Changes

Technology has brought some medical advances, most notably in the expanded use of antibiotics after World War II.  Physicians say that most of medicine today was discovered in the past 70 years.  The modern inventions of the MRI and CAT scan have improved the ability to view the human body, and treat illness.  Other modern developments, such as widespread vaccination and insecticides, are more controversial.  Preventive vaccination is credited with eliminating the terrible diseases of polio and smallpox, but other, newer vaccines are opposed by many parents.

Technology has brought some medical advances, most notably in the expanded use of antibiotics after World War II.  Physicians say that most of medicine today was discovered in the past 70 years.  The modern inventions of the MRI and CAT scan have improved the ability to view the human body, and treat illness.  Other modern developments, such as widespread vaccination and insecticides, are more controversial.  Preventive vaccination is credited with eliminating the terrible diseases of polio and smallpox, but other, newer vaccines are opposed by many parents.

Proposals to spend taxpayer money on embryonic stem cell research are opposed by pro-lifers.  In Germany, where the people experienced the horrors of the medical experiments connected with the Holocaust, the people are strongly against embryonic stem cell research.  Private investors show little interest in spending their own money on this even in the United States.  But a political movement linked to the [[abortion]] industry demands that taxpayer money be spent on this research, without any evidence that any good will ever come of it.  If embryonic stem cell research were so great, then why wouldn’t there be many private investors spending money on it?

Proposals to spend taxpayer money on embryonic stem cell research, which entails the destruction of human embryos, are opposed by all who are pro-life.  In Germany, where the people experienced the horrors of the medical experiments connected with the Holocaust, the people are strongly against embryonic stem cell research.  Private investors show little interest in spending their own money on this even in the United States.  But a political movement linked to the [[abortion]] industry demands that taxpayer money be spent on this research, without any evidence that any good will ever come of it.  If embryonic stem cell research were so great, then why wouldn’t there be many private investors spending money on it?

The United Nations promotes abortion worldwide through its U.N. Fund for Population Activities.  Even though the world population will peak and begin to decline in the 21st century, the promoters of abortion continue to demand more and more killing of unborn children.  This is promoted using taxpayer money.  The United Nations also pushes its pro-abortion agenda through the World Health Organization (WHO).

The United Nations promotes abortion worldwide through its U.N. Fund for Population Activities.  Even though the world population will peak and begin to decline in the 21st century, the promoters of abortion continue to demand more and more killing of unborn children.  This is promoted using taxpayer money.  The United Nations also pushes its pro-abortion agenda through the World Health Organization (WHO).

===Agriculture===

===Agriculture===

The “green revolution” was a worldwide effort to increase the food supply through better farming, particularly in undernourished regions like India and South America.  By increasing the amount of farmland and obtaining better [[crop yield]] from existing farms, the food supply increased such that India began producing more food than it could even consume, and exported its surplus.  Worldwide, the crops of rice, wheat and maize (corn) all increased.   

The “green revolution” was a worldwide effort to increase the food supply through better farming, particularly in undernourished regions like India and South America.  By increasing the amount of farmland and obtaining better [[crop yield]] from existing farms, the food supply increased such that India began producing more food than it could consume, and exported its surplus.  Worldwide, the crops of rice, wheat and maize (corn) all increased.   

Popular and easy to grow in the Asian climate, rice was historically the world's most popular crop.  But maize (corn), wheat and sugar cane have surpassed rice in popularity.  Here is the list of the most popular crops in the world today:

Popular and easy-to-grow in the Asian climate, rice was historically the world's most popular crop.  But maize (corn), wheat and sugar cane have surpassed rice in popularity.  Here is the list of the most popular crops in the world today:

# sugar cane

# sugar cane

Pesticides and fertilizers were used to increase production during the green revolution, and many wonder if they are harmful to our diet.  A massive market has developed in “organic” goods grown without the use of pesticides.  Today, there is also controversial use of genetic engineering of crops to increase crop yield (the amount of food produced per a given area).

Pesticides and fertilizers were used to increase production during the green revolution, and many wonder if they are harmful to our diet.  A massive market has developed in “organic” goods grown without the use of pesticides.  Today, there is also controversial use of genetic engineering of crops to increase crop yield (the amount of food produced per a given area).

