunter - printed on 11-03-2000
With the recent suicide bombing at an Israeli army outpost in the Gaza Strip, President Clinton's legacy as a peacemaker between Palestine and Israel is clearly at stake.
With the abundance of press coverage, one is led to believe that this is but another climactic moment in the drama between the Palestinian people and Israel. Yet, another October in the not so distant past also shines as an important moment in the struggle for Palestinian independence from Israel.
Do animals feel pain?
by: Peter Singer - printed on 11-07-2001
Excerpted from Animal Liberation, Peter Singer, 2nd
Edition, New York: Avon Books, 1990.
Do animals other than humans feel pain? How do we know? Well, how do we know if anyone, human or nonhuman, feels pain? We know that we ourselves can feel pain. We know this from the direct experience of pain that we have when, for instance, somebody presses a lighted cigarette against the back of our hand.
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.