The U.S. has really taken a serious and active role in promoting peace and stability across the region. In the Middle East for example, the U.S. has been spending billions of dollars in foreign aid to various countries that need it. Countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel and Egypt are the ones that receive the most or the bigger chunk of money compared to other countries. Lebanon, for one is also a recipient of U.S. foreign aid which goes directly to the strengthening of their military.
Just recently, the chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Howard Berman, decided to suspend the financial assistance the U.S. is giving to the Lebanese Armed Forces. The military aid is estimated to be around $100 million. The reason for such suspension is based on the assumption that the Lebanese government is being highly influenced by Hezbollah militants. Hezbollah is a Shi’a Islamist political and paramilitary organization which asserts influence into Lebanese politics and government decision.
The U.S. was afraid that Lebanon might also use the aid to stage a war against Israel. As we all know, Israel is a major ally of the U.S. and absolution mutual protection is being exercised by both nations. The move by Congress was being reinforced with the recent clash between Israel and Lebanese troops near the border. The August 3 clash claimed the lives one Lebanese journalist, two Lebanese soldiers and an Israeli senior officer. Speculations of Iranian-backed Hezbollah militiamen were the cause of such a deadly skirmish.
Lebanese officials immediately condemn the suspension stating that the move will only weaken the national army which for years has been limited only to internal affairs. For years, the Lebanese Army has maintained over 60,000 troops most of which are still incapable of handling external affairs. Lebanese officials also stated that Shiite militants were in no way involved in the recent deadly clash. Whatever the reason for such unacceptable behavior between both sides, the U.S. is determined to cut military aid and protect Israel, its major ally.
Why is the U.S. sending tons of money to Lebanon in the first place? It is a given fact and we can’t deny it that the Lebanese government is definitely being influenced by Hezbollah militants. It is not a very good idea for the U.S. to support such types of government. Also, with so much financial problems the U.S. is facing internally, cutting on excess spending might very well help a lot. Foreign aid should be the least priority of U.S. government now and must focus instead with basic social services that the American people badly need. With a huge budget deficit, the U.S should rethink their priorities and remove any unnecessary spending.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Internet Neutrality is Under Constant Threat
For over 40 long years, humans have used the internet to freely communicate and to share information with other people from across the globe. It has widely become the primary mainstream media for valuable information. What separates the internet from other forms of media is because of its free nature. People are able to access the internet at the same time contributors and website owners are able to upload information without having the need to pay extra costs or spend a lot of money. Besides, the internet was developed to benefit everyone who intends to use it.
Today, internet freedom and neutrality is under constant threat from capitalists and opportunists who would like to filter internet usage and give more exposure to websites who are able to pay and subscribe to certain packages and deals. Removing internet neutrality would easily mean putting filters in the usage of information and the posting of content. It will control the flow of communication where one needs to pay a certain fee in order to access a certain level of information.
Just recently, major carriers such as AT&T proposed to sell the right to websites or applications in order to get maximum exposure. Websites who are able to pay a required fee will get better services and will be able to load their sites faster while other non-paying sites will be reduced to second-tier service. This will greatly impact non-profit organizations and small business who might not afford the fees asked from them. Wikipedia.org, which is one of the most popular and most used dictionary-encyclopedia website, is in danger of collapse because of this potential change in the governing rules of the internet.
Google on the mean time is evaluating a possible deal with Verizon in making Youtube more popular and better exposed to the public. If this proposal is approved, Youtube will easily crash all other video sharing and video streaming competitors. In case not everybody knows about this, several breakthrough websites were products of internet neutrality. The widely popular social media site Facebook started as only as a school project and eventually grown into one of the most widely used today. With the proposal of Internet Neutrality, these talents and breakthroughs will struggle to make it through mainstream media.
In this turn of events, let us also realize that it is also our own freedom that is very much at stake. Let us not allow these capitalists to shatter the 40+ years of absolute freedom enjoyed by millions of internet users worldwide. By influencing our politicians with our votes, we can tell them to fight for internet neutrality and preserve the usefulness of the internet.
