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Civitas Associates Newsletter, VOL. II, No. 9
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Gateway Model United Nations Newsletter |
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| VOL. II, No. 9 |
March 4, 2003 |
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Dear Arthur,
We apologize for getting this newsletter out late in the
day on Tuesday. We had a little trouble with our
internet service. This week's issues range from
baseball (sorry Maura) to torture.
In addition to reading our newsletters, you may also
want to visit our
web site by clicking here. We have a good deal of
current information, and through the year we will be
working on building up our archives from previous
years.
Imitation
It's been said that baseball imitates life; it's also been
said that life imitates baseball. Life has cycles that are
difficult to understand; baseball is easier. We're down
at Cardinal Spring Training right now; we'll be back in
the Gateway Town and in the office on Friday.
Baseball, like some other sports, is a way of having
competition without violence. That's why we like it and
why it can serve as a reflection of life. There are
oppressors (owners) and spoiled celebrities (players).
There are women and children who are left behind (by
both of the above) and there are the unsung hard
workers who wash the uniforms and sell the
concessions in sweltering heat. There are players like
Matt Morris who understand the injustices in this world
and others who are blind to it (thank goodness the
Cardinals did not pick up Ricky Henderson).
We saw Rick Ankiel in his second spring appearance
today (picture above). He gave up three runs, but his
control was excellent (he never even went to three
balls on a hitter). He kept his composure, even when
sloppy fielding behind him might have unraveled him.
Overcoming adversity is especially difficult in baseball;
it's a lesson that everyone in the world can learn from
baseball when we have the opportunity to see it occur.
A few thoughts about baseball would not be complete
without mention of the absurdity of building an
unnecessary stadium in St. Louis for wealthy owners
and players while people both inside and outside of our
community are starving. But then again, the "care
quotient" of society seems a little lacking as we
mindlessly wade towards war. How about taking the
money for a stadium and using it to buy baseball
equipment to send to impoverished boys and girls
around the world? Enough!
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We Could Use More On-Line Input on Ongoing Crisis! |
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In a simulation on Saturday, February 23, Civitas
staff presented students with the condition of the
world as it is today, rather than a hypothetical
scenario. The essence of the crisis was the conflict
between the United States and the United Nations
regarding what to do with Iraq.
Gloria Bilchik wrote up a summary of the situation as it
exists now along with key questions to be answered.
She also provided relevant newspaper and on-line
articles. All of this material is available to readers by
clicking on the link below. Additionally, photos
from the session can be accessed from the link.
Students divided into two groups to consider the
issues. One focused on what issues confront the US;
the other focused on what issues confront the UN.
The work is unfinished, but we have established an on-
line discussion board on our intranet site so that
students can continue (or enter for the first time) work
towards a solution.
Among the key questions are whether the Bush
Administration should go to war against Iraq without
the consent of the U.S. Congress, and would a US
attack on Iraq counter to UN consent do irreparable
damage to the UN. As mentioned previously, you can
now address these issues on our discussion board.
• Link to Index of Crisis Materials and Photos
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New Poll |
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Last week's poll was our first one in which individual
responses were reported. We had fifteen responses;
just a shade below our usual amount. Over 86%
indicated that they felt that that United States should
not become involved in a war without the U.S.
Congress first voting for a Declaration of War.
This week brings us news of the C.I.A. and other
intelligence agencies capturing several high-ranking Al-
Qaeda operatives.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Geneva
Accords on the Treatment of Prisoners, and other
international documents forbid the use of torture.
However, dozens of countries have used it as a
standard practice. It has been suggested that the
U.S. use torture against captured terrorists under
certain circumstances to try to elicit information from
them regarding possible upcoming terrorist attacks.
Do you favor the United States using torture against
captured terrorists who might have information about
upcoming attacks on the United States?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Not Sure
• Link to Poll
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Next High School Discussion Group |
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The next high school discussion groups will be on
Saturday morning, March 15, at Crossroads School
(map below) from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. We hope to
welcome back many of the students who were with us
in the Fall but who did not come to our MUNUC
preparation meetings.
We'll have more information about this discussion group
in next week's newsletter.
• Map to Crossroads School
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8th Grade Resolutions |
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We want to thank all of the 8th grade teachers who
have submitted resolutions from their students. Bobbi
Clemons and Abbey Hatcher have been very busy
putting them into the proper format. We will have the
first set of resolutions ready for distribution next week
and also have them posted on-line.
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| Quick Links... |
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email: [email protected]
voice: (314) 367-6480
web: http://www.civitas-stl.com
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