EMAIL 11: February 14, 2006

What does it mean to be a global/citizen?

"None of us would ever wish the evil that was done on September the 11th. Yet after America was attacked, it was as if our entire country looked into a mirror and saw our better selves. We were reminded that we are citizens, with obligations to each other, to our country, and to history. We began to think less of the goods we can accumulate, and more about the good we can do. For too long our culture has said, "If it feels good, do it." Now America is embracing a new ethic and a new creed: "Let's roll." In the sacrifice of soldiers, the fierce brotherhood of firefighters, and the bravery and generosity of ordinary citizens, we have glimpsed what a new culture of responsibility could look like. We want to be a nation that serves goals larger than self. We've been offered a unique opportunity, and we must not let this moment pass. My call tonight is for every American to commit at least two years -- 4,000 hours over the rest of your lifetime -- to the service of your neighbors and your nation...And America needs citizens to extend the compassion of our country to every part of the world." -
President Bush, State of the Union 2006

I guess this email comes as an initial reaction to my nearly 6 months abroad. During my travels and experiences, I have come to appreciate and the importance of learning about our national and international affairs. Everyone I have met, locals or fellow travelers, all seem well-informed about international and national politics and events. Recently, I tried to define what it means to be a global citizen or the act of civic participation and to identify the people in my life who represent true and inspirational citizens.

This email is to by know means belittle the intelligence of anyone, but to expose the reality that there are many younger Americans who most likely chose a reality show like the Bachelor over the State of the Union address last month. And I only hope more young people have the chance to explore international issues or travel in the future for pleasure or academics.

So, as a result, I have put together a list of questions or comments in regards to US or international events.... mainly geared to my fellow friends and peers to in a way test their knowledge of the events that affect their current lives. Granted, I know my excuse for not keeping up with the news was "school", and now I am sure many of my friends say they don't have time because of "work." However, at nearly 23 and from this trip, I've realized there is no longer an excuse to be uninformed.. as a Professor Demo always said it is part of your civic duty to stay informed" regardless of your personal or politcal beliefs, media, etc. I was proud to see that many of my friends exercised their right to vote in the 2004 elections, but how many of those friends have continued to follow Washington post- voting day?

Granted, there is something to be said about today's media and its way of manipulating what we "know" in regards to access to knowledge, but we can't let that be an excuse for ignorance. If anything it should drive us to challenge the media or look for other outlets including international sources, blogs, op-ed columns, papers overs tv, radio, etc.

So, .... US-Related:

Can you name your US State Senators and thier party of your hometown, where you attended university recently, or where you are currently employed?)
Who is Corretta Scott King?
The upcoming congressional report titled "Failure of Initiative" concerns what issue? -- Key words... FEMA, Michael Brown, US Homeland Security Secretary, Michael Chertoff...
What's all the fuss about illegal immigration in the US-- between parties/Bush/minutemen border partrol? How does that impact the future of the US? of Latin America? Employment or Outsouring? Children of immigrants and education system/healthcare? (Remember how 700 Salvadorans attempt to migrate everyday North?)
Define Human Rights? (living wage, access to land, genocide related... How does it pertain to American citizens, we so frequently only think of Human Rights in cases like Darfur, etc.) I realized this was trickier to answer that I thought during my Cambodia interview. There are so many phrases, like Human Rights, used in the media/politics-- that they become hard to clearly define.
In your own words, define global citizenship or what is civic participation? How can young leaders and young adults become better US and global citizens? (And it doesn't necessarily mean international travel... To me, it spreading the word and realizing there is no wrong way to act or help *big or small*. Have a conversation, Turn on the news, read the paper, sign up for email alerts, host an event, challenge your friends and collegues (maybe not your first boss), join a local Rotarian club, get involved in the 2006 mid elections... the possibilities are endless.

