Welcome to a New Era!
April 12, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
Dear Fellow Americans and Citizens of the World,
This morning a major decision was made to allow the smooth transition of Executive Power in the Oval Office.
It was done in order to move forward in achieving the domestic and international goals.
There are far too many challenges to deal with, here at home and abroad.
Beginning with politics, economics, health care, education, social issues, energy, environment, national and global security are the main issues.
In the United States, the economy and the health care legislation require fixing. There is an urgent need to expedite the job recovery and simultaneously revive the slow housing market.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the March unemployment rate remained at 9.7 percent with the number of unemployed persons at 15.0 million.
Of this data, the long term unemployed appears to have increased by 414,000 over to 6.5 million. Further, in March alone 44.1 percent have been unemployed for 27 weeks or more.
This is a difficult situation for the American families and the economy.
Extending the unemployment benefits along with resurrecting the manufacturing base, energize the small business and retail outlets including tax incentives to corporations should provide a reasonable relief to the job market.
The housing market experiencing foreclosures and credit crunch require immediate attention with credit flow and effective strategies to reverse the trend.
Therefore, the American families can retain their home values and for most of them, it would be the loan adjustment programs allowing them to make affordable payments in order to stay in their homes.
Both job and housing markets are dependent on credit supply.
The financial sector is due for a financial reform with the re-enactment of Glass Steagall Act along with an independent consumer rights agency to monitor the home loans, credit card and other retail transactions.
Reducing national deficit and fiscal responsibility will be a primary objective.
A thorough review of the financial market is essential to implement the regulations to protect the consumer, investor and the taxpayer from any future bailouts.
Health care legislation will be amended to conform with the ‘Medicare for all,’ Single Payer System and the necessary reform for the private industry to coexist as detailed in the ‘Universal Health Care’ article recently.
Education will be reviewed to address the funding status in terms of salaries to attract highly qualified teaching staff, school supplies and better facilities, curriculum to assist K-12 students in becoming more competitive at the local and international level.
Focus on Science, Math, Arts, languages, sports will be a priority including programs for students with special needs.
College education fees revised for the students from low-income families and federal grants for research and development to the state run institutions with an investment value return.
Social issues would involve immigration, gay rights; focus on improving poorer neighborhoods and community services, early child centers and senior citizens services to be renewed with an identifiable revenue source to fund the programs.
Energy Policy – Clean renewable energy will be pursued – Solar, wind, hydro thermal notwithstanding bio fuel to supplement the varying demand.
Environment – The Mexico summit in 2010 is crucial for the global nations to accomplish the COP15 agenda and other environmental issues.
National and Global Security – Troop withdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan along with military budget divestments to Peace Corps and diplomacy will precede the extraordinary military budget consumption.
The national and global security issues – A departure from the activities since 2000-2010 on torture, overseas rendition, Guantanamo bay etc. in compliance with the humanitarian law.
High value terror related sources would be verified and structured accordingly to meet with the national as well as international security.
Socio-economic investments in the regions susceptible to terror recruitment will replace the military expenditure.
Economic aid to Africa, Middle East, Latin America, Asia and Island nations will be promoted.
Foreign Policy:
Israeli-Palestinian Peace Treaty – Independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. Palestine and Arab nations’ agreement on recognition of Israeli sovereignty and security. Freezing settlements and return of land to Palestine in the Palestinian territory.
Iran and North Korea – Strategic dialogues initiated with the governments. Efforts in outreaching the population of these countries by exchanging cultural, educational and travel activities would vastly improve the political situation.
Cuba – Dialogue and diplomacy with the Cuban government. Extending round trip travel for U.S. residents and the families in Cuba. Eliminate the trade embargo as it hurts the population more than the power.
Latin America – Democracy will always be favored over military regimes and repressive governments. Military base in these regions is to be withdrawn to ease tensions within borders.
Brazil – It’s an emerging economic power and a regional force in Latin America. There is hope and optimism in the relationship between the United States and Brazil.
