economy. finance
This video is the third in a series on possible match ups between Republican congressman Ron Paul, and incumbent president and democratic party nominee Barack Obama, and between former speaker of United States House of Representative Newt Gingrich and Barack Obama.
This is third article in a series, analyzing the candidacy of Barack Obama, Democrat and incumbent, in 2012 elections for president of United States. It discusses, in detail, the circumstances he took office in, his agenda for 2008 elections, and his accomplishments and achievements.
This video analyzes the potential match ups for president in 2012, between Republican party nominee Congressman Ron Paul or former speaker of House Of Representatives of United States, Newt Gingrich, and incumbent president and Democratic candidate Barack Obama.
This video is the part two of an analysis on potential match up between Newt Gingrich of Republican party and Barack Obama, Incumbent president and Democratic party candidate. It discusses in detail unemployment, economy, debt, deficit and 2008 financial crisis.
This article analyzes, in detail, the ideology, program, personality, politics and agenda of new front runner, in Republican race for president, in 2012, Ron Paul. Discusses in detail the U.S. economy, finances, budgets, corporate lobbies and welfare, and corporate bailouts.
This article analyses the the Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other entitlement and welfare programs, their problems, causes of these problems, and proposed and possible solutions.
This article highlights the fact that current economic, financial, political, information and influence issues are far more complicated then the way they are presented and dubbed by popular media and some politicians, sold out to corporate lobbies. It emphasizes that the substance and real solutions are way more important then some popular slogans, now, then ever.
This video evaluates a possible match-up between former speaker of the house, Newt Gingrich and president Barack Obama, in 2012 presidential elections. Tries to find out, who would be a better president. Discusses the political programs of Gingrich and Obama.
This video covers a very wide range of currently hot political topics. Starts with the discussion on drop out of Herman Cain from 2012 Republican political race. Broadens down to U.S. politics and taxation. Brings into focus and compares the federal taxes and taxes in various Republican and Democratic states. Covers different forms of taxes like income tax, consumption tax, property tax, car tax and capital gains taxes.
This article provides a detailed, in-depth and neutral analysis on Newt Gingrich and his candidacy for presidential elections in 2012. Discusses his political agenda and election manifesto. Brings into lime light his personality, and past and present contributions to our society, country and nation.
This article analyzes the candidacy of Barack Obama for 2012 presidential elections. Discusses in detail the current economic situation and what is going right, and what is going wrong. Compares him with Republican hopefuls for nomination. Tries to figure out what needs to done and who can do it.
This is the eighth in a series of articles on global recession, it’s causes, effects and fixes. This particular article analyzes the possible role played by paper money, in the light of Mississippi bubble burst in 1720 and John Law’s experiment with it in France.
This is seventh in a series of articles on economic recessions and depressions, their causes, effects and cures. This particular article focuses on common factors in various global economic downturns. Tries to explore similarities and differences in causes and solutions.
This is the sixth in a series of articles on global recession, it’s causes, effects and cures. This particular article focuses on theory, causes and policies regarding recession. Compares different points of view on this subject. Analyses in the light of past recessions and current events.
This is the fifth in a series of articles on causes, effects and fixes for current global recession. This particular article focuses on great depression. Compares the current economic and financial situation with 1930s and points out the similarities and differences.
This is the fourth in a series of articles that provide a historical perspective on causes, consequences and fixes for economic depressions and recessions. This particular articles focuses on theoretical bases and research on economic depressions and recessions.
This is the third in a series of articles on economic recessions and depression, their causes, consequences and fixes. This particular articles focuses on president Hoover’s volunteerism. Sounds like a great idea, but, seriously failed in practical world. Does it mean that government and private sector partnerships never work?
This is second in a series of articles on historical analysis of causes, consequences and fixes for recessions and depression, a frequent happening in Capitalist economies. This particular article analyses thirty first U.S. president Herbert Hoover. Great depression hit us during his presidency and his reforms to fix it are largely considered as failures.
It is now a historically proven fact that depressions and recessions are regular happenings in capitalist economies, including U.S. economy. In this series, we are going to examine the causes of various recessions and depressions, their consequences and fixes that worked, keeping politics and ideology aside.
