The vocal disagreements among Americans about the Ground Zero Mosque has heightened protests and anti-US chatter among Islamic radicals. One website threatened suicide bombings in revenge if there are any burnings of the Koran. The Obama administration says it is taking this situation seriously. There is a belief in the intelligence community that terrorists will use this issue as a recruiting tool. These postings are appearing not only on al-Queda sites, but on mainstream Muslim sites. Much of this is being fueled by more radical anti-Muslim views, such as a pastor in Gainesville, Florida swho plans to use September 11 as “burn a Koran day.”
I think Americans like this pastor in Florida are a major problem in this discussion, because they move the argument away from concern for the 9/11 families and making about the religion of Islam. We truly are a country that allows religious freedom, so burning Korans is not only wrong, it inflames people when there should be a calm discussion about differing points of view. The radical Islamists certainly don’t reflect the views of most of Islam any more that the attitude of the pastor reflects the views of most Americans about the mosque. Poll after poll shows that most Americans believe there is a legal right to build the mosque, but believe that it is too hurtful to those who lost loved ones to build it so close to Ground Zero. The discussion needs to be one of compassion on both sides.
Weisman, Jonathan. “Protests, Rhetoric Feed Jihadists’ Fire.” The Wall Street Journal. 23 Aug. 2010.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
August 23- International
The day after starting up its first nuclear power-plant, Iran announced that it now possesses an armed aerial drone. Iran is already facing pressure for its nuclear program and this adds to the concerns of the international community, who is fearful of a nuclear Iran. Analysts state publicly that this move is just noise and another attempt from Iran to rattle its sabers. While Iran’s nuclear program ahs not reached weapons’ grade, the US, Israel, and other countries continue to watch carefully. Iran has proven they cannot be trusted and their partnership with Russia in these matters is further reason for other countries to express concern. Right now, analysts believe the drone would be useless, as Iran does not have sufficient technological capabilities, especially necessary satellite links, to guide the missiles, making them a long-term issue.
This story is proof of how dangerous some of these nations can be and why they need to be carefully monitored by the international community. So far, Iran has continued to ignore United Nations’ rule and sanctions as they continue to build their nuclear program and threaten others in the region, our allies in particular. Iran needs be watched so they are not allowed to become a real threat.
Fassihi, Farnaz. “Iranians Roll Out Unmanned Bomber.” The Wall Street Journal. 23 Aug. 2010.
This story is proof of how dangerous some of these nations can be and why they need to be carefully monitored by the international community. So far, Iran has continued to ignore United Nations’ rule and sanctions as they continue to build their nuclear program and threaten others in the region, our allies in particular. Iran needs be watched so they are not allowed to become a real threat.
Fassihi, Farnaz. “Iranians Roll Out Unmanned Bomber.” The Wall Street Journal. 23 Aug. 2010.
August 23- Economic
Credit card interest rates continue to rise for consumers, even as loan rates to small businesses and mortgages fall. The rates affect 381 million consumers and are expected to continue to rise. This is due primarily to the new rules that limit banking fees, and rates are now the highest in nine years, reaching 14.7%. Banks are also trying to recover losses from delinquent borrowers.
The slow economy continues to be a huge burden on the American consumer. Before the financial crisis, banks would raise rates without warning, and use many other deceptive practices to make money. New federal regulations were supposed to make it fairer for consumers, but it looks like banks have just found another way to make money. Consumers need to have more confidence in the banking industry to help the economy. As long as they feel they are being charged unfairly, or whether they believe interest rates are too high, things will not likely improve.
Simon, Ruth. “Credit Card Rates Climb.” The Wall Street Journal. 23 Aug. 2010.
The slow economy continues to be a huge burden on the American consumer. Before the financial crisis, banks would raise rates without warning, and use many other deceptive practices to make money. New federal regulations were supposed to make it fairer for consumers, but it looks like banks have just found another way to make money. Consumers need to have more confidence in the banking industry to help the economy. As long as they feel they are being charged unfairly, or whether they believe interest rates are too high, things will not likely improve.
Simon, Ruth. “Credit Card Rates Climb.” The Wall Street Journal. 23 Aug. 2010.
