Parliament has been Dissolved!: Your Vote and How to Use It

Taken from The Guardian: http://bit.ly/1BVBboc

Today the Dissolution of Parliament takes place, which signals the official start of the General Election.

And that means we have exactly 38 days until Polling Day.

May 7th is practically right around the corner. And come Election day, you will have a choice; to vote for the party that best represents you. 

You will have the choice that people in some parts of the world are still fighting for. 

I frequently hear people saying "oh but all Politicians are liars." Fine, fair enough you don't believe them. I'm not forcing you to. But what some of you may not realise is you have the power to change Politics. 

Voting doesn't just put someone else in power. It hands the power back to you. So it is your job to use this power wisely, and one of the ways you can do that is by doing your research (see below).

May last year, I wrote a post about a very similar subject, but for the Local & European Elections. This fish is much, much bigger. This election will determine how the next 5 years pan out - with you in power, or with yet another Politician clutching at his pride & privileges. 

Your vote changes everything. Dan Jellinek wrote an impressive book (People Power: A User's Guide to Democracy - a recommended read for an intro to Politics in the UK) about this very topic. in which he says

"...not to vote? That is to vastly overreact to whatever anger people might have about Politicians - like burning down a house because you don't like the furniture in it. And not just any old house: the one in which all of us live and, we had better hope, the only one in which we will ever live."

We always here people complaining about things: about how stressful their lives are, about how they're struggling to make ends meet, about how much support their business is lacking. 

Instead of complaining, why don't you do something about it? Complaining is easy, taking action is difficult. If you don't want to take any action, then don't complain.  

Putting aside the fact that our ancestors fought for this very action - from the Suffragettes to soldiers and armies of people. Forgetting that people in countries that we hear about in the news (Egypt, Ukraine, to name a few), are constantly fighting and dying for this very basic freedom, in what seems to be a never-ending conflict. Forget that our battles against terrorist groups all over the world and the complete violation of basic human rights is a plight for countless citizens all because they are denied the basic right to vote.

Forget all that. 

Because Politicians are just liars, aren't they?

Apathetic is the worst thing you can be when it comes to voting. Your vote doesn't just select what government goes into power, but it also shapes the next 5 years of this country. 

So pick the Party that is best suited to you. One you feel will listen to you. A Party where you can get involved and influence the decisions it takes. 

Manifestos haven't been published as yet, but you can find out which party is best suited for you by looking through their websites. 

The team over at isidewith.com have created a handy little quiz to help you with the selection process: https://uk.isidewith.com/political-quiz 

Or, you can wonder over on to https://voteforpolicies.org.uk/ if you'd rather choose based on the policies that matter to you. 

You can always email us at highlyopinionatedblog@gmail.com, or Tweet us @HighlyO for more advice, tips, and answers on any political questions. We're happy to help!

If you don't vote, those who always vote for the same Party will continue to do so, and you'll end up with a Party in power that you absolutely hate, rather than tolerate.

A final note, be sure to Register to Vote by 20th April to make sure you can actually stroll on down to that polling station and pop your ballot paper into the box!

Happy Voting.

Je Suis Charlie: Our right to Freedom of Speech

“A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death.”

-    Albert Einstein

As a fellow writer, I simply cannot condone the acts of terror unleashed upon the Charlie Hebdo magazine contributors, and citizens of Paris. Were it not for Freedom of Speech, this blog would not be called Highly Opinionated. In fact, there would be no blog. There would be no blogs, period; no opinions articles, no ‘comments’ boxes, no real journalism. People would no longer have the confidence to speak up about their opinions, or challenge society. Life as we know it would be so drastically different and dismal, and passionate opinions would be lost.

Change comes when people take control and make change, and journalism and media play a pivotal role in that. Just take a look at previous revolutions, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and Election campaigns, for example. None of these would have taken place or caused change without media coverage and opinions. Who are we without opinions? We are no longer Human. We would be machines. In fact, the one thing that defines robots and differentiates machine from man is that robots operate without thought or emotion.