This is eleventh in a series of articles on national debt, budget deficits and U.S. credit downgrade by Standard and Poor’s. Series provides a very wide and in-depth historical perspective. This particular article emphasizes on the evolution of economic and political ideologies.
This is tenth in a series of articles on U.S. debt, budget deficits and credit downgrade by Standard and Poor’s. The series provides a very broad based and in-depth analysis. This particular article focuses on class struggle, discrimination, control and freedom.
This is the ninth article in a series on national debt, budget deficits and downgrade of U.S. credit by Standard and Poor’s. Series provides a very broad based and in-depth historical perspective. This particular article focuses on the discussion over Reagan’s trickle economics versus buying power of an average citizen.
This is the eight in a series of articles regarding U.S. debt, deficits and credit downgrade by Standard and Poor’s. The series provides a very broad based and deep analysis of this issue. This particular article emphasizes on the evolution and responsibilities of government.
This is the seventh and last in a series of articles regarding U.S, deficits, debt and credit downgrade by Standard and Poor’s. Tries to find out what made us the greatest country and nation in the world and what is causing our downfall. Provides a very broad based and deep historical perspective.
This is the sixth in a series of articles regarding the debate on U.S. debt, deficits and government facing first ever credit downgrade done by a reputable authority. This article analyzes the argument regarding taxes, business regulations and labor unions, in historical and global perspective.
This is the fifth in a series of articles, regarding U.S. debt, deficit and recent, unprecedented, credit downgrade by Standard and Poor’s. Examines the economic, financial and fiscal policies, and successes and failures of president Obama in these sectors.
This is fourth in a series of articles regarding U.S. national debt, financial deficits and the credit downgrade by Standard and Poor’s. Series focuses on a very broad and deep historical perspective. This particular article analyzes the presidency of George W. Bush.
This is the third in a series of articles that examines U.S. debt and deficit in a very broad and deep historical perspective. It focuses on forty second president William Jefferson Clinton, his presidency, policies and contributions to country’s economy and finances.
This is second articles in the series on causes and factors behind current U.S. debt crisis and credit downgrade by Standard and Poor. This piece of work focuses on president George H. W. Bush, his presidency and time. Highlights the positive and negative long term effects of his policies on Economy and finances.
This article is the first part in a series of articles, analyzing in depth the causes and consequences of recent U.S. credit downgrade, from AAA to AA+ by Standard and Poor, first time ever in U.S. history. Provides a very broad based historical perspective to this discussion, debate, controversy, drawback and setback.
This article analyzes the current state of political affairs within United States, in the light of recent debt deal between White House and Congressional Republicans, lead by House speaker Mr. John Boehner. The only time in our history, debt breached the 100% of GDP was during world war two, followed by a gradual decline to less then 50% in early 60s.
This article analyzes the threat of U.S. default, in the light of current political events and developments. Highlights the potential disastrous consequences attached to default. Tries to find out the reasons and causes behind current political deadlock. Digs out the role of corrupt politicians and media owners and executives in this dangerous situation.
This article performs a very broad based analysis of sports, politics, finance, deficits and unions, in the light of recent NFL labor deal. Highlights the dirty politics and the rapidly growing gap between rich and poor. Tries to dig out the causes and proposes the solutions. Points out to the fact that while rich, powerful and famous are still enjoying their constitutional right to organize, the poor people are frequently denied this right.
This article analyzes Internet, it’s impact on individual lives and businesses, and public and private life. Covers both positive and negative effects, pros and cons, risks and benefits. Discusses the psychology of fraud and scams, and offers advice regarding it. Pinpoints the major issues and the related facts. Isolates reality from fantasies.
This article discusses the employment and personal relationships related information available on county and court criminal records. Tells the reader, what can be found and what would it mean for the business, from hiring point of view and for a person from the relationships point of view. Highlights certain, related legal terms and their meanings.
This article analyzes the importance and role of county and city criminal records, in background checks for employment and for the sake of personal relationships. Highlights in detail the pros and cons of different aspects of city and county criminal and background checks. Specifically pinpoints, what you can find out about the person you are investigating and what these finding may mean to you, from employment and personal relationships point of view.
