This video performs a detailed analysis of the need, hurdles and different views regarding comprehensive healthcare and immigration reforms. Analyses these very important issues in the light of political interests, national security, and economy and financial problems, country is facing.
This video is the second in a series on Healthcare and Immigration Reforms in United States, in the light of election campaigns for 2012 presidential elections. Performs a bipartisan analysis of needs for reforms, different proposals and solutions, and the healthcare reforms under Obama and Democratic government.
This video analyzes the Republican primaries in Iowa and New Hampshire, and discusses the possible outcomes in South Carolina, and Florida, as well. Brings into focus the possible implications of these results on general, congressional, Senate and House races, and presidential elections, this year.
This article is the fourth in a series on incumbent president and projected Democratic Party nominee for 2012 presidential elections in United States, Barack Obama. It analyzes his policies, record, achievements, failures and challenges. Provides a historical perspective to his presidency.
This video analyzes the Republican nomination process for 2012 presidential elections. Discusses, in detail, the 2008 and 2009 bailouts. Explores the constitutionality and legality of bailout for the world’s largest and richest corporations. Examines the taxation in United States.
This video is the third in a series that analyzes the Republican nomination process and Democratic party. Brings into focus the candidates like Ron Paul, Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich. Compares them with incumbent president and potential Democratic party nominee Barack Obama.
This video is the second in series evaluating the nomination of presidential candidate in Republican party, and as a whole. Evaluates the current front runners like Ron Paul, Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney. Discusses their chances against incumbent president and democratic party nominee Barack Obama.
This video analyzes, in detail, Republican nomination process for presidential elections in 2012. Gives a look to the whole process, candidates, ups and downs, potential winners and the ultimate 2012 presidential race. Evaluates, Romney, Newt, Paul and Santorum, in particular.
This video is second in a series on possible match ups between Ron Paul, Republican congressman and Barack Obama, Democratic party nominee and incumbent president of United States, and Newt Gingrich, former Republican Speaker of House of Representatives and Barack Obama.
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 analyzes the religion and ideologies, and their impact on individuals and societies as a whole, in the light of tragedy and massacre in Norway. Compares Liberalism with religious ideologies, in a historic perspective. Discusses the pros and cons of freedoms offered by liberalism and restricted by religions.
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 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 covers the heated discussion and topic of separation of public and private lives, in the light of Anthony Weiner case. Discusses the historical, ideological, ethical, political and religious background of this dispute. Evaluates the role of media in it. Analyzes and compares different points of view. Brings into focus the human nature and science.
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 analyzes the key concepts of cheating, sex, marriage and monogamy, in the light of current events and news. Discusses the eternal conflict between nature, intelligence, ethics, religion and traditions. Brings into focus the historical evolution of various values persisting in different societies and cultures.
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 science and technology advances at a rapid pace, there is a decreasing reliance upon the simple and more traditional techniques of administering and applying medicine. There is some debate to be had however as to whether this is necessarily a good development or otherwise, especially as some studies have revealed the power of basic and natural techniques in treating illness and disease. Should these methods become marginalized, then the scope of available treatments may become reduced and lead to a significant drop in medial progress.
After all, progression and advancement does not need to rely solely on new concepts of methodology. It is simply an application of knowledge to improve a social, technological or medical issue, and it is more the way in which this information is used which is more relevant than its freshness or longevity. Subsequently, established knowledge or medical techniques can remain relevant in the contemporary age, and should not be sidelined on the basis of being traditional or old fashioned.
The Power of Relationships in Healing Disease
Despite the power and increasing diversity of drugs that are available to treat ailments, the power of positive thinking and beneficial relationships have been shown to be key in the recovery of individuals from certain health issues. As a recent study into psychotherapy by the National Institute of Mental Health revealed, maintaining a positive and therapeutic relationship between a therapist and their patient is one of the most effective ways of successfully treating depression, even ahead of modern drug treatments and more cutting edge techniques.
As the news broke today of the death of Osama Bin Laden, so too thousands of US citizens celebrated a significant victory in the war against terror. The known fundamentalist leader and mastermind of the September 11th attacks was captured and killed in a stand off in the Pakistan capital of Islamabad, after nearly a decade of research and the gathering of intelligence led to US special forces discovering his whereabouts and attempting to apprehend him.
The news was delivered globally this morning, prompting extreme emotion in the western world and in the US in particular. As many citizens gathered outside the World Trade Center and in Washington, there was a feeling that at least partial justice had been handed to the victims and families of those who have lost their lives in abhorrent terrorist attacks. However, while this is a significant step in combating those who perpetrate terror and fundamentalist principles, it should be remembered that the threat to civilized society still remains prominent beneath the social fabric.