“The concept of robots is a very old one yet the actual word robot was invented in the 20th century from the Czechoslovakian word robota or robotnik meaning slave, servant, or forced labor”

-   Mary Bellis, Inventions Expert

As Jon Stewart effectively put it in ‘The Daily Show,’ “comedy should not be an act of courage.” We do not take to the web, the radio, the TV, Theatre, papers, or Film, as an act of courage. We take to these platforms in order to use our voice, to promote new ideas or thoughts, or to challenge existing ones. To place an attack on journalists over a cartoon is to attack an opinion. If everybody took up arms because they disliked the opinion of another, the world would cease to exist. The fact that psychopaths who do so are getting away with it, is morally wrong. People are entitled to their opinions; and whether we like these opinions or not, they ought to be respected, because our opinions are our rights.

And so I urge you, fellow writers, to join together in solidarity, and use this right we have, as our own weapon to speak out against this atrocity, and show them that this is wrong and will not be tolerated. 

"The aeroplane and the radio have brought us closer together. The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in men - cries out for universal brotherhood - for the unity of us all. Even now my voice is reaching millions throughout the world - millions of despairing men, women, and little children - victims of a system that makes men torture and imprison innocent people.

To those who can hear me, I say - do not despair. The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed - the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish. .....

Soldiers! Don't give yourselves to brutes - men who despise you - enslave you - who regiment your live - tell you what to do - what to think and what to feel! Who drill you - diet you - treat you like cattle, use you as cannon fodder. Don't give yourselves to these unnatural men - machine men with machine minds and machine hearts! You are not machines! You are not cattle! You are men! You have the love of humanity in your hearts! You don't hate! Only the unloved hate - the unloved and the unnatural! Soldiers! Don't fight for slavery! Fight for liberty!"

Charlie Chaplin - 'The Great Dictator' 

Photos taken from BBC News   -   Follow Highly Opinionated on Twitter @HighlyO

Issue 6: An International Intervention

Why the international community must unite to end the inhumane bloodshed in Gaza

A Palestinian girl cries while receiving treatment for her injuries caused by an Israeli strike 

Too long has this gone on, and too far has it escalated. Powerful videos from one of Channel 4's most respected journalists, Jon Snow, along with UN Spokesman, Chris Gunness' video of him breaking down live on air, have been catalysts for many civilians, but not enough to present a united international voice powerful enough to put a stop to the violence.

The US earlier today issued a statement condemning Israel's actions, but also affirming that it had topped up dwindling levels of ammunition. Amnesty International requested the US to 

"immediately end its ongoing deliveries of large quantities of arms to Israel, which are providing the tools to commit further serious violations of international law in Gaza"

The UN also stated that the bombing of the children's shelter was a violation of international law. Stated. That is the problem here. Issuing statements and 'harsh' condemnation is clearly not having any impact. We, the people, on the ground, are being pushed to take some sort of action by media - why aren't the people with the power feeling the pressure? 

Death tolls are at their peak, with Palestinian levels higher than tolls of both previous conflicts. Sleeping children are being targeted. How many more have to suffer before some serious international action is taken? International law has been violated, and the sanctity of human rights has been thrown out the window - the line has to be drawn somewhere.

David Cameron and Ed Miliband have been urged by senior MPs of their own parties to take some action, with Margot James, a No 10 Policy Board advisor, calling on Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, to change stance in policy: 

"The scale of suffering in Gaza is far too great, the loss of life, and particularly the lives of children and other vulnerable individuals, cannot be justified on the grounds of defence in proportion to the level of threat faced by Israel from Hamas."

Political motives need to be scrapped here. We need to re-evaluate our support systems, and ask ourselves can we really justify supporting an age-old ally over such a disgraceful and horrific abuse of human rights? When so many innocent children are being slaughtered, can we really continue like this? I think it's time to reassess our motives and take serious action, for the sake of humanity. 


Quotes taken from the Guardian articles online. Follow @highlyO on Twitter for more.

Issue 5: Election Edition

The European & Local Elections: Evaluated

At the Women & Europe Conference on 12th May 2014

I recently attended a conference on 'Women & Europe,' run by members of the Fabian Society, in which it was expressed that people needed to be educated on voting. This was also a sentiment I myself had continuously promoted: that we need to do more to educate our people about Politics and Voting, due to a rapidly decreasing number of people actually turning up to vote every election year. 