This article provides detailed instructions and guidelines, regarding criminal records searches for businesses hiring employees and for building relationships. Tells you what to look for when selecting website for online criminal records searches and what to avoid, in this regard. Fully makes you aware of pros and cons and the potential risks and benefits involved.
This article analyzes the importance and ever increasing value of background checks in contemporary businesses and relationships, in terms of hiring and building new relationships. Discusses the impact of crowded cities and fast pace on our daily lives. Highlights the possible personal and business consequences of hiring and building long term relationships without knowing the background of new people in your life or business.
This article provides a detailed and comprehensive advice regarding the lookup and retrieval of information, over the Internet, if the only important and reliable piece of information you have is a telephone number. The article analyzes the various options available, in terms of different websites providing different sets of services and information.
This article sheds light on the life, history, views and political activism of Michele Bachmann, a Minnesota rep. and Republican presidential candidate for 2012 run to White House. She is a very strong conservative, Tea Party supporter, who opposes gay marriages, abortion rights and president Obama’s health care reforms.
This article analyzes the proposal and discussion regarding the need to update U.S. constitution. Discusses the pros and cons of this process and need. Tries to find out root causes of the initiation of this discussion and proposal. Provides a historical perpective to this topic and adds contemporary facts and factors to the discussion.
This article analyzes the ideologies, religions and current affairs, on the basis of recent findings and discoveries, regarding the Black Holes. Compares the scientific findings and facts with religious assumptions and theories. Emphasizes on the relativity and motion of all existence, Universe and everything in it.
This article performs a critical analysis of Republican Party potentials for 2012 presidential elections. Analyzes the records, profiles, personalities, styles and eligibility of Republican hopefuls. Provides a definitive perspective to this race under current economic, financial, political, national and international landscape.
This is the fourth and final in this series of articles and concludes discussion regarding concerns in western world, about safety and security of Pakistan’s nuclear technology, assets, weapons and facilities and foreign policy elements on this issue. Emphasizes the value of mutual trust in relationships. Brings into focus the other side of picture, as well, mostly hidden from Western, specially American, audience.
This article is the third in a series of articles on international concerns regarding Pakistan’s nuclear assets, weapons and facilities. It provides a vast historical, cultural, economic, strategic and current background to this intense and heated discussion. Tries to paint a comprehensive and complete picture of the issues.
This article is second in a series on Pakistan’s nuclear assets, technology, weapons, capabilities, their security, and international and U.S. concern about it. It provides a historical, cultural, humanitarian, geographical and tactical perspective to the issue. Shows important details about Pakistan and reveals the aspects unknown to most readers.
This article emphasizes on the basic knowledge about Pakistan, it’s strategic value, culture, strengths and weaknesses. Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world with seventh largest military force. Pakistan covers an area that is roughly equal to the area covered by United Kingdom and France, combined.
This article is the second and last on this series on loss of life, money and property in U.S. wars. Discusses in datail the pros and cons of these adventures. Highlights the the fact that we, in fact, continue to lose, as opposed to getting anything out of these. Brings into focus the the arguments provided in the favor of these costly missions, by United States government and other involved parties.
This article analyzes the casualties and death toll in post 9/11 war on terror in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Pakistan. Finds out, if it is worth the cost, including the serious human cost. Highlights the facts, how false propaganda and dirty politics from our political and media leaders, has lead us to useless and endless, costly wars with mostly no results so far.
This article is second and last of the series of articles on the occasion of Memorial Day, 2011. It provides a very detailed account of the misery, destruction, killings, deaths and massacres caused by World War Two. Performs a very good criticism of war. Analyzes the real loss of life and property behind the numbers.
This article analyzes the theories of hate, war, war crimes, killings and holocaust, at the occasion of Memorial Day, in the light of world war two and the death and other toll caused by it. Concludes with the help of overwhelming historical evidence that war is “the dirtiest” possible game. Tells of story of immense human sacrifice.
This article overviews the the stories of survival, strength, resilience, empathy and love, published in different media, on different occasions, with special emphasis on stories from Joplin, Missouri, after the destruction caused by deadliest tornado in U.S. history. Finds out, how important it is for us to possess the sense of belonging and community in our daily lives and during the disasters, like this one.