The Importance of Recent developments
Osama Bin Laden became a revered and much respected figure in fundamentalist circles after the September 11th attacks of 2001, and his death marks something of a watershed in the war against terror. Its significance is especially important given the reported lack of a natural successor to his role, as any organization is liable to become rudderless and vulnerable without a recognized or charismatic leader. It maybe that recent events make Al Qaeda weakened in the face of renewed pressure from the US and similar nations, and provide an opportunity to take a significant stride towards world peace.
The debate that surrounds the application of embryonic stem cell research is intense and passionately fought, but is in fact just a small part of the wider issue of the role that medical research plays in the contemporary age. Apart from the debate that surrounds its purpose and ethical characteristics, there is also criticism of the amount of public revenue that is invested into it for a supposedly negligible return.
Medical research is something that has the potential to create vast improvements in the living condition and prosperity of those afflicted by illness, and as such has remained a significant beneficiary of public funding. Though the investigations and swathes of research that have been conducted have not necessarily made significant steps towards curing long term ailments, the continued and unrelenting pace of scientific progression suggests that this breakthrough is not especially far away.
Natural Selection vs. Scientific Advancements
The supposed lack of tangible results is not actually the main reason cited for opposition to investment in medical research, and it is in fact a moral principle which creates the most significant objection. This is based on the potential eradication of natural selection, which has for years been the single most influential regulator of global and national population. It is the natural process of death that forms part of the cycle of existence, and helps keep the world from the perils of mass poverty and over population.
Stem cell research is a topic that has prompted much debate throughout the US in the last decade or so. In particular, it is the use of embryonic cells that has created the most historical discussion, with its opposition claiming that this practice is in direct disregard to legislation which prohibits the creation or the destruction of embryos for the purposes of research. The Bush administration of the US moved to curtail public investment into embryonic stem cell research, forcing private investors to contribute in reproducing the requisite cells.
The current government and its leader Barack Obama is in favor of the research however, and imposed rules in 2009 that allowed these privately funded cells to be used and tested in a controlled and well managed working environment. Subsequently, the Federal court last week gave Mr Obama’s administration the go ahead to continue their funding of embryonic stem cell research, lifting a previous injunction due to the ambiguity of the existing legislation on public spending in the US.
A Matter of Individual Opinion
It is thought that those who oppose embryonic stem cell research may well take their appeal to the supreme court, so the matter is likely to rage for the foreseeable future and beyond. It is a matter of individual opinion, with the previous administration of the US opposed to its practice and the more liberal government of Barack Obama in support of both the research and their role in funding and facilitating it.
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
With the discussions continuing to rage concerning budget reductions and the correct policy of taxation in the US, the issue of fairness within a democracy is coming under an increasing focus. It is something that is entirely subjective to each individual and their own circumstances, and yet is often cited as reasoning when debates ensue about democratic policy and government rule. The issue of subjectivity is something that is difficult to incorporate when attempting to enforce a policy or law within a democracy, and can lead to complication in terms of the decision making process.
Taxation is a case in point, especially in the light of the suggestion that the US government will increase the tax liability of the rich in order to relieve the burden on lower income individuals and households. Backed by Barack Obama, it has instantly won the approval of an estimated 72 percent of the US society, who are in favor of focusing on the top two percent of earners in the country to reduce the vast national deficit. This is where the issue of fairness becomes important, and influences the thinking of voters and government officials alike.
The Processes of a Democracy
Democracy affords each individual member of a society a voice and opinion on any prevalent social issue, which can influence a government in imposing legislation and policy. However, a government cannot satisfy the requirements of each independent voter, and so must therefore make a decision that best suits the opinions and interests of the vast majority of it citizens. This is a slight anomaly that can complicate the process of a democratic regime, as some individuals can unreasonably expect that a democratic government should cater their their specific wants and needs.
Barack Obama has been forced to face several questions surrounding his exact origin of birth since his inauguration as US President, which either reflects a genuine concern or a unwelcome prejudice that lies beneath the surface of the social fabric. As Arizona governor Jan Brewer this week vetoed a bill that would have required presidential candidates prove their eligibility for office, America took a positive step towards challenging the concept of eligibility and also towards focusing their issues on the key issues that currently bight the US.
