Many people think that the end of the American Civil War was effectively the end of slavery. Many people, unfortunately, are wrong. Slavery continues to be a significant problem in world politics today.
Slavery today can be seen in the practice of human trafficking.Human trafficking is the illegal trade in human beings for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor: a modern-day form of slavery. It is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world, and tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest, after the drug-trade.
The trafficking of humans usually falls into one of multiple categories:Bonded labor, or debt bondage, is probably the least known form of labor trafficking today, and yet it is the most widely used method of enslaving people. Victims become bonded laborers when their labor is demanded as a means of repayment for a loan or service in which its terms and conditions have not been defined or in which the value of the victims’ services as reasonably assessed is not applied toward the liquidation of the debt. The value of their work is greater than the original sum of money "borrowed."[13]
Forced labor is a situation in which victims are forced to work against their own will, under the threat of violence or some other form of punishment, their freedom is restricted and a degree of ownership is exerted. Men are at risk of being trafficked for unskilled work, which globally generates $31bn according to the International Labor Organization.[14] Forms of forced labor can include domestic servitude; agricultural labor; sweatshop factory labor; janitorial, food service and other service industry labor; and begging.[13]
Sex trafficking victims are generally found in dire circumstances and easily targeted by traffickers. Individuals, circumstances, and situations vulnerable to traffickers include homeless individuals, runaway teens, displaced homemakers, refugees, and drug addicts. While it may seem like trafficked people are the most vulnerable and powerless minorities in a region, victims are consistently exploited from any ethnic and social background.
Child labor is a form of work that is likely to be hazardous to the health and/or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development of children and can interfere with their education. The International Labor Organization estimates worldwide that there are 246 million exploited children aged between 5 and 17 involved in debt bondage, forced recruitment for armed conflict, prostitution, pornography, the illegal drug trade, the illegal arms trade and other illicit activities around the world.
Trafficking of children is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of children for the purpose of exploitation.
Trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children can take many forms and include forcing a child into prostitution[17][18] or other forms of sexual activity or child pornography. Child exploitation can also include forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude, the removal of organs, illicit international adoption, trafficking for early marriage, recruitment as child soldiers, for use in begging or as athletes (such as child camel jockeys or football players), or for recruitment for cults.[19]
Thailand and Brazil are considered to have the worst child sex trafficking records.[20]
Trafficking in children often involves exploitation of the parents' extreme poverty. Parents may sell children to traffickers in order to pay off debts or gain income, or they may be deceived concerning the prospects of training and a better life for their children. They may sell their children for labor, sex trafficking, or illegal adoptions.
The adoption process, legal and illegal, when abused can sometimes result in cases of trafficking of babies and pregnant women between the West and the developing world.[21] In David M. Smolin’s papers on child trafficking and adoption scandals between India and the United States,[22][23] he presents the systemic vulnerabilities in the inter-country adoption system that makes adoption scandals predictable.
Thousands of children from Asia, Africa, and South America are sold into the global sex trade every year. Often they are kidnapped or orphaned, and sometimes they are actually sold by their own families.[24] In the U.S. Department of Justice 07-08 study, more than 30 percent of the total number of trafficking cases for that year were children coerced into the sex industry.[16]
To be clear, the enslavement of humans is not just happening in places like Brazil and Vietnam, there are numerous stories of human trafficking in America. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there were 1,229 human trafficking incidents in the United States from January 2007- September 2008. Of these, 83 percent were sex trafficking cases.Berkeley, California: Last January, the city's wealthiest landlord was arrested and charged with buying two teenage girls in India and bringing them to the United States for forced labor.
Anchorage, Alaska: Immigration authorities are currently investigating claims by Russian dancers that they were tricked into coming to the U.S. And forced to perform in a local strip club.
Las Vegas, Nevada: In September, authorities arrested the alleged leaders of an Asian organized crime ring, charging them with bringing Chinese women to work in brothels from New York to Los Angeles.
To federal law enforcement officials and human rights activists, these incidents prove that slavery is once again alive and thriving in America. Michael Gennaco heads the civil rights section of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles.
Human trafficking is a global problem--even in America.
What should be done with a problem such as human trafficking? Should anything be done at all? Can the US solve this problem alone--should the US focus on domestic policies against human trafficking? Or does the US need strong alliances with other countries to solve a problem like human trafficking? Does the US need to develop strong foreign policies against human trafficking? Does the US need to take the international lead on an issue like human trafficking? Or can the US let other countries take the lead?
Take a minute and answer a few of the questions.
Human trafficking is always going to exist just like terrorist are always going to exist unless you do what is necessary (which many will not). Human trafficking is an evil, gruesome crime which consists of people who do not care about the lives of others and have decided that those who they traffic are less than human. One cannot change another’s mind once this distinction is made. Throwing these kind of people into jail does nobody any good. Personally I would rather we take these kind of people to a back alley and shoot them in the head (with a .22, gotta save money in this economy!). It is possible to end human trafficking in the United States with this method, but there will always be trafficking somewhere. We should focus on our own country and let other’s worry about theirs’. Besides, every time we take a lead on an international issue we never get any assistance from other countries. We only see their hands open and out saying please help us, please give us MONEY. Then after that we give them money to ease their problems, the problems don’t get solved, then we are the bad guys somehow. Funny how it ALWAYS happens that way! So why don’t we just skip all that, and just say to hell with the other counties, and just take care of our problem. All who favor??
ReplyDeleteHuman trafficing is a global nightmare for any country, including the United States. The rights of any individual should never be taken away, as people are taken as slaves and sold for profit. It is utterly wrong and vile to do such a thing. But this has gone on since there were men on the earth. People have been captured and taken as slaves all the way back through history. Even though history shows us that this is a continuous pattern, that does not mean we should stop in our fight against it. The united states cannot be everywhere at once, it is impossible to do so. The United States should though, ramp up its defence against human trafficing. U.S Customs and Border Protection are our main defense against these trafficers, but I believe firmly in improving our efforts to make it more effective in preventing trafficing, rather than being responsive and reactive. The U.S must fight against human trafficing it it truly wants to declare itself free from slavery.