Environmentalists complained that increased irrigation for crops has depleted ground water and an increase in the salinity of the soil.  Many ground wells in the United States may be polluted from hazardous waste (such as dumped oil), or possibly from fertilizers or pesticides.

Environmentalists complained that increased irrigation for crops has depleted ground water and caused an increase in the salinity of the soil.  Many ground wells in the United States may be polluted from hazardous waste (such as dumped oil), or possibly from fertilizers or pesticides.

===Outer Space===

===Outer Space===

But it was not until September 11, 2001 (9-11) that Islamic terrorism hit American soil.  A group of 19 Muslims, most from Saudi Arabia, hijacked American airlines and flew one into each tower of the World Trade Center, a third into the Pentagon (probably after the pilot had trouble locating the White House from the air), and a fourth crashed in Pennsylvania as the passengers attempted to retake control of the plane from the terrorists.  Nearly 3,000 people died when the World Trade Center collapsed from the resulting fire, as millions watched it live on television.  An outpouring of support for American followed, with only Saddam Hussein of Iraq refusing to fly his flag at half-mast at the United Nations.

But it was not until September 11, 2001 (9-11) that Islamic terrorism hit American soil.  A group of 19 Muslims, most from Saudi Arabia, hijacked American airlines and flew one into each tower of the World Trade Center, a third into the Pentagon (probably after the pilot had trouble locating the White House from the air), and a fourth crashed in Pennsylvania as the passengers attempted to retake control of the plane from the terrorists.  Nearly 3,000 people died when the World Trade Center collapsed from the resulting fire, as millions watched it live on television.  An outpouring of support for American followed, with only Saddam Hussein of Iraq refusing to fly his flag at half-mast at the United Nations.

Led by America, a number of nations (mostly NATO members) responded by attacking Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan, after the Taliban in charge of that nation refused to hand him over.  Bin Laden is the leader of the terrorist organization called al Qaeda (spellings vary in translating that name from Arabic).  Bin Laden fled, but al Qaeda was broken up in Afghanistan, the Taliban was overthrown, and many of Bin Laden’s top aides were killed by the end of 2001.  Although a democratic provisional government has replaced the Taliban there, the persecution of Christians continues.  In 2006, one Christian was targeted for execution by the Afghanistan country merely for converting from Islam, and the United States did not intervene.  International pressure causes a suspension in the punishment.

Led by America, a number of nations (mostly NATO members) responded by attacking Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan, after the Taliban in charge of that nation refused to hand him over.  Bin Laden is the leader of the terrorist organization called "al Qaeda" (there are different spellings of the name in translating it from Arabic).  Bin Laden fled, but al Qaeda was broken up in Afghanistan, the Taliban was overthrown, and many of Bin Laden’s top aides were killed by the end of 2001.  Bin Laden himself was eventually caught and killed by American soldiers (Navy Seals).  Although a democratic provisional government has replaced the Taliban there, the persecution of Christians continues.  In 2006, one Christian was targeted for execution by the Afghanistan country merely for converting from Islam, and the United States did not intervene.  International pressure causes a suspension in the punishment.

In 2003, a coalition (made up mostly of American and British soldiers, with support from various other nations) invaded Iraq after Saddam Hussein refused to cooperate with inspectors of his nuclear facility and Americans feared that he had weapons of mass destruction (WMD).  The Iraq War was initially very successful for the coalition, as Baghdad was captured quicker than expected.  The use of new body armor by American soldiers saved many lives that would have been lost at an earlier time.  At the end of 2006 Saddam Hussein himself, after being captured by an American soldier and tried by the Iraqis, was hanged for his crimes.  But in early 2007, three years after President Bush had announced victory in the war, he asked the American people to send 20,000 more troops to Iraq to try to finish the job.  Terrorists there have caused a continuing stream of violence and killings for over three years.