Although other states are moving forward with similar bills with a view to enforcing them, they are less likely to succeed in the wake of Jan Brewer’s decision and the inevitable protests against racial prejudice, repression and a specific interpretation of eligibility. Given the Arizona states reputation for backing more radical legislation concerning immigration, their stance came as something as a surprise to those who dispute the merits of the the so called ‘Birther’ bill, and raised relevant questions concerning both the existing law and exactly which qualities are important when running a country.
The Right to Set Presidential Qualification Requirements
Of course the US constitution does afford states the right to determine how its representatives are elected, while also allowing them to ensure that their candidate meets existing constitutional qualifications. What it forbids is any state attempting to impose new legislation that forces qualified candidates to refrain from standing for election, as this addition of criteria is unconstitutional and opposes the democratic foundation of the US. What has further confused recent issues is that the relevant article in the US constitution is open to interpretation in terms of being a natural citizen of the United States.
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.
It is a known and accepted fact that Barack Obama’s preferred policy with regards to tax is to increase the liability of the wealthy, while easing that which rests upon the shoulders of low and middle income households. This is a measure that is apparently well supported within the US government, with a vast majority of Republicans, Democrats and Independent representatives all in agreement that individuals or households who earn more than $250,000 per year should bare the brunt of plans to reduce the national deficit.
Not only this, but US citizens also seem to agree that this is the most positive step that their government can take with regards to taxation. The New York Times recently revealed in a poll that an estimated 72 percent of adults approve of increasing federal taxes on households earning $250,000 per year or more, which is a significant portion of the voting demographic in the US. Though this suggests that the government and its subjects are in accordance, there are economic and ethical issues concerning such a practice within a free and democratic land.
A Thriving Economy
From a purely practical standpoint, there are two significant reasons why increasing the tax liability of the rich would be either inconsequential or potentially detrimental to the economy. Firstly, given the effects of the global recession and subsequent recovery, there are a paucity of individuals and households who earn more than $250,000 in the US. This means that by targeting this demographic as opposed to imposing a 1 percent increase on each level of household income, the government will acquire far less reveneue over the next decade than they have the potential to.
It is a long standing theory that patience is a virtue, but it is also one which is not readily available in our contemporary culture. As technological advancement has improved the speed and ease with which everyday tasks can be performed, so too an entire generation has become accustomed to being achieving instant gratification and satisfaction. This impatience and demand for swift resolution has influenced our feelings concerning less relevant aspects of our lives, such as relationships, career advancement and also the governments approach to social issues.
Subsequently we live in an age where we expect to see any issue resolved both swiftly and efficiently, regardless of its complexity or significance. Whether we address social problems such as obesity or look to improve the level of diversity within a range of professional or academic fields, society is fairly impatient with regards to the amount of time it is prepared to afford those who seek to effect change and improvement. This not only does a disservice to a nations problem solvers, but also serves to increase social tension and discontentment.
The Current US and Desires for Growth
The current economic and social circumstances that afflict the US undoubtedly need resolving, but these changes must be effected gradually and with a view to long term prosperity. While it is healthy for a nations citizens to desire both local and national growth and advancement, these feelings cannot be allowed to manifest themselves in short term solutions and an over eagerness to ensure a speed rather than a quality of resolution. For any social change to reap benefits, it must be implemented and cultivated over a significant period of time.
Alcoholism is something that carries both a national and global concern, and is seemingly becoming prevalent across a younger social demographic. Both the US and UK have had specific incidents recently which have raised concerns about both the attitudes towards drinking and each notions methodology for regulating the consumption of alcohol amongst their citizens. This week was especially prominent, as the US along saw an infant aged 4 treated for alcohol ingestion, while up to 17 states are currently canvasing drinks producers Pabst Brewing Co. to refrain from marketing their beverages to a youthful market.
While the former incident occurred in Chicago and was the latest in a spate of nationwide incidents where children have consumed alcohol in public restaurants, the latter responds to a brand new drink promoted by rapper Snoop Dog. A malt based beverage called Blast, it comes in a variety of vibrant fruit flavors while boasting packaging and marketing material that is suited to a younger audience, yet it actually contains an exceptionally potent 12 percent of alcohol and is stronger than a typical can of beer.
A Lack of Responsible Awareness
The issue of alcohol consumption is not just a problem in the US, and recent events in the UK saw an 8 year old commence treatment for alcoholism after growing up in a family of negligent elders who were heavy and irresponsible drinkers. This may be the formation of a troubling global trend in terms of the social attitudes towards drinking, whereby it may become something entirely anti-social amongst teenagers and young adults. This manifests itself in alternative social issues, such as violent crime and health afflictions.