ReplyDeleteIt's upsetting to be aware that slavery still thrives in America today. Those that participate in this issue have no moral standards and the parents that could voluntarily sell their own children into this nightmare are far more worse than those that conduct it. I believe the United States needs to be the country that steps up and puts an end to human trafficking. Other countries would fail to take the lead because most of the trafficking that takes place thrives within their own countries. However, I don't think that ignoring other countries and helping ourselves can win the war on slavery alone. To end this, why not develop stronger foreign policies for each country, such as monitoring who comes out and goes in? I feel that attempting any similar idea would allow for an increase in trafficking. But, I do also feel that nothing will ever be done about this issue. The United States has already ended slavery once. Could it really be done again?
ReplyDeleteI think the largest problem facing the United States when it comes to ending human trafficking is awareness. Because the practice is so under the table, it’s hard to identify where the problem is originating and occurring. However, dozens of organizations are already addressing human trafficking, and for this reason, I think it would be a good idea for the United Sates to work with these organizations in order to stop the mortifying issue. Regardless of this solution, the United States does need to work with other countries in order to stop human trafficking – because it’s obviously not a mere internal problem. In my opinion, with the combined effort of these national organizations and the global community, human trafficking could come to and end – but only if it’s faced with extremely tough discipline towards offenders and retribution for those who have suffered.
ReplyDeleteErin Shaw, 100.05
I agree with most people when they say that awareness is going to be a big part of stopping human traficking. i for one knew it happened but didnt realize how much it was happening or how close to home it happens. Its sad to think that these things still go on in this day and age, and i believe this needs to be stopped. Like some else stated it will be very hard to completely stop human trafficking from happening but i feel enfored borders and more secure checks on people as they come in the country will help. I also feel that getting other countries to join in the fight to end human trafficking would help a lot also. If we could get other countries to join in it would make the cause more well known and help to end it for good because there would be less places you the traffickers to work out of. overall i feel that human trafficking is a horrible thing and the US should do more to try and stop it from happening
ReplyDeleteAlthough human trafficking may be an issue globally, it is not a major issue in the United States. There is only so much our nation can do to prevent it happenning within the country. I had personally never heard of this happenning within the United States other than a strange instance. I asked other people if they had ever heard of anything like this ever happenning and they also had not. I'm sure it happens, and I am not trying to claim it isn't wrong, but I don't think it happens enough to be considered much of an issue. Security with planes and ships leaving the country is already very tight and almost impossible to get by illigally. I don't think there is anything we can do to prevent the few and rare people from smuggling people into the country like that without closing off all interaction with other countries.
ReplyDeleteAlthough human trafficking is wrong, I do not think we have the right to intervene and try to stop it happenning in other countries without their permission. Other countries do not want us going into their territory and changing the way they do things. We do not need more enemies throughout the world. It is unfortunate that it happens, but I do not think there are many reasonable options.
Of course something needs to be done. America is home to the FREE and the BRAVE! Well if we are brave then yes, we need to something about human trafficking. The US needs to focus on foreign and domestic policies to solve this problem. If American's go to other countries to make their "purchases", then we need to be working with other countries to make this illegal. I understand that bills need paid, and mouths fed, but people need to find another way, and if people don't have enough love and compassion for their children, not to put them into trafficking, then they shouldn't have children at all.
ReplyDeleteI know that people can come across our borders fairly easily, it happens often enough. One way we can help with the trafficking is if we have people coming over from other countries, then we could possibly send someone to check up on them a week or so, maybe even a month after they get here to make sure everythings okay. Honestly the US needs to rework domestic policies as well as foreign. We need strong foreign alliances to fix a porblem like this. If other countries aren't helping on the matter then it makes America's job just that much harder.
Human trafficking is indeed a major global problem. While there are so many cases of it around the world, I think it would be hard to really try to stop this problem from occurring. That doesn’t mean that I think there’s no absolute solution to human trafficking, I just think it’s going to take some time and a lot of work to prevent it. I think that the U.S should step up and do something about it. It seems as if most other countries have a bigger problem with it than America, so that’s why I feel as if we should do something about it. However, I don’t think America can solve this problem on its own. I think starting with creating strong foreign policies against human trafficking is a good beginning. As far as the question of if America should take the lead to this problem, I think yes, if no other state steps up to this problem then I think America should. If everyone just keeps ignoring this problem then it’s just going to continue to be a problem.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with human trafficking is mostly due to poverty. Many low classes can’t afford to pay taxes or debts giving them no option to likely sell someone in their family. If we don’t take care of the low classes, more trafficking is likely to be done resulting in difficulties solving this issue. We as a nation need to rebuild the Ghettos, worrying about our problems within before getting engage in other nation’s issues.
ReplyDeleteThe traveling agencies need to be more strict and careful on who are given U.S passports including their purpose coming in here. I also think some surveillance should be kept on people accepted Visa or passports for about 2 years or so, just to see if they came to do what they said they will. I think human trafficking should be our main issue, because anyone can be send here as spies or HITMANS just to kill the target. We’ve seen such action in the past years. An example will be 9/11 and the Russian spies. Well 9/11 is more on us, since we invaded another nation’s privacy. So I think we deserve it, but spying on U.S is a crime. It simply indentifies our weakness to other nations for future attacks.
Also females need to take responsibility for their actions, for they are the primary targets in this human trafficking mainly due to prostitution. I don’t think U.S need the lead in human trafficking. Such action just gives us more responsibility, not forgetting that we can barely handle what is going on within this nation. All we should do is develop stronger foreign policies and simple aid the nations who need help with theirs. I belief no one needs any lead in this human trafficking. Every nation should do their best reducing this process by especially rebuilding ghettos, and being strict on Passports or Visas.
Frank Oben
The issue of human trafficking is definetly a big problem that is all too often being overlooked. It is something that is one of the worst forms of possible torture and mental, physical degredation. These people, mostly children and women are used as laborers and sex slaves. They are bought and sold like items on a shelf at a grocery store.
