Ben Kim Global Awareness

The most influential person, in my opinion is Aung San Suu Kyi .  She is a political activist that fought for her beliefs.  At that time, the long-term military leader, General Ne Win, stepped down. She started rallies that addressed half a million people, calling for a democratic government.  Instead of Burma leaning towards a democratic government, the SPDC took over power.  Influenced by Gandhi, she tried to fight for democracy through non-violence.  She entered politics to work for democratization, but later she was put under house arrest.  She was offered freedom if she left the country but she never left and that to me takes dedication.  Her speech meant the most to me because she is fighting for something she believes in.  Even though her son addressed the speech, you can feel the emotion and passion she has to bring democracy to Burma.  "To live the full life, one must have the courage to bear the responsibility of the needs to others... one must want to bear this responsibility."  This quote struck me because she is speaking towards the people of Burma and it shows how much she cares about the country.  Her selfless actions has brought her the Nobel Peace Prize and I believe it's well deserved.

The country I am concerned about is Haiti.  According to Fox Business, it is the poorest nation in the world with a poverty rate of 77%.  With the recent earthquake in 2010, the country suffered a lot of losses.  The death toll of 80,000 and the damages costing over $8 billion, the unemployment rate is at 40%.  More than half of the population makes a living of less than a $1 per day, 80% of the population makes a living of less than $2 per day.  I hope in the long-run, this country continues to strive and rebuild to benefit the people living there.  It affects us because even though they are in a different continent, we unite as one, helping others out.  We should care because we have morals, which is to take care of one another.  In response to all of this, we can make simple donations to help the country rebuild, providing for families and victims to create a better atmosphere for them

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