Asheville residents at odds over U.S. financial assistance to Ukraine
Asheville residents at odds over U.S. financial assistance to Ukraine The Blue Banner
Asheville Resident Advocates Against US Aid to Ukraine
Asheville resident Bob Brown stands on the corner of Pack Square every Thursday from 4-5 p.m. with a sign reading “No US $ for Ukraine.”
Concerns about US Involvement and Neo-Fascism
Brown believes that providing aid to Ukraine is a losing battle and that the US played a role in provoking Russia’s invasion. He accuses the Ukrainian government of collaborating with the US and identifies neo-fascism as a problem within the government.
Local Efforts to Raise Awareness and Support
Andrea Kulish Wilhelm, an Asheville resident and graphic design professional, also works to raise awareness about the conflict in Eastern Europe. Wilhelm, a first-generation Ukrainian-American, sells hand-crafted Pysanky eggs to raise funds for Ukraine. She is a member of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America and founder of AVL for Ukraine, a local organization focused on supporting Ukraine.
Advocacy for Ukraine and Peace Rallies
Wilhelm emphasizes the importance of contacting representatives to urge them to help Ukraine. She organizes peace rallies in downtown Asheville to mark the anniversaries of the invasion. Her organization, AVL for Ukraine, aims to involve more people in supporting Ukraine.
Views on US Assistance and Global Injustices
Yafet Habtemariam, a junior studying history at UNCA, shares his perspective on US assistance to Ukraine. He questions the allocation of funds towards military spending and expresses concern about double standards regarding refugees. Habtemariam believes that raising awareness of global injustices is crucial.
Call for Critical Examination of Government Priorities
Habtemariam highlights the need for critical analysis of how the government handles injustices, regardless of political affiliation. He believes that addressing domestic issues, such as homelessness, gun violence, and drug epidemics, should take precedence over providing aid to other countries.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
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SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.1: Reduce violence and related death rates
- Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population
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SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies
- Indicator 10.7.1: Recruitment cost borne by employee as a proportion of yearly income earned in country of destination
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SDG 4: Quality Education
- Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development
- Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development (including climate change education) are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment
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SDG 1: No Poverty
- Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions
- Indicator 1.2.2: Proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases
- Indicator 3.3.1: Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age, and key populations
Analysis
The article discusses various issues related to the conflict in Ukraine and the allocation of resources by the US government. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article highlights the conflict in Ukraine and the opinions of individuals regarding the involvement of the US government. This is connected to SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article mentions the issue of double standards regarding refugees and the perception of unequal treatment. This is relevant to SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries.
SDG 4: Quality Education
The article mentions the importance of educating oneself about global injustices and historical topics. This aligns with SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
SDG 1: No Poverty
The article briefly mentions the existence of actual problems in the country that require assistance from the government, such as homelessness and drug epidemics. This relates to SDG 1, which aims to end poverty in all its forms everywhere.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The article does not directly address health and well-being issues, but it indirectly highlights the need for resources to be allocated to address pressing issues within the country. This is connected to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
---|---|---|
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.1: Reduce violence and related death rates | Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population |
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies | Indicator 10.7.1: Recruitment cost borne by employee as a proportion of yearly income earned in country of destination |
SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development | Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development (including climate change education) are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment |
SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions | Indicator 1.2.2: Proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions |