A New Cold War
By Javin Martinez
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine started a year and a half ago, the world has seen the escalation of violence and conflict everywhere in the form of proxy wars, border incidents, and the threat of nuclear escalations. All evidence points to a new Cold War, this time between the United States and China. What are the reasons for this escalation? And what forms of aggressive actions are being taken?
With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the conflict managed to spread around the globe as everyone was affected by the sudden war. Oil and gas prices went up causing Americans to struggle with day-to-day activities. Months later into the war, Russia started threatening the use of nuclear weapons as well as their new hypersonic missiles, “Russia may be forced to use a nuclear weapon if the Ukraine counteroffensive succeeds.” Stated senior Russian official Dmitry Medvedev. Although Russia has nuclear capabilities, they haven’t been considered a superpower since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Their ally, China, although is considered the closest thing to a superpower, highly acclaimed to be a rival to the United States.
Most recently an interview on Sixty Minutes included leaders of an intelligence alliance headed by the US, Canada, New Zealand, England, And Australia. This alliance is maintained for the purpose of providing signal intelligence between the countries, stopping threats before they happen, and other security measures. During this interview, they expressed concern over China and the cynical activities they’ve been involved in against the US and their allies. One of these activities includes the stealing of technology. “We have seen efforts by the Chinese government, directly or indirectly, trying to steal intellectual property, trade secrets, personal data-- all across the country,” stated Christopher Wray of the FBI. The prospect of China stealing military secrets presents reasonable suspicion of an underlying goal. To overtake the US in power and spread Chinese influence across the world.
Evidence of China’s ambitions is obvious in their most recent aggressive actions in the Philippines. Earlier in October a Chinese Coast Guard vessel collided with a Filipino fishing boat. Causing both sides to criticize and rebuke the other's argument for rights in the South China Sea. Another similar incident occurred earlier this year between the two countries involving a Filipino Coast Guard vessel and a Chinese militia boat. Because of these incidents, US President Biden has stated, “I want to be clear — I want to be very clear: The United States defense commitment to the Philippines is ironclad. The United States' defense agreement with the Philippines is ironclad.” This is after Chinese officials stated that the US has no right to get involved with the two countries and any further intrusions that could affect Chinese interests.
Not only are the Chinese ambitious in spreading their influence in Asia but it also includes their nuclear ambitions. The Pentagon has reported that China will double its nuclear arsenal from 500 to more than 1,000 by 2030. The apparent reason is for China to maintain and realize Xi Jinping’s vision of China becoming a world-class power.
At the core of the issue with the world right now is that two superpowers want to oppose each other and stop the other from gaining power. From what history tells us this will never be resolved peacefully until either power collapses or gives up rebelliously. Anyone and everyone caught in the middle can only hope for a peaceful resolution.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine started a year and a half ago, the world has seen the escalation of violence and conflict everywhere in the form of proxy wars, border incidents, and the threat of nuclear escalations. All evidence points to a new Cold War, this time between the United States and China. What are the reasons for this escalation? And what forms of aggressive actions are being taken?
With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the conflict managed to spread around the globe as everyone was affected by the sudden war. Oil and gas prices went up causing Americans to struggle with day-to-day activities. Months later into the war, Russia started threatening the use of nuclear weapons as well as their new hypersonic missiles, “Russia may be forced to use a nuclear weapon if the Ukraine counteroffensive succeeds.” Stated senior Russian official Dmitry Medvedev. Although Russia has nuclear capabilities, they haven’t been considered a superpower since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Their ally, China, although is considered the closest thing to a superpower, highly acclaimed to be a rival to the United States.
Most recently an interview on Sixty Minutes included leaders of an intelligence alliance headed by the US, Canada, New Zealand, England, And Australia. This alliance is maintained for the purpose of providing signal intelligence between the countries, stopping threats before they happen, and other security measures. During this interview, they expressed concern over China and the cynical activities they’ve been involved in against the US and their allies. One of these activities includes the stealing of technology. “We have seen efforts by the Chinese government, directly or indirectly, trying to steal intellectual property, trade secrets, personal data-- all across the country,” stated Christopher Wray of the FBI. The prospect of China stealing military secrets presents reasonable suspicion of an underlying goal. To overtake the US in power and spread Chinese influence across the world.