Mexico – The drug related violence would be addressed by prohibiting the arms supply from the United States.
United Kingdom – The partner in the Afghan and Iraq war. The U.K and the U.S share a vision on many issues. Exchange intelligence information to safeguard global security and maintain the formidable unity between the two nations.
Russia – It is promising. U.S and Russia along with other nuclear powers should arrive at a consensus on complete nuclear disarmament.
Europe – Healthy relationship will continue and work together on economy, environment and energy policies.
Japan – Strong economic ties and strategic partnership to resolve the North Korean nuclear and political standoff in the Korean peninsula.
South Korea – Warm friendly relations reflected in economic trade, political and cultural exchange.
China – Beijing has been conciliatory on the currency value adjustment. It’s enormously encouraging.
However, fair trade practices towards foreign corporations could enhance the bilateral economic prospects.
Human rights issues in China and Independence for Tibet will commence shortly as part of the planetary preparation to form free nations on earth. I look forward to Beijing leaders’ positive reaction.
India – Many opportunities are on the horizon. Economic, environment, nuclear disarmament, energy and educational ties could mutually benefit the two popular democracies. Regional security in the Indian sub-continent and the Indo-China border would be a dominant issue.
Nepal – The nation at the Himalayan foothill should form a democratic government and not desire a communist system even in a coalition as it had experienced the political unrest from it. Nepal is a tourist attraction for the American tourists.
Pakistan – Similar relationship with that of India. Transform warfare into peace through investments in economic, social and educational projects. Collaborate on eradicating terrorism and share resources for common security.
Afghanistan – President Hamid Karzai’s administration has to disavow corruption and make the government more transparent. Peace with Taliban fighters willing to disarm is a good approach. It has to be a long-term commitment. Afghan government must start working on the economy and the infrastructure.
It’s understandable that it cannot make progress with the war on the Afghan soil. That’s why the troop withdrawal will be a priority beginning this year.
President Karzai should repeal the non-consensual consummation law against women and allocate funding for social advancement to uplift the women’s status. Nation building with international aid is the fundamental step towards progress.
Central Asia – Trade and economic cooperation in the region would be mutually beneficial.
Sri Lanka – The ethnic Tamil population and other minority groups deserve equal economic, educational and social rights particularly the political representation in the Sri Lankan Parliament.
Burma – Democracy is the preferred system by the Burmese population and the military junta should release the pro-democracy leader Ang Sang Suu Kyi for her participation in the national election. Burmese people have suffered long enough. It’s time for them to be free and lead the nation to the twenty first century.
Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam – The U.S relationship with all of these nations is solid and has a great potential to grow in many areas.
South Africa – An economic, cultural, environment and a peace partner with the United States. South Africa is the regional leader in Africa. There are lots to look forward to with the young democratic nation.
Rest of Africa – Renunciation of civil wars, military regimes and corruption is earmarked for the African nations. No more political instability and investments in conventional arms. Instead, African countries will be assisted to become the self-sufficient and economically vibrant region.
Middle East:
Saudi Arabia – Will continue to remain a strong ally of the United States.
The coalition government in Iraq with Sunni representation is important for the region. The United States and Saudi Arabia need to collaborate in helping Yemen economically that would alleviate the Yemeni plight and perhaps end the internal political turmoil. Moreover, the terror networks might find it hard to hire young recruits in a better economy.
Jordan – A great friend and an ally of the United States. The mutual aspiration to see a Palestinian state is imminent. Jordan’s economic and political partnership with the United States is poised for a continuous success.
Egypt – Is another vital representative and a key player in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
United States and Egypt go back a long way in the political remaking of the Middle East.
Like other nations, the people in Egypt yearn for freedom of expression and a free and fair election. Egypt could probably transcend the current system to enable the people rejoice their newfound liberty in the next election.
Iraq – Is unique like a phoenix. The latest general election dispute should be settled without any violence and the secular coalition government is the ideal political solution to bring peace to Iraq. United States troop withdrawal in 2010 would normalize the people’s existence in Iraq.
