1. One of Europe's Wealthiest Nations Wants to Throw Beggars in Jail
Summary:
It is expected that Norway’s parliament will approve an
anti-begging law, which is controversial. If the law passes, those caught
begging would be liable to fines and imprisonment up to three months, and it
will take effect in 2015 nationwide and more quickly in local municipalities.
Some say the bill will cut a link between begging and criminal and this could
help decrease crime rates. However critics say those who cannot beg anymore
will exposed to crime activity much more because they have no other options. It is up to Norway’s parliament to decide on Friday.
Persuasive:
I support the bill partially - I mean, if the government would provide
follow-up care such as a meal and education, then I totally agree with the
bill. I think beggars could get a job after taking some training. In Korea, as
far as I know, the government tried to turn away a homeless person from Seoul Station
giving them a shelter and an opportunity to get a job, and I think the result is
‘half success’. The measurement was effective to only those who want to get a
new job and they live differently now. However most people who had slept on the
street don’t want a regular life in a new shelter, also a location of the
shelter is another problem due to the opposition of local residents. So I
believe, if they get a chance to think differently by seeing the previous successful
cases and take education what they need, even though they could not beg again, then
they could get money by different ways not linked to crimes. Therefore I
support general idea to ban on begging but with follow-up care.
Source:
- Dwyer, Liz, "One of Europe's Wealthiest Nations Wants to Throw Beggars in Jail" TakePart. takepart, 24 June 2014. Web. 28 June 2014.
2. Norway is the Best Place to Work in the World
Summary:
Norway is in the highest ranked group of
the best places for a worker according to a new report by the International
Trade Union Confederation. ITUC evaluated 97 the workers’ rights like working
condition, democratic rights. Norway and its neighbor didn’t achieve a perfect
score like Denmark, but was in the same category. By Sharan Burrow, ITUC
general secretary, this is because of its strong labor laws while there are
many workers have trouble in claiming their rights still in some countries. It
could be said that Norway is the best place for workers.
Persuasive:
I want Korea has stronger labor laws especially concerning
wages, safety, and punishment. A minimum wage is 5,210won this year in Korea,
but it is hard to find restaurants serving a meal at the same or lower price,
so I think the government has to increase a minimum wage higher. Every time I hear
the news that some workers hurt at work could not receive compensation because
of the vague regulation, I think the regulation should become clear for each
case. The most important thing is to obey the laws, and companies will make a
greater effort to observe the rules when the punishment is stronger. Thus Korea
can be the best place to work with the stronger labor laws.
Source:
- "Norway is the Best Place to Work in the World" The Nordic Page. The Nordic Page., 3 June 2014. Web. 28 June 2014.
3. Around 100 Norway oil engineers may walk off job next week
Summary:
About 100 workers would be on strike if wage talks fail. Up to now a move would not have strong impact, but if it lasts several days this could be. After several rounds of wage talks between energy firms and unions, they will go on mediation on July 4-5. If these talks fail, then workers really may walk off job. By this article, the strike pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel before the government intervened to end it.
Persuasive:
I am
positive to the strike in this article. Of course, it is uncomfortable while
workers walk off their job but I believe it will bring the better results. In
most cases, like it in this article, people go on a strike for just
reasons such as wage increasing, proper duty hours. If the reason is acceptable I would support the strikers because I will
be worker also, and the strike would make better working conditions. I consider
worker’s strike has good influence on our society in the long term.
Source:
- Fouche, Gwladys, "Around 100 Norway oil engineers may walk off job next week" Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 27 June 2014. Web. 28 June 2014.
4. Child poverty on the rise in Norway
Summary:
The percentage
of children lived in low-income families in Norway is rising according to
statistics compiled by the auditor general’s office. According to this article,
state Auditor General Per-Kristian Foss said “I would go so far as to say that we
are violating UN conventions.” at a press conference on Wednesday. Foss claims
the responsibility of local governments to give poor children a chance to
participate in social activities like sports. He emphasizes the importance of activities
not to prevent them from dropping out of school and having a life-long problem.
It seems that local authorities have to focus on children’s participation rather
than decreasing child poverty.
Persuasive:
I agree with Foss’
opinion, and I think sports activity must be in the mandatory school curriculum
for free or a small fee. As Foss said, the activities with other children are
very important because it develops sociality as communicating each other and
observing public order. For low-income parents, a low fee will lighten the
burden with taking care of their children. There are some ways to decrease fee,
for example, local government budgets for the curriculum, or volunteers teaches
sports to children. By these ways, the children living in low-income family
have to be given opportunity to participate such activities without money
troubles.
Source:
- Berglund, Nina, "Child poverty on the rise in Norway" News in English.no.cloudberry.no, 26 June 2014. Web. 28 June 2014.
- <URL> http://www.newsinenglish.no/2014/06/26/child-poverty-on-the-rise-in-norway/
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