In 2003, a coalition (made up mostly of American and British soldiers, with support from various other nations) invaded Iraq after Saddam Hussein refused to cooperate with inspectors of his nuclear facility and Americans feared that he had weapons of mass destruction (WMD).  The Iraq War was initially very successful for the coalition, as Baghdad was captured quicker than expected.  The use of new body armor by American soldiers saved many lives that would have been lost at an earlier time.  At the end of 2006 Saddam Hussein himself, after being captured by an American soldier and tried by the Iraqis, was hanged for his crimes.  But in early 2007, three years after President Bush had announced victory in the war, he asked the American people to send 20,000 more troops to Iraq to try to finish the job.  Terrorists there have caused a continuing stream of violence and killings for over three years.

===Migration===

===Migration===

In the second half of the 20th century, people increasingly migrated to the United States and Europe.  In the United States, the immigrants were welcomed with jobs.  In Europe, the immigrants were first welcomed with jobs and became “guest workers,” but when the jobs became scarce the governments would welcome the immigrants with welfare.  Some migrated to Muslim countries in the Middle East to work on oil wells.

In the second half of the 20th century, people increasingly migrated to the United States and Europe.  In Europe, the immigrants were first welcomed with jobs and became “guest workers,” but when the jobs became scarce the governments would welcome the immigrants with welfare.  Some migrated to Muslim countries in the Middle East to work on oil wells.

“Push-pull factors” caused the massive migration.  The “pull factors” are those described above:  better jobs and welfare.  The “push factors” are poverty, violence, or religious persecution in a homeland.  Hindus fled Muslim Pakistan, Afghans fled the Taliban and Cubans fled Castro.  Sometimes refugee camps were necessary to take care of all the migrating people, as done in the Middle East for Palestinians and in Albania during the Kosovo crisis.  Congo also established refugee camps for those fleeing from the ethnic cleansing of the tribal wars in Rwanda.

“Push-pull factors” caused the massive migration.  The “pull factors” are those described above:  better jobs and welfare.  The “push factors” are poverty, violence, or religious persecution in a homeland.  Hindus fled Muslim Pakistan, Afghans fled the Taliban and Cubans fled Castro.  Sometimes refugee camps were necessary to take care of all the migrating people, as done in the Middle East for Palestinians and in Albania during the Kosovo crisis.  Congo also established refugee camps for those fleeing from the ethnic cleansing of the tribal wars in Rwanda.

When immigrants failed to learn and speak the local language, tensions arose.  By the end of the 20th century, there was growing opposition in both the United States and Europe to the large amounts of immigration.   

When immigrants failed to learn and speak the local language, tensions arose.  By the end of the 20th century, there was growing opposition in both the United States and Europe to the large amounts of immigration.   

The EU removed most internal border patrols, so people now flow freely from one country into the next, such as from Austria into Germany.  The Muslim influx has been particularly high.  In past centuries, churches would play a central role in integrating the immigrants into the local activities and culture.  But churches, which have become largely empty in Europe anyway, cannot integrate the Muslim immigrants.  In France, a politician Jean-Marie Le Pen demanded tougher controls against immigration.  But the media then labeled him as a racist and he was badly defeated in the election for president in 2002.  But meanwhile Islam is overtaking the Christian French culture, as the mosques are more vibrant than the churches in France now.  In 2004, France desperately banned the wearing of the Muslim hijab (headscarf) girls in state schools.

The EU removed most internal border patrols, so people now flow freely from one country into the next, such as from Austria into Germany.  The Muslim influx has been particularly high.  In past centuries, churches would play a central role in integrating the immigrants into the local activities and culture.  But churches, which have become largely empty in Europe anyway, cannot integrate the Muslim immigrants.  In France, politician Jean-Marie Le Pen demanded tougher controls against immigration.  But the media then labeled him as a racist and he was badly defeated in the election for president in 2002.  But meanwhile Islam is overtaking the Christian French culture, as the mosques are more vibrant than the churches in France now.  In 2004, France desperately banned the wearing of the Muslim hijab (headscarf) girls in state schools.

Many European nations now face the controversy of whether to allow women to wear the Muslim coverings.  In late 2006, the Dutch government announced its plan to ban Muslim head coverings in all public places.  In Germany, many teachers are forbidden from wearing the hijab.  A Belgian town banned the burqa (full-body covering) and niqab (a veil that covers only the face) entirely from its streets.  In Britain, schools were allowed fire teachers for wearing face-coverings. Even in the Muslim country of Turkey, its military rulers have banned any wearing of the Muslim veil in public buildings since the 1920s, when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk established the modern Republic of Turkey.

