Page 4 | The Liows Bye April 29, 2009 Eve on World & Local Pirates of the Caribbean: Somalia By Jackie Downey Lion's Eye World/Local Editor- jsd5059@psu.edu On Sunday, April 12th, after talks lasting about three days, the Navy Seals rescued Captain Richard Phillips from the hands of the armed and dangerous So- malian pirates. The Somalian Pirates have been frequent in the news around the world as the terror of the Indian Sea. Large ships carrying cargo such as food are the most common target. The pirates often take hostages and demand large summons of money. The United States Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, is asking the majority of the world to come together and find a solution to this crisis. The groups of pirates consist of men in the ages between twenty and thirty from the third world country of Somalia. Somalia is considered a third world country because of the general public’s’level of extreme poverty. The term general public is used because the pirates are far from poor. Since taking on the career as terrorists of the sea, these men have purchased large homes and live like kings among their fellow Somalians. The community is torn on the issue of whether the piracy is good for their country or bad. Most of the people see the lifestyle of a pirate as socially acceptable. Some of the citizens even go as far as to consider the pirates role models. The people suffer from malnutrition, a lack of an education Fystem, disease from the toxic waters, and an overall bleak life. It’s easy as Americans to look upon these men as no good outlaws who deserve to be severely reprehended for their acts of murder and underhanded deeds. However, at what point do you stop listening to your moral compass and start doing what you have to for survival. There is never an excuse for murder, but what can a person do when they have no food, no income, no opportunities, and no way out? The distinct lines of right and wrong begin to blur for people who have little to no alternatives. As for the younger men of the group, the allure of quick money is the main reason they become pirates. Young gang members tend to associate with the exciting life of high stakes. Mohamed Abdi, the alleged leader of the pirates who captured Captain Phillips, was reported to be between to young ages of sixteen to eighteen. Version | Pirates of Somalia. (photo courtesy of The Guardian UK) . Mohamed’s mother was reported as saying that her son was tricked into becoming a pirate and is too young and naive to be tried as an adult. In a perfect world, the government officials of Somalia would wake up to- - morrow create a law and order system for the country and be embraced by its people. For now, all the nations can do is assemble for meetings, talk about the options, and keep the Navy Seals on speed dial. Beaver Stadium Bans Smoking dem = Trans Officials say that smoking will be BEE prohibited inside = GE the perimeter fence effective April 24. Beaver Stadium. (photo by Galen A. Lentz; The Daily Collegian) UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. -- In accordance with Pennsylvania State Law, smoking is no longer permitted inside the perimeter fence of Beaver Stadium. The law, the Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA), enacted in 2008, names the Department of Health as the Com- monwealth agency responsible for implementing the regulations through education and enforcement. Beginning with Blue White Weekend on Friday, April 24, Penn State will undertake a new campaign to educate stadium patrons and comply with this legislation Until this new law, Taking was permitted only at grade level outside of buildings at Beaver Stadium. Now, stadium rules have been adjusted to meet the law. Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the facility. Penn State is stepping up education through increased signage and enforce- - ment efforts. Patrons who violate the law by smoking, but who follow the instruc- tions of stadium staff will be issued a warning for first offenses. If violators fail to comply with the instructions of stadium staff, they will be removed from the stadium. A second failure to comply with this law will result in removal from the stadium and ultimately may result in loss of ticket privileges. PennDOT Reminders For Warmer Weather HARRISBURG — As one of the many emerging signs off spring, motorcycle riders - are returning to Pennsylvania roads - prompting PennDOT to remind all motorists to share the road, remember safety rules and always obey traffic laws. “With motorcycle use sharply on the rise, it is essential for operators of all types of vehicles to look out for one another,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. “By driving in a courteous manner and curbing sgressive : behavior, motorists and motorcyclists can safely share the road.” Nearly 4,200 crashes involving motorcycles occurred on Pennsylvania roadways in 2008, resulting in 236 motorcyclist fatalities. ~The number of registered motorcycles in Pennsylvania increased in 2008 by more than 30,000, while the number of licensed motorcyclists increased by 15,000. : By virtue of their smaller size and differences in maneuverability, motorcycles present unique challenges to cyclists and other drivers. Motorcycles are often hidden in a motorist’s blind spot or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a vehicle. For that reason, motorists should double-check blind spots and rearview and side mirrors before changing lanes or making turns. PennDOT crews are working across the state to remove winter materials and patch potholes, which can create a challenge for all vehicles, particularly motorcycles. Drivers can report potholes and other roadway maintenance concerns-on state roads by calling 1-800-FIX-ROAD. A motorcycle rider’s best defense in the event of a crash is wearing protective riding gear. Riders can protect themselves by wearing a U.S. DOT-approved helmet, face protection, and brightly-colored clothing including long-sleeved shirts, full-fingered gloves, long pants and foot protection that covers the ankle. Pennsylvania law mandates the use of eye-protective devices for all - motorcyclists and their passengers unless operating a motorized pedalcycle ~ or a three-wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab. The law also mandates the use of protective headgear unless the motorcyclist is 21 years of age and has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for not less than two full calendar years or has successfully completed a motorcycle safety course approved by PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Approved motorcycle safety training courses also may help to reduce the number of preventable crashes. New and seasoned Pennsylvania riders can take advantage of free basic and advanced motorcycle safety courses through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program. For more information, visit www.pamsp. com. Additional motorcycle safety tips are available on PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services Web site, www.dmv.state.pa.us, under the Motorcycle Information Center. :
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