Evidence of China’s ambitions is obvious in their most recent aggressive actions in the Philippines. Earlier in October a Chinese Coast Guard vessel collided with a Filipino fishing boat. Causing both sides to criticize and rebuke the other's argument for rights in the South China Sea. Another similar incident occurred earlier this year between the two countries involving a Filipino Coast Guard vessel and a Chinese militia boat. Because of these incidents, US President Biden has stated, “I want to be clear — I want to be very clear: The United States defense commitment to the Philippines is ironclad. The United States' defense agreement with the Philippines is ironclad.” This is after Chinese officials stated that the US has no right to get involved with the two countries and any further intrusions that could affect Chinese interests.
Not only are the Chinese ambitious in spreading their influence in Asia but it also includes their nuclear ambitions. The Pentagon has reported that China will double its nuclear arsenal from 500 to more than 1,000 by 2030. The apparent reason is for China to maintain and realize Xi Jinping’s vision of China becoming a world-class power.
At the core of the issue with the world right now is that two superpowers want to oppose each other and stop the other from gaining power. From what history tells us this will never be resolved peacefully until either power collapses or gives up rebelliously. Anyone and everyone caught in the middle can only hope for a peaceful resolution.
Devastation in Hawaii
By Abbie Medved
Disaster relief teams sweep the island of Maui to try and assist those affected by the devastating wildfires in Hawaii. The fires sparked in Aug. 2023, and have only been fully contained recently, according to the County of Maui. Reports are still flooding in on the amount of destruction caused by this natural disaster.
The Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse, and Greater Good Charities have sent disaster relief teams to Maui to help assist those affected by the fires. They hand out meals, provide mental and spiritual care, and scour the island for the bodies of the deceased.
In the course of the disaster, countless structures were destroyed and many people lost their lives. According to the County of Maui, the fires scared over 3,400 acres of land which is equal to over 5 square miles.
As of Sep. 18, 2023, 114 people have been confirmed dead and 78% of the area has been checked for fatalities. The aforementioned website said that not all of these individuals have been identified, but the process of identifying them is in progress. There are still some people missing. Disaster Relief teams are working on finding any missing individuals or additional deceased.
The County of Maui is also advising the residents of Maui about unsafe conditions caused by the fires. Those in the Lahaina area are advised to use only bottled water because of unsafe water conditions. Unusual weather conditions due to tropical storms and power outages have also been predicted.
So far, there is no definite answer as to how the fire may have started, however, the cause is currently under investigation. It is likely that recent drought conditions on the island have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Several conspiracy theories about the cause of the fire have developed. According to CNN, one of these theories is that Maui was the target for testing high-tech weapons, but nothing has been confirmed.
Beyond the help of relief teams, financial support has also been provided for those affected by the fires. According to the White House, the Biden-Harris Administration has contributed over $12 million dollars for relief and rebuilding in Maui.
The first hearing regarding the Maui fires is scheduled for the end of September. Hopefully, a cause can be confirmed.
Donations to help those affected by the Maui fires are accepted at the link below.
https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong
Disaster relief teams sweep the island of Maui to try and assist those affected by the devastating wildfires in Hawaii. The fires sparked in Aug. 2023, and have only been fully contained recently, according to the County of Maui. Reports are still flooding in on the amount of destruction caused by this natural disaster.
The Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse, and Greater Good Charities have sent disaster relief teams to Maui to help assist those affected by the fires. They hand out meals, provide mental and spiritual care, and scour the island for the bodies of the deceased.
In the course of the disaster, countless structures were destroyed and many people lost their lives. According to the County of Maui, the fires scared over 3,400 acres of land which is equal to over 5 square miles.
As of Sep. 18, 2023, 114 people have been confirmed dead and 78% of the area has been checked for fatalities. The aforementioned website said that not all of these individuals have been identified, but the process of identifying them is in progress. There are still some people missing. Disaster Relief teams are working on finding any missing individuals or additional deceased.
