Foreign aid cuts hurt poor while barely denting debt – In a letter to the Hill, DC resident, Erica Bettwy expresses concern over cuts to the foreign affairs budget that would impact “vaccinations for children, access to clean water and sanitation and basic education for poor and vulnerable people around the world.” The foreign aid programs are already facing an 8% cut for the 2012 fiscal year, and additional cuts would have “life and death consequences for millions of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.” (The Hill)
Compromised election may tie Liberian president’s hands, could force her to make concessions – Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won reelection last week, amidst an election boycott and violence, which has left some wondering if Sirleaf will be forced to make concessions to the Liberians who led the country into civil war like ex-warlord Prince Johnson. Sirleaf has “pledged to reach out to her opponents” in an attempt at reconciliation, a move that may cause her to make deals. (AP)
Blast at Kenya refugee camp; UN says deaths of children caught in violence in Somalia rising – The UN reports that a growing number of children are becoming victims of the attacks and crossfire in south and central Somalia. UNICEF reported that 24 children were killed in Somalia in October, and an additional 58 children were injured, marking the highest number this year. UNICEF officials are calling on “all parties to . . . stop all killing, maiming, recruitment for armed services and rape of children,” as the conflict in Somalia escalates. (AP)
Middle-Class Areas Shrink as Income Gap Grows, New Report Finds – According to a new study using census data, the number of American families living in middle-income neighborhoods has sharply declined since the 1970s. These findings are part of a trend of growing income inequality, and causes many to question whether economic inequality impedes social mobility. In addition to a changing income structure, the study found that there is an increasing tendency for families to sort residentially by income. (NYTimes, Sabrina Tavernise)
Your Gun, My Treasure: Fonderie47 Turning Africa’s AK47 Into Jewelry – Petern Thum and his partner John Zapolski recently launch Fonderie47, a “luxury brand company” and “social enterprise,” that collaborates with well-known designers to “create handcrafter, high-end jewelry and accessories from confiscated weapons.” The income derived from the sale of the jewelry goes to organizations that work towards disarmament efforts. (Forbes, Elmira Bayrasli)
