By Alexis Galarza Posted: December 18, 2020
Australian and US wildfires
In America, especially around the western side, wildfires are a threat year-round. However, the threat rises during the months of August-November. In November it seemed as if a lit match was thrown directly at it. However, fires had been brewing up since August when California saw extremely high temperatures, ultimately creating the spark of the fires said thecalifornian.com
Fires originated in California but then spread throughout 4.2 million acres. Disasterphilanthropy.org said as of November 19, there have been “10,488 structures damaged or destroyed and at least 31 fatalities”.
Time.com stated that since Calfire has been keeping records, 2020’s fires have burned more acres than the last three years combined. Smoke created by the fires had also made its way around the east coast affecting places such as San Francisco. Fires had also spread north affecting Oregon’s air quality, and destroying hundreds of homes.
Although, the fires have not just been in one place. This year was started off with what we thought was only a minor setback; the Australian bushfires.
With millions of acres burned to ashes, it was hard to look past and think positively. By January 7 “5.6 million acres (6.3 million hectares) have burned, and 25 people have been killed,” according to rms.com
Npr.org stated, “Bushfires have destroyed more than 2,400 homes. As the fires continued to burn, more and more people were losing their homes. Everything they’ve ever known was being burnt to the ground, not mentioning how they were expected to just continue their lives like nothing had happened and go somewhere else. By February 12, 2020, Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers said that all fires were contained in New South Wales. Unfortunately, the devastating fires caused more than four billion dollars to be lost.
COVID-19
Originating in China, the deadly coronavirus quickly spread worldwide, affecting everyone across the globe. The beginning of a worldwide pandemic went from 100 cases to millions in less than four months. The world went straight to closing airports, restaurants, schools, and pretty much everything.
The virus quickly was spread and was dangerous, the virus sadly caused thousands of deaths. Although the Coronavirus can affect any, it was drastically shown that elders were being affected the most.
The CDC stated, “In fact, 8 out of 10 COVID-19-related deaths reported in the United States have been among adults aged 65 years and older.”
The CDC also says to take precautions, and not to take part of large public activities.
Essentially, what we thought was going to be a couple of weeks has now turned into eight months. Making masks the new normal, and no groups larger than 10. The virus had everyone in shock and locked in their homes, and separated everyone from society. The virus impacted the world and will definitely go down in history; but because of the internet it never prevented people from being connected to teachers, friends, and loved ones.
There is still no authorized vaccine to prevent the virus of COVID-19, although some are in the making. According to the CDC there will be different vaccines for different people. While also including the effectiveness, safety, and ingredients.
As of December 3, 2020, the CDC has put out information stating how some vaccines are in the testing process but are still not authorized. The CDC is also working closely with partners to ensure the vaccines will be safe and effective. Once vaccines are approved and put out, there will be a limited supply but will gradually increase as the time continues.
On December 14 the first vaccines were administered in New York.
BLM
The “Black Lives Matter” movement based on the racial discrimination of Black people, as it has been going on for many years. At the start of the national protests was a Black man, George Floyd was murdered by a male Caucasian officer. At first, the police at the scene were not arrested until after the protests. But the protests continue as the oppression is still occurring.
The main idea of the movement is toward police brutality because the police continue to racially oppress innocent people because of the color of their skin, something they have no control over. Some protests have turned violent, the police were attacking protestors, and tear-gassing them. Protests had also turned into riots, the people who stand with and support the movement will continue to do anything to not be silenced, but instead, have their voices be heard. The “#BlackLivesMatter” movement won’t cease as long as they continue to be racially discriminated against.
The Election
Just as COVID has brought many new customs into the world we live in today, it has also found a way into the election.
According to pewresearch.org, “Mail-in ballots accounted for just over half of this year’s primary votes cast.” As Covid still lingers, Americans were concerned that in-person mailing would increase the spread of the deadly virus, influencing voters to instead vote by mail.
On November 7, 2020, Joseph Robinette Biden was declared the winner of the election putting the four years Former President Donald Trump served in the past. Americans watched the polls for days, sitting on the edge of their seats waiting on Nevada. Most were waiting on Nevada to give Biden the last six electoral votes he needed to win. However, Pennsylvania announced that Biden had turned the state blue, pushing Biden over 270 electoral votes, ensuring his victory.
Although the election results have already been announced, President Trump continued to deny his loss, making allegations of massive fraud in the key states he lost, including Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Michigan. However, without evidence, his allegations have been refuted by many different judges, state election officials, and even his own Justice Department.
As of December 14, lawsuits filed by or on behalf of the Trump campaign have won one case and lost 59. A lawsuit by Trump, several stats, and over 100 members of Congress was rejected by the Supreme Court.
Impeachment of Donald Trump
In December of 2019, The House of Representatives was looking towards impeaching Donald Trump for reasons such as Obstruction of Congress, and Abuse of Power. On December 19, 2019, 230 of the members of the House of Representatives voted in favor, 197 voted against, and one present.
The nytimes.com stated, “The Senate acquitted President Trump on Wednesday of charges.”
The first article, Abuse of Power was rejected 48 to 52, and how the second Obstruction of Congress was defeated 47 to 53. Although he remained in office, he still was the third president to ever be impeached according to history.com.