The County of Maui is also advising the residents of Maui about unsafe conditions caused by the fires. Those in the Lahaina area are advised to use only bottled water because of unsafe water conditions. Unusual weather conditions due to tropical storms and power outages have also been predicted.
So far, there is no definite answer as to how the fire may have started, however, the cause is currently under investigation. It is likely that recent drought conditions on the island have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Several conspiracy theories about the cause of the fire have developed. According to CNN, one of these theories is that Maui was the target for testing high-tech weapons, but nothing has been confirmed.
Beyond the help of relief teams, financial support has also been provided for those affected by the fires. According to the White House, the Biden-Harris Administration has contributed over $12 million dollars for relief and rebuilding in Maui.
The first hearing regarding the Maui fires is scheduled for the end of September. Hopefully, a cause can be confirmed.
Donations to help those affected by the Maui fires are accepted at the link below.
https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong
High Crime in Pueblo Climbs
By Javin Martinez
Violent crime has recently skyrocketed in Pueblo. According to Neighborhood Scout, “With a crime rate of 70 per one thousand residents, Pueblo has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 14.” The reason being for the recent uptake in crime is still somewhat unclear to some. There are suspected reasons as to why.
First, COVID-19 is one of the plausible ideas to explain why Pueblo residents have experienced the onslaught of crime in their city. During the dreaded lockdowns many Pueblo residents were left without a job and thus relied on stimulus checks to provide for their families. Later when lockdowns were no longer needed and the economy started back up, there were some individuals who continued to live off government providence, as an alternative to working a job, many people have found working at home or rather not working at all and living off of the past stimulus and government unemployment benefits to be more convenient. Katie Martinez, a teacher in District 3 said “It forced parents to be teachers themselves as well as disrupt students' normal day to day life, causing friction between families having to be home all the time.”
Another plausible idea is the legalization of weed. According to Colorado Gov, legalization happened November, 2012. A couple years later, perhaps this played a major part in why Colo. has experienced a population boost. With the legalization of weed it has in turn brought people from all over the country into Colorado. The most notable amount coming from Calif. and Texas as Pueblo has experienced a population boost of about 6.2%, and to provide a comparison, Colo. has had a population rise of 15.1% (USA Facts). This provides an ideal place to live while enjoying the benefits of the consumption of cannabis. Although this also provided a swamp of homeless here in Pueblo. Not only does this homeless population provide negative effects for an increasing fentanyl problem but also our jail problem.
With these conjectures, they provide a reasonable explanation as to why crime has gone up in Pueblo. Although many more could be listed, these are the core possibilities of what could be affecting the crime rate. A possible solution to these problems though is problematic as no clear solution is currently on the table.
Violent crime has recently skyrocketed in Pueblo. According to Neighborhood Scout, “With a crime rate of 70 per one thousand residents, Pueblo has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 14.” The reason being for the recent uptake in crime is still somewhat unclear to some. There are suspected reasons as to why.
First, COVID-19 is one of the plausible ideas to explain why Pueblo residents have experienced the onslaught of crime in their city. During the dreaded lockdowns many Pueblo residents were left without a job and thus relied on stimulus checks to provide for their families. Later when lockdowns were no longer needed and the economy started back up, there were some individuals who continued to live off government providence, as an alternative to working a job, many people have found working at home or rather not working at all and living off of the past stimulus and government unemployment benefits to be more convenient. Katie Martinez, a teacher in District 3 said “It forced parents to be teachers themselves as well as disrupt students' normal day to day life, causing friction between families having to be home all the time.”
Another plausible idea is the legalization of weed. According to Colorado Gov, legalization happened November, 2012. A couple years later, perhaps this played a major part in why Colo. has experienced a population boost. With the legalization of weed it has in turn brought people from all over the country into Colorado. The most notable amount coming from Calif. and Texas as Pueblo has experienced a population boost of about 6.2%, and to provide a comparison, Colo. has had a population rise of 15.1% (
With these conjectures, they provide a reasonable explanation as to why crime has gone up in Pueblo. Although many more could be listed, these are the core possibilities of what could be affecting the crime rate. A possible solution to these problems though is problematic as no clear solution is currently on the table.
