News

“Canada’s highest court has just ruled that some sex acts between humans and animals are legal” (Breitbart.com, June 16, 2016). While the actions approved in this case are limited, opponents worry about the abuse of animals and humans that can result because of this ruling (ibid.).

Recent U.S. police shootings of young black men in routine situations has enflamed emotions and hatred and generated a vicious cycle that feeds on itself. Young black men are fearful of police brutality and are increasingly carrying weapons for self-protection.

Typhoon Nepartak left destruction in its wake as it plowed through China and Taiwan last week. Nearly 200 people were killed in China, 50,000 homes collapsed and over 1.6 million people were displaced (Telegraph, July 7, 2016).

The pagan practice of witchcraft has forced many African albinos to live in fear that they or their relatives may be hunted. “At least 18 albino people have been killed in Malawi in a ‘steep upsurge in killings’ since November 2014, and five others have been abducted and remain missing… the toll is likely much higher because many killings in rural areas are never reported” (Associated Press, June 7, 2016).

In the wake of the Brexit and growing uncertainty within the EU, French and German foreign ministers announced plans for “the EU’s transformation to become a ‘political union’ and its resolute militarization for global military operations. In a joint position paper, Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD) and Jean-Marc Ayrault (PS) are calling for the EU’s comprehensive military buildup, based on a division of labor, to enable future global military operations. Following the Brexit, the EU should, step-by-step, become an ‘independent’ and ‘global’ actor.