This article analyzes the international debt and U.S. financial crisis, their relationship Afghanistan, Iraq and Libyan war and attacks on Pakistan, in the light of U.S. and U.K. relationships and president Obama’s recent visit to Europe, specially U.K. Highlights the recklessness of U.S. and U.K. leaders in handling the financial and debt crises.
This article analyzes the enormous body of evidence, data, reports, research material and articles, in the favor of vastly accelerated climate change induced by human activity, in the light of recent ecological disasters. Provides a basis to think over and reach an informed conclusion, as opposed to the conclusions just based on, “what I heard.”
This article provides an overview of the devastation caused by tornadoes and severe weather related incidences, in Mid-west and Southeast of United States, and the other parts of the world. Tries to separate propaganda from scientific evidence, proofs, studies, reports and surveys. Filled with authentic research and references.
This article provides a review of scientific data published by various organizations and authors, around the World and in United States, in the light of current flooding in many U.S. states. Calls to give up inaction and take immediate and solid steps towards the solutions of the root cause of these natural disasters and climate change, at every level.
This article analyzes the global economic and financial impacts of IMF policies. Addresses the issues like strict monetarism of IMF, causing food, health and environmental disasters in poor countries. Highlights the fact, how IMF supports big corporations by forcing these countries to reduce taxes on big businesses, while, increasing taxes on individuals.
This article analyzes the global terrorist activities and terrorist activities in Pakistan, in particular. Also, discusses the current enhanced wave of terrorist activities in Pakistan, in the light of Bin Laden’s death. Shades a spotlight on the role of media and politicians in it. Provides a definitive perspective to terrorist activities in Pakistan.
This article provides a very broad based perspective on hate crimes, around the world. Analyzes and compares the different forms and types of hate crimes that exist in our lives. Points out to our attitude towards these crimes and the inherent bias in it. It is packed with authentic data and references. Uncovers a unique angle to think and look at this issue.
This is the third and last article in a series of articles, regarding Osama Bin Laden’s death, Pakistan and it’s role in war on terror and Bin Laden’s death. It provides a very broad historical and evidential perspective, and appeals to logic and reason. It avoids and challenges the most speculations and assumptions, prevailing in media nd politics, right now.
This is second part of the series of articles on Osama Bin Laden’ death, Pakistan and it’s role role in war against terror and Osama Bin laden’ death. The article provides a in depth analysis of the situation, with a very broad historical perspective and evidence. Article is filled with statistcs and facts, compared to the pure opinions, being widely published in media, right now.
This article provides a in depth and historical analysis of U.S. – Pakistan relations and Pakistan’s role in global war on terror. Article analyzes the global political, economic and financial issues related to this topic. It draws the bigger and whole picture of the issue, as opposed to the tunneled and narrow view presented by most media and politicians.
As Barack Obama visited the ravaged southern state of Alabama this week, he was confronted by a scene of structural devastation and a local government stretched beyond their means in attempting to support afflicted individuals and families. An estimated 300 people were killed in the series of storms and tornadoes that swept across the southern state belt line last week, with Alabama the most seriously affected ahead of other states including Tennessee, Mississippi and Georgia.
As the local government pleaded for more assistance from their federal counterparts, it drew a sharp focus on the perspective of issues in the US, and also highlighted the problems faced by the government as they try to run a progressive and harmonious country. Tragedies such as the one which beset the southern states of the US require instant and significant attention, and subsequently become a priority regardless of the other relevant issues across society.
The Birther Movement and Political Manoeuvres
As the suggestions of the ridiculous ‘Birther’ movement and speculation concerning Mr Obama’s eligibility as president were finally laid to rest this week, so too a rather ugly chapter of political gamesmanship was consigned into history. However, it was unsettling to see an insignificant and covertly malicious suggestion create such an effortless controversy, regardless of its barely disguised motives of racism and political discontent
Not many issues prompt as much discussion as those that surround judicial procedure and criminal rehabilitation, especially in a society that has a serious problem with overcrowded correctional facilities and restrictions in public expenditure. These are social issues with burden the US at this present time, and are tightly interwoven through the vast sums of public money that it currently takes to maintain the crowded and bustling correctional facilities that are currently in operation throughout the country.