ReplyDeleteThe US cannot solve the problem alone. Many times these victims are "trafficked" from all over the world. Imigration and border controls should be more strictly monitored. Another thing that could help would be stricter punishments for those who traffic and enslave people. There should be more effort put into finding these people and punishing the wrong doers. People need to know this is happening and what we can do to stop it.
Jessica Dant 100-05
Human trafficking is a huge issue facing the world today and I did know it was happening in the United States, because there are instances of this happening pretty much everywhere. I know that it also happens with tourists in other countries, when they travel they are kidnapped and drugged into slavery. I know that this is an important issue that needs solving, but I am not sure how to bring about a change for it. And everyone keeps saying that awareness is what is going to bring change about for it, but were sure going to need a whole lot of it, because now that we are aware what are we going to do about it besides write a blog post....? Probably not much of anything. And this is only part of the problem. There is a reason why this issue goes so unnoticed, the people arranging the slave trades and such know what they are doing; they know how to fly under the radar. It is not like we can just make airport security tighter and the problem will be solved. And because only part of this takes place in the US, there is no way that we can do it alone. We need other countries trying to crack down on the same case we are, the only problem is honestly how willing do we think China, etc. are going to be willing to work with us? There is a good possibility they just don't care. And also if we crack down on human traficking in the sense of sex slavery, why would we not crack down on forced labor. And you know China's not going to be down with that because most of their economy is run from sweat shops and such sending their goods around the world.
ReplyDeleteThe point I am trying to make is that I do not know if this is a problem that can be solved. Does it need to be solved? Yes, it does, but the big question that has been stopping us from doing anything in the past is the question: how? This question we still have no answer for.
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ReplyDeleteI think that before we start thinking about how to solve the problem, we should consider the fact that slavery today is not common knowledge. This was true in my case. Of course, I did know that people were still being sold and traded today, but I guess I didn't really realize to what extent this was happening. I think that the U.S. should strive to let people know exactly what's going on. I'm sure there have been people that have tried to spread the word and do something about it, but apparently the word hasn't spread very far. As for what the U.S. should do about this problem, I'm not exactly sure. We could say jail, of course, but that doesn't seem to be helping anything else, and I don't see it helping this situation. Perhaps the people caught should be made forced to work like they've made their slaves work? With the exception of pornography.
ReplyDeleteNathan Arch
Obviously something needs to be done. Human trafficking in any form is horrible. Not many people see that is a current issue. Either that or they believe that it takes place in other countries because many people have the thought that "Nothing horrible like that ever happens in America." I think that the U.S. cannot fix this problem alone. We need to try and fix the problem with other countries as well. If we are getting human "slaves", sexual or non from other countries, security should be tightened as well as our allies helping to track down these illegal activities. I understand that that does not necessarily solve the problem completely but it is a start.
ReplyDeleteHuman trafficking is a major issue that is affecting our world today, but is sometimes pushed to the side. Although it seems to be less of an issue in America, it is a much bigger problem in other countries around the world. The selling of human beings, and a lot of that being women and children, is very degrading to say the least. To start off with, America needs to work with our own problems of trafficking and get the word out there more, that this is a huge problem affecting our society. If more people were knowledgable about the situation, it might be taken on as a more heavy issue. Once the US has our problems of it under more control, we should go on to other countries and start to help them. Help could be used anywhere and needs to be done so sooner then later!
ReplyDeleteOf course something should be done to deal with the corrupt problem of human trafficking in the US and in other countries. However, the question is what exactly should be done? Maybe even more strict international immigration policies should be in-acted, or an increased surveillance on international affairs such as illegal human trafficking. I personally don’t think that the United States should take on solving this problem alone, I don’ think that this is a problem that should be put at the top of the domestic policies, but something should be done to stop or even control it. I do think that if the United States were to take a lead role in stopping the issue of human trafficking that this would be a strong motivation for other countries to get involved and work together to solve this international drawback that is affecting human rights and general morality all over the world.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte Marion
The problem with all types of human trafficking is that it is one of the oldest forms of trade along with prostitution that has been in existence since the dawn of the human race. Not to say that I agree with it or think that it shouldn’t be stopped; I just feel like no matter what laws or rules are put it play it is going to be hard to get rid of it completely. I think that the U.S. needs help to solve this problem and they need to have strong alliance with other countries. This problem is far too large for just one country to get a handle on, so the U.S. needs to develop strong foreign policies against human trafficking. I feel for this problem to be somewhat resolved the U.S. shouldn’t be the leader on this one, the U.S. needs to have equal supporters and work together to find a solution to the problem. This is the type of problem where everyone has to be on the same page with each other in order for the solution to work globally. Any form of slavery is morally wrong and as humans we need to realize that its not right to control someone else's life.
ReplyDeleteChristina Haag
I stand divided on this issue about the current slavery situation in the United States. It's hard to put the fault on awareness because if you watch the news, one can see the examples listed above and many more, on tv. I can agree that this is sad and more people need to be aware, but what will awareness bring? The immigration laws are already pretty strict as it is, so should we just make them a little harsher? I mean, what can we do. What is the answer about HOW we can prevent this from happening. It is a big deal. But it's not as if things are being done in broad daylight, it's all 'under the table' so-to-speak. Harsher punishment may be a start, but that could bring in discussion of the death penalty, for if not we will be adding many to our prisons..
ReplyDeleteI can support the argument that the United States should not interfere with other countries' policies and just "worry about ourselves." We should be our top priority. But not to the point where we ignore this situation in other countries. After all, if it exists in other countries, the chances of it spreading back to the United States is very likely. The best way to eliminate the majority of human trafficking (for all reasons listed above) would be to not only start in our country, but spread the awareness and the idea of controlling this to all other countries. Make this an international effort. The United States should lead. We set the bar in many cases, so let this be another. If we are the ones concerned with controlling trafficking in the US, then we should reach out and help these other countries in finding policies to help them as well.