So, it took me as a bit of a surprise that nothing was actually being done to ensure elections made front-page news, or dominated the headlines on news channels, ahead of the local & European elections on Thursday. Nor did I see many party election broadcasts being made by our political parties. There was the odd one occasionally, but that is evidently not enough. There needs to be a change in our national political culture, rather a creation of one. People need to be told that the reason politics is so crucially important is that it directly affects them. 

A few of my colleagues had returned to the office from a conference in Sweden where they were constantly being asked their views and opinions of electoral candidates and parties by French, German, Swedish, and various other nationalities attending the conference. They knew of all our candidates, what their political agenda was, the policies they were promising, and, furthermore, they were excited about the elections. My colleagues were stunned to see the passion for British politics in non-British nationals, which is rarely seen in our own citizens. Why is it that our general public consensus regarding politics is that it is 'boring' and that all 'politicians are liars who can't be trusted, so why vote anyway.' Had our ancestors had that sentiment, democracy would never have seen the light of day. We are lucky to have democratic rights, the right to have our say, and not be dictated by policy makers or the government.  Our vote is our power; we are in control of our nation's future, not the government. It is our duty to do our homework and learn about our prospective governing candidates to ensure our government represents our interests and is listening to us. 

We must educate people on Politics and the importance of voting, and we must instil a profound British political culture in our citizens from an early age. 

Issue 4: Election Edition

The European Elections

This Thursday 22nd May

The European Elections are a mere 3 days away and, if you haven't decided who to back, or, better yet, whether you're even going to vote, then don't worry! Help is at hand, courtesy of HO. 

The last elections in 2009 saw a meagre 34.5% of Britons use their vote. It's time the British public were urged to get educated about international politics - especially when so many of us seem to make sweeping statements without backing them up with sufficient knowledge and a vote. Below are 4 tips to bear in mind ahead of the elections this Thursday (yep, this Thursday - only 16% of you knew that!)

Tips for voting:

1. Do your research: There are plenty of candidates running to represent us on the European stage, along with some promising to get us clear out of the EU altogether. There is a wealth of information out there for you to do your homework and decide who best represents your interests. You're not just restricted to the three main parties here (but I wouldn't trust Ukip either - there goes my impartiality...). Seize the opportunity! Use your voting power!
2. Make full use of the MyVote2014 website: can't be bothered to sift through tonnes of information that might mean nothing to you? Don't worry! There is an entire interactive website dedicated to helping you cast your vote effectively, just take a gander over here: http://www.myvote2014.eu/en/home/index
3. The European Parliament doesn't shape EU laws, the representatives (MEPs) in European Parliament do which is exactly why your vote is so important. Laws are proposed by the European Commission and then approved, amended, or rejected by MEPs. Want to protect British national sovereignty? Control immigration? You better vote for the right MEP (just not Ukip...). 
4. And finally...Don't vote? Don't Complain. If you're not going to take the time and effort to use your democratic rights properly (that is, after all, how Democracy functions) then, I'm sorry, but you have no right to complain. You had your chance to have your say and make a change. If you don't take it, you have no one to blame but yourself.

Still confused? Head over to http://www.thejournal.ie/how-the-european-parliament-works-1466371-May2014/ for more on how European Parliament works. There's still time!

Issue 3: Spotlight: Ukraine the Underdog

Once again it’s the West V. Russia as tensions loom high in Ukraine

My thoughts exactly chap, Photo credit: http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/463109/Ukraine-crisis-Russia-test-fires-nuclear-capable-missile-as-tensions-continue-over-Crimea

Ukraine has, since November, been constantly at the centre of global news coverage, but how did the crisis, that started as an internal conflict, escalate to what was frequently described as a second Cold War? I’ll also address the burning question for many: what exactly is going on with Ukraine?

First of all, let me take you back to where it all began, by stating the facts about this still-young-nation: Ukraine only became an independent nation in 1991, which means it was - and still is - very much prone to internal struggle. It hasn’t developed yet.