Crime has become something of a social epidemic in recent times, with the last 2 decades seeing the prison population rise by over 1 million inmates. This has unfortunately been the catalyst to the inflated levels of public money that have been invested into building and maintaining correctional facilities, while also accounting for rising amount of tax payer revenue to feed and house the criminal fraternity. With both crime and public spending coming under intense public focus, now is the time to tackle the theories of rehabilitation and how convicted felons should pay their debts to society.
A Case in Point
DC Central operates a Kitchen’s Culinary Job Training program, which is geared specifically towards homeless and previously incarcerated individuals. This is the kind of initiative which has developed in the wake of increased rates of conviction and criminal behavior, and is primarily conceived to give those with a criminal past an opportunity to grow and refrain from re-offending. As this and many similar schemes have a keen basis in the interests of society, they also allow their employees to repay their debts to the society that they once disparaged.
As Barack Obama addressed the audience at a Town Hall event moderated by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg this week, the significance of social media in the contemporary world was partially revealed. Not only did it afford the US leader the chance to address both influential technological innovators and the sites typically young subscriber base, but it could also be seen as a corporeal example of how the government can use new media to engage and excite the voters of tomorrow and effect social change.
Mr Obama used his hour long address to full effect, highlight the significance of scientific education and immigration reform to the technological innovators present, while discussing the virtues of informing and empowering youthful citizens within the boundaries of a democracy. His use of Facebook as an example to support the freedoms now afforded to citizens was key, as this is vindication for the site and social media as a whole entity. Given the efforts of social media brands to evolve their services, this is a critical signpost in their signpost.
The Changing Face of Social Media
Mr Obama is known to be a great fan of American innovation, as he believed this is the result of a freedom of thought that is synonymous with the US. Having cited Facebook in previous addresses, it is easy to see why he is so positive in his assessment of social media and their benefit to society. In 2010, Facebook became the most frequented online global resource, surpassing Google on the way to securing 500 millions users worldwide. This is a reflection of how it has evolved since its inception in 2004, and its progression from being a social network to becoming a core part of business and marketing strategies.
As a budget agreement was finally reached at the 11th hour on Friday, so too the US nation breathed a collective sigh of audible relief. While public sector workers and the families of military representatives celebrated the late resolution, so too government officials assured citizens that they would learn from the lessons of a poorly administered budget. However, given the revelation that top senate officials would have continued to receive pay while those beneath them felt the force of any partial government shutdown, questions have been raised about the influence of capitalism within a democracy.
Capitalist Values in a Democratic Society
The idea that the powerful should continue to receive their pay while those who they serve are left temporarily without salary epitomizes the very worst of capitalism, where influence dictates the distribution of a nations wealth. This notion is troubling enough in a focused and dedicated democratic power, but it is even more worrying when you consider that these individuals in question were responsible for the prolonged budgetary negotiations in the first instance.
Now, this does not mean that capitalism or its principles are divisive in society, or entirely opposed to those which exist in democracy. After all, capitalism supports the freedoms of of enterprise and unlimited trade, and affords individuals the tools to design, create and operate their own business entity. Not only this, but such a concept gifts these individuals the opportunity to shape their own financial destiny, and take tentative steps to becoming the job creators of the next generation.
Once the US emerges from its current financial circumstances, and strives once more for economic prosperity, the hope remains that its government can carry with them the lessons learned from their experiences. As negotiations continue to stall and fail reach a budget resolution for 2012, the law makers and politicians of the country must resolve to never let such a state of affairs develop again, and create an expenditure plan that is both considered and reflects the best interests of society.
Interestingly, there are certain factors of government who are looking to do this at present, by attempting to reduce the funding for prison and correctional facilities and reinvesting this capital into the nations education. As California governor Jerry Brown this week signed a bill to transfer thousands of non violent felons from state prisons to more relaxed county jails, so too a significant step was made to close certain correctional facilities and redirect government funding into educational programs and schools.
A Time for Change
The spending statistics are damning indeed. In the 2 decades between 1990 and 2010, the US prison population has soared by over 1 million individuals, and prompted even more funding to be invested in building and expanding correctional facilities to handle the increasing capacity. Within this period, state spending on prisons climbed by nearly 130 percent, which is an astonishing and troubling six times higher than the total rate of expenditure committed to education.