-Kristi Barrett
The USA does need to start setting up alliances with other countries in the fight against human trafficking as soon as possible. we can try to protect our borders as much as possible but if we can attempt to stop it somewhere else before it comes here that would be even better. But even if we do all that, I still doubt it would stop. The trafficking of humans across borders seems to be one of the easiest illegal things to transport because people are not illegal. with the right forged papers and the right amount of money you can get anyone into this country without any questioning. Now should we stick our noses into other countries and try and get them to stop. I don't know about that but it could be a worth while expense.
ReplyDeleteHuman trafficking is definitely a big problem globally, but no as much in the United States. It is a definite problem that needs to be dealt with because it a very scary thing to think about that actually does happen. I've seen the movie taken and it was extremely disturbing and whats even more disturbing is that its very accurate in terms of what goes on in human sex trafficking. It is especially a problem in other countries and something needs to be done about it immediately. The U.S needs to start making strong alliances with other countries to solve this problem since it is primarily a global issue. We need to be just as much involved in stopping human trafficking as other countries are, because even though it is largely done in other countries, it could one day spread to the U.S and we would not know how to deal with it. We also need to develop extremely strong foreign policies against it because it is such a malicious crime that should be tolerated absolutely nowhere.
ReplyDeleteSomething ovbviously needs to be done. Human trafficking is a horrible things. Nobody should be used as a slave. Everybody should be FREE and not be forced to do something that they dont want to do. I think to start we need to make people aware of this problem. I think a lot of people dont even know this is going on. We need to make this known to everybody. I dont think it is somthing that can be fixed overnight, it is going to take a while, but it can be fixed.
ReplyDeleteMegan Williams
Human trafficking is a disgusting intolerable crime and must have something done to enforce this issue. I have seen multiple shows abou this crime in the U.S. and it is horrifying, it could happen to anyone vulnerable enough.If people actually cared about each other, then we could start making trafficking laws against this and have authorities be involved in these issues more often. The problem to begin with is that child molesters and rapists get a year or two if that in prison when someone with a bag of weed gets 5 years (slightly exaggerated) but that is my opinion why people repeatedly do these crimes because they are not punishable with a harsh crime. How anyone could use or sell another human being is beyond my thoughts. People also need to realize that this is going on next door and not always over seas it is literally down the street.
ReplyDeleteHuman trafficking is definitely a huge issue, and should be dealt with. Its an awful thing and somehow its everywhere and usually people just turn the other cheek like the people who are being sold and used are just objects, and made for that. I do not think the US can stop it alone because its all over the world. I think those who are enslaving the women and children need terrible punishments and the women and children would need help for the rest of their lives with having to deal with that. I do think its completely horrible and something should definitely be done to stop it.
ReplyDeleteEmily Van Gilder
Human trafficking is an issue that needs to be dealt with.When you think of this issue you generally associate it with foreign countries.But this DOES happen in the United States.Though this is not problem that should just be dealt with be the United States,its something that it should be dealt with internationally.If the international community work together on this issue maybe it could be brought to an end.I feel that there should be harsh punishments for the people who do the trafficking.the innocent people that are basically being tortured need to be brought to justice.
ReplyDeleteBlair Jewell
SOMETHING should deffinantly be done with the human trafficking problem, not only in the U.S. but globally. A movie that is a PERFECT example of this issue just came out about a year ago tittled "TAKEN". I thought it was a very good movie, but also very educational and eye opening, because everything that happens in the movie happens everyday all over the world! Human trafficking is a big deal and needs Strict Authority to step up and enforce and punish those who lead the industry, work in the industry, and buy from the industry(EVERYONE). With this being said, I see knowone better than the U.S., especially seeing how we spend 1.3 trillion dollars on our millitary. Let's put that money to use and step up and do the right thing. I have read many others say that it happens right down the street and people just "turn their cheek", well the U.S. knowing that this is going on all around the world and not doing anything to stop it is a disgrace to me and America; the U.S. is "turning their cheek" on this issue! I do not think the U.S. can solve this issue alone and will need strong alliance to help resolve this major problem, but sitting back and doing nothing is not right! Human trafficking is a direct degrade in humans and their rights(U.S. Constetution). And as far as the parent's that sell their own children into human trafficking, I don't care what their situation is; they should be punished just as harsh if not more harshly as the Lords/Leaders of human trafficking!
ReplyDeleteCanaan Metz
I would definitely have to agree with Josh Kidwiler's post from above.
ReplyDeleteHuman trafficking is a serious problem and nightmare for other countries including the United States. Every individual should never have their rights taken away, nor be degraded from who they are. I feel that this is a horrible thing, that will sadly be present for a very long time. It's common for a majority of people to ignore what happens and to not make a change in stopping it. They don't realize how it can impact their own life but as well as others. No person should EVER over-power one another or make them feel inferior of who they are. Human Trafficking seriously needs to be brought to an end, sometime, somehow and with strong action.
-Elizabeth L. Higgins
I think that ending human trafficking will not be a one person job. It is going to take the involvement of many, many people in many countries to spread awareness and push to create some sort of government restrictions on human trafficking. It would have to involve the cooperation of many countries world wide because human trafficking doesn’t just exist in one country; it is all over and in between countries. I feel that if the US doesn’t take the lead in putting an end to human trafficking, it will continue to go unnoticed. The US seems to be a huge influence in international affairs (Negative and positive) and I believe that if the US beings the issue to light, and makes a big deal about it, other countries would consider to join in the efforts.