International Related

Did you know that Chile elected its first Female President this year? Did you know that Bolivia elected its first indigenous Bolivan president, Morales, this year? Both, heavily supported and funded by Chavez, Venezuela's President. It is truly amazing and historic that a female and a indigenous leader were voted as president, but at the same does what does their political positions mean for the future of the Americas? For example, "Standing in front of a banner reading "Long live coca, Death to Yankees," leftist Morales opened the coca congress on Saturday with a call for farmers to respect a government accord limiting the amount of coca each family can grow." (This past Saturday)
What is Fair Trade? Did you know you can buy Fair Trade products like coffee, cotton, chocolate, produce, flowers etc... Did you know that Nestle and Dole Fresh Flowers are currently under heat for poor international labor conditions ... How much Nestle chocolate or many flowers did you buy for V-Day tomorrow. Did you know most of the flowers imported to the US are from Ecuador and Colombia?
Have you followed any of Saddam's trial... It's the news this week?
What is human trafficking? Who are Children Soldiers-- How does that relate to Northern Uganda and many other countries?
US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, commented earlier this week in regards to what issue that has sparked riots and protests in many Muslim countries and in regards to what country's "nuclear uranium enrichment" program and possible future US intervention?
Did you know that there are estimated 5 million indigenous persons living in Argentina? Although many only believe that there are roughly only 1 million persons. There is little or no investment in the indigenous community or sustaining its heritage.
Did you know that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon survived surgery this week, but is still in a coma since Jan 4th? (What does Sharon's health mean for the future of Israel/middle east)

Lastly, in the recent weeks in Buenos Aires, I have spent a lot of time identifying the people who inspire me. Inspire me to be the person I am today and the person I aspire to be in the future. At first, I tried to think of the "idolized" historical figures, but then I realized there are so many people who are close to me that have impacted the way I think about life and make decisions and their present-day influences are stronger than the historical figures who I only know about their historical events. I came up with three-- to keep it simple-- who represent well rounded, global citizens and who will continue to provide me with insight or inspiration over the next 6.5 months.

My dad-- for teaching me the importance of hard work, perserverence, recognizing the value and importance in others and in yourself, and reminding me everyday since I can remember to "enjoy my adventure." I can't think of a better person who represents a model active citizen.
My uncle Sean-- for always being true to himself-- never superficial, dedicated and passionate about global issues and adventures, always taking the road less traveled, and truly being my "international inspiration."
Stacy Tolos-- Although I only (finally) met her this past summer in DC... It takes you only 5 minutes (or a google search) to realize she is committed to change. She defines compassion, dedication, innovation, and altruism. I only hope I can impact someone in every country I meet in a similar way.

Well, I realize this email was a bit random than the others, but I feel it is important to realize our strengths and weakenesses as American citizens. We have a privilege that so many other do not have and many who will never have. We have daily freedoms, personal liberties, democracy, choice, just elections, daily conveniences, and maybe too many luxuries.... With everything that we have, what can we do to give back? How do we utilize the tools that we have to create change---personal change, community change, state change, national change, or global change. Anything is possible, anyone can make a difference... It goes back to the saying, are leaders born or made? I guess that's for you to decide. Young Americans have the power to make a difference, including the recent grads whom feel confined to the reality of working life... you just have to make the the time, put in the effort, have faith, and know it will be worth it in the end! (And even if it's just mobilizing people within your office team.)

Cheers from Buenos Aires (Things are going great...after 4 full days in bed with the flu/fever!) Pictures are updated online of Brazil www.vanderbilt.edu/travelfellowship/hogan. I've attached a few pictures from Iguazu falls last weekend with John, Vanderbilt graduate.

PS--- Best of luck with Vanderbilt Dance Marathon this weekend!!! To everyone at Vanderbilt-- stop by if you can or at least take the time to visit the Children's Hospital before you graduate, you won't regret it! Trust me, Ive been volunteering here in BA at a "Children's Hospital" (more like old small clinic with patients on top of one another with parents, old beds, poor sanitation,etc.) for children undergoing dialysis... We are so fortunate...