Historically, public sector employees have always retained the right to strike in order to secure better pay and working conditions, especially when faced with unfavourable government policies or proposed legislation. However, the current economic circumstances of the US may soon make this a thing of the past, as governors are forced to cut their states budget shortfall by bringing public sector employee rights adjacent with those afforded by the private sector. However, while public expenditure must be cut to improve the nation’s overall budget deficit of $1.5 trillion, should it really come at the cost of fundamental employee bargaining rights?
Ohio state legislature this week passed a bill to limit employee’s collective bargaining rights by banning them from striking and also allowing them to refuse to pay their union dues. The primary reasoning behind the idea is to reduce the local governments burden and financial costs, serving the dual purpose of reducing their deficit while also enabling them to compete against more prosperous job creating states. In its is essence it is a logical plan for long term growth, and easily understandable when you understand the recent events in the city of Detroit and throughout many of the southern states of America.
The State Against the Individual
This situation is a textbook example of the main challenge that faces government in a democratic regime, as they are often unable to satisfy the needs of individuals and single groups while also acting in the interests of society as a whole. In this instance, economic regeneration is the best and most suitable methodology for creating prosperity in the state of Ohio, and this can be achieved through reducing public sector expenditure without losing jobs from organizations. Though clearly a way forward for the state as a single entity, it is has already been construed as an elevation of corporate interests above those of the common man.
Time is relentless, and has presided over a plethora of social and political changes in the US, many of which have been to the benefit of individual citizens and everyday existence. However, while it has seen great advancements in medical and technological progress, it has also witnessed the continued degeneration of once great places and cities, as they have become the victim of social and economic circumstances. Detroit is one such city in the US, and it was reported this week that they have become the only state to suffer a cumulative population loss over the last decade.
The Decline of a City
The figures are starting, especially when you consider the consistent population growth that the US has encountered since the turn of 1990. In the decade between 2000 and 2010, the US Census reported that the population of Detroit decreased from 951,270 to713,777, which is its lowest recorded figure since 1910. This is a stark state of existence for the city, which had a peak population of 1.5 million individuals in 1950 and was once the 4th largest city within the boundaries of the USA. This decline is sudden and vast, and with several different financial and social triggers.
At the turn of the century, Detroit was the heartbeat of the US automotive trade, and this prosperity and purpose caused its population to swell accordingly. Sadly, the recent economic hardship and painstaking recovery put paid to this, and seemingly tore the meaning from a city as well the livelihood of many of its occupants. This has had further consequences on the economic performance of Detroit, and the proposed closure of several state schools may well have been the final straw for many of its dedicated individuals.
After 2010 saw a 40 percent rise in the death of law enforcement officers in the US, government officials have this week moved to resolve the issue and offer better protection to those who serve their community. Police representatives have come under increasing fire while in the line of duty, and are currently shouldering the burden of a growing unrest and ill conduct that discerns contemporary society. While the vast and unchallenged presence of firearms is undoubtedly significant, there is also the issue of people’s diminishing respect for figures of authority.
Declining Values in Liberal Times
It is all too convenient to attribute the rise in violent crime with the existence of firearms, but this does not make any allowance for human behavior and values. Guns are clearly dangerous and potentially fatal weapons, so there is always likely to be concern and instances of misuse when they are so prevalent within a culture or community. However, were they not to exist, then humans who choose to perpetrate acts of violence would simply find a different methodology, and use this instead to suit their purpose.
So, we must address the values and attitudes of people who use guns, and maximize these findings to cultivate a more socially suitable behavior. If we look at society as a whole, then there is a clear degeneration in the conduct of young adolescents and teenagers, which is reflective of both their environment and a decreasing level of respect for their elders. This individual ethos is conditioned in early childhood, and if encouraged or unchecked then it will manifest itself though violent or anti-social tendencies in later life.
The concept of stress as an illness rather than an inevitable consequence of a busy lifestyle is a fairly modern consideration, and has no doubt evolved out of the increased knowledge and published findings that exist amongst the archives of the World Wide Web. However, this creates an interesting anomaly, as though portions of society are afforded more luxury, liberty and leisure time than ever before, the instances where stress is cited as a contributor to depression and illness continue to soar. This raises an interesting question about contemporary society, and whether the surfeits of information and leisure may eventually prove debilitating for individuals.