ReplyDelete-Elizabeth Yingling
In this situation, awareness definitely plays a key role. How can we fix the problem if we do not even know that it exists. This has been kept on the "down low" for a long time. In fact, I was surprised to even hear that we have this problem of trafficking in this country! I truly felt slavery in the United States ended when the Civil War was over. I think it is outrageous and completely inhumane that something such as this could go on in our land.I did realize it existed in other countries, and it disturbs me but it really hurts me to think the problem exists here. It has to stop!!!Strong action must be taken against this problem. We need to do whatever it takes to end this horrible, inhumane act.We can not do this on our own. If we have to band together with other countries to make this happen, then so be it.It requires immediate action and anyone caught doing this needs to face severe punishment.I agree that the parents who sell their babies need to face the maximum sentence. I am the mother of four lovely children and I do not understand how these heartless so- called parents could just throw their babies to the wolves and walk away. I could not live one day without even one of my kids. There is no money in this land worth them. Shame on these disgusting individuals! Laura Remsburg, 100-04
ReplyDeleteI feel that the United State's government should do it's part in preventing human trafficking within our own borders. Knowing the way U.S. foreign policy has been throughout the past years, I do not believe that is what the government would do. Rather, our government would probably go on an international crusade in order to prevent this. Why don't we simply worry about the traffickers within our borders and say to hell with everyone else. If another country wants to fix their problem with human trafficking, terrorism, drug cartels, and what have you then it should be their responsibility not America's.
ReplyDeleteHowever, if we must deal with issues such as slavery on a global level then it should be done through a multinational organization such as the U.N. It is not our sole responsibility to deal with worldly issues and I believe that our internationalism is one of the things that hold America back from truly becoming one of the greatest nations.
Human Traficking should be illegal in all countries. People who are in this industry are very sick. I believe the US should look into this and make certain laws to prevent this from happening. Parents should not be allowed to see their kids to make money. The US should step in and make alliances with the countries that do this. Maybe they could help them out of this. I feel that they should go international with this.
ReplyDelete--sabina nicewarner 03
I do not agree with human trafficking but there will always be people who do things even if it is illegal. There are people in this world that believe they are better than everyone and have a sense of entitlement. They think that everyone owes them something and this is not the truth. I also see prostitution as slavery because in many instance theses women have pimps who control them. There are many things that people do that hurt others and they don't seem to care. In the way of prositutes and things of that nature they see the money and what they can make but they do not see the negative side and things that could happen to them. They could be killed or get some kind of disease.
ReplyDeleteSomething definitely needs to be done about human trafficking or else its just going to continue to become worse and worse. The best solution would probably be to raise awareness since many people are unaware of it. I'm not saying it should be the main focus for the US but they should definitely put some effort into before it gets too out of hand. This is a problem i think the US probably shouldn't handle alone because its a lot worse in other countries. We shouldn't be the ones taking the led on this but we should definitely make some sort of effort to work with other countries where its even more serious and help them with this rapidly growing problem.
ReplyDeletePeople should be more informed on the human trafficking in the US and around the world. Before reading about slavery and how it exists still today, I didn't really know much at all about it. Having people well informed could increase the amount of peer policing for these type of subjects. The US should focus on our own problems for the most part but have some kind of role in other countries. We need to fix the problems in our own country but in this case, human traficking is connected with other countries since that is where some of the slaves come from. By working with the other countries it would in turn help out ourselves if they could help prevent American citizens from getting slaves from their countries. I don't think we need to from srong alliances but have some kind of communication with other countries.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that there are so many cases still today of human trafficking is very upsetting. I do believe that more should be done about human trafficking than we have now. Human trafficking is not just and there is no way of saying it is. No one should EVER be put into that type of situation. I would love for the owners of these slaves to spend a day in their shoes and see how awful it is. I do not feel that the US can fix the problem all alone but I feel that America and other countries should have more awareness of human trafficking. It often times slips people minds that there is still slavery in America because we think of the typical “black slaves.”
ReplyDeleteI do not believe in the death sentence but I believe that owners of the slaves should be sentenced to life in prison. Everyone should be considered to have equal rights. I also believe that the parents who sell their children to others to pay off their debts should also be sentenced to life in prison. You should not have put yourself into that situation and your child did not do anything to deserve that; if anyone should be sold- it should be you.
Jenna Benke 100.05
I defitnely think that something needs to be done about human trafficking. The U.S. is perfectly capable of taking the lead and doing something about it. Someone needs to or no one will ever step up and do anything and it will continue to be a problem. It would be a good idea to have other countries back up the problem of human trafficking instead of only the U.S. doing something about. That way it would make it much stronger and would be able to control it better with more countries taking a stand on the issue.
ReplyDelete-Rebecca Harrelson
Human trafficking is obviously a problem that we need to solve. If it happens in any form, then its wrong. Not only the U.S but other countries need to solve it. Everyone is equal in the world so we need to treat them as such. We are ALL humans so people need to start acting like it.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot of the above posts here. Human Trafficking is a terrible thing and it is happening not only in the foreign countries but it's happening here as well which is kind of scary. No body wants to live in fear of being one of the victims of this. Women are the main target for this and it is really scary to think that it could happen to me right here on our own soil. Do I think this is going to be an easily solvable issue? No, I do not. I think it is going to take a lot of the primary countries that this is occuring in to join together and crack down on this. Human trafficking is inhumane in every aspect. Something needs to be done.
ReplyDeleteSamanthia McQuade 100.03
I don’t think there is a lot of awareness of existing slavery in the United States. Many people think that slavery ended years ago and don’t see it in our world today because it is done under the radar of the public eye. Something must be done about it. America is the land of the free. Slavery and freedom are two opposite ends of the spectrum. In order for the United States to stop human trafficking I think we need to take the initiative and hope that other countries follow. We cannot wait around and hope that someone else will step in. If we wait for another country to take the lead we are making no progress on the issue. We are sitting back and watching it happen. We need to take the lead and try to stop the slavery. We might need other countries help but I don’t think we can force them into it without it causing more problems. I think we need to concentrate on keeping it out of our country and let other countries take care of themselves.
ReplyDeleteEmily Johnson
100:05
I def think that US citzens should be more informed on slavery today, not only in our country but all over the world. Now saying that, I do believe that US should put a little more focus on the problem. The whole thing is just disgraceful. I do not think that US should do it alone, they should combine forces with other countries, such as the ones listed above. Slavery is wrong, and it's never okay. I do think that no matter what some slavery will probably still exist no matter what, but all you need is to take one tiny step forward, and at least we would be saving some people's lives.