Today, internet freedom and neutrality is under constant threat from capitalists and opportunists who would like to filter internet usage and give more exposure to websites who are able to pay and subscribe to certain packages and deals. Removing internet neutrality would easily mean putting filters in the usage of information and the posting of content. It will control the flow of communication where one needs to pay a certain fee in order to access a certain level of information.
Just recently, major carriers such as AT&T proposed to sell the right to websites or applications in order to get maximum exposure. Websites who are able to pay a required fee will get better services and will be able to load their sites faster while other non-paying sites will be reduced to second-tier service. This will greatly impact non-profit organizations and small business who might not afford the fees asked from them. Wikipedia.org, which is one of the most popular and most used dictionary-encyclopedia website, is in danger of collapse because of this potential change in the governing rules of the internet.
Google on the mean time is evaluating a possible deal with Verizon in making Youtube more popular and better exposed to the public. If this proposal is approved, Youtube will easily crash all other video sharing and video streaming competitors. In case not everybody knows about this, several breakthrough websites were products of internet neutrality. The widely popular social media site Facebook started as only as a school project and eventually grown into one of the most widely used today. With the proposal of Internet Neutrality, these talents and breakthroughs will struggle to make it through mainstream media.
In this turn of events, let us also realize that it is also our own freedom that is very much at stake. Let us not allow these capitalists to shatter the 40+ years of absolute freedom enjoyed by millions of internet users worldwide. By influencing our politicians with our votes, we can tell them to fight for internet neutrality and preserve the usefulness of the internet.
Emergency Aid for Teachers and other State Employees Approved by Congress
With an unstable economy and a looming budget deficit, federal employees are in danger of losing their jobs and entering the unemployment world. Over 300,000 teachers, police and other public workers are all prone to job layoffs which the federal government needs to halt further expenses and avoid anymore increase in budget deficit.
Just weeks before the start of the school year, Congress was already busy drafting a proposal to quickly utilize billions of dollars in emergency education aid to various federal states. This move is seen as a helpful factor in preventing the layoff of thousands of teachers across the nation. Removing thousands of teachers is seen as a very catastrophic event where not only will more people get unemployed, but the quality of education in the country will plummet down as well.
The U.S. Senate has already approved the usage of some $10 billion in aid to educational firms and institutions. It will also provide another $16 billion to provide assistance to various states in funding their Medicaid budgets. This will free up a significant amount of money to pursue other major priorities such as avoiding further increases in tax and maintaining the other employees of the state. The aid will basically benefit about 300,000 workers most of whom are teachers or those who are directly involved with the education sector.
With business institutions losing revenues and individuals also losing their jobs, tax revenues have been continuously in a slump. The measure will basically provide financial assistance and relief to the school districts of each state who was hit hard by the recession. It is welcome news to most federal employees as despite fears of further increasing the budget deficit; the federal government has provided what was desperately needed by local schools and states. Carlos Garcia, superintendent of San Francisco's schools, said that the measure is a great help to schools as it enables them to hire more workers. He further mentioned that for us to get out of recession, people should really start working.
The measure will basically get money by cutting other less-priority programs and raising more taxes on U.S.-based multinational companies. Though the republicans criticized the measure as another repeat of the previous economic stimulus bill which only accounted for another increase in massive deficit, this measure would greatly protect people from losing their jobs. The recession will only get worse when more people lose their jobs and result in poverty. The U.S. government should consider preserving and delivering basic social services to all citizens as they really need it especially at this time of hardships and problems.
Just weeks before the start of the school year, Congress was already busy drafting a proposal to quickly utilize billions of dollars in emergency education aid to various federal states. This move is seen as a helpful factor in preventing the layoff of thousands of teachers across the nation. Removing thousands of teachers is seen as a very catastrophic event where not only will more people get unemployed, but the quality of education in the country will plummet down as well.