It’s also important to note that this is a nation that has endured years of Imperial Russian and Soviet oppression. Has there ever been a newly independent country to slide seamlessly into peaceful independent governance? I doubt it. Therefore it is safe to assume that this crisis has been a long time coming. Ukraine’s independence was already heavily burdened by years of Lithuanian, Polish, and Soviet oppression, along with an ongoing plight for freedom since the 17^th Century. Looking back on its history, Ukraine’s main hindrance seems to be a politically powerful Russia. It was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 18^th Century, and then conquered under Soviet rule, following the demise of imperial Russia. It never had a chance to emerge as an independent country.

For Ukraine to move away from Russian rule and change to a democratic government would mean a complete stripping away of its previous style of government and economy. This would inevitably leave the nation struggling to put new systems in place and learning to cope with them, even more so during the economically devastating 1990s.  So, by 1991, you’ve got a nation full of people who have been dealing with years of oppression and are suddenly given a beacon of hope for a brighter future, and are expecting it. They’re probably thinking “yes, finally! Freedom and Independence at last!” So what happens when they don’t get what they’ve been hoping for, for centuries? Civil unrest most likely. I’d be pretty annoyed if I was promised independence and didn’t actually get it. So in Ukraine’s case, this tension had been brewing for years. This is why Ukrainian protesters were angered, and a bad history with Russia allowed for bitter resentment to linger.

Author of “The Soldier in Russian Politics,” Robert V Barylski, stresses the recurrence of the all too familiar predicament that this European nation has faced: Ukrainian nationalists provoking Russian nationalists (and vice versa in my honest opinion). Here lies Ukraine’s main problem; centuries of Russian oppression have left the Ukrainian population divided. On the one hand, you have a group of people who class themselves as Russian; they affiliate with Russian culture, ideals, traditions, and the Russian language. On the other, you have a population that has found solace in the collapse of the Soviet Union and, for some of these people, enough security to return to Ukraine as Ukrainians. This presents a problem for political leaders. Who do they try to appeal to and what will guarantee them political success? This is one ongoing issue that has caused Ukrainian political tensions to escalate. I think the problem is that it is extremely difficult to keep both sides happy.  It’s similar to the US and here in the UK – you can appeal to the masses but how do you appeal to all the minority or class groups, especially when they might want different things?

The Ukrainian people, in my opinion, were given hope for a prosperous future each time a new leader came to power. Now, in our more politically stable and developed nations, a new leader comes to power following an election that is usually anticipated by a set election cycle. For Ukraine, in recent years, this has not necessarily been the case. One sentence stood out for me when researching the Ukraine crisis and that is:

“The state needs an effective political system to make and enforce the general operating rules or authoritative decisions which nurture overall societal cohesion and sustain high levels of complex economic activity”

Well said Barylski. Until and unless Ukraine has a stable political system in place, it won’t be able to make and enforce its own laws and practices. It won’t be able to achieve high economic standards, which I believe Ukraine can, given the chance.

Photo credit: 

http://www.marxist.com/russia-ukraine-and-the-west-will-there-be-war.htm

Hope for Ukraine came in the form of an EU pact in November 2013 – At last! A step forward and away from Russian parents interfering too much. However, when President Viktor Yanukovych said he would not sign the EU pact at a summit as planned, he sparked a fire which he probably didn’t know existed (ignorance – it really isn’t bliss, is it?). Ukraine’s cry was heard all over the world. A cry for Democracy is a cry for the West. European nations jumped to Ukraine’s aid, leading the world’s ‘superhero,’ America, to help fight the country’s battle for it. The US squared up to its’ old arch-nemesis in a bid to assert its’ power and fight for the sovereignty of an independent nation. The last time the US and Russia faced each other, things didn’t go so well. Tensions rapidly increased between the two countries once again and the EU and US began threatening Russia with sanctions. The UN has been holding meetings and one hundred countries voted to uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity following the annexation of Crimea. All this, however, seems to be having no effect on Russia since Putin seems to have no intentions of backing down. His lies are never-ending and his blasé attitude to the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops needs to be addressed. He simply shrugs off any threats or accusations. This doesn’t seem to be a man who can be reasoned with.