Quite the Night Light
By Colt Antle
On Sept. 9, 2023, at 7:40 p.m. the Pueblo Steel Mill threw up some lights onto their last five blast furnace stacks. Illuminating them for everyone in the surrounding vicinity and highway to gaze at and notice.
To most it’s not that notable. It’s just another large piece of rust and steel the people of Pueblo pass by most every day without batting an eye. However, to the group of people who showed up that night it was a reminder; a reminder of the mill’s historic past and remember the services it contributed during beginning in the late 1800s.
The notable illumination was a reminder to many of how it looked in its glory days and an example of how old structures of the past can be easily forgotten and deteriorate if not remembered.
Starting in 1850 the steel industry tipped the plane of modern ingenuity on its head, with new types of engineering feats. Such as: the telegraph, the spinning jenny, and the sewing machine. However, none were as important as the steam engine. The steam engine was useful for the transportation of goods and people across large distances, which would usually take days or weeks. With the usefulness of the steam engine railroads started popping everywhere around America. In order to place these they required lots of resources. Resources like steel and iron. To produce these resources steel factories or steel mills were used.
In 1892 a company by the name of Colorado Fuel and Iron Company (CF&I) was founded by John C. Osgood in Colorado to capitalize on the industrial revolution. The Colorado Fuel and Iron Company was a large steel conglomerate who had much prevalence during the industrial revolution. It was in Colorado that they integrated the first steel mill in Pueblo, which later on helped with the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. Once business started getting a move on they began to develop more tools and train track parts. There were a few notable events that took place while the steel mill was open; there was a coal strike in 1927, there was a union strike in 1997, and in 1990 the steel mill faced bankruptcy.
Today the old, historic steel mill appears dormant, but there is work being operated inside it. In the old structures there is rust covering the outside, weeds growing on the fences visible, and unusual spray painted taglines plague most of the walls. Repairs and patch work has been done on the structure from time to time, but most of the original mill still stands today. It’s weird to look at it now, especially knowing that most of our relatives may have worked, and died, in that steel mill. If they were able to see it today they would be happy looking at its decrepit stats. Or would they feel sadness knowing they worked their everyday through sweat, blood, and illness just for it to be left on the side for trains to run by. Would they feel nostalgic or pride, would they feel accomplishment or self remorse? Most of these questions may not get answered, but as for the Colorado Fuel and Iron one of its buildings was turned into Pueblo’s first food hall. The Fuel and Iron Food Hall, at Union Avenue Pueblo.
From wood to steel, the steel mill has had quite the legacy and one that is hoped to be not forgotten. With most of our old relatives having worked at the mill or have lived through the time when it was in operation, through sweat, blood, and illness
Sources
“Industrialization, Labor, and Life”, Freddie Wilkinson of National Geographic
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/industrialization-labor-and-life/
“What were some important inventions of the Industrial Revolution?”, - Britannica https://www.britannica.com/question/What-were-some-important-inventions-of-the-Industrial-Revolution
Workers at “Steelworks Center”
https://www.steelworks.us/education/history/
On Sept. 9, 2023, at 7:40 p.m. the Pueblo Steel Mill threw up some lights onto their last five blast furnace stacks. Illuminating them for everyone in the surrounding vicinity and highway to gaze at and notice.
To most it’s not that notable. It’s just another large piece of rust and steel the people of Pueblo pass by most every day without batting an eye. However, to the group of people who showed up that night it was a reminder; a reminder of the mill’s historic past and remember the services it contributed during beginning in the late 1800s.
The notable illumination was a reminder to many of how it looked in its glory days and an example of how old structures of the past can be easily forgotten and deteriorate if not remembered.
