CROKEL

In an age of quickly changing media landscapes, trust between news organizations and the public has reached a critical point. The primary responsibility of a true journalist is to be the people's voice, working relentlessly to serve their interests rather than yielding to extraneous demands, whether from the government or for profit.  As traditional cable news faces growing distrust, it is critical to investigate the causes that have contributed to this loss of trust and plan a course for a media renaissance that values transparency, honesty, and the needs of the people. Journalism is critical in sustaining the concepts of truth, transparency, and accountability in an era when the free press is considered a cornerstone of democratic institutions. Journalists are expected to speak for the people rather than the government. However, recent occurrences have placed a pall over the legitimacy of news organizations, leading the public to question the integrity of television news. This de...

It's no secret that humans have a significant impact on the environment. From the air we breathe to the water we drink, our activity leaves its imprint on every area of the world. But how deep are these scars, and are we heading for an environmental tipping point? Unfortunately, the answer portrays a bleak picture filled with harsh facts and demands prompt action. A Crumbling Canvas: Overpopulation creates a lengthy shadow, as our constant need for resources exceeds the Earth's capacity to deliver. We're overstaying our welcome by consuming 56% of the planet's productive land, squeezing the life out of our forests, and depleting fisheries to dangerous levels. The repercussions are clear: the very ecosystems that support us are being suffocated by our insatiable demand. Pollution's Perilous Parade: Our reliance on fossil fuels releases a poisonous mix of greenhouse gases into the sky, stoking the inferno of climate change. The Earth's temperature is rising, causi...

The air is thick with disquiet, not only from the pollution, which is choked with fear but also from a deeper, creeping dread that has permeated our planet's spirit. Over the last year, the ghost of war has risen from the ashes of forgotten battles, casting a long, awful shadow over humanity. This, it appeared, had taken its toll, leaving scars of fear and anguish on people's cheeks everywhere. The global prevalence of these unpleasant sentiments has increased significantly, providing a somber indicator of our times. The link between conflict and mental health is not some long-forgotten secret. It's a truth etched in blood and sorrow, echoed across war-torn landscapes, and whispered in survivors' nightmares. Conflict causes the entire fabric of life to unravel. The soil, once familiar and comforting, has become a lethal minefield. The sky, once a canvas for aspirations, now erupts in fire and steel. Certainty fades, leaving behind a nagging worry that develops into unea...

  Rwanda, a nation etched in the annals of human history by both unimaginable horror and remarkable resilience, now finds itself entangled in a web of accusations and anxieties. The echoes of the 1994 genocide, a trauma so raw it seems to cling to the very soil, reverberate in the ongoing conflict across the border in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The specter of Rwanda hangs heavy in the air, not just as a historical wound, but as a catalyst for fresh bloodshed and a critical test for the international community. At the heart of this controversy lies the M23 rebel group, a predominantly Tutsi force operating in eastern DRC. M23's origins are complex, intertwined with ethnic tensions, political grievances, and the lingering fallout from the Rwandan genocide. The group claims to fight for the rights of Congolese Tutsis, alleging discrimination and marginalization by the DRC government. However, their methods have drawn fire from human rights groups. Numerous reports, includ...

The golden years. The Twilight Zone. The post-work saga. Whatever catchy slogan you pick, retirement is a momentous milestone - a time to let go of the constraints of everyday routines and embrace a life full of possibilities. For some, it's a long-awaited vacation, a chance to finally complete those bucket-list exploits. Others see it as a blank canvas, an opportunity to rekindle passions and forge new paths. But, despite the exhilaration, fears frequently lurk. What if time exists indefinitely, devoid of purpose? What if the financial cushion is inadequate? These are valid concerns, like shadows dancing in the sunbeams of freedom. But, before we become too concerned, let's take a moment to enjoy. Retirement isn't a gap to be filled; it's a fertile ground ready to be planted with the seeds of personal fulfillment. It's an opportunity to shed the label of "worker" and reclaim your identity as a human being with various needs and interests that extend beyon...

The moon, a silver coin on the velvet canvas of the night, cast a calm, meditative radiance on your room. You, the lone figure by the window, were a vessel of contradictory emotions, tossed around by life's tumultuous storms. Two a.m. is a time for contemplation, for the soul to strip naked and confront its flaws. For as long as you could remember, you'd been battling the tides. Life had thrown you curveballs, smashes, and unexpected drops like a noisy game of ping pong. Exhilarating victories were interspersed with crushing setbacks, leaving you breathless and damaged. The desire to give up, to submit to the wave, was a persistent voice in your ear. Despite the storm, a tenacious flame of defiance refused to go out. It was a flame fanned by tears and laughter, a bittersweet symphony of joy and pain that comprised your existence. Even when it seemed like the cosmos had abandoned you, you found peace in its beat. The venomous cloud that had covered your world began to evaporate ...