Syria and Lebanon – U.S. could have fresh diplomatic ties with both nations. At the same time, it’s best for Israel, Syria and Lebanon to reconcile the differences and aim for a peaceful beginning.
Peace is attainable with peace seekers perseverance.
UAE & Bahrain, Qatar and the Rest of the Middle East:
Economic ties and military cooperation with all of these nations are good. Much to anticipate in the long run.
Australia – The land of OZ is a beautiful country with common democratic principles. Environment, nuclear disarmament, renewable energy, trade and commerce create tremendous outcome for both U.S and Australia.
New Zealand – United States and New Zealand could become leading partners in green technology and explore other trade partnerships.
All other island nations across the globe – Each one of you are equally important and the United States will work with you to resolve the environmental threats you face in the rapidly changing climate. We should strive to reach an agreement during the Mexico summit in 2010. In addition, the U.S. will coordinate efforts in the economic, energy and all other fronts.
I welcome you all to a new era. I request that we put our differences aside and work together in harmony for a peaceful, brighter and prosperous world.
We must reject war for peace. Let there be freedom for all with none held against their will.
As the earth’s inhabitants, we have individual responsibility to preserve the habitat for eternal life.
We can make it possible collectively in appreciation of nature’s gift to humanity.
May God bless all and the Planet Earth.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
President of the United States
Visual Content – U.S. Foreign Policy
March 2, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
Pictures are worth a thousand words.
Authors and Scholars discuss the U.S. Foreign Policy in the visual content.
Every citizen must know the government activities.
What is being done by the government of the people to the people of other nations.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Humanitarian Challenge
February 27, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
Recently there was a flurry of criticisms and admonishments for the article titled “His Holiness Dalai Lama in Spotlight,” and the earlier ones related to the,
“Iranian Theocracy cracking down on pro-democracy protestors and the inflammatory rhetoric against Israel.”
Alternatively, the Israeli authorities’ oppression of the Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank.
Likewise, social issues regarding human rights violation –
Self-interest and greed reflected in the globalization v. protectionism including,
The article on the racial attacks against the Indian students and other immigrants in Australia, scorned for the delivery and the condemnation of discriminatory practices.
Hence, it’s important to clarify the difficulties surrounding when addressing social injustice of this enormity.
Needless to emphasize that it’s much easier and less distressing to discuss non-controversial issues related to the economy, environment, travel, food, entertainment…etc.,
However, when the social injustice is concerned,
Whether it’s about the denial of equal rights to the gay community,
Women’s rights,
Burgeoning Health care crisis in the absence of a universal health care or a public option,
Students plight with the rising educational costs,
Growing economic disparity,
Or,
On a serious level – The invasion and occupation of foreign lands through wars,
Nuclear proliferation,
Slighting human rights over economic opportunities,
Double standards in the terrorism definition,
Ignoring environmental warnings…all of which draws immediate attention from the critics representing the specific agenda.
Prior to moving forward with the discussion, it’s necessary to accept the bestowed honor for being compared with the canines by the critics.
As an animal lover, particularly the canines, I consider the comparison – a true compliment.
The reason being, the canines are known for their unconditional love, loyalty and protective instincts towards their owners and the families. They are also well regarded for their intuitive nature.
Due to these extraordinary characteristics, the canines have earned the title as “Man’s best friend.”
Although, sometimes it’s worth posing the question if the man deserves a best friend in a canine.
Similarly, the attacks through innuendoes and nuances seen against the articles on atrocities that were presented with evidence, are intriguing.
Cynicisms vary such as the articles meeting the “critics standards” attributed to the guardian or the ‘Almighty’ out of fear as the case might be and phrased as the ‘Brisk walk.’
While, the so-called ‘inappropriate berating’ of the human misconduct selectively ascribed to the “off-leash” canine, apparently not accustomed to the ‘city lifestyle.’
