Wednesday, December 7, 2011
I miss Paul Wellstone
With the discussions we've been having with Reckless Endangerment and the OWS movement I can't help but wonder what the late Paul Wellstone, former senator from MN, would say if he were here to witness today's America. Strangely enough, while surfing the web in a state of nostalgia, I came across a clip of him speaking on the Senate Floor in which he eerily predicts many of the economic risks and dangers that would come to pass just a decade or so later.If more members of congress recognized his creed that "politics is not about big money or power games; it's about the improvement of people's lives" perhaps we'd be in a different place right now.
Belgium's government to be sworn in after 541 days
This news is a few days old but for those of you that don't know, Belgium finally has a government after 541 days. Belgium set the record for the longest any country has gone without a federal government last February after 249 days of political deadlock. The 249 day record was previously set by Iraq last December. In addition, this will be the first time in over 40 years that Belgium will have a french speaking prime minister Elio di Rupo (pictured above). Hopefully he will be able to bridge the linguistic gaps between the francophones and the flemings, which was at the root of the breakdown of the Belgian government. Only time will tell.
Interesting day at State Department
including daily press briefing and discussion with the head of Iraq Desk.
Syria on the brink of Civil War?
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| Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad |
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
The Muppets are Communists (?)
The new Muppets movie has Fox Buniess Network saying so.
Conan O'Brien even seems to concur.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/06/muppets-are-communist-her_n_1131408.html
Hoover must be rolling in his grave...
The End or an Era? No More Next Day Delivery for First Class Mail
Will the postal service eventually be eliminated?
Blagojevich’s Day of Reckoning Arrives
Today, Blagojevich is supposed to testify at the hearing that will decide his fate. As a resident of Illinois, this will be especially interesting after 3 years of waiting, since his arrest in 2008. If Blago is jailed, he will be the fourth Illinois governor to serve jail time and the seventh to be arrested or indicted. In addition, he will be the second governor in a row to be indicted for a federal crime after previous governor George Ryan. I have to love my home state. Can't wait for the decision.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Fox News Field Trip
This afternoon I had the chance to visit the Fox News offices. One of the senior editors at my internship was interviewed by FBN, discussing the apparent underground tunnels beneath the White House.Interesting stats on FBN viewers....
I'm no Megyn Kelly.
Ron Paul's New Video Ad
You are gonna want to see this! Regardless of where you are on the political spectrum, you have to admire Paul's boldness and passion!
Obamacare among many regulations standing in the way of job creation
Interesting piece by George Will that looks at CKE Restaurants as a case study
The reality of taxes in the U.S.
Our office circulated this piece that appeared in our local paper that tries to explain the fact and fiction behind the politically contentious parts of our tax code. It was written for the Washington Post so it may be a little partisan but it's still an interesting perspective, especially regarding corporate tax rates.
White House makes its case to black voters
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Some thoughts
Heaven is where the GOP nominee has Romney's hair, Santorum's chin, Cain's voice, Bachmann's feminine wiles, Perry's laugh, Gingrich's oratory, Paul's conviction, and Huntsman's eyebrows.
Hell is where the GOP nominee has Romney's conviction, Santorum's hair, Cain's laugh, Bachmann's voice, Perry's oratory, Gingrich's chin, Paul's feminine wiles, and Huntsman's eyebrows.
Key Iowa Poll Reveals Top 3 GOP Contenders for 2012
Here is the link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/03/newt-gingrich-ron-paul_n_1127371.html?icid=maing-grid7|maing9|dl3|sec1_lnk2|117557#es_share_ended
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Cain quotes Pokemon movie...
Guess there's hope for me to run for president on a Sailor Moon-inspired platform!
Panel on the Future of Iraq
Please watch this video prior to our visit to State Dept. One of the panelists is John Desrocher, who will be speaking with you. Very exciting opportunity!
Lunch at Ben's Chili Bowl
Here are some pictures Joe and I took from our trip to Ben's Chilli Bowl! The food was AMAZING
Friday, December 2, 2011
Unemployment drops to lowest level in two and a half years
According to the November jobs report, unemployment dropped to its lowest level in two and a half years. However, lest any of us even think of breathing a sigh of relief, the drop in the unemployment rate was partly due to an additional 315,000 workers leaving the labor force. The percentage of Americans actively participating in the workforce dropped to 64%, a historical low.
Words Escape Me
Granted our financial system has been and continues to be in serious disarray after the financial crisis of 2008 but I was astounded to learn that the FED lent out $7.7 trillion(yes with a t) in secret loans to banks since the financial crisis. The Fed essentially loaned money at a 0.01% interest rate to banks to help solidify liquidity in the financial system. To make matters worse, banks have profited off this never ending cash supply by buying U.S. treasury bills at a higher interest rate. Some experts estimate that banks have made as much as 30 billion dollars of these deals. I am just astounded that no one has been held accountable for these types of lending practices. No Wall Street executive has been punished and forgive me for sounding like an Occupier but that is completely reprehensible...thoughts? And I would absolutely love it if someone tells me I am misinterpreting this story/don't understand the whole issue. I am appalled and I need a pick-me-up haha. Not the greatest source but here is Jon Stewart on this news.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-december-1-2011/america-s-next-tarp-model?xrs=share_copy
US Unemployment Falls Below 9%
The unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in over two years this November to 8.6%. In the face of the Eurozone crisis and lack of leadership in domestic fiscal policy this is especially good news. What will this mean for Obama's reelection?
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Visit to the World Bank
European Debt Crisis for Dummies
If you're like me and need someone to explain the European economic crisis to you like you're five, check out this blog post which briefly breaks down the causes and history behind the debt problems in the Eurozone. Not exactly clear what the implications for Washington and the U.S. are yet.
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