The U.S. Senate has already approved the usage of some $10 billion in aid to educational firms and institutions. It will also provide another $16 billion to provide assistance to various states in funding their Medicaid budgets. This will free up a significant amount of money to pursue other major priorities such as avoiding further increases in tax and maintaining the other employees of the state. The aid will basically benefit about 300,000 workers most of whom are teachers or those who are directly involved with the education sector.
With business institutions losing revenues and individuals also losing their jobs, tax revenues have been continuously in a slump. The measure will basically provide financial assistance and relief to the school districts of each state who was hit hard by the recession. It is welcome news to most federal employees as despite fears of further increasing the budget deficit; the federal government has provided what was desperately needed by local schools and states. Carlos Garcia, superintendent of San Francisco's schools, said that the measure is a great help to schools as it enables them to hire more workers. He further mentioned that for us to get out of recession, people should really start working.
The measure will basically get money by cutting other less-priority programs and raising more taxes on U.S.-based multinational companies. Though the republicans criticized the measure as another repeat of the previous economic stimulus bill which only accounted for another increase in massive deficit, this measure would greatly protect people from losing their jobs. The recession will only get worse when more people lose their jobs and result in poverty. The U.S. government should consider preserving and delivering basic social services to all citizens as they really need it especially at this time of hardships and problems.
Monday, August 9, 2010
U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq: The End of Their Combatant Role
After almost 8 years in combat against the Islamic forces of Iraq, Al-Qaeda based in Iraq, Baath Party loyalists and other insurgents, the U.S. armed forces are now ready to give up their combatant role in Iraq. U.S. Commander Ray Odierno stated that Iraq is now ready and capable to run its own government and take internal and external affairs into its own hand. Iraqi people have also taken the challenge in pursuing a stronger government to rule the oil-rich nation.
It was in March 30, 2003 when the first military operations began in Iraq. The world witnessed one of the most systematic, most sophisticated and most advanced aerial bombardments ever done. One of the main highlights of the war was the fall of Baghdad the capital city and the capture of Saddam Hussein. Hussein would eventually be executed because of massive list of crimes he committed against the Iraqi people. But just as the U.S. thought that the war will end, insurgents resulted to unconventional tactics such as roadside and suicide bombing.
It is horrifying to note that at least 1 allied serviceman died in Iraq each week. It is estimated that over 4 thousand U.S. forces have lost their lives in Iraq. There were also international debates with regards to the validity and reasonability of the invasion. According to various surveys, about 82-87% of the Iraqi population opposed the U.S. occupation and with 53% saying that the Iraqi government is better strengthened without the presence of U.S. forces.
It is no doubt that the U.S. has spent a more money in this war compared to the GDP’s of other nations. It has been reported that the U.S. alone has spent $845 billion including foreign aid to Iraq. The total cost of the war will most likely reach $3 trillion. Considering the internal problems such as economic recession and unemployment that the American nation is facing, it is very welcoming to hear that the U.S. has finally decided to end the war and leave the responsibilities to the Iraqi people.
The insurgency will only grow stronger as long as the U.S. forces stayed in Iraq. With the departure of the U.S. forces, Iraqi’s now take full responsibility on taking care of their nation. General Odierno emphasized that it is very important to establish a stable government as fears of civil war might arise. But he further mentioned that he believes the Iraqis are now willing and capable of running their own country. With this, the U.S. will now only function as an adviser role and give full authority to Iraqi politicians. This will not only save a huge amount of American taxpayer’s money but also save the life every American military serviceman.
It was in March 30, 2003 when the first military operations began in Iraq. The world witnessed one of the most systematic, most sophisticated and most advanced aerial bombardments ever done. One of the main highlights of the war was the fall of Baghdad the capital city and the capture of Saddam Hussein. Hussein would eventually be executed because of massive list of crimes he committed against the Iraqi people. But just as the U.S. thought that the war will end, insurgents resulted to unconventional tactics such as roadside and suicide bombing.
It is horrifying to note that at least 1 allied serviceman died in Iraq each week. It is estimated that over 4 thousand U.S. forces have lost their lives in Iraq. There were also international debates with regards to the validity and reasonability of the invasion. According to various surveys, about 82-87% of the Iraqi population opposed the U.S. occupation and with 53% saying that the Iraqi government is better strengthened without the presence of U.S. forces.
