MICHELLE OBAMA FORGOES HEADSCARF IN SAUDI ARABIA
Michelle Obama joined President Obama in Saudi Arabia for a condolence visit after the death of the King Abdullah. She stepped of the plane wearing long paints and long jacket, cut no head scarf. It is law there for females to wear headscarf and loose robes. For foreigners though, it is not required. There are strict laws in Saudi Arabia separating men from women. Women are not allowed to drive, they have to get permission from a male relative to travel. When Mrs. Obama stepped off the plane she was greeted by Saudi officials and some shook her hand but most just nodded in acknowledgement.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
4/2
THE 529 MICROCOSM: A REVEALING POLITICAL TRAIN WRECK WITH REGARD TO AN INEFFICIENT TAX BREAK
This train wreck over the White House's proposal and then retraction of a plan to cut back on wasteful tax benefits is instructive. This is a clear example of how much hot air there is in these fiscal debates. The benefit in question is the 529 college savings plan. This allows people to save as much money as they want for college, without paying taxes on that money. The problem with this tax benefit is that is provides subsidy to people who woulds save in other forms anyway. So the White House proposed to tax withdrawals, while boosting better targeted measures to help lower-income households afford college. These efforts were quickly attacked by defenders of the 529s. The White house took everybody by surprise when an official said that this provision has become too much of a distraction and that they were not going to ask congress to pass it. This 529 rollback was going raise close to $1 billion over 10 years, it is hard to think that we are poised for a push on tax reform.
This train wreck over the White House's proposal and then retraction of a plan to cut back on wasteful tax benefits is instructive. This is a clear example of how much hot air there is in these fiscal debates. The benefit in question is the 529 college savings plan. This allows people to save as much money as they want for college, without paying taxes on that money. The problem with this tax benefit is that is provides subsidy to people who woulds save in other forms anyway. So the White House proposed to tax withdrawals, while boosting better targeted measures to help lower-income households afford college. These efforts were quickly attacked by defenders of the 529s. The White house took everybody by surprise when an official said that this provision has become too much of a distraction and that they were not going to ask congress to pass it. This 529 rollback was going raise close to $1 billion over 10 years, it is hard to think that we are poised for a push on tax reform.
3/2
MORMONS SEEK GOLDEN MEAN BETWEEN GAY RIGHTD AND RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
Mormon leaders are trying to find a middle ground in the battle between gay rights and religious freedom. They insist that both problems should be a national priority. A rare news conference at church headquarters in Salt Lake City was held, and the leaders of the Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints condemned the discrimination against gays, and vowed to support them. They wish to protect people from being denied jobs or housing because of sexual orientation. They claim that discriminating against sexual orientation is just as bad as discriminating against race or gender. Now that the church backs nondiscrimination laws it will will make those laws more likely to pass after being stalled in Legislature for so long. The Mormon leaders however, have made it clear that they will not be changing the doctrine, which says that marriage can only be between a man and a women. They say that the doctrine is a scared Scripture, and they are not at liberty to change it. The church is now trying to position itself in favor of both gay rights and the conservative religious opposition to gay rights. The Human Rights Campaign, a leading gay rights organization, says that the Mormon leaders' endorsement is meaningful but it is flawed. This move has been called well intentioned but naive. They have confidence though, that now with the help from the Mormon leaders, a bill that would ban housing and employment discrimination based on someone's sexuality or gender identity.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
2/2
FIDEL CASTRO BREAKS SILENCE OVER THAW IN U.S.-CUBA RELATIONS
After almost six weeks Fidel Castro has ended his silence over the deal to restore diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba. He wrote a letter saying that he supported peaceful end to conflict but still distrusted American politics. Mr. Castro wrote about how he wants to "defend cooperation and friendship with all the world's people" he included his "political adversaries" in that list. The letter was read to students at the University of Havana, and was published in the official Communist Party's newspaper. There had been past rumors that Castro was dead. After he had made an announcement on Dec. 17 of the detente. Castro has left analysts to wonder whether he has approved of the deal. The Letter he wrote was very scattered, talking about global economic inequality and Greek notions of utopia, and also including Cuba's role in the Angolan conflict before he even mention the reconciliation. Castro has repeatedly mentioned that he does not trust American Politics, that he has not discussed this matter with America, but he is not rejecting the proposal.
After almost six weeks Fidel Castro has ended his silence over the deal to restore diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba. He wrote a letter saying that he supported peaceful end to conflict but still distrusted American politics. Mr. Castro wrote about how he wants to "defend cooperation and friendship with all the world's people" he included his "political adversaries" in that list. The letter was read to students at the University of Havana, and was published in the official Communist Party's newspaper. There had been past rumors that Castro was dead. After he had made an announcement on Dec. 17 of the detente. Castro has left analysts to wonder whether he has approved of the deal. The Letter he wrote was very scattered, talking about global economic inequality and Greek notions of utopia, and also including Cuba's role in the Angolan conflict before he even mention the reconciliation. Castro has repeatedly mentioned that he does not trust American Politics, that he has not discussed this matter with America, but he is not rejecting the proposal.
Monday, January 26, 2015
1/2
SENATE DEMOCRATS DELAY G.O.P. ATTEMPT TO FORCE KEYSTONE VOTE.
Democrats in the senate were successful in delaying Republican efforts to force a vote on a bill to approve construction on of the Keystone XL oil pipeline. it was a small victory for the minority part in the senate. It was a procedural vote that is unlikely to prevent the Republicans from eventually approving the pipeline. If/when it is passed in the senate it will most likely be vetoed by President Obama. The vote was a challenge for the majority leader, Mitch McConnell, he moved for a final vote just after a week of debate. Democrats were mad because they said their objections had been cut off. There is concern that the Republican majority is using their power fairly.There has been promise that both sides will try to work together in light of recent events.