How Increasing Liberty may be Detrimental
Many historians have suggested the leisure and increased liberty have played a significant factor is rising crime rates throughout the centuries, where individuals have been forced to seek a diversity of ways to spend their free time. The insistence is that in more simple times of living, people would work up to 16 hours a day and beyond, leaving little or no time to devote to their own pursuits. Even the act of sex was considered as a purely functional entity rather than one to derive pleasure, and existed to procreate life and breed only.
So, as time and the standard of living has improved, so too leisure and liberty has been handed to individuals, with the result that some have been left feeling adrift, isolated and without purpose. This can be the trigger for various guises of anti social or violent behavior, either as a way to evoke comradeship amongst others or merely to assuage periods of boredom. With this in mind, it is easy to see how the gift of time and leisure can be potentially divisive, especially amongst young or unmotivated individuals.
As the US continues to battle various economic and social issues, there are growing concerns that its leader are falling out of touch with the needs and demands of their people. They undoubtedly have a sizeable amount to deal with currently, especially as they seek to finalise spending plans for 2011 with a financial budget for 2012 required in less than a months time. This lack of cohesion and measured planning is leading to several decisions that may well be considered as rash, all conceived with a view to cutting a vast national deficit.
With the US budget shortfall scheduled to rise to an unprecedented $1.5 trillion throughout 2011, the federal government are faced with the increasingly difficult task of reducing public spending by an amount lowers this deficit without significantly effecting the standard of life for US citizens. This balance is made even more difficult to obtain by a basic rule of economy, whereby a countries prosperity is only as effective as the capital that is invested into it, and governments who reduce spending too drastically will serve to undermine their economy even further.
Timing and Effective Budgeting
Part of budgeting is undoubtedly timing, and preparing a society as effectively as possible for any consequence of spending cuts. This serves the dual purpose of ensuring that any cuts are measured and can be absorbed by citizens without significant impact, while also keeping individuals informed and aware of how budget cuts will effect them directly. While even this is not a policy guaranteed to keep everyone within society satisfied, it does at least mean that the government is doing its best to serve its people and act in a well thought out and transparent manner.
There is an increasing level of financial uncertainty amongst the citizens of the US, a situation which is not helped by indecisive government or an inherent absence of concise fiscal planning. As the federal government continue to debate the details of spending cuts for the coming fiscal year, so too increasingly inappropriate financial fees and charges are being applied to everyday functions, serving only to make a a difficult existence even more troublesome for family units and individuals of the numerous states.
Put simply, a disproportionate burden of the nations debt is been placed upon the shoulders of ordinary citizens, with the inevitable consequence that they are finding it difficult to manage their finances. It is a frequent but distasteful corollary of many recessions, whereby an issue caused in the main by irresponsible government expenditure or lending becomes an issue for the people, leaving them to face economic constraints amidst rising unemployment and social hardship.
Rising ATM Fees in the US
An example of the everyday expenditure issues are hindering the citizens of the US can be witnessed through rising ATM fees, which apply to non customers who use a machine outside of their network. These fees have been in existence for some time, but their continued rise is at odds with the current financial situation facing most of middle class society. Quite aside from the timing, there is a separate issue concerning the methodology utilized by banks and financial organizations, especially those who retain a large amount of ATM’s within a small geographical area.
The US is currently at the mercy of harsh and strained economic conditions, and its middle and lower classes are exposed like at no other time in their recent history. This period of fiscal tumult is also proving a catalyst for alternative social issues, such as benefits protests from public sector workers and a steady rise in national hate groups within the countries boundaries. One of the most significant issues within the contemporary USA is increasing poverty, especially in the face of steadily climbing food and fuel prices, which is threatening to create a significant divide between the north and south of the nation.
The Basics of a Strained Economy
The fiscal circumstances of the current US are of course a reflection of the recent recession and subsequent painstaking recovery. The main issue with a recession of this nature is its presence as a vicious and divisive cycle, that often sees unemployment rise and citizens unable to contribute to an economy. As a consequence, governments are coerced into reducing spending and inflating taxes and prices, creating a situation where basics such as food and drink are more expensive and increasingly out of the reach of struggling citizens.