ReplyDeleteI think something should be done about human trafficking, but what could really be done? I don't think the US alone can solve this problem, it's bigger than just one country and so many people can obviously get around it or just pay people to overlook it. I think the US needs to form strong alliances and develop a solution. I don't believe that we can wait for another country to take the lead because countries that are less wealthy would most likely be the first to take a bribe to make the problem unexistant.
ReplyDeleteThe thought of slavery is scary and upsetting, and while many of us would like to think that slavery is an act that has ended a long time ago, that just isn't true. If the US wants to step up first, that's great, but SOMEONE needs too. Firstly we need to pay more attention to what's crossing into our own borders, and that should be our primary focus. I realize the rest of the world needs help too, but there's only so much the US can do for them. We need to take care of our home first. If the US can form alliances or help persuade other countries to do the same, that would be fantastic. I think that would be the best solution to the situation. But, as I said in my comment on the foreign policies blog, I don't think the US should force things on places where they aren't wanted.
ReplyDeleteHuman trafficking needs to be carefully watched and a way to stop it needs to be found. No one should be subjected to being a slave, whether it be a sex slave or a labor slave. Slaves should not still exist, that was something that was decades ago, and America needs to lead the way in ending slavery for good. Other countries will follow in our lead to try and make a stop. America can do more than we are now, and now's as good as any time.
ReplyDeleteIm not an expert on human trafficing and I honeslty didn't realize how much of a problem it was until now. I think at this point in time, trafficing should not be happening. I believe that a way to help the problem, is better protection of our boarders. Everything needs to be checked before entering and leaving our country. Our country is known for the equal rights policy. By having all of the trafficing, it is ruining that policy.
ReplyDeleteHuman Trafficking is a global problem and should be approached (if possible) as a global front against the issue in every country. Slavery goes against human rights... not AMERICAN rights but human rights. I, personally, don't believe this kind of thing should be sanctioned in any country (and I'm sure it's not, but I doubt some do as much about it as others). As far as foriegn policy goes I think if real action is to be taken on the issue, deals should be struck by the leaders of our nations. I do not think that America necessarily needs to police human trafficking issues in other countrie, especially if it is truly as prevelant here as you said it is. We obviously have plenty on our own turf to worry about, but I do think that there is room to create a global policy against it and have each country work individually to act upon these policies.
ReplyDeleteOur money does not need to be spent on policing other countries, but it certainly can be put to good use here in our own country.
That being said I wouldn't be totally opposed to certain foreign policies being put into effect. If it is truly a global effort, lending helping hands across national boundaries isn't a terrible idea. But much like this war on terrorism, we can't afford to be in this fight alone. It needs to be a joint effort, if for no other reason than to share the costs of such an effort.
-Challee Blackwelder
Human trafficking is obviously wrong and needs to be stopped but its difficult to stop. It's like the war on drugs in that sense; it's just hard to make policies to completely stop a wrong, but if changes are made this could lead to an end. I do not believe the U.S. can do it alone, however, because it is a global issue and U.S. citizens are taking people from foreign lands. It can start on U.S.grounds with different policies about what comes in to and goes out of the country, but we will need ally nations helping by checking the same. It simply cannot be stopped by just the U.S. alone.
ReplyDeleteLaura Gentile 100.04
human trafficking isn't really a well-known thing. not a lot of people are aware it is still going on unless it is seen on the news. still then it is forgot about until another case arises. so i would have to agree with another student that the first step in preventing human trafficking would be making people aware that this is still going on. perhaps america could try to work something out with other countries to help prevent this but would they really care that much. some countries might care but other would probably just over look it. i believe human trafficking is wrong and something needs to be done.It goes against human rights and everyone deserves to keep their rights.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, something should definitely be done to help with the problem of human trafficing. Although it is unlikely that it can be completely stopped all around the world, actions still can be taken to help decrease trafficing from happening. I think that countries should work together in order to decrease this problem as much as possible. The United States definitely cannot solve this problem alone. Other countries participation in taking action against human trafficing is needed in order to get any progress with eliminating it across the world. So, the United States definitely needs strong alliances in order to get anywhere with human trafficing. When thinking about it I would think that in order to make foreign policies you would need other countries to agree with the policy in order for it to come into effect, so other countries are needed when it comes to this. In my opinion, I feel that the United States cannot just wait for another country to take the stand when it comes to trying to solve the problem of human trafficing. With this I definitely think that the United States should take a stand in trying to solve this problem. However, I think that we should mainly take the initiative to try and decrease it in our country and not get really out of control with getting into other countries business. I think that if we take the initiative to decrease the amount of human trafficing in our country, other countries will eventually take the initiative to stop it as well in their country.
ReplyDeleteI believe something should be done about human trafficking, but Im not sure what can actually be done to help limit human trafficking. If there are ways for someone to make a profit there may be a quick fix, but it will not completly solve the problem. There will always be those who try to find holes in the systems in place. My sister went to Turkey last year and said a Turkish man wanted to buy her for 1500 camels. As funny and strange as it may seem, he was being completly serious. In other countries women are seen as items rather than people. This makes them easy targets for human trafficking. I dont think there is an easy solution to this problem.
ReplyDelete“Many people, unfortunately, are wrong” that should be the slogan for a lot of things in this country. Human trafficking is not something the U.S. is going to be able to go up against by them it’s going to take strict policies on transportation on anything and everything that goes out of the country and everything that comes into the country. I think the U.S. should have very specific and thorough thoughts on boarding planes and shipments from country to country. Here is the unfortunate truth about human trafficking, no matter what the crime is going to be committed. In some sick and twisted way people will find the loop holes and be able to beat the system and sneak it pass the government.
ReplyDeleteTim Zeigler
Yes, something should be done to curb slavery. It is a definite infraction upon the human rights that this country was founded upon.