August 17- Economic
The large banks have slightly eased up on lending rules for small businesses. This is the first time since 2006 that regulations have been eased. This move was prompted by competition from other banks and what are referred to in the industry as non-bank lenders. Small businesses are not responding to this move, primarily due to the slow economy showing few signs of coming back, further eroding the confidence that small businesses need to borrow funds. The trend towards loosening regulations has not affected the smaller banks who also lend money. Loan officers at some of the larger banks claim conditions are also improving for some consumer loans, but lending rules still remain much tougher than they were before the financial crisis. Consumer confidence remains low, as it has with small business.
This indicates that the US economy still has a long way to go. Even though some large banks are willing to lend money, borrowers in both the private and the small business sector and fearful of making the wrong move, as they remain unsure of what the future holds. This will not help growth and will continue to affect the job market as well as small businesses, who do the majority of the hiring in this country, are nervous about what the future holds.
Reddy, Sudeep and Robin Sidel. “Big Banks Loosen Lending Standards.” The Wall Street Journal. 17 Aug. 2010.
This indicates that the US economy still has a long way to go. Even though some large banks are willing to lend money, borrowers in both the private and the small business sector and fearful of making the wrong move, as they remain unsure of what the future holds. This will not help growth and will continue to affect the job market as well as small businesses, who do the majority of the hiring in this country, are nervous about what the future holds.
Reddy, Sudeep and Robin Sidel. “Big Banks Loosen Lending Standards.” The Wall Street Journal. 17 Aug. 2010.
August 17- National
The April 20 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has prompted the Obama administration to require more routine environmental studies before approving deep-water drilling. Until now, the Department of the Interior frequently granted categorical exclusions, based mostly on rules set up when most drilling was done near-shore. This new ruling will require that each new application for drilling will be scrutinized on an individual basis. The administration had ordered a moratorium on new drilling after the latest disaster, and that is due to expire on November 30, 2010. While that ruling is being challenged in the courts, there is concern that off-shore drilling will simply move to other countries, impacting the economy and jobs in the Gulf even further. There are fears that this newest decision will further delay new drilling contracts, forcing jobs out of the region at an even greater rate.
It seems obvious that steps need to be taken to prevent another disaster like the gulf oil spill.
Many of the problems associated with deep-water drilling were not an issue when most drilling was off-shore, in shallow waters. The new set of challenges that deep-water drilling brings needs to be assessed carefully. The question will be how to reduce the impact of these activities on human life, and the environment while still meeting the burden put on communities that depend on the oil industry for their economic life.
King Jr., Neil and Keith Johnson. “Tightened Security for Offshore Drilling Projects.” The Wall Street Journal. 17 Aug. 2010.
It seems obvious that steps need to be taken to prevent another disaster like the gulf oil spill.
Many of the problems associated with deep-water drilling were not an issue when most drilling was off-shore, in shallow waters. The new set of challenges that deep-water drilling brings needs to be assessed carefully. The question will be how to reduce the impact of these activities on human life, and the environment while still meeting the burden put on communities that depend on the oil industry for their economic life.
King Jr., Neil and Keith Johnson. “Tightened Security for Offshore Drilling Projects.” The Wall Street Journal. 17 Aug. 2010.
August 17- International
The massive flooding that hit Pakistan over 2 weeks ago is putting 3.5 million children at risk of major illnesses such as cholera and other water-borne diseases. Survivors have been forced to drink contaminated water because only about one-quarter of the aid needed has reached Pakistan. Over 6 million people, adults and children, are at risk. A fifth of the country is under water and thousands of towns and villages have been destroyed, along with infrastructure and crops. $459 million is needed to meet current problems. The US has brought in aid, in the form of food, clothing, shelter, and medical supplies, utilizing US Marine Corps helicopters and aircraft. The United States has pledged more than any other country, offering over $75 million in monetary assistance in addition to food and other supplies.
This disaster is the worst in Pakistan’s history. The United States has stepped up and is helping with the largest donation of any country in the world. There are many other rich nations and it is time for them to come forward and assist the poor, suffering people of Pakistan. This is truly a humanitarian disaster and an opportunity for others to follow the lead of the United States in helping the world’s needy.
Hussain, Zahid. “UN Warns Disease is Risk in Flood-Ravaged Country.” The Wall Street Journal. 17 Aug. 2010.