Many European nations now face the controversy of whether to allow women to wear the Muslim coverings.  In late 2006, the Dutch government announced its plan to ban Muslim head coverings in all public places.  In Germany, many teachers are forbidden from wearing the hijab.  A Belgian town banned the burqa (full-body covering) and niqab (a veil that covers only the face) entirely from its streets.  In Britain, schools were allowed fire teachers for wearing face-coverings. Even in the Muslim country of Turkey, its military rulers have banned any wearing of the Muslim veil in public buildings since the 1920s, when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk established the modern Republic of Turkey.

Liberals are alarmed by this Muslim clothing because they frustrate the liberal desire to create a secular, atheistic society.  It becomes difficult to complain about a cross somewhere when women are wearing burqas in glaring display of their faith.  Also, some feminists object to the burqa as discriminatory towards women, subjugating them to an inferior position in society.  Only in the sanctuary of the home do Muslim women remove their coverings.

Liberals are alarmed by this Muslim clothing because they frustrate the liberal desire to create a secular, atheistic society.  It becomes difficult to complain about a cross somewhere when women are wearing burqas in glaring display of their faith.  Also, some feminists object to the burqa as discriminatory towards women, subjugating them to an inferior position in society.  Only in the sanctuary of the home do Muslim women remove their coverings.

   

   

In the United States, the largest group of immigrants is from Mexico, and they are pouring into Catholic churches.  For example, Catholics comprise less than 10% of Utah’s population, which is predominantly Mormon, but an influx of immigrants from Mexico is boosting church attendance there.  But much of this immigration is illegal, and has created a subculture of 12 million people – close to 5% of the American population – that is not even supposed to be here.  Illegal immigrants are winning robotics science competitions and garnering top prizes at universities.  Many become self-employed due to the laws making it a crime for companies to hire them as employees.  Congress proposed creating a “guest worker” policy that would allow the illegal immigrants to stay.  President Bush said he would build a fence to stem the tide of illegal immigration, yet much of the promised fence was never built.  Those caught for illegal immigration are typically returned to Mexico, only to return again illegally to the United States.  Some have gone back and forth over a dozen times.  Public schools welcome illegal immigrants, and some come here to obtain free benefits like schooling and medical care.  Some heinous crimes and also fatal car accidents, perhaps due to a lack of an ability to read English signs or understand traffic patterns, have been caused by illegal immigrants.

In the United States, the largest group of immigrants is from Mexico, and they are pouring into Catholic churches.  For example, Catholics comprise less than 10% of Utah’s population, which is predominantly Mormon, but an influx of immigrants from Mexico is boosting church attendance there.  But much of this immigration is illegal, and has created a subculture of 12 million people – close to 5% of the American population – that is not even supposed to be here.  Illegal immigrants are winning robotics science competitions and garnering top prizes at universities.  Many become self-employed due to the laws making it a crime for companies to hire them as employees.  Congress proposed creating a “guest worker” policy that would allow the illegal immigrants to stay.  President George W. Bush said he would build a fence to stem the tide of illegal immigration, but much of the promised fence was never built.  Those caught for illegal immigration are typically returned to Mexico, only to return again illegally to the United States.  Some have gone back and forth over a dozen times.  Public schools welcome illegal immigrants, and some come here to obtain free benefits like schooling and medical care.  Some heinous crimes and also fatal car accidents, perhaps due to a lack of an ability to read English signs or understand traffic patterns, have been caused by illegal immigrants.

There has also been much migration within a same country.  In developing countries, migration from rural areas to big cities caused huge increases in city population, and tons of pollution.  Mexico City has become one of the most populated cities in the world from this type of migration.  In developed countries like the United States, there is substantial migration in the opposite direction, from the city to the countryside, where it is easier to raise a family.

There has also been much migration within a same country.  In developing countries, migration from rural areas to big cities caused huge increases in city population, and tons of pollution.  Mexico City has become one of the most populated cities in the world from this type of migration.  In developed countries like the United States, there is substantial migration in the opposite direction, from the city to the countryside, where it is easier to raise a family.