It beckons the argument on whose side is, these city slickers as the “judges” and “critics” on, when the articles on the website are invariably factual and visuals supported, portraying the systemic degradation of humanity at every level.
If the presentation or the style is the issue, then it’s worth remembering that the art of diplomacy and sophistication is at its best in a dialogue with the virtuous free of vices and that being envy, ego, pride, prejudice and greed.
Moreover, the offenders condemned in these articles are no missionaries or monks in the monasteries.
Instead, they are individuals as well as powerful authorities deliberately and conscientiously engaged in killing and mass murder of their own population, specifically the oppressed minorities.
Economic opportunists causing immense agony and misery for humanity through deceitful and deceptive actions.
It appears that any one daring to highlight the inherent omission of fairness by the corporate owned networks and the political figures’ evasion of responsibility on vital national issues like health care, financial reform, environment are declared ‘reprehensible’ by their representatives.
The double standards in the first amendment act as found in the terrorism definition among the critics are attention worthy.
When the articles on this website raise genuine credibility issue against the major corporations and their political allies, not excluding the foreign governments’ human rights activities, the news outlets are instantaneously used by the mighty and the powerful to warn the legitimate substance or comment as “off-limit,” in a democracy.
On the other hand, the constant vilification of the “progressives,” the “liberals,” anyone defending righteousness and the most favorite of all,
The religion of Islam and its followers…by the Fox news presenters viz. Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and Bill O’Reilly, not barring the radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh are,
Permitted as ‘free speech’ parlance with an exclusive right to trigger violence, hostility, anger and fear mongering.
Even if the extreme provocation leads to untoward incidents like the death of DR. George Tiller of Wichita, Kansas,
The green jobs advocate Van Jones’ resignation and,
Last but not the least, the recent anti-government groups promoted “terrorist attack” by Joe Stack against the IRS building in Austin, Texas.
Despite the track record, when the White House contemplated to exclude the Fox news in the press conference, the entire news media and the leading news organizations deemed such action as objectionable.
Only if the mainstream media like CNN, Fox News and others had placed the former administration under President George W. Bush and the Vice President Dick Cheney in spotlight with tough questions on the Iraq war, akin to the ones posed to His Holiness Dalai Lama, it could have led to a favorable status quo.
Humanity’s response to the Prophets / Messiahs, the Political leaders and the Peace activists thus far has been,
Lord Jesus Christ crucified.
Prophet Mohammad ( May peace be upon him) diminished in status as an alibi by the pretentious followers of Islam like the terrorist network Al Qaeda and others, Iranian Theocracy and the dictatorial powers in the Middle East.
The Holy Buddhist Temples in Afghanistan desecrated by the Taliban forces.
Holy Islamic sites under siege by the Israeli authorities in the disputed Hebron.
Hindu Temples attacked in Kashmir (Indian and Pakistani side) by the Pakistani fundamentalist terror groups.
President Abraham Lincoln assassinated for ending slavery.
President John F. Kennedy assassinated. President Kennedy was a vocal critic of the secret society and the military industrial complex.
Mahatma Gandhi assassinated for the peaceful effort to unite Hindus and Muslims.
DR. Martin Luther King assassinated for civil rights movement.
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat assassinated for signing the Israel-Egypt peace treaty.
Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin assassinated for the peace initiative and signing the Oslo Accords pertaining to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
On an optimistic note, the universal peace mission might have been successfully thwarted by the anti-peace factions for centuries,
Nevertheless, the reversal is imminent in the immediate future.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
His Holiness Dalai Lama in Spotlight
February 23, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
His Holiness Dalai Lama was a guest at the CNNs Larry King Live show on Monday, February 22, 2010.
During the interview, the host Larry King stated,
“Most Americans do not want the United States relationship strained with China over Tibet’s independence.”
Interestingly, Mr. Larry King did not provide any specifics like who exactly these Americans are, the pollster name and details for authenticity.
Such position could not be from the mainstream population given the fact that by and large American people are samaritans and strong believers of democracy including human rights for them and others.