This disaster is the worst in Pakistan’s history. The United States has stepped up and is helping with the largest donation of any country in the world. There are many other rich nations and it is time for them to come forward and assist the poor, suffering people of Pakistan. This is truly a humanitarian disaster and an opportunity for others to follow the lead of the United States in helping the world’s needy.
Hussain, Zahid. “UN Warns Disease is Risk in Flood-Ravaged Country.” The Wall Street Journal. 17 Aug. 2010.
August 11- Economic
The Federal Reserve plans to reinvest the proceeds of maturing mortgages. This is a reaction to the slow recovery. This move is unlikely to stimulate the economy, and the Fed says the “pace of economic recovery is likely to be more modest in the near term than had been anticipated.” High unemployment, modest income growth, lower household wealth and tight credit are all working against a rapid recovery. Consumers remain reluctant to spend and are instead paying off debt and increasing savings. Some economists believe that this move by the Federal Reserve is mostly for show and will have little, if any, real effect on the economy.
As the economy continues a slow pace of recovery, problems will arise. The government seems to act as though things are improving, but that does not seem to be what actual consumers are feeling. Hopefully, things will improve and/or the government will come up with better ways to stimulate the economy and help bring confidence back to Americans.
Reddy, Sudeep. “Fed Sees Recovery Slowing.” The Wall Street Journal. 11 Aug. 2010.
As the economy continues a slow pace of recovery, problems will arise. The government seems to act as though things are improving, but that does not seem to be what actual consumers are feeling. Hopefully, things will improve and/or the government will come up with better ways to stimulate the economy and help bring confidence back to Americans.
Reddy, Sudeep. “Fed Sees Recovery Slowing.” The Wall Street Journal. 11 Aug. 2010.
August 9- International
A South Korean fishing boat and its 7 member crew were arrested by North Korean in what may have been North Korean waters. This is not an uncommon occurrence, and few details are available. Tensions between the two countries have risen since the South Korean warship was sunk by North Korea in March. North Korea denies responsibility.
North Korea continues to be a dangerous presence in that part of the world. South Korea lives in constant fear of retaliation and in spite of the efforts of the international community to isolate its government, North Korea still poses a major threat. US presence on the border is helpful, but it is dangerous for anyone who either wanders into the country’s border accidentally or any boats that stray into their waters. North Korea seems determined to bully its way into the world’s governments.
Ramstad, Evan. “South Korea Boat Seized by North.” The Wall Street Journal. 9 Aug. 2010.
North Korea continues to be a dangerous presence in that part of the world. South Korea lives in constant fear of retaliation and in spite of the efforts of the international community to isolate its government, North Korea still poses a major threat. US presence on the border is helpful, but it is dangerous for anyone who either wanders into the country’s border accidentally or any boats that stray into their waters. North Korea seems determined to bully its way into the world’s governments.
Ramstad, Evan. “South Korea Boat Seized by North.” The Wall Street Journal. 9 Aug. 2010.
August 8- National
Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-D) is under investigation of ethics violations. Her chief of staff is her grandson, Mikael Moore, and it appears that he may be at the center of the charges. Ms. Waters is accused of giving $12 million in bailout funds to a bank in which her husband owned stock. The charges indicate that she was aware of her grandson’s actions, but did nothing to stop him, creating the appearance that she was taking action for personal benefit. Mr. Moore has made no comment, and it is not clear if he had been acting in her direction.
This type of problem just emphasizes why the public has little faith in politicians. The charges against Ms. Waters are serious enough that the Congress has ordered an investigation, and she claims her innocence. She also should know enough not to become involved in matters that would make it look as though she is behaving in unethical behavior. If it is true that her grandson was the problem, it still comes back to her since he is on her staff.
Mullins, Brody. “Ethics Cite Role of Waters’ Grandson.” The Wall Street Journal. 8 Aug. 2010.
This type of problem just emphasizes why the public has little faith in politicians. The charges against Ms. Waters are serious enough that the Congress has ordered an investigation, and she claims her innocence. She also should know enough not to become involved in matters that would make it look as though she is behaving in unethical behavior. If it is true that her grandson was the problem, it still comes back to her since he is on her staff.
Mullins, Brody. “Ethics Cite Role of Waters’ Grandson.” The Wall Street Journal. 8 Aug. 2010.
