Archive for the ‘Public Policy’ Category
China and the United States: Trading Places (communism, capitalism, policy)
Globalization. It’s still the reason for much animosity towards the world’s eight ‘major industrialized democracies,’ also known as the G-8. And while the U.S. has historically been one of the most criticized nations it is increasingly finding itself on the receiving end, as a great place to make fast and easy money.
The rules are changing as the US begins to Nationalize failing businesses and China Privatizes state-owned organizations.
China’s Newest Import to the US: Landlords
US Citizens face a slew of regulations and restrictions when it comes to purchasing property in China - good real estate in China is expensive and the value of the US dollar is relatively low. On the contrary, it is substantially easier for foreigners to purchase property in the United States. In fact, New York City and Washington D.C. topped the list of the best cities for real estate investment published in 2008 by the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE).
Police Use Taser on Hispanic Homeowner and Female Relative, Four Electroshocks, Excessive Force, Caught on Video
A joyful baptism celebration at a Hispanic household in Woodbridge, VA was abruptly interrupted by police who reportedly barged in requesting immigration documentation from the homeowner - the night ended with the tasing (shock with taser gun) of two adults and their subsequent arrest. Relatives of the man and woman that were arrested claim to have caught this all on video. The incident occurred on July 25, 2009.
This story is still very much in development, I heard it on the way to work this morning while listening to the local Spanish-language radio station, El Zol. Relatives of the man and woman who were arrested came on the morning radio show to tell their story. Read the rest of this entry »
Banning the Burqa: France’s President Sarkozy Sets the Stage
Nicolas Sarkozy, the president of France, publicly stated (June 19) his disapproval of the burqa/niqab, stating that it is not welcome in France and renders women “prisoners behind a screen.“ His statements have set the stage for a possible nationwide ban - this ban would obviously apply to everyone in France…but reasonably speaking, it only targets the Muslim population, which makes up between 5-10% of the total population (64 million).
So how many women actually wear a burqa / niqab in France?
There’s no official number, but estimates are in the hundreds - which means it cannot be more than 1,000 women.
Why ban the burqa / niqab?
The case for banning the burqa is primarily based on two points.
- Wearing the burqa in public violates France’s intense adhesion to laïcité, or secularism.
- It is an oppressive article of clothing.
Cuba’s Reforms, Solidarity in Latin America, and Declining US Influence
Raul Castro has officially been president of Cuba since February 25, 2008, when his brother Fidel Castro stepped down from the post for good. Just before retiring from his presidential post Fidel ensured his nation that “this is not my farewell” - and even today there is no doubt that Fidel’s influence remains significant, if not compulsory. That said, Raul Castro is making a lot of changes to the the way Cuba operates - we’re witnessing a slow departure from communism and the simultaneous introduction of capitalism into Cuba’s economy - quite similar to the situation in China.
Domestic Reforms.
Some recent changes include the legalization of cell phone usage throughout Cuba, increasing the amount of state land available to private farmers, and the allowance of some citizens to seek title for their homes. Perhaps one of the most impressive moves was today’s announcement that Cuba is abandoning the egalitarian ’same wage for all’ scheme - now all workers will be entitled to compensation based on skill and performance - an essential component of free market capitalism.
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What’s Killing Children? Diarrhea - Policy, Sanitation, and Handwashing
Global Handwashing Day, October 15, 2008. A brilliant idea being implemented by the right organization, the United Nations. With diseases flourishing and spreading at a rampant pace throughout the developing world this initiative comes at a most critical moment.
In the U.S. and other ‘developed’ nations diarrhea is something we treat with over the counter (OTC) medications and very rarely seek medical attention - the problem just goes away and one returns to ‘regularity.’ Well, this is not the case in the third-world, where diarrhea is a real threat - it’s a fatal disease; in fact, it is the second most common cause of death for children under the age of five. Globally, about 2 million child deaths (children under five) occur every year. (UNICEF)
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DC Single Container Beer Ban, Even-handed or Unfair
Several wards in Washington DC have finally decided to pass legislation that bans local stores from selling single containers of beer. This means that residents will not be able to walk into their local shop and purchase a bottle of beer - instead they’ll have to buy a multi-pack. Community leaders that support this ban are hoping to see a decline in curb-side drinking and a huge litter reduction. It should be noted that retailers can appeal and gain exception to the legislation if they have a good enough reason.
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Economic Stimulus Package 2008 Details
Stimulate Me. Taxpaying individuals will receive at least $600 in the form of a rebate check this May thanks to the U.S. government’s Economic Stimulus Package of 2008. This is going to cost the government $145 Billion (msnbc.com, Jan 08) . The rebate check will be delivered to about 160 million American families (cnn.com, Apr 08).