That being the case, it makes one wonder –
Like everything else is Made in China, if the questionnaire for this interview was possibly,
Prepared by China or Beijing’s representatives in the United States due to the provocative and insensitive questions posed in the interview.
Should a major international network like CNN compromise on substance to boost rating?
As for the alleged statement cited by the CNN talk show host, the anonymous individuals prioritizing economic opportunities over Tibetan people’s freedom cannot be living in the,
Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.
More likely, they belong to the – Land of the Narcissists, Home of the Hypocrites.
The people of the oppressed nation, Tibet may not necessarily be the strongest ally of the United States for whom the latter poised as the leader of the free world would not undertake risks against the invader and persecutor, the Communist China, like it did in 1991 –
When the U.S and allies waged war against Iraq in retaliation to Iraq’s President Saddam Hussein’s invasion of a comparatively small kingdom, the oil rich Kuwait,
Or for that matter,
Threatening to wipe out (Obliterate with nuclear weapons- the rhetoric during Presidential campaign) anyone harassing the nuclear armed Israel, the United States surrogate partner in the middle east despite Israel prominently established as the Neo-Imperialist in the region.
Is freedom a natural right and an entitlement for the privileged while remaining a fantasy for the weak and defenseless?
What would be the twenty first century like in the absence of the following events?
The women’s suffrage movement leading to the women’s vote in the United States of America.
If, President Abraham Lincoln had not ended slavery.
A young civil rights leader DR. Martin Luther King daring to dream a world without prejudice.
If, a resilient leader Mahatma Gandhi had failed in the non-violence principle to free his nation from two hundred years of colonialism.
Creating the state of Israel in OId Palestine amid Arab disagreement in the aftermath of holocaust.
The fall of Berlin wall and Eastern Bloc nations set free from the former Soviet Union.
Liberation of South Africa from the brutal apartheid.
Likewise, Independence for the small island nation East Timor -after prolonged tyranny and massacre.
Emancipation of human beings is not up to free individuals or the oppressive authority to decide whether the enslaved are eligible for liberty or not.
Reiterating the earlier message – All living beings are created equal and born to be free.
The people in Tibet, Palestine, Iran, North Korea, Myanmar, Afghanistan and the nations in Africa, Middle East, and Latin America are no exception to this natural rule of law.
No military might and economic power can continue to suppress the freedom of the population for their false sense of political superiority.
His Holiness Dalai Lama for diplomacy sake could seek autonomy rather than independence for the persecuted and tortured six million Tibetans on account of Tibet’s economic dependency on China.
China’s communist politburo decline political freedom and economic opportunities for long oppressed Tibetans in the Buddhist land.
However, India and South Africa would not be independent had they been abandoned under similar notion that the fate of the several millions are better off as the oppressed minority in their domicile.
Every tribe, community and society has leadership potential to guide and govern the people irrespective of the economic and educational status.
It’s an innate quality provided by nature and commonly seen throughout the animal kingdom.
Because of human greed to amass wealth and territories poignantly,
China – In spite of being third largest nation by total area and the second largest in land area, Beijing authorities insist on retaining Tibet, Xinjiang province, annexing Taiwan and currently eying on neighbor India.
Furthermore, the Chinese Communist rule conspicuously reining in on the most powerful nation, the United States transformed into a subservient economic debtor through unfair trade practices.
Not barring the Most Favored Nation (MFN) status, WTO membership and veto power in the UN Security Council consistently abused by the Communist nation at any given time.
Again, the United States and allies biased treatment of other communist nations is noteworthy.
Cuba and North Korea are incessantly subject to economic sanctions for a variety of reasons ranging from human rights violation to the nuclear standoff.
On the other hand, China, the ultimate communist authority with gross human rights violation and utter disregard for international rule of law is granted immunity based on the emerging economic power status by the democratic nations.
United States lacking in political will and corporations with investments in China are pressuring media to evade democracy depriving the people of Tibet the political freedom.
