Perspectives on Social Issues
(March 2004)
Mental Illness among Prisoners
"Rampant mental illness in jails and prisons combines two forms of suffering for offenders: the illness itself and having to endure it behind bars. The sheer magnitude of the problem is shocking. Jails and prisons hold three times as many mentally ill people as mental health hospitals. This is partly a consequence of the ill-advised deinstitutionalization campaign begun in the 1960's, an effort that sent many mentally ill men and women into the community with little provision for their care. These are among the conclusions of a recent report by Human Rights Watch, Ill-Equipped: U.S. Prisons and Offenders With Mental Illness....
As the report puts it, 'while serious mental illness is epidemic among both male and female prisoner populations, the statistics for women are particularly stark.' In Pennsylvania, for instance, 37.7 percent of incarcerated women are on its mental health caseload. One difference between male and female prisoners that contributes to this starkness lies in the high level of concern women feel for their children, for whom many had been the primary caregivers."
"Mentally Ill Prisoners," Editorial, America, Feb 9, 2004.
Ireland Cuts Use of Plastic Bags
"Like most countries in the world, Ireland has found plastic bags a major source of litter and trash. Ireland's solution? In 2002, the government imposed a 15-cent per bag tax that is collected at check out. The tax has resulted in a 90 percent reduction in use of plastic bags by consumers and brought in about $10 million (U.S.) the first tax year. The money will go toward initiatives to protect the environment. However, the objective of the tax is not to collect revenue but to change consumer behavior. More than 1 billion plastic bags will be removed from circulation by the tax, according to Ireland's Environment Minister Martin Cullen. 'It is clear that the levy has not only changed consumer behavior in relation to disposable plastic bags, it has also raised national consciousness about the role each one of us can and must play if we are to tackle collectively the problems of litter and waste management,' said Cullen."
"Irish Tax Cuts Plastic Use Dramatically," Yes! A Journal of Positive Futures, Spring 2004.
Peacemaking as "Presence"
"During the first six months of action, all Peaceforce teams are focusing on establishing 'international presence' --a proven nonviolent strategy for peacekeeping. In Mutur, the team is establishing presence among the Muslim and Tamil communities. So far, the team is holding official meetings with:
- Religious and lay leaders
- Government representatives
- Lay members of fishing societies and local peace groups
These official meetings result in requests for future action..... Local leaders have already commented that by 'being with the people' and living among the divided communities, the Mutur team will provide an increased sense of protection and hope."
"Peaceforce Teams International Presence in Four Sri Lankan Communities," Rumors of Peace newsletter, Nonviolent Peaceforce, Winter 2004.
"Amount of water it would take, per day, to support 4.7 billion people at the U.N. daily minimum ... 2.5 billion gallons. Amount of water used, per day, to irrigate the world's golf courses ... 2.5 billion gallons.
Number of golf courses in Japan before World War II ...23. Number in operation or soon to open in 2004 ... 3,030.
Average amount of pesticides used per acre, per year, on golf courses ... 18.0 pounds. Average amount of pesticides used, per acre, per year, in agriculture ... 2.7 pounds.
Amount of water used by 60,000 villagers in Thailand, on average, per day ... 6,500 cubic meters. Amount of water used by one golf course in Thailand, on average, per day ... 6,500 cubic meters."
"Matters of Scale: Planet Golf," WorldWatch, Mar/Ap 2004.
Micro-financing Success
(Editor's Note: Some hopeful news in relation to a country currently in turmoil.)
"An excellent example of the world's hundreds of micro-financing institutions is the Haiti-based Fonkoze bank. This institution serves the poorest country in the Americas, an island nation where average daily income for the vast majority of residents is less than 50 cents a day. Poor Haitians rarely qualify for loans, and are prey to loan sharks and moneylenders. Yet in such a country, a relatively small amount of capital can produce profound social change. Begun in 1996, Fonkoze characterizes itself as a bank of and for the poor. Its goal is sustainable development and economic democracy by providing the organized poor in Haiti with capital, training, literacy education, and technical assistance. Since its origins, Fonkoze has lent over $2.7 million to thousands of street vendors, peasant associations, and small businesses."
"Born-Again Mammon" by Hal Taussig, The Other Side, Jan/Feb 2004.
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Gratitude to the Institute for Peace and Justice
for use of their Pope Paul VIth graphic. |
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