“Only by trying to be more European can we end our troubles” said 33 year old Alexander Yabchenko, from western Ukraine. See, a move to the EU would mean modernisation in the eyes of many Ukrainians. Russian threats and menacing whispers are holding this bird back from fleeing the nest. Too long has this country been enslaved and unable to grow because of Russian greed and an inability to forget its past Empire.

Ukraine needs help if it’s going to sever ties with Russia. The West has got to put up a meaner fight if the idea of protecting sovereign nations is what we are advocating. John Kerry is threatening to impose harsher sanctions on Russia, and so is the EU – oh look Putin’s shrugging again... I think Russia needs to be made to back off – a higher governing body must intervene and evoke some form of fear into Putin to get him and his troops to back off (I’m talking to you, UN). I’m not suggesting Western Powers need to send forces to Ukraine – that won’t help. It will only escalate matters and I think that’s why this hasn’t already been done. The West has already been accused of interfering too much (sure Putin, point the finger at us why don’t you). It was actually Russian interference which deterred Yanukovych from signing the EU pact as originally planned – this is what sparked the riots in the first place.

To summarise, then: Ukraine provides hope for Western Capitalist Democracy to prevail in previously Slavic states, and increasing strength and power for the EU, which is why it gets pounced upon by the United States and major European nations, whilst still being clutched at by Russian claws so as to avoid a stronger EU and prevalence of Democracy; creating a more powerful Russia.

The crisis escalated because the Yanukovych administration repeatedly attempted to quash protestors’ actions whilst ignoring the people’s demands. You can’t govern a nation when you won’t listen to its citizens. Russian pressure and consistent interference didn’t help either – the ex USSR only had its own interests at heart (see image above – courtesy of http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/rbth/opinion/7803112/Behind-the-Russia-Ukraine-deal-on-gas.html). Also, I have an additional theory as to the reason behind Russia’s continued interference even after Ukraine gained independence: Russia is trying to prevent a future threat by stopping Ukraine from growing into a successful independent nation after realising its full potential. I have on response to that, back off Russia. Stop bullying Ukraine and let them have their chance. Stop sending in your troops and prompting bloodshed. It’s a free country, let it do its own thing. The Underdog might even make you proud.

For more information and Sources used in this text, see below:

http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2001/08/ukra-a29.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18010123

http://www.euractiv.com/europes-east/ukraines-20-years-independence-analysis-507253

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/up.html

http://carnegieendowment.org/2012/03/09/underachiever-ukraine-s-economy-since-1991/a1nf

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/02/ukraine-protests-opposition-president

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10781537/Ukraine-crisis-John-Kerry-threatens-Russia-with-more-sanctions.html

Issue 2: The US Government shuts down: Domestic issues side-lined by focus on Foreign Issues

STALEMATE: The US Congress

"We have been studying Washington politics and Congress for more than 40 years, and never have we seen them this dysfunctional."  -Thomas E. Mann & Norman J. Ornstein

By Kirith Ahluwalia

      Now we've had this before; a Congress divided by political party interests, because two sides simply cannot grasp the concept of having to work together, even though they are both in government. So why is it that this is the first time in 17 years such a situation has brought the seemingly powerful United States of America to a government shut-down? Well, I'm not surprised, for one, and I have my theories...

             