It is no doubt that the U.S. has spent a more money in this war compared to the GDP’s of other nations. It has been reported that the U.S. alone has spent $845 billion including foreign aid to Iraq. The total cost of the war will most likely reach $3 trillion. Considering the internal problems such as economic recession and unemployment that the American nation is facing, it is very welcoming to hear that the U.S. has finally decided to end the war and leave the responsibilities to the Iraqi people.
The insurgency will only grow stronger as long as the U.S. forces stayed in Iraq. With the departure of the U.S. forces, Iraqi’s now take full responsibility on taking care of their nation. General Odierno emphasized that it is very important to establish a stable government as fears of civil war might arise. But he further mentioned that he believes the Iraqis are now willing and capable of running their own country. With this, the U.S. will now only function as an adviser role and give full authority to Iraqi politicians. This will not only save a huge amount of American taxpayer’s money but also save the life every American military serviceman.
The Rich are Getting Richer: The Age of Plutonomy is Coming
The economic recession is a testament to how fragile the economy of the US is and how previous bad practices and decisions can greatly influence the future of the nation. So what are the causes for such sudden economic downfall? Simple, the US for how many years, have been shaping an economy where only the wealthy and the most influential individuals or companies dominate the economic scene. From hefty tax cuts to certain privileges, the wealthy has really benefited from the extreme support that the US government has given to them.
According to a recent search by Moody’s Analytics, the top 5% of richest Americans account for over 37% of consumer spending and different payments. In contrast, the bottom 80% only account for 39.5% of total consumer activities. It is evident the rich has been rapidly spending and is capable of spending more while the poor has been struggling and are limiting their spending activities. A report by various economist showed that the top 10% of earners gained about half or 50% of all income in the year 2007. This clearly shows how much of the money is now in the hands of those what we call the rich or the wealthy.
Poverty and the struggles of the middle and lower sector are not only the problems that are brought by unequal distribution of wealth. As stated in the book entitled “The Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger” which was written by British public health researchers Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett, social and health problems such as obesity, usage of illegal drugs, murder and teen pregnancy are all in one way or another connected to the notion of economic imbalance. Because of inequalities in wealth, more people are getting poorer and are resorting to other activities which are not in accordance to the norms of society.
Wilkinson and Pickett also emphasized that inequalities in wealth resulted in poorer health, lower educational attainment, higher crime rates such as murder and robbery, lower spending for basic social services and lower trust for the government. A graph shows that health and social problems are more evident in unequal countries and the US belongs to that category.
Indeed, the US has been slowly becoming a Plutonomy-an economy that is mainly dependent on the spending of the wealthiest individuals and companies. This makes the US economy very unstable and will easily submit to the demands of the very influential upper class. While the inequality worsens, social ills and health problems will only continue to surface and wreak havoc into the nation. The US government should stop giving special privileges to the wealthy and instead work to create balance in wealth. Economic decisions should not only be influenced by a few but should benefit the whole as well.
According to a recent search by Moody’s Analytics, the top 5% of richest Americans account for over 37% of consumer spending and different payments. In contrast, the bottom 80% only account for 39.5% of total consumer activities. It is evident the rich has been rapidly spending and is capable of spending more while the poor has been struggling and are limiting their spending activities. A report by various economist showed that the top 10% of earners gained about half or 50% of all income in the year 2007. This clearly shows how much of the money is now in the hands of those what we call the rich or the wealthy.
Poverty and the struggles of the middle and lower sector are not only the problems that are brought by unequal distribution of wealth. As stated in the book entitled “The Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger” which was written by British public health researchers Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett, social and health problems such as obesity, usage of illegal drugs, murder and teen pregnancy are all in one way or another connected to the notion of economic imbalance. Because of inequalities in wealth, more people are getting poorer and are resorting to other activities which are not in accordance to the norms of society.