There was once a nation that was at ease within its sanctuary, which was a land of peace, love, and familial harmony. This nation resided in a world full of darkness and twisted fate. On the other hand, they were utterly ignorant that turbulent gusts were building on the horizon, threatening the fabric of their idyllic existence. The first hint of the storm was an invasion, a violent assault that shattered the calm of their refuge. Soldiers' unquenchable desire for dominance prompted them to spill blood on the sacred grounds, leaving havoc in their wake. Their quest for power drove them. The invaders' aggression resulted in the deaths of women and children, the basis of their joy. The echoes of their cries followed them wherever they went, and the once-revered country bore witness to an unfathomable amount of pain. For decades, they were oppressed and treated as if they were less than human. The conquerors wielded an iron fist over them, eliminating their dignity and relegating...

Slavery's scars are profound, inscribed not only on the soil but also inside the very fabric of our communities. Our forefathers faced unspeakable pain, from perilous sea voyages to backbreaking labor under a scorching heat. Nonetheless, amid the darkness, their fortitude shone like a beacon, illuminating paths of cultural preservation and spiritual strength. This legacy, woven into the tapestry of our faith and identity, continues to reverberate now, profoundly changing the terrain of our lives. Forced migration, which separated families and broke ties to ancestral regions, was a significant source of disorientation and alienation. Our forefathers struggled with the loss of language, customs, and traditions when thrust into strange situations. Nonetheless, a potent mix of resistance and adaptability began to take root within this crucible. The enslaved sought consolation and strength in their African spiritual systems on the plantations, under the watchful eyes of their conquerors...

The United Nations (UN) has served as a symbol of global collaboration and peace for more than seven decades. Its mission of mediating conflicts, addressing development challenges, and promoting human rights has been instrumental in constructing a more peaceful world. However, in the rapidly changing world of the twenty-first century, the UN is increasingly being questioned about its relevance and efficacy. The organization must adapt to these shifting sands if it is to remain a powerful force for good. Several important issues show the United Nations' urgent need for change. 1. The United Nations (UN) has faced a constant impediment in its pursuit of global collaboration and peace: the Security Council's antiquated power structure. The Security Council's P5 (five permanent members with veto power) was established in the aftermath of WWII to ensure global security. However, as the globe has evolved, this paradigm no longer effectively captures the contemporary geopolitical ...

Martin Luther King Jr.'s powerful voice echoes across time, reminding us of a history rife with segregation and intolerance, a past mirrored in glimpses of our present. While significant progress has been made since King's historic actions, an undercurrent of inequality continues to run through society's veins, reminding us that humanity's march toward true justice is far from over. Beyond the limits of the United States, where King's cause took root, the world replicates this conflict. Religion, gender, and race remain fault lines that divide communities and fuel conflict all across the world. Unfortunately, in today's geopolitical situation, the notion of a "powerful country with a bigger gun conquering a small country" is still a terrifying reality. There are, nevertheless, rays of brightness within the shadows created by these repeating injustices. Recognizing these injustices and speaking out against them is a key step toward improvement. Beyond c...

  Imagine a world without the stains of prejudice and conflict to mar the vibrant tapestry of humanity. A world where diversity is cherished rather than alienated, where the uniting song of love and respect can be heard from every nook and cranny. This is not a pipe dream, but a symphony that we can all help to create, brick by brick, with the tools of knowledge, equality, and unshakable respect for one another. The core of love and respect is the foundation of this beautiful universe. Love, not in the sweet sense, but in the profound understanding of our common humanity. To see the innate spark of life in every individual, regardless of background, ethnicity, or beliefs, and to treat them with decency and compassion. This isn't about mindless acceptance, but about embracing the richness of varied perspectives and experiences and loving the human chorus's symphony of voices. Respect is the mortar that holds this foundation together. Respect for personal liberty, cultural differ...

Leaving Behind: The Invisible Walls Hampering Dreams in Developing Countries. Leaving a country entails more than just crossing a border. It's a rupture—a tearing away from loved ones, familiar streets, and the rhythm of a life engraved in a certain terrain. However, for individuals born in the embrace of a developing country, the desire to emigrate carries a bittersweet weight. It's a yearning for a future laced with threads of security, opportunity, and a life free of the constraints of the present. However, the way out is rarely paved with smooth asphalt. It's a perilous trek, filled with impediments that can crush even the most ardent hopes. The Iron Fist of Poverty: At the center of the conflict is the iron fist of poverty. With limited income and an economy on the verge of collapse, saving for a plane ticket feels like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. The daily grind for basic requirements occupies every ounce of energy, leaving little opportunity for the luxury ...