August 6- International
Abdel Baset Al-Megrahi, the only man convicted of bombing PANAM Flight 103 in 1988, was released from a Scottish prison in August 2009. The release was to have been based on medical reports that he was 3 months away from dying from prostate cancer and his release was a compassionate decision. Over a year later, he is still alive and free, in his native Tripoli. This has prompted an investigation by US officials. It now appears that none of the doctors from the UK National Health Service who treated his cancer had agreed with the findings. There are allegations that Scotland granted the release for political reasons, and BP Oil has been implicated, but denies their involvement. Families of the Lockerbie victims are very suspicious. So far, Al-Megrahi’s medical records have not been released.
It is not hard to understand why the US government and the families of the people killed in the airline bombing are so upset at this situation. The more that comes out about this story, the more it appears that a deal was cut that benefited either Scotland or perhaps a major company such as BP oil. The US is right to push Scotland for answers to this situation. Scotland owes an explanation to the families as well.
Sonne, Paul. “Lockerbie Release Flawed.” The Wall Street Journal. 6 August 2010.
It is not hard to understand why the US government and the families of the people killed in the airline bombing are so upset at this situation. The more that comes out about this story, the more it appears that a deal was cut that benefited either Scotland or perhaps a major company such as BP oil. The US is right to push Scotland for answers to this situation. Scotland owes an explanation to the families as well.
Sonne, Paul. “Lockerbie Release Flawed.” The Wall Street Journal. 6 August 2010.
August 3- National
According to the ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), illegal aliens are being deported at higher levels, reflecting a move by the Obama administration to deport criminal aliens. These are illegal aliens who have committed offences from murder to property damage to traffic violations. Only 17% were guilty of violent crimes. 37,000 criminal aliens have been deported so far this year, 60% higher than the final year of the Bush administration.
This seems like a good step in dealing with the illegal alien problem. Those who enter the US illegally are violating the law, but the larger problem comes from those who commit criminal acts. If these people can be deported and dealt with, maybe the other issues will be easier to deal with.
Jordon, Miriam. “Deportations Increase Sharply.” The Wall Street Journal. 3 Aug. 2010
This seems like a good step in dealing with the illegal alien problem. Those who enter the US illegally are violating the law, but the larger problem comes from those who commit criminal acts. If these people can be deported and dealt with, maybe the other issues will be easier to deal with.
Jordon, Miriam. “Deportations Increase Sharply.” The Wall Street Journal. 3 Aug. 2010
August 3- Economic
Droughts in Russia have caused the price of wheat to rise dramatically. It is the greatest increase in 50 years and experts fear of a shortage on a world wide scale. Half of Russia’s crops have been destroyed by hear and rain, causing priced to rise by 62%. Stockpiles of wheat are at acceptable levels, but there is fear in countries dependent on importing wheat, such as Egypt, China and India. In 2008, Egypt, Haiti and Pakistan suffered such shortages that riots broke out. Canada, another major wheat exporter, has dealt with excessive rain and Australia with locusts. Russia and the Ukraine supply 18% of the world’s wheat. The US production is expected to be up this year. India had a government-ordered stockpile of grain that they would not release- that supply has rotted away.
If this problem grows, the poor of the world will suffer. Will other nations, especially the US, come to the aid of these people and ensure that they are fed? Also, hopefully, this won’t have a major impact on economies in the world that are already weakened by bad fiscal policies.
Pleven, Liam and Tom Polansek. “Global Wheat Shortage Feared.” The Wall Street Journal. 3 August 2010.
If this problem grows, the poor of the world will suffer. Will other nations, especially the US, come to the aid of these people and ensure that they are fed? Also, hopefully, this won’t have a major impact on economies in the world that are already weakened by bad fiscal policies.
Pleven, Liam and Tom Polansek. “Global Wheat Shortage Feared.” The Wall Street Journal. 3 August 2010.
Monday, August 16, 2010
July 29: Economic
A study shows that there is a drop in usage of medical services. This appears to be due to the fact that more Americans are buying high deductable plans in an effort to save money. A range of businesses connected to health care from lab testing to pharmacies have shown a decline in the second quarter from over a year ago. This is a surprise to those in the industry. This is partly accounted for by consumer patients’ decisions to not opt for elective surgeries. Economists think that this is due to the recession; others think that this could become a trend. This could lower the cost of health care premiums.