ReplyDeleteYes, we should take the lead if no one else is. I do believe that we should be focusing our efforts to eradicating the problem here within our own borders before we set out to save the world. I'm sure that border security is key; I am assuming that the majority of slaves within our country are part of the estimated 12 million illegals living within our borders.
We should gladly welcome any other nations that would like to join the fight, and encourage them to do so. (No, I don't mean bomb them until they see it our way. Not yet anyway.) There will be no hope of eliminating this problem without global assistance.
Then again, I really hate cleaning leaves out of my gutters; maybe slavery isn't all bad.
Although slavery is sick and wrong the US could never stop human trafficing on it's own since it is an international problem, but even with help the truth is human trafficing is never going to end. Drugs are illegal and if you get caught with them there are consequences but that doesn't stop people from selling it or buying it. Can it really be called slavery though if the person is lets say selling themself to pay off a debt? Nothing is okay with forced labor, ever, but if the person agrees to it then it wouldn't be slavery anymore.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with anyone saying we should fight to end slavery, hello, do we really need another war over something like this? I mean you won't be able to stop it and once you leave the country they can go back to their old habits. We could change the slavery standards in our country and set an example but a war is unnecessary.
-Tiffany Anders
It is quite clear that human trafficking is still an issue in the world today, and that it is something that should be looked at more closely by the civilized governments of the world in an attempt to bring it to on end. The United States cannot do this on its own. The cooperation of all countries around the world are needed to solve a problem such as this. The US needs to first try and get the issue under control at home before it tries to help out in other places. A start to solving the issue at home would be if some new legislation was passed that put stricter laws on inspections of incoming goods of all kinds to the United States. These new laws could set as an example for the rest of the world on how to look for and apprehend smugglers. Stricter and harsher punishments for those caught trafficking people should also be implemented. Only after the US has control of human trafficking at home should we move to help others stop it in their own countries. The United States should take a leading role in this because it is a moral obligation of the people of the United States, and eventually the world, to aid in stopping this horrid illegal act.
ReplyDeleteChad Starner
I didn't realize that trafficking was such a problem even within the United States. Obviously the United States views it as a problem but do other countries as well? We can't solve the problem on our own. I think we need to take a closer look at it within our own country, and then take steps to help other countries realize what is going on too. Can it all be stopped peacefully? If we get the problem under control in our own country, can we bring it to attention in other countries with out causing conflict?
ReplyDeleteWell the only hand on experience I have with Global Trafficing is the movie Taken. Good movie! However, I do not know enough about it to stop it, and our GOVERNMENT agencies are too busy to stop it either. It is also extremely difficult to enforce laws that dont exist in foreign countires. In south america the word Accident is Accididnt. Which means I accididnt do it. This is in relation to the terriosts acts that a select few militia participate in. Global trafficing is wrong, but so is speeding, I know they are on completely difffernt levels but the poeple put in place to enforce thos laws dont do so entirely
ReplyDeleteI think the government should do something to put an end to human trafficking but I honestly do not see what good it would do. The government tries to stop all kinds of illegal operations but there is no way they can control everything. Illegal drugs have become a very common problem for everyone. The government tries to stop the distribution of such drugs but still thousands of people die each year from drug abuse. Unfortunately, it would be very similar for human trafficking. Obviously, even though human trafficking is illegal it still happens every day. The government can tried to become more involved in preventing this activity but it still would not eliminate the problem. The world is full of evil and there is no humanly possible way to make it a better place.
ReplyDeleteCatherine Pevahouse, 100.03
I believe something needs to be done about human trafficking. However, I do not believe the US has the right type of resources to combat human trafficking alone, since the military cant do much against human trafficking. The US can develop domestic policies to combat against human trafficking, however this will not stop the global problem. Other countries should ban together to determine where the most trafficking is taking place, and then that country's government should attempt to respond to it through domestic policies. The only thing the US and other countries can do to force trafficking countries to stop is to implement economic policies or threat military force, however I believe this is beyond what the military could stop.
ReplyDeleteThis is a global issue.unfortunately that makes it ever more difficult to solve. There are great boundaries that must be crossed to begin to solve this problem. Trafficking is a major , lucrative business and it will not be easy to stop. However, if and international force, say the UN or NATO for example, had a force ,like an international police force, whose designated task was to intercept and stop these crimes. I think that would work. However great boundaries must be crossed. Legalities, where the men and woman come from, how to cross into different states, who has authority, where would the criminal's be tried, what ethics have to be in place, what laws must be applied, and who will be accountable. I believe that to be a reasonable solution to not only this problem but many international issues, however , it will be many years before such a thing is put in-place, and many more before it is effective.
ReplyDeleteAs many people above seem to have mentioned in some way or another is that human awareness would be a big part in stopping Human Trafficking. Of course people know that there has been human trafficking, but I don't believe they know to what extent and how close to home where it is being done. As for the issue about global trafficking, the US can't do it alone. They need to form alliances with other countries to stop some of the cross country human trafficking that is going on. Now for the US taking the lead, I think if no one else is going to stand up then yes they should take the lead. We need to stop all forms of slavery to officially declare the US a slavery free nation.
ReplyDeleteHuman and sex trafficking would not exist without the demand for commercial sex thriving around the world. The U.S. Government has adopted a strong position against prostitution in a December 2002, but we need all our states to be against it, such as Nevada. The policy states that prostitution is inherently harmful and dehumanizing. It is the fuel for traffickers around the world.
ReplyDeleteUSA should be in the lead but in coalition with other and many foreign countries. It needs to be a war against trafficking as we have a war against terror. A new force needs to be band together and dedicated to stopping human and sex trafficking. The department made should be with Interpol police with great support from all nations. Strict sanctions and economic repercussions need to be set in place for any Country that does not help prevent this monstrosity.