Traditionally, the US has been revered as one of the most significant national influences across the globe, especially in terms of international affairs and trade. For decades it has led the way in terms of innovative technology, financial growth and cultivating democratic relations with other countries, often with positive and generative effects. However, as the country enters a period of domestic turbulence, there are increasing concerns that it’s influence is diminishing, and that the resident government is stretched too far in attempting to resolve home and international issues.
Resolving Recent International Issues
This is an interesting concept, and poses a question as to whether the nation’s government are caught within a disruptive cycle of indecisive and poorly directed rule. In this instance, this means that the nations governor’s are suffering a collective crisis of confidence in their principles and methodology, and perhaps attempting to meet one challenge too many to restore their sense of self and relevance. For example, the US continue to immerse themselves in international affairs and turbulence concerning Egypt and Libya, while domestic protests and economic issues have continued to spiral and have a negative impact on society as a whole.
This article examines the human rights situation in global perspective. Highlights the fact that in many cases, most advanced and developed nations are still far away from the ideal of “All human beings are created equal”.
Many of the social issues that trouble society are interlinked, and heavily affiliated with everyday interactions. This can create problems in the way that individuals spend their day to day existence, especially where they have a pre-conceived notion of fear that restricts them in their chosen pursuits. This could well be considered as a disruptive and potentially divisive social cycle, and one which can have a negative impact on the overall perception, health and collective abilities of society.
Restrictions in Child Health
An excellent example of this social cycle can be seen in the level of childhood obesity in the US, which is continuing to rise and become an epidemic throughout the nation. This is something which is affecting many western cultures, especially those which encourage specific freedom of thought and deed, and has many possible causes cited for its increase. However, very rarely is the root cause discussed or identified, and many misconceptions exist that concern the role of parents in this issue.
Parents are often criticised for allowing their children expansive access to video games, and not encouraging them to socialize or indulge in additional outdoor pursuits. However, while they are considered as lazy or ill informed guardians, it is possible that their willingness to let their children spend excessive amounts of time indoors is partly due to trepidation. This fear could be attributed to violent crime or instances of child abuse, but regardless of its cause its manifestation can be seen through their conduct towards their children.
In an age where poverty is infiltrating numerous families across the southern state belt line of the US, education is emerging as an even more significant tool to ease the economic burden. It is through formal and well structured educational programs that the youngsters of today will develop their core social and marketable skills, and form a generation of individuals who can contribute to society and improve future standards of living.
However, times of fiscal hardship often create cycles of disruptive behavior, and statistics suggest that child truancy actually rises during these periods. The specific causes can be diverse, but many centre upon economic issues or those that surround social circumstances and individual parents perception of the society in which they live. The issue of truancy is one that governments are looking to resolve, as they recognize the potential effects on future generations of the US.
Beginning with Early Childhood
It is widely accepted that children develop their perceptions and behavioral concepts when they are young, and these shape them through adolescence and into adulthood. This is especially significant in terms of education, as children are required to be both encouraged into schooling and also be helped to sustain an enjoyment of their relevant curriculum. If children are either hindered by parents or encounter negative experiences at school, then truancy becomes far more prevalent in their later life.
Finance is often cited as being influential in modern instances of separation, but this notion is particularly vague and offers only minimal insight to the potential causes. One may assume that this is simply due to general economic concerns, and that divorce and separation are merely inevitable consequences of the global recession and an enforced period of fiscal hardship, where couples are rendered without capital and vulnerable to subsequent social pressure.
However statistics suggest the opposite, and actually reveal that the national divorce rate dropped appreciably during the recent global recession. This is chiefly due to a fall in the amount of marriages commenced, but also because the concept of divorce becomes entirely impractical once wealth is scare and a financial stability needs to be sustained. Therefore, it is likely that more pertinent and specific reasons subsist behind the guise of independent relationships.
The Excesses of Freedom
As an example, irresponsible spending is a common problem within contemporary relationships, but this is an entity that is unique and entirely specific to each individual circumstance. It typically involves an individual within the relationship spending an amount of money that is disproportionate to their actual income, which fosters further issues between the couple that surround both mistrust and disrespect.