Wilkinson and Pickett also emphasized that inequalities in wealth resulted in poorer health, lower educational attainment, higher crime rates such as murder and robbery, lower spending for basic social services and lower trust for the government. A graph shows that health and social problems are more evident in unequal countries and the US belongs to that category.
Indeed, the US has been slowly becoming a Plutonomy-an economy that is mainly dependent on the spending of the wealthiest individuals and companies. This makes the US economy very unstable and will easily submit to the demands of the very influential upper class. While the inequality worsens, social ills and health problems will only continue to surface and wreak havoc into the nation. The US government should stop giving special privileges to the wealthy and instead work to create balance in wealth. Economic decisions should not only be influenced by a few but should benefit the whole as well.
The Moral Hazard Argument and its Implications to Unemployment
The first thing that comes to our mind when we hear about an economic recession is the collapse of numerous business and financial institutions. But perhaps the most significant and most destructive consequences are the massive layoffs and the rise of unemployment levels. With an underperforming economy, business institutions are forced to trim their workforce in order to reduce expenses and increase profit. Unknowing of the greater risks, these layoffs will in fact cause numerous unlikable and devastating consequences in the future.
It is such an eerie and uncomfortable feeling whenever you lost your job which was your only source of income. Most people utterly despise having come to a state of poverty or at least being unable to purchase what one needs or what one wants. Americans will definitely agree with me in mentioning that finding jobs today isn’t as easy as during pre-recession period. More people are losing their jobs or their source of income compared to people who gets accepted for work.
The U.S. Department of Labor stated that the U.S. unemployment rate is now at 9.5% and will continue increase if the government doesn’t find immediate solutions to create newer jobs. What worries most economists and individuals are the 479,000 people who recently lost their jobs and now are applying for unemployment benefits. In July, Republican senators tried to prevent the extension of jobless benefits for 2.5 million Americans. Republicans argue that $34 billion price tag for the bill isn’t reasonable enough as it will only increase the budget deficit.
Arizona Senator Jon Kyl voiced out a more philosophical approach indicating that unemployment insurance doesn’t create newer jobs and will only hinder people from seeking a new work. He emphasized that it is a moral hazard when unemployed people behave irresponsibly and become lazy when given jobless compensation. Several economists and advisers are worried that the U.S. might well become like Europe where unemployment benefits are permanently available and with the unemployment rate considerably higher at normal or recession-free times.
The moral hazard argument was basically tagged as inapplicable at recent times because of the many problems that the nation is facing. Today’s situation is certainly not normal and bad things really do happen. Raj Chetty, a Harvard economist, emphasized that in a recession, cutting jobless benefits to encourage them to look for jobs that do not basically do not exist is very unreasonable. Democrats will pursue the extension of jobless benefits in order to stop the bleeding and prevent jobless people from drowning more into poverty.
It is such an eerie and uncomfortable feeling whenever you lost your job which was your only source of income. Most people utterly despise having come to a state of poverty or at least being unable to purchase what one needs or what one wants. Americans will definitely agree with me in mentioning that finding jobs today isn’t as easy as during pre-recession period. More people are losing their jobs or their source of income compared to people who gets accepted for work.
The U.S. Department of Labor stated that the U.S. unemployment rate is now at 9.5% and will continue increase if the government doesn’t find immediate solutions to create newer jobs. What worries most economists and individuals are the 479,000 people who recently lost their jobs and now are applying for unemployment benefits. In July, Republican senators tried to prevent the extension of jobless benefits for 2.5 million Americans. Republicans argue that $34 billion price tag for the bill isn’t reasonable enough as it will only increase the budget deficit.
Arizona Senator Jon Kyl voiced out a more philosophical approach indicating that unemployment insurance doesn’t create newer jobs and will only hinder people from seeking a new work. He emphasized that it is a moral hazard when unemployed people behave irresponsibly and become lazy when given jobless compensation. Several economists and advisers are worried that the U.S. might well become like Europe where unemployment benefits are permanently available and with the unemployment rate considerably higher at normal or recession-free times.