Then the real power – the people as consumers from all walks of life across the world should prove that the political and economic stakeholders can no longer determine the destiny of human beings.
Worldwide boycott of Made in China goods along with investments withdrawal from the state controlled Chinese holdings by humanitarians, democracy and peace seekers for all contrary to the selective few could lead to the beginning of the end of the communist rule in China and elsewhere.
Not long ago, in the latter part of the twentieth century i.e. during the cold war, the former Soviet Union was formidable opponent of the United States.
Lo and behold, the iron curtain dropped astonishing the rest of the world in marking the end of the repressive rule.
History is testimony to the fact that the rise and fall of empire and emperors not attributed to honorable surrendering of power or the oligarchs’ magnanimity but instead the voice for democracy within and outside oppressed nations have enabled the political transition.
With an inevitable freedom for the people of Tibet, Palestine, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea and others, the optimism will prevail over the lingering insecurity among the authorities and their proxies in the political and economic domain.
Caring, compassionate and peace activists from around the world must stage a non-violent protest and display solidarity in the freedom movement for Tibet, Palestine…the only hope and a guaranteed victory towards democracy for these nations.
Finally, the consumer power always succeeds against any economic and political power.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Reflection on the World Economic Forum – Davos, Switzerland
February 19, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
The World Economic Forum on January 27 – 31, 2010, at Davos, Switzerland contemplated the global economic crises.
Speakers from the large consortium expressed their thoughts and hope or the lack thereof about the global economic prospects at the annual meeting.
Summarizing the summit issues:
The general focus has been:
The economic recession.
The financial crisis and the need for financial reform.
U.S economy, the dollar, the deficits and the gridlock in Washington due to Special Interests’ control of Congress.
Skepticism on the EURO currency strength and concerns regarding European market from the economic struggles in Greece, Spain, Iceland, Ireland, Portugal, Latvia to name a few further exacerbated by the majority euro members surpassing the 3percent budget deficit cap, a criteria for the euro currency usage.
ECB (European Central Bank) role in easing the liquidity crisis.
UK urging banks to assume responsibility – i.e. resume credit to the frail economy.
National Debt from bailouts – A common symptom shared by the major global economies.
Emerging Markets’ potential in stimulating economic growth through international mergers and acquisitions.
Corporate leadership in risk undertaking, growth sustainability and resisting or embracing reform.
Technological impact on business and adapting social networking concept to promote global agenda.
Google – China controversy on hackers and censorship.
Green Technology and consensus on the climate change policy.
Humanitarian issues related to natural resources such as water scarcity, inadequate food supply in fighting hunger, poverty and disease worldwide.
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Economic Synopsis – By Padmini Arhant
Global economic recession – The general agreement is:
The massive capital interjection with public money in the private sector particularly the finance and the auto industry in the United States was essential in the year 2008 and 2009 to avert a major catastrophe – a full blown depression.
Following that, the bailed out bankers have supporters and cynicists to defend or vilify the mega rewards via executive bonuses amid severe financial meltdown mostly attributed to the current economic crisis.
Another contentious issue related to the financial sector is:
Should governments continue to bailout banks under the banner?
“Too Big to Fail.”
Regardless, it’s clear from the recent experience that a serious financial reform is no longer an option but a necessity to counteract risk undertaking in the financial market.
Moreover, the finance industry being the vehicle for the economic growth, it cannot resist regulations due to the uninsured public funds management by the private sector.
Evidently, the real estate slump exacerbated the liquidity crisis in the global economies viz. Iceland (nicknamed as the “subprime economy”) Ireland, Spain and not sparing the once booming commercial real estate capital – Dubai, UAE,
Leaving the United States not unique in the burgeoning residential and commercial real estate decline.
In terms of stimulating the economic growth, industrialized nations and the emerging markets face a common dilemma – stimulus packages, bailouts and the rising national debt.
Government stimulus programs target specific industries in the domestic economy with the green technology touted as the promising field.
Unequivocally, the green technology should be promoted by all nations big and small besides infrastructure projects and reviving the manufacturing industry.
