Democracy 4

Democracy 4

Look up the meaning of these words:
Democracy:
Law:
Justice:
On the Web and write them in your notebook.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice

Read and analyze

Some people say that Colombia needs a Peace Ministry instead of a Defense Ministry.

A serious proposal is now making its way through Congress. We have a Defense ministry, an Environment Ministry, an Interior Ministry and a Mines and Energy Ministry. Why not a Peace Ministry? The idea is not new. In fact it was first proposed by George Washington long time ago.

The new ministry would be responsible for advising the President on how to solve both home and abroad conflicts without violence. Even more than that, the Ministry of Peace would address root causes of violence and offer solutions, thereby producing a systemic change in Colombian culture. Proponents say promoting peace is practical both financially and diplomatically. Critics charge that creating yet another ministry is a waste of money.

CBS network

Ireland

Joe Campbell, MBM peace worker in Northern Ireland, recently received an urgent call from the police in Portadown, a small town outside of Belfast.

Summer is marching season there, and a group of Protestant loyalists were preparing to march through the Catholic community, beating drums to remind everyone within earshot of a 300-year-old battle in which a Protestant army defeated a Catholic one. These marches take place every year.

In Canada, the equivalent would be marching through Montreal every year to remember the defeat of the French at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham.

"Come quick," the police said. "The Catholics are preparing to riot."

So Joe called a friend and off they went, reviewing their mediation training in the car as they approached the site of the conflict. For hours they shuttled between the Catholic homeowners, the Protestant marchers and the police. Everyone was tense, but eventually a solution emerged.

The marchers would march, but they had to do so in silence. Everyone was relieved, said Joe. Better yet, everyone felt that they had won. The mediation had worked! Hope had proved itself stronger than violence.

Joe Campbell and his friend were praised in the Irish media for their role in helping to build a better future. One is possible - even in places where the darkness seems greatest.

Copy the passage in your notebook. Study it  and be ready to answer questions, orally, in class.


Questionary


1. Who first proposed a Peace Ministry?
2. What would this ministry be responsible of?
3. What do proponents of this ministry say?
4. What do critics say?
5. What is Summer in Ireland?
6. Why do protestants march through the catholic community?




And with all the other questionaries be ready to be asked about them too.