The revolution in Syria, if it will happen at all, needs far more than the overthrow of a despotic family. It needs the casting off of a mentality that many of today’s “revolutionaries” still cling to. We’ll explain in a moment. But first, some background.  The so-called “Arab Spring” in  [ Read More ]

A Canadian jury has unanimously convicted businessman Mohammad Shafia, his second wife, Tooba Mohammad Yahay and their 21-year-old son, Hamad, of murder.  Sisters Zainab (19), Sahar (17), and Geeti (13), along with Mr. Shafia’s first wife, Rona Amir Mohammad, were found dead inside a car submerged in a canal.  The  [ Read More ]

In 2001, horrific violations of child slavery in the chocolate industry were revealed.  In response, Congressman Eliot Engel of New York and Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa worked together to advocate cocoa trade that is free of child labor abuses.  Lobbyists for the billion dollar industry worked vehemently to defeat  [ Read More ]

This weekend Americans celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an icon of moral courage.  Although Dr. King’s name has become synonymous with the Civil Rights Movement, there were many other individuals who challenged discrimination in matters big and small, demonstrating their own  [ Read More ]

Private Danny Chen, a 19-year-old American soldier touring in Afghanistan, was found shot dead in a guard tower after suffering abuse at the hands of his own comrades for several months.  It’s still not clear if his death was a suicide, Chen’s desperate attempt to escape the bullying, or a homicide,  [ Read More ]

When an ultra-Orthodox man asked Israeli female soldier Doron Matalon to move to the back of the bus, citing his religious belief of gender separation, she refused.  Matalon’s decision to stay in her seat was not out of disrespect for his religious views, but rather out of the belief in  [ Read More ]

The beating death of Robert Champion, a 26-year old drum major at Florida A&M University (FAMU), at the hands of his own peers, shines a light on the harsh reality of hazing.  Defined as demeaning and dangerous ritualistic activities used to initiate a person into a group, hazing often involves  [ Read More ]

The market pressures of today’s economy have made news of corporate collapse commonplace. Many companies have filed for bankruptcy, a move allowing the firms to renege on financial obligations and then regroup immediately after as a profitable company.  Until recently, this particular maneuver, an acceptable practice for many, had been  [ Read More ]

The United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of foods and prescription medicine.  As the government-appointed authority in determining the safety of consuming certain products, this agency is both powerful and influential.  To challenge the FDA is  [ Read More ]

In Iran, a country under theocratic rule since 1979, satire is being used as a weapon against corruption. A new Iranian television show, “Parazit”, approaches current events with an ironic tone, capturing the public sentiment of distrust and dissatisfaction with the country’s government. “Parazit” co-hosts, Saman Arbabi and Kambiz Hosseini,  [ Read More ]

The child abuse scandal surrounding Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) illuminates one of the necessary traits of moral courage – the willingness to challenge authority. What makes this trait so rare is that the authority figures we must challenge may be those admired most by family, friends and community members.  [ Read More ]

In a time when American politics have become increasingly partisan, there are few examples of politicians willing to cross party lines. State Senator Mike Fasano did just that when he voted against a bill recently passed in Florida’s State legislature. As one of just two Republicans to vote against it,  [ Read More ]