As many of us here in the UK can agree, looking at US politics as an outsider makes the whole system seem crazy (albeit very cool at the same time), and it is this perspective specifically that also makes the Republicans seem crazy. Why? Well, what's wrong with national healthcare for everyone for starters? And reducing the deficit does in fact require tax payers money - I'm sorry but you are not going to clear your debts simply by reducing your monthly outgoings (an issue quite close to home). You've got to get a sufficient supply of money from somewhere TEA Partyers (that's a whole other blog post). Republican ideals and principles stem from an age old American belief of being autonomous: completely self-sufficient, which certainly puts things into perspective, but doesn't explain why the Democrats seem to be more level-headed when it boils down to governance. It doesn't mean that the Democrats are un-American or unconstitutional, as they are so often accused of being by their opponents, it simply means that they seem to be genuinely concerned about the well-being of the citizens of the United States. Help from the Federal government with welfare is needed as not everyone is given the goods required to achieve the American Dream of wealth and self-sufficiency. Poorer and working classes need a helping hand. These groups make up the a large proportion of the population and, if they are not helped, then the economy doesn't get much help either. Just look at Detroit, for example, the 'Motor City' declared bankruptcy earlier this year because of "poorly considered and expensive government employee union contracts" and "a shrinking population." Add to that a corrupt government, low tax revenue, and an ever-declining population, and you've definitely got a recipe for disaster. Detroit should be seen as an example of the possible future of America if more incompetence from Congress is to continue. Resistance to cooperation is a result of ignorance and a need to appear powerful and victorious on the Republicans' part, which have seemingly flawed their ability to focus on what's best for the citizens of the great United States. Here lies my first theory then: that a bitter, right-wing group, who have lost out to that sensible black Democratic man, time and time again, want to throw their toys at the pram in order to demonstrate their power and lack of respect for America's acting President. And I'm not the only one with this opinion of the Republicans, just have a read of Thomas E Mann and Norman J. Ornnstein's article on the Washington Post website: http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-04-27/opinions/35453898_1_republican-party-party-moves-democratic-party and this article on the PolicyMic website: http://www.policymic.com/articles/6709/president-obama-is-disrespected-by-the-gop-only-because-he-is-black

And, yes, the Republicans do in fact have power. They still hold 50% of government. So why don't they see it as a win-win, 'let's work together to make America seriously powerful and exemplary to all other nations like we set out to do,' kind of situation? Because in all honesty, how much power does the President really hold? The answer is not much really! Not unless it's his party sitting in both houses of Congress, or a grave crisis arises causing him to invoke his role as Commander in chief (FDR during the Great Depression). 

On to theory number 2; that a shift in focus from bettering life at home to helping other nations achieve a better life for their citizens on the Obama Administration's part has lead to Foreign Policy becoming priority 1 when Domestic policy right now, given the current state of America (I mean really, how many times has the US been in the headlines internationally over this past year?), should be taking that spot. Take the issue with the debt ceiling, for example, it just keeps being pushed back. Why? Because the two houses of Congress can't agree on a solution (and because the Republicans want so desperately to be rid of Obamacare... and Obama). A default on America's debt would send an economic shock-wave throughout the rest of the world (though, according to the 14th Amendment, the US is not allowed to default on its debt), but, as Treasury Secretary Jack Lew suggests, a raise of the current debt ceiling would be more beneficial for the American economy. Republicans don't want to raise the debt ceiling; they seem to be convinced of the idea that the US can simply make more cuts in spending (really, more?? what is it with right-wing politicians and spending cuts!), whereas President Obama has made it clear that he will not be negotiating on this. So we're back to watching two annoying children sulk and fight, but that's just one issue. America's unnecessary wars in Iraq and Afghanistan harmed its reputation "for judgement and competance," and failed to produce any results which would compensate for the "human, military, and economic costs" (Richard Haass - Foreign Policy begins at Home). The US has been ignoring issues at home in order to be the first to take place centre-stage when a global crisis surfaces: just look at Syria for example, which took priority only to lead the US to a government shut-down. Now I'm not saying the two are closely linked, what I am saying is that foreign policy directly affects domestic prosperity, something American Diplomat Richard Haass emphasises in his book 'Foreign Policy begins at Home.' A focus on external challenges have already started crippling America in more ways than one; "including a burgeoning deficit and debt, crumbling infrastructure, second-class schools, an outdated immigration system, and the prospect for a prolonged period of low economic growth" (Richard Haass - Foreign Policy begins at Home). What America doesn't seem to realise is  that this focus on global involvement puts the country's prosperity in a vicious cycle by deteriorating conditions at home, which in turn damage America's ability to be more involved on the global stage. Is that what you want America?

So here's my advice Congress, put those differences aside, stop delaying the issue of national debt and growing economic problems, and sort it out America. The city on the hill isn't quite shining like it used to and, until you start to fix your domestic issues, there's no point trying to fix everyone else's problems. Maybe take a leaf out of Eisenhower's book and take the back seat for a while? Although I can't quite see an Isolationist America functioning well when the world always wants to know what the US is going to do about a foreign crisis.


For more on these issues, see the links included in the article.