Democrats in the senate were successful in delaying Republican efforts to force a vote on a bill to approve construction on of the Keystone XL oil pipeline. it was a small victory for the minority part in the senate. It was a procedural vote that is unlikely to prevent the Republicans from eventually approving the pipeline. If/when it is passed in the senate it will most likely be vetoed by President Obama. The vote was a challenge for the majority leader, Mitch McConnell, he moved for a final vote just after a week of debate. Democrats were mad because they said their objections had been cut off. There is concern that the Republican majority is using their power fairly.There has been promise that both sides will try to work together in light of recent events.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
5/1
OBAMA WILL URGE F.C.C. TO AID LOCAL BROADBAND EXPANSION
Obama will ask the Federal Communication Commission to pre-empt state laws that restrict communities' ability to broaden high-speed Internet access. This initiative includes efforts by the Commerce Department to help communities with broadband infrastructures, with also loans and grants from the Agriculture Department to Internet providers in rural areas. These plans are crucial to Obama's plan to nurture innovation. These tries to remove roadblocks to Internet competition is likely to face resistance from telecommunications companies. removing these strict laws would be an important first step in making competition that would widely expand broadband access.
Obama will ask the Federal Communication Commission to pre-empt state laws that restrict communities' ability to broaden high-speed Internet access. This initiative includes efforts by the Commerce Department to help communities with broadband infrastructures, with also loans and grants from the Agriculture Department to Internet providers in rural areas. These plans are crucial to Obama's plan to nurture innovation. These tries to remove roadblocks to Internet competition is likely to face resistance from telecommunications companies. removing these strict laws would be an important first step in making competition that would widely expand broadband access.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
4/1
OBAMA CALLS FOR NEW LAWS TO BOLSTER CYBER SECURITY
President Obama called on Congress to pass legislation to strengthen cyber security. His concern is about the recent high-profile computer breaches. Obama's proposal would increase the prosecution of crimes conducted through the computer and toughen penalties for them. This new effort came after Obama called for legislation to force American companies to become more forthcoming when credit card data and other consumer information are lost in an online breach. This high concern for cyber security came after the hacking of Sony in December, which the US government says was the work of the North Korean government. Obama is persistent to get legislation passed for the sake of the American people's privacy and safety.
President Obama called on Congress to pass legislation to strengthen cyber security. His concern is about the recent high-profile computer breaches. Obama's proposal would increase the prosecution of crimes conducted through the computer and toughen penalties for them. This new effort came after Obama called for legislation to force American companies to become more forthcoming when credit card data and other consumer information are lost in an online breach. This high concern for cyber security came after the hacking of Sony in December, which the US government says was the work of the North Korean government. Obama is persistent to get legislation passed for the sake of the American people's privacy and safety.
3/1
HOUSE PASSES LEGISLATION TO EASE SOME DODD-FRANK FINANCIAL RULES
On Wednesday the House passed legislation to ease banking regulations that were adopted after the financial crisis. Many democrats voting for it, ignoring President Obama's threat to veto it. The legislation would delay a Dodd-Frank mandate that financial firms sell off bundled debt. The chairman of the House Financial Services Committee saw the changes as "modest clarifications". Obama and senator Elizabeth Warren intend to stop all legislation that further gets rid of Dodd-Frank. All of the arguing over Dodd-Frank is great for scoring political points but the bill, in reality isn't going anywhere.
On Wednesday the House passed legislation to ease banking regulations that were adopted after the financial crisis. Many democrats voting for it, ignoring President Obama's threat to veto it. The legislation would delay a Dodd-Frank mandate that financial firms sell off bundled debt. The chairman of the House Financial Services Committee saw the changes as "modest clarifications". Obama and senator Elizabeth Warren intend to stop all legislation that further gets rid of Dodd-Frank. All of the arguing over Dodd-Frank is great for scoring political points but the bill, in reality isn't going anywhere.
2/1
HOUSE IS READY TO FIRE FIRST SHOT IN IMMIGRATION FIGHT WITH OBAMA
Republicans are firing their first shots in their immigration fight with Obama. The house votes on Wednesday on a bill that would invalidate President Obama's executive action on immigration. Even if it does get passed Obama would veto it. the immigration act would make $40 million that would pay for most Homeland Security operations. Republicans also know that they cannot be held responsible for the Department of Homeland Security to run out of money. Especially now with the terrorist attacks in France.
Republicans are firing their first shots in their immigration fight with Obama. The house votes on Wednesday on a bill that would invalidate President Obama's executive action on immigration. Even if it does get passed Obama would veto it. the immigration act would make $40 million that would pay for most Homeland Security operations. Republicans also know that they cannot be held responsible for the Department of Homeland Security to run out of money. Especially now with the terrorist attacks in France.
1/1
BOEHNER FACING DISSENT AND DEFECTIONS IN VOTE TO REMAIN SPEAKER OF HOUSE
This article is about the struggle of Boehner as the speaker of the house and his relection. Democrats and the Tea party are trying to ruin Boehner and the republican reputation. They use the fact that that Scalise, a republican congress member, was caught many years ago at a white supremacy rally. Democrats are saying that Boehner is responsible for the members of his party and the fact that some of the members are behaving badly reflects back on him. This article also puts the pressure on Boehner that many republicans didn't vote for him.
This article is about the struggle of Boehner as the speaker of the house and his relection. Democrats and the Tea party are trying to ruin Boehner and the republican reputation. They use the fact that that Scalise, a republican congress member, was caught many years ago at a white supremacy rally. Democrats are saying that Boehner is responsible for the members of his party and the fact that some of the members are behaving badly reflects back on him. This article also puts the pressure on Boehner that many republicans didn't vote for him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)