US Hikers Held Captive in Iran Finally Home

Two American hikers that were held captive by the Iranian government for two years finally returned to America today after being freed earlier this week. Ironically, they were sentenced to eight years in Iranian prison for espionage and illegally crossing the Iranian border just last month.

Joshua Fattal and Shane Bauer were very articulate as to why they were kept in jail for all those months. Their explanation: "From the very start, the only reason we have been held hostage is because we are American". If anyone didn't figure out before today, this should definitely clarify Iran's attitude towards Americans. Despite tensions being rocky ever since the Hostage Crisis of 1979, this is definitely a small step towards patching up relations. Although many people doubt things will get much better from here, we must realize that they can't get much worse (besides a confrontational episode or war).

As Americans, we need to remember that anyone who is against our citizens is against our country. What Iran did was unacceptable, without question. Their lack of leniency goes to show how ruthless they can be. If we don't stand up against their intolerable behavior, they will continue to commit unspeakable acts.

For full story, click here

Inappropriate Stereotype(s)

As my weekend trip to Canada comes to an end, I can't help but think of all those American-made stereotypes of Canadians. The most popular ones describe our northern allies as brainless eskimos, alcoholics, white-trash,        hockey adorers and obsessive syrup consumers. Oh, how can I forget the over-usage of "eh"?

Due to the fact that none of the listed stereotypes are true, it's easy for an avid traveler to Canada such as I to forget. In fact, the vast majority of these stereotypes are false. The only ones that come to mind that might be true are the ones that mention their different pronunciations of certain words. Other than that, I can safely say that all others are not valid. The funny thing is that Canadians are so much like us Americans. We both cherish freedom, value education and Canadians almost always take the same political stance as the general consensus of the US (meaning they are neither right nor left-leaning).

When I tell people that I am going to Canada, I almost always get a funny look. Typical responses include, but are not limited to: "Watch out for polar bears", "Why would you waste your time up there?", "Fail", "Don't forget your parka" and even "Bring me back some beer". Even though I'm very much entertained by these laughably ignorant comments, I don't know if the feeling is mutual with the Canadians themselves. Many of my northern relatives used to highly respect the American population. Thanks to a series of nasty stereotypes becoming more and more accepted in American media (which gets plenty of air-time north of the border), many Canadians have developed stereotypes of us. Now, we have become the butt of the joke. I just hope that tensions don't surmount the great, long-standing relationship we have with the Canadian government.


I thought this video would be a great example of what Americans think of a number of different countries:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZMwKPmsbWE

Brutal Cops Rehired After Being Previously Fired

            Two Denver police officers were rehired after being previously fired for assaulting 24-year-old Michael DeHerrera outside of a nightclub back in 2009 and lying about the incident on the police report. The victim was simply using his cell phone to call his father when one of the officers lunged at him, took the cell phone and relentlessly beat the man with a piece of metal wrapped in leather. DeHerrera happens to be the son of a Pueblo County Sheriff's Deputy, who is utterly outraged by the reinstatement of the two officers. "...[It makes me] sick to my stomach", said Anthony DeHerrera, the victim's father. According to the Denver Civil Service Commission, the Denver Manager of Safety "lacked the authority" to fire the officers. A three-day suspension was the maximum punishment that the Manager of Safety was allowed to give despite there being video evidence of the victim being brutally attacked by one of the officers. By the time the officers were fired, 23 months had gone by. Due to the clear evidence showing DeHerrera's innocence and the officers' brutality, there has been a public uproar about the rehiring of these dishonest assailants. An appeal has been claimed and the issue will most likely be settled in District Court. Hopefully, these "protectors of the public" will once again lose their jobs and be back on unemployment benefits very soon.

Now, I've had my fair share of run-ins with crooked cops, but none even came close to what Michael DeHerrera has had to put up with. It seems that most officers today feel that they are immune to the law they enforce. Although the Denver Manager of Safety lacked the authority to fire the officers, a line must be drawn. Is it ever acceptable to break a rule for the sake of freedom and justice? Aren't those two values the very core of what this nation stands for? America needs to decide if it is okay to allow officers who have broken their Oath of Honor to roam the streets with guns, handcuffs, batons and badges.

To see the video of the arrest and picture of the victim's wounds, click here.