30th January, 1972 Bogside, Derry, Northern Ireland- 13 people were killed and a further 14 wounded by British Soldiers during riots in Derry, Northern Ireland this past Sunday, during protests against internment without trial, an action by the British Government in an attempt to suppress the IRA.
Protesters originally attempted to march to the Guildhall, but were stopped by the military, and instead marched to Free Derry Corner. When reports of an IRA sniper were given to the army, they were authorized to fire live rounds, and one man, Jackie Duddy, was killed while running away from the soldiers. Eventually, the troops chased the protesters away in an attempt to arrest them. The troops were then ordered a cease-fire, but had already fired hundreds of live rounds into the crowds, killing a further 12 people, and wounding 14 more, including two hit by Armored Personnel Carriers.
Among the dead were 7 teenagers.
This incident is one of many conflicts between Northern Ireland and Great Britain as this part of the Irish population attempts to win its freedom and unify Ireland.
D.I.N. - The Canadian Government has reported a recent uptick in Moose attacks between 1969 and 1970. These normally peaceful giants are apparently gathering in groups and destroying cars simply by walking in front of them. Canadian officials are unsure of what the moose population wants, or what it is protesting.
D.I.N. - Los derechos de los mujeres. Cuba today (1960) is far different from how it was under Batista. True, they were granted the right to vote in 1934 and had legal equality by 1940; however, there were very few occupations open to women and there was often discrimination at work.
Sr. Castro has taken many measures in order to elevate the status of women, both in terms of labor and social roles. The first Agrarian Reform Act, as well as the offering of technical and professional training, opened up a lot of work fields to women that had originally been dominated by men. In order to resolve the conflict generated by men and women infiltrating each other's social roles, Castro increased the number of day care centers, so that women can work and their children are taken care of, created a grocery problem, lifting the time-consuming chore of shopping from the average woman's itinerary, and creating a family code.
New organizations, such as the Federación de Mujeres Cubanos, are revolutionizing the way women are being perceived in the country. Sanitation campaigns, which taught basic hygiene and health programs to Cubans, and vaccine distributions were initiated. Text books were re-written in order to portray women in a stronger, more independent, light. The FMC is an integral part of the fight against illiteracy and the education and training of women for professional jobs.
Cuba's progressive approach to women's rights are rapidly being adopted by the rest of the world. In the US women have begun protesting and fighting for more rights. The USSR has even fostered women's athletic programs! The 1960's are sure to be a promising year for the global fight for women's rights.
Local News: The Swiss Guards
D.I.N. - If you were to visit Vatican City in Rome today, you would see many people in brightly coloured garb. They are known as the Swiss Guard and although they are an icon in the walled city, many people don't realize the rich history of these vigilant sentinels.
In the early 1500s, Pope Julius II invited the "Helvetian soldiers" into Rome to help protect the church. They did so with such valour, courage, and loyalty that the Pope gave them the title "Defenders of the Church's freedom". These warriors came from a small, densely populated region in the Alps, where poverty was widespread and mercenary soldiering was a summer escape that earned them enough money to last through the winter.
They reached major popularity in the 13th and 14th centuries and were in high demand in both France and Spain (but served in Germany and Italy as well). They were compared to "semimobile ramparts" as their unique tactics involved moving quickly but in impenetrable formations which stemmed from a lack of cavalry and artillery.
The Swiss Cantons formed an alliance with the French King Louis XI and their military importance was reiterated in the battle of Basel, where 1500 Swiss Guard held their ground against nearly 20 times as many men. In 1506, the Pope brought in 150 Swiss soldiers to help protect the Vatican from invasion. The garrison was tested in the sack of Rome when 147 out of the 189 were massacred by the Spanish/Holy Roman Empire forces while protecting the retreat of Pope Clement VII.
The Swiss Guard has secured its place in both European and, more specifically, pontifical history through their revolutionary tactics and unusual beginnings.