Ryan Evans

National:
In San Francisco, on Wednesday a ship carrying oil collided with part of the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge. It is estimated 58,000 gallons of oil spilled into the bay area and has closed down five beaches and is washing up around 40 miles north of the city. Luckily, no substantial damage was sustained to the bridge, the ship however has a huge gash in it. The major problem with the oil is how it continues to float and shift about the water as currents and wind continue to pick up. This oil is much more difficult to contain that other such oil. This is alarming to the citizens of the region because San Francisco is a very environmentally cautious region.

Opinion:
This is obviously quite alarming. It is never good news to hear about occurrences such as this. The environment needs to be protected because this is obviously the world we live in, so we must keep it safe. It is not determined whether the ship’s captain was negligent, but I think he should be punished anyway. It you cause a travesty like a massive oil spill, there needs to be some repercussions.

National:
Arthur H. Bremer, the man who shot Alabama Governor, George Wallace, is scheduled to be released from prison on Friday. He shot Wallace on a 1972 presidential election stop in Laurel, Maryland as Wallace was trying to obtain the Democratic nomination for the presidency. Bremer who has served about 35 years of his 53 year sentence is being released early on account of good behavior and working jobs in the prison. The Wallace estate has apparently forgiven Bremer but is doubtful he has been punished enough.

Opinion:
It seems as though people don’t really care too much about Wallace. In this day and age, people probably would encourage the assassination of a man with Wallace’s views on social stature. However, Bremer still shot him and that is a crime. He was only residing in a medium security level prison. I don’t think he has suffered enough either. He had to have been the kindest inmate ever to get out nearly twenty years early.

International:
In London, one of the last two, known, remaining Titanic survivors has died. Barbara West Dainton died in a nursing home on October 16, but had her funeral on Monday. She wanted the announcement to be stated a little bit after her original death because she was a private person. She was about a month old when the ocean liner collided with the iceberg and sank. It was estimated 1500 people died that night in April, 1912. She could obviously not remember this catastrophe. Her father was killed on the ship. Dainton died at age 96.

Opinion:
It is amazing to think nearly all participants in that catastrophe are dead. No more eye-witnesses or nightmares. It is good she was able to live a long, and hopefully fulfilling life after surviving. I am sure growing up without a father was hard, but she never actually knew him, which makes things easier, but also complicated. I am sure she saw and witnessed many things in the twentieth century. I wonder what all I will see in my lifetime.
International:
This past Wednesday in Moscow, the remaining Communists celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution. As Communist support has steadily declined after the collapse of the Soviet Union 16 years ago, the Kremlin controlled Russia is predicted to give seats to Communists in their Parliament. The Communists now have a new confidence in gaining support for their cause. Over 10,000 supporters marched on Moscow carrying bright red banners saying, “Long Live Socialist Revolution”. The crowds were also chanting, “Victory! Motherland! Socialism!” in the streets.

Opinion:
Oh no. OH NO! I think the government is so preoccupied with the Middle East, that they are not paying attention to the possible resurrection of the Red Army. Free elections are being contested and the radio stations in Russia are now government regulated. The United States really needs to keep their eyes on the Great Bear. We should possibly try and help them. Maybe give them some money, and then call in a loan for once. It is going from mafia rule to ultra-police state rule. Yikes.