Human trafficing is wrong and should be stopped, the logistics of that however are a problem. Just like drugs and guns, there is no way to stop it completely, so long as there is a demand people will find a way. That having been said, it would be extremely helpful to get the majority of other countries involved. Taking a hard stance, being proactive in a domestic sense will help but it won't "solve" the problem (by which I mean cut the occurance down to a point where it is practically nonexistant). If other countries were to do the same, really work to put a stop to it, then the combined efforts would drastically reduce the occurance. There is only so much manpower in a single country, having several countries reduce the ability of human trafficers to move these slaves will make them easier to catch when they attempt to move them to another country. This in turn will make it easier to focus efforts more domestically. I don't know that there would need to be an "international team", or that anyone would need to "lead" it. Sometimes I think its enough that countries having the same goal take measures within their own countries which produce the same results.
ReplyDeleteI think human trafficking is a problem that should be addressed by numerous countries rather than just America. Its a global problem, not just domestic, and all countries have the obligation to stop it. I realize, this is easier said then done. We have many global issues that have lingered for quite sometime be it drugs, guns, smuggling, etc., but they are not easily solved. It would take the coordination of many countries in an alliance as opposed to a single country making a stand against it. The U.S. shouldn't have to address such a worldwide problem alone but they should definitely begin the process of eliminating issues like these in our world.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with the above post. Human Trafficking is a problem in the USA and in other countries. I believe is it will be hard to stop because it is done undercover. This human trafficking is not in the Amercian eyes. Most people in the USA don't even know about this. As parents we need to protect are children from this and even our love ones form this. Some of the people who are being human trafficking are girls who are 10-17. Most of the people who do the human trafficking what women or girl before they have their first sexually experience. There is a movie about human trafficking but I forget the title of it. It makes you rethink how Lucky we are to live in the USA. Because most of the girl who are human trafficking are girls from other countries.
ReplyDeleteObviously something needs to be done to fix the problem of trafficking in the us as well as in other countries…but what we need to really figure out is how it has to be done. I feel like we need more strict international immigration policies or better yet, we need a better security to make sure that the problem isn’t continuing. But I do think that the us should not be fixing this alone..its a problem everywhere, but if the united states began to fix the issue maybe other countries could see that they need to improve as well and stop the issue.
ReplyDeleteAlyssa prager
Human trafficking must be stopped. its ridiculous how we claim to be a "free country" when we still have slaves. those who participate in any form of slavery are a disgrace and an embarrassment and shoupd be ready for their consequences. the us should fight against human trafficking! the us should build bonds between other countries to spread the word and action to prevent this from happening. if others wont set the example then we should be the bigger person (country) and set the example. i know it isnt everyone in the country supporting this crime, but those who are should have a reason to be v3ry afraid, because obviously whatever the consequence is now isnt enough and isnt working.
ReplyDeleteAnna Wilt
Human trafficikng is a huge deal! This is majorly overlooked and is the worse form of punishment and tourture possible. I also do believe it should be addressed not just by america, but other countries. This must stop! we are supposed to be a free nation and country, but we allow this to happen? I think we should be the bigger man in this situation and take up for this cruel act!!
ReplyDeleteHuman trafficking is prevalent all over the world, and even in the United States. The United States does not have the authority to contain this problem around the globe. There are too many different countries that have this problem around the globe for the US to take control of the situation alone. Although we can't control the situation globally doesn't mean that the US can't control it on our soil. Trafficking prevention should definitely be considered and enforced as a priority. The US spends so much money on national defense when truly, we should be funding more preventative measures for domestic issues. Issues of this magnitude shouldn't be taken lightly.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Sawyers
Human trafficking is so crazy and performed all over the world. I really don't believe that the US can control this matter, esp when it is soo common in many countries. In the US however, we should control it. I'm not really sure how but the only suggestion I can think of would be to make much stricter laws and strictly enforce them so it doesn't happen.
ReplyDeleteHuman trafficking has become an issue that there's no doult something should be done about it. However, at the same time what can be done about it? Take the movie Taken for example, girls get kidnap when they're oversea. From the movie girls are drugged so they couldn't escape .The father only had certain amount of time to retrieve his daughter or she would be lost forever.
ReplyDeleteYes i think U.S. should definitely lead internationally in order to bust human trafficking. Since U.S. has the power and technology to do so. Maybe we should bring more attention to problem like this globally, sort of like AIDs awareness with programs teaching young girls not talk to people they don't know in a foreign country etc.
I agree with Josh Kidwiler - the United States should concern itself with domestic policies before it even thinks to touch foreign policies. This is also true of human trafficing. As wretched and horrible as human trafficing is, I am drawing a bit of blank when it comes to the question of what should be done to remedy the issue. No matter how many laws or policies we enforce as a nation, human trafficing will continue to exist because we live in a capitalistic society and human trafficing is cost-effective. So despite the fact that we don't approve of our own citizens being taken into custody and forcibly used for profit, we have no issue going to Walmart, Target, KMart, and a number of other stores to buy our cheap clothes made by the bloodied hands of Chinese children, perfumes by beaten and sleep-deprived Indian women, or hardware by Israelis who go days without seeing sunlight. But what does it matter to us? We saved a couple bucks didn't we? I don't know how to address the human trafficing conflicts...within and without the United States borders.
ReplyDeleteKyra Wood
Like both Josh and Kyra, I too think that we as a nation do worry too much about other problems around the world, especially when we have problems that need adressing of our own. The problem of human trafficing is no different. Similiar to many other worldwide problems, the problem of human trafficing is a complicated one and extremely difficult to solve all together. The only thing that I can really think of is to make the penalties for human trafficing as harsh as the law allows; although this will not come as a complete solution, if nothing else it will most likely go a long way in lessoning the occurance of this atrocity. The problem of finding those who are trafficing humans, I can honestly not think of any ways to better this crack down on the problem. It is a problem that will unfortunately mostly likely not go away anytimes soon.
ReplyDeleteI believe that human trafficking needs to be one of the world's top priorities. One nation cannot deal with this aweful issue alone it must be a joint affair between every nation in the World. These are human beings we are talking about and many times children. This issue cannot take a back burner. It needs to be stopped. I am not sure everything that would need to be put into affect to stop this problem but if every nation is working on the same page there has to be something that can be done.
ReplyDeleteVickie Norris