I think that this could actually be a good sign if people take responsibility for their own health care expenses. The idea the universal health care will cover all needs for every person doesn’t make economic sense, and no one wants to government who get what procedures. If people cut back on elective surgeries and pick higher deductable plans this will save the entire system money and could be beneficial for everyone. There will always be people who need financial help trying to receive adequate health care, but if the majority of Americans cannot depend on the government to do this that will help those in need and give Am4ericans control of their own health care decisions.
Johnson, Avery, Jonathan D. Rockoff and Anna Wilde Mathews. “Americans Cut Back on Visits to Doctor.” The Wall Street Journal. 29 July 2010.
I think that this could actually be a good sign if people take responsibility for their own health care expenses. The idea the universal health care will cover all needs for every person doesn’t make economic sense, and no one wants to government who get what procedures. If people cut back on elective surgeries and pick higher deductable plans this will save the entire system money and could be beneficial for everyone. There will always be people who need financial help trying to receive adequate health care, but if the majority of Americans cannot depend on the government to do this that will help those in need and give Am4ericans control of their own health care decisions.
Johnson, Avery, Jonathan D. Rockoff and Anna Wilde Mathews. “Americans Cut Back on Visits to Doctor.” The Wall Street Journal. 29 July 2010.
July 29: International
Iran has promised to discontinue enriching uranium according to officials in the Turkish government. Iran said it would continue talks with major world powers. International leaders are concerned that Iran will enrich uranium to a grade needed for a medical research reactor. There is fear that this is a step toward creating nuclear weapons. Part of the deal involves Iran’s insistence on a fuel swap program which would give Iran the fuel they need for the research reactor. This proposal has been met with skepticism, as Iran has changed its mind numerous times. There is fear that this is another stalling tactic.
It appears to me that Iran continues to be one of the biggest threats to world peace. If they are allowed to develop nuclear weapons they become a major threat to the region and the world. They have proven that they cannot be trusted and have made clear their disdain for most of the civilized world. I think any deals cut with this government should be carefully watched and this country should not be afraid to require sanctions.
Champion, Marc and Jay Solomon. “Iran Offers to Resume Nuclear Talks, Rein in Enrichment.” The Wall Street Journal. 29 July 2010.
It appears to me that Iran continues to be one of the biggest threats to world peace. If they are allowed to develop nuclear weapons they become a major threat to the region and the world. They have proven that they cannot be trusted and have made clear their disdain for most of the civilized world. I think any deals cut with this government should be carefully watched and this country should not be afraid to require sanctions.
Champion, Marc and Jay Solomon. “Iran Offers to Resume Nuclear Talks, Rein in Enrichment.” The Wall Street Journal. 29 July 2010.
July 29: National
US District Judge Susan Bolton ruled to temporarily block some parts of the new immigration law proposed by Arizona. This came on the day before the law was to go into place. The ruling stated that immigration enforcement should be managed by the federal government, not the state governments. The most important part of the law that was blocked was the requirement requiring police officers to check immigration status of people stopped in routine infractions. Arizona plans to appeal the decision. This new law has been the source of great controversy throughout the country since originally signed by Governor Jan Brewer in April. Nearly 24 other states are considering such laws. The Obama administration plans to focus on criminal aliens and those who hire illegal labor. Another section of the law blocked would have required police to detain people while their legal status was being checked. The judge blocked this section because she believed it would lead to wrongful arrest of legal aliens.
This law was put into place because of the problems that Arizona has had with illegal immigrants. More human and drug smuggling is done Arizona than in any other state and currently 460,000 illegal immigrants live there. The rise in kidnappings and violent crime make it understandable that people of the state feel something needs to be done. Although the federal government has been promising help, it has not appeared in a way that Arizonans feel is effective.
Jordan, Miriam. “Judge Blocks Arizona Law.” The Wall Street Journal. 29 July 2010.
This law was put into place because of the problems that Arizona has had with illegal immigrants. More human and drug smuggling is done Arizona than in any other state and currently 460,000 illegal immigrants live there. The rise in kidnappings and violent crime make it understandable that people of the state feel something needs to be done. Although the federal government has been promising help, it has not appeared in a way that Arizonans feel is effective.
Jordan, Miriam. “Judge Blocks Arizona Law.” The Wall Street Journal. 29 July 2010.
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