Starting in 1850 the steel industry tipped the plane of modern ingenuity on its head, with new types of engineering feats. Such as: the telegraph, the spinning jenny, and the sewing machine. However, none were as important as the steam engine. The steam engine was useful for the transportation of goods and people across large distances, which would usually take days or weeks. With the usefulness of the steam engine railroads started popping everywhere around America. In order to place these they required lots of resources. Resources like steel and iron. To produce these resources steel factories or steel mills were used.
In 1892 a company by the name of Colorado Fuel and Iron Company (CF&I) was founded by John C. Osgood in Colorado to capitalize on the industrial revolution. The Colorado Fuel and Iron Company was a large steel conglomerate who had much prevalence during the industrial revolution. It was in Colorado that they integrated the first steel mill in Pueblo, which later on helped with the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. Once business started getting a move on they began to develop more tools and train track parts. There were a few notable events that took place while the steel mill was open; there was a coal strike in 1927, there was a union strike in 1997, and in 1990 the steel mill faced bankruptcy.
Today the old, historic steel mill appears dormant, but there is work being operated inside it. In the old structures there is rust covering the outside, weeds growing on the fences visible, and unusual spray painted taglines plague most of the walls. Repairs and patch work has been done on the structure from time to time, but most of the original mill still stands today. It’s weird to look at it now, especially knowing that most of our relatives may have worked, and died, in that steel mill. If they were able to see it today they would be happy looking at its decrepit stats. Or would they feel sadness knowing they worked their everyday through sweat, blood, and illness just for it to be left on the side for trains to run by. Would they feel nostalgic or pride, would they feel accomplishment or self remorse? Most of these questions may not get answered, but as for the Colorado Fuel and Iron one of its buildings was turned into Pueblo’s first food hall. The Fuel and Iron Food Hall, at Union Avenue Pueblo.
From wood to steel, the steel mill has had quite the legacy and one that is hoped to be not forgotten. With most of our old relatives having worked at the mill or have lived through the time when it was in operation, through sweat, blood, and illness
Sources
“Industrialization, Labor, and Life”, Freddie Wilkinson of National Geographic
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/industrialization-labor-and-life/
“What were some important inventions of the Industrial Revolution?”, - Britannica https://www.britannica.com/question/What-were-some-important-inventions-of-the-Industrial-Revolution
Workers at “Steelworks Center”
https://www.steelworks.us/education/history/
Devastating Earthquake in Morocco
By Imajin Woodson
The Earthquake in Morocco occurred on 8 Sep. 2023 and left people stunned. The earthquake took place 44 miles southwest of Marrakesh, Morocco just after 11 pm. An article by Maziar Motamedi stated that “Experts believe the African plate moved north and collided with the Eurasian plate, causing the quake” People of Morocco are shaken from the earthquake and are now trying to adjust back to their usual lives.
Moroccans from further places than where the Earthquake occurred, felt worried for the ones who got cut off from falling rocks on the road. There were complaints that the government was slow to come to the rescue and bring supplies to villages. Which soon led to the people having to dig out trapped citizens themselves. Hours after the earthquake construction crews went out to clear roads of giant rocks that had fallen. New York Times says “The work has not stopped since.” Mr. Id Lahcen and his team managed to get enough room on the roads for car space. Construction is and work is still going in Morocco for driving and back to living.
The Earthquake in Morocco occurred on 8 Sep. 2023 and left people stunned. The earthquake took place 44 miles southwest of Marrakesh, Morocco just after 11 pm. An article by Maziar Motamedi stated that “Experts believe the African plate moved north and collided with the Eurasian plate, causing the quake” People of Morocco are shaken from the earthquake and are now trying to adjust back to their usual lives.
Moroccans from further places than where the Earthquake occurred, felt worried for the ones who got cut off from falling rocks on the road. There were complaints that the government was slow to come to the rescue and bring supplies to villages. Which soon led to the people having to dig out trapped citizens themselves. Hours after the earthquake construction crews went out to clear roads of giant rocks that had fallen. New York Times says “The work has not stopped since.” Mr. Id Lahcen and his team managed to get enough room on the roads for car space. Construction is and work is still going in Morocco for driving and back to living.