Setbacks and Success

The past few weeks of my life have been awesome, overall.  I've experienced unprecedented amounts of both defeat and triumph, all the while trying hard to remember that God has control.  The semester is nearing an end, and while I did really well in the majority of my classes, I skirted around too many deadlines in one and as a result will receive a failing grade.  It's been a while since I let myself down this much, so my self pity meter was well maxed out for a few days.  And although I'm still disappointed in myself for not trying harder--because at 23 I really shouldn't be making such careless and reckless choices concerning my education--I also know that this one failure does not define who I am.  I made a big mistake, and my GPA will suffer as a result, but I'll be alright.
But enough with the tragic, on to great news.  I'm heavily involved in fighting human trafficking and modern day slavery, and about a month ago, I noticed an ad for a volunteer position with a non-profit anti-trafficking agency.  Being the social media butterfly I am, I quickly responded and within a few days got a call back!  After a few more interviews and days of training, I am pleased to say that I'm the social media manager for them!  I am elated at this opportunity to work directly with survivors of human trafficking and aid in their recovery, all the while showing the world all the amazing work these people do.
One of our survivors had a great day in court yesterday.  Another is preparing for birth any day now, and I can't wait to welcome the newest member of our community.  The last few weeks have taught me that God isn't just with us during the big stuff, he's with us in the details, too.  From the terrifying moments when we fear we've been conquered, to the blissful ones when we feel accomplished, and even in the quiet moments when we are simply content-God is with is.  I'm proud to say that while I have nothing figured out, I know that God has a magnificent plan for my life, and I'm loving watching it unfold around me.

An open letter to Democrats and Republicans

Dear Democrats and Republicans,

We need to have a serious heart-to-heart.  I've got to be honest, I am ashamed of you both.  You've allowed two trivial symbols to become a dictation for who you are as an individual, and as a result they have replaced the American flag in your hearts.
You care more about making your opponent sound like an imbecile than you do about solving the issues at hand.  You've fabricated lies against one another, simply for the sake of furthering your own agendas, and I'm nauseated just thinking about it.  What gets me the most is that you both stand on your soap boxes, broadcasting to the world that your opponent has in some way harmed your name or character, all the while committing the same acts.
I have seen conservatives so far gone they actually wish death on our president simply because he belongs to the Democratic party.

I just can't understand how someone could hold that much hate for someone they've never met.

I've also seen Democrats blame Republicans for any future school shootings that may occur in the United States.

Both of these sentiments, and any others like them, are hypocritical and detrimental to any progress in America.  I am so angry that my country has become this; a place where emotional inclinations take precedence over finding a solution for the betterment of all citizens.  This country was once magnificent; a haven for all those fleeing from persecution, and that's the America I wish to live in.
You have built this inescapable two-party duality in hopes of continuing this heinous system, but I refuse to accept.  Belittling my opponent simply because he disagrees will never be a value I consider American.  In order to make any sort of change for the better we must recognize that the institution of political parties has driven a knife through the backbone of our country.  And this knife will sever all that our founding fathers battled so tirelessly to protect if we aren't diligent.
I implore you to take a minute to forget the elephant and the donkey and remember who you are.  You aren't a Democrat.  You aren't a Republican.  You're an American, and no political party should ever drive a wedge this large between you and your fellow citizens.

Sincerely,

KP

Fair Trade, Free Trade, and Caring a Little More for the World

I am adamant in my belief that any country, no matter how large or small, will always benefit more from trade than without.  For the past three months I have been conducting research on the global banana trade for an international trade class, and the information found has floored me.  While I could bore you for days with facts that only my Econ professor will find interesting, I'll condense it to a few aspects that warrant sharing.

Image Source

Free Trade vs. Fair Trade - What are the differences?

First things first, free trade describes an economic policy in which countries adopt a hands off approach to international trade.  Rather than impose tariffs (taxes on imports or exports) or quotas (limits on import or export quantities), this style of economic theory hinges on the idea that any barriers to trade create more problems than solutions.  Fair trade, on the other hand, operates around the central idea that some countries need a little push in the right direction.  They institute strict regulations and guidelines for groups of farmers to meet and in return offer premiums for the products they export.  The best quality of Fairtrade is possibly it's guarantee to pay a minimum price for products that will never fall below market value.

In a perfect world, free trade would flourish without obstruction.  But the rise of corporations like Walmart, who perpetuate price wars, prevent agricultural workers from receiving adequate pay for their services.  Not to mention American companies like Dole, Del Monte, and Chiquita, who own shares in banana plantations worldwide.  When the money intended to pay the workers who've labored tirelessly only ends up in the hands of a rich CEO of a corporation, it could be cause for new economic policy.

Free, Fair, or Both - Which policy works best?
Proponents on each side of the free and fair trade debate are able to produce compelling evidence supporting both claims, but the question isn't whether fair trade and free trade should be opposing policies.  Take the popular North American Free Trade Agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico for example.  "Those who declare NAFTA a success cite statistics showing a surge in trade, jobs, and productivity throughout the free-trade zone.  People who deride NAFTA as a disaster have data that show real job losses, downward pressure on wages, and widening gaps between the rich and poor in participating countries," says Patricia Panchak of Industry Week.
The point is, no matter the economic policy imposed, there will always be both winners and losers.  The trick is finding a balance which creates fewest losers and most winners for all countries involved.  This is why I believe it is necessary to combine both free and fair trade policies in a country by country basis.
When considering countries involved in trade, it is not only necessary but also imperative to factor well being of citizens affected in the gains and losses.  Regardless of whether it is through fair trade or free trade I think we can all agree that all people who work to bring us products should be adequately compensated.

Trade Theories - Further Reading
To find out more about free trade, fair trade, and their respective practices, check out the following links.
Free Trade vs. Fair Trade
Free Trade (Wikipedia)
Fair Trade (Wikipedia)