Comments by Vivian

Top UK universities warn of damage from budget cuts

Summary

After the announcement that the UK government will execute budget cut about £900m of education, the Russell group, which includes most prestigious universities representatives, raises an objection that this policy will adversely influence the quality of universities as well as the prospects of students and staffs in Britain. The corresponding from Higher education minister David Lammy to the warning that ‘university infrastructure will soon deteriorate’ considers it as an unnecessary worry about the future of British education field for the overall investment for education has been increased since 1997 and now it is time for them to tighten belt . However the General Secretary of the University and College Union points out the union is facing an increasing unemployment rate.

Reflection
As far as I am concerned, this news reflects that the Britain, maybe much more countries, suffers from economic depression thus has to reduce the investment in education field. As we know, in human society, subsistence is to satisfy our stomach then the spirit. To be considerate, we should understand why the British government made this decision. Obviously, it is the limitation of fund in the exchequer and droopy market that promote this so-call notorious budget cuts. Though admit education is the essential factor that promotes the progress of science and technology hence the human society, it is the responsibility for governments to resolve the fundamental need of people. After all, citizens vote the government as servants for people’s well being. Nevertheless, governments should realize it is apparently not a long-time strategy. In conclusion, the interaction between economy and education cannot be neglect and it is necessary for government and universities to pay more understandings to each other.

Reference:
Top UK universities warn of damage from budget cuts (12th Jan.2010) BBC news online retrieved on 12th Jan 2010, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8453360.stm

Comments by Wayne

North Korea Calls for Peace Treaty Talks With U.S.

Summary:
This piece of news focuses on the issue that North Korea tries to initiate negotiations with the United Nations to replace the truce with a new peace treaty, which could lead to the dismantling of it nuclear programs. Its foreign ministry states that such an accord would relieve the tension between North Korea and the U.S, furthermore, it will accelerates its process of denuclearization. However, scholars and politicians from the U.S and South Korea are under the view that it was a manoeuvre played by North Korea to help them win more time for nuclear development. In history, peace talks on such issues have been held but all ended up with failure. Currently, Mr. Obama’s envoy states that the distortion of human rights also hindered the process of such peace proposals.

Reflection:
Firstly, in terms of language, this news clearly demonstrates the issue with the aid of technical terms and jargons, such as denuclearization, normalize.
Secondly, the article includes an introduction that familiarizes readers with the background of the news; nevertheless, it does not have a clear ending.
Last by not the least, several remarks from both sides have been quoted to enrich the article, the combination of voices from both sides help make the content of the news unbiased.

Response to the content:
I do believe that peace and development are the mainstream of the world nowadays. According to IAEA(International Atomic Energy Agency), every country has the right to develop nuclear technology for civiain use. However, the abuse of such right could bring about proliferation and nuclear arms competition, which will stir the stability of the region and pose a menace to the security of adjacent countries. This is the reason why the U.N imposed sanction on DPRK for its aggressive nuclear programs.
In my opinion, it’s not judicious for leaders of DPRK to proceed to sacrifice domestic economy only to achieve the ownership of nuclear arms. It’s not feasible for such country to develop nuclear weapons within a short period, especially under the great pressure exerted by the U.N., since the sanction imposed on DPRK will impair its economy and impede its further development. Thus, the government should pay more attention on promoting its international relationship and welfare of citizens instead.
Furthermore, superpowers that involve in this issue, including the U.S. and China, should take the responsibility to handle the problem. The peace proposal sent by DPRK just now could be a turning point of the problem. It provides a good opportunity for both sides to sit together and discuss seriously before too late.


Reference
Sang-Hun, C(11st Jan, 2010). North Korea Calls for Peace Treaty Talks With U.S. Retrieved on 11st Jan, 2010, from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/12/world/asia/12korea.html?ref=world