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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.