The moral hazard argument was basically tagged as inapplicable at recent times because of the many problems that the nation is facing. Today’s situation is certainly not normal and bad things really do happen. Raj Chetty, a Harvard economist, emphasized that in a recession, cutting jobless benefits to encourage them to look for jobs that do not basically do not exist is very unreasonable. Democrats will pursue the extension of jobless benefits in order to stop the bleeding and prevent jobless people from drowning more into poverty.
Friday, August 6, 2010
UN: All Humans have the Right to Water and Sanitation
Humans value life more than anything else on this world. That is why there is what we call human rights. These human rights are basically the necessary elements for every person to live happily in this world. Recently, the United Nations along with most nations declared the right to clean water and sanitation as part of the rights that every human should enjoy. The U.N. believes that water is an extension of the right to live or right to life. Without water, people will struggle to survive and eventually end up dying.
According to a recent report, about 884 million people are deprived of their access to safe drinking water. Also, about 2.6 billion people also are deprived of basic sanitation. A lot of people throughout the world are basically drinking polluted or unsafe drinking water and as a result, they develop various illnesses and diseases. It is a given fact that places where clean drinking water is scarce tends to have a higher mortality rate. Without the presence of water, there is no life to sustain.
The United Nations declaration of the right to water and sanitation is a welcome testament to the aim of preserving and giving the highest value to life. This will also urge all the governments of the world to act and perform their responsibilities in ensuring clean water to all its citizens. This will include the protection of water from other sources such as pollution and capitalization. It also urges governments to conduct the necessary steps in preserving and maintaining the quality of water which will be handed down to generations to come.
The U.N. General Assembly resolution gathered the votes of 122 countries. About 41 countries refrained from voting which include the U.S., U.K., Canada and other Rich and industrialized nations. The rest fully supported the resolution. It is intriguing to know that the U.S. which is heralded as a world leader in promoting human rights isn’t giving its full support to this resolution. The U.S. argued that it chose to abstain from voting because it sees the right of water as non-reflective of existing international law. The U.S. is basically saying that the right to water is non-existent.
It is disappointing to know that the rich countries who should be promoting this humanely rights are instead caught up by political stands. What if the U.S. government really does not accept the right to water? Isn’t that a very immoral and unacceptable stand? If the government is really determined to promote human rights, they should support this resolution at all cost regardless if the full details aren’t fully defined yet. If we don’t protect our water resources now, we and our future sons and daughters will be drinking polluted and contaminated water soon.
According to a recent report, about 884 million people are deprived of their access to safe drinking water. Also, about 2.6 billion people also are deprived of basic sanitation. A lot of people throughout the world are basically drinking polluted or unsafe drinking water and as a result, they develop various illnesses and diseases. It is a given fact that places where clean drinking water is scarce tends to have a higher mortality rate. Without the presence of water, there is no life to sustain.
The United Nations declaration of the right to water and sanitation is a welcome testament to the aim of preserving and giving the highest value to life. This will also urge all the governments of the world to act and perform their responsibilities in ensuring clean water to all its citizens. This will include the protection of water from other sources such as pollution and capitalization. It also urges governments to conduct the necessary steps in preserving and maintaining the quality of water which will be handed down to generations to come.
The U.N. General Assembly resolution gathered the votes of 122 countries. About 41 countries refrained from voting which include the U.S., U.K., Canada and other Rich and industrialized nations. The rest fully supported the resolution. It is intriguing to know that the U.S. which is heralded as a world leader in promoting human rights isn’t giving its full support to this resolution. The U.S. argued that it chose to abstain from voting because it sees the right of water as non-reflective of existing international law. The U.S. is basically saying that the right to water is non-existent.
It is disappointing to know that the rich countries who should be promoting this humanely rights are instead caught up by political stands. What if the U.S. government really does not accept the right to water? Isn’t that a very immoral and unacceptable stand? If the government is really determined to promote human rights, they should support this resolution at all cost regardless if the full details aren’t fully defined yet. If we don’t protect our water resources now, we and our future sons and daughters will be drinking polluted and contaminated water soon.
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