However, the stimulus activity is bound to create national debt from the budget deficit because of sluggish GDP and the negative current account balance for import-oriented economies like the United States.
U.S Economy:
Although, the multi-trillion dollar deficit has not drastically affected the U.S credit rating as the investor confidence in the U.S market is not lost,
The status quo cannot prolong with the persisting Republican members’ opposition against tax hikes to protect self-interest and special interest.
Notwithstanding their blockade in the financial, health care and energy sector reform.
Therefore, the American electorate must be careful prior to swinging their support to the Republican members in Congress.
The ideologues were responsible for bringing America on its knees under the disastrous Bush-Cheney administration.
Now, the same republican members are determined to stay on the course to debilitate the U.S economy with an utter disregard for the ‘average’ Americans.
While comparing the economies in the stimulus funding, it’s clear that the nations investing in the domestic economy like China, Japan, India, Brazil… have survived the worst crisis through quasi participation.
Private sector project with public capital infusion is seemingly a viable economic strategy to reduce unemployment and curb public outcry over increasing national debt.
It’s attention worthy that President Barack Obama has similarly approached the economic woes with the SBA loans to boost small businesses, tax credits to the corporations and the green sector only to be browbeaten by the “fiscal conservatives” in name only on both sides of the aisle.
Again, something to remember about the so-called “fiscal conservatives” successful derailment of economic progress.
So far, the opposition policy in every national issue is “Penny wise and Pound foolish.”
Not to mention their conduct exemplified in the tarnished U.S image at WEF with,
Communist China scorn democracy by citing the Special Interests’ dominance in American politics.
The statement is not far-fetched except for scapegoating democracy against totalitarianism.
United States should adopt big and bold economic actions to contain the high unemployment and that would be:
Job creation in the infrastructure projects, innovate the manufacturing sector with technology alongside revolutionizing industrial growth on eco-friendly foundation.
Energizing the small businesses and retail industry is equally important to enhance the per capita income, an appropriate inclusion in the economic progress measurement rather than reliance on GDP growth alone.
United States is rich in resources in every aspect with an advantage of being the pioneer across the economic spectrum.
The rumor about United States weak economic status and attempts to denigrate the U.S dollar as the international currency is nothing but smear tactics by the competitors vying for the leading role in the world economy.
What the investors should bear in mind is the U.S economy’s resilience to rebound in the face of worst economic and political crisis and history is testimony to that effect.
In addition, the democratic system is a positive factor in attracting investments within and offshore.
European Economy:
The EU and the ECB (European Central Bank) proposals are pragmatic in many ways.
ECB intervention to pull the European financial markets from the liquidity crisis would facilitate the anticipated credit flow in the union.
Economic setbacks in Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Latvia and last but certainly not the least Iceland are significant and cannot be abandoned for it might reach a crescendo irrespective of the trade volume.
Accordingly, the conditional offer from Germany and France to bailout Greece is vital to protect the EU economic interest with Greece being the union member.
The leadership in the Mediterranean nation under the Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou is capable of salvaging the dire economic situation.
When the reckless banking sector was bailed out for speculative trading, otherwise gambling of public investments,
The Greek economy with labor capital, entrepreneurial exuberance and political stability deserves EU / IMF /World Bank assistance to survive the economic turmoil.
It would be detrimental to hinder the borrowing opportunity for Greece and other ailing economies predominantly due to the regional impact.
At the same time, Greece and Iceland should be transparent with facts and display fiscal responsibility to the international monetary oversight for creditworthiness.
United Kingdom is right on target in demanding the financial sector to resume credit to the frail economy.
U.K has been forceful in urging the much-required global financial regulations even though not surprisingly, the conservative political faction is against it.
France – Recommendation on the long overdue closing of corporate tax havens is a step in the right direction.
In fact, the rule of thumb for the global economies dealing with budget deficits is to:
Eliminate redundant expenditure
Differ or limit discretionary spending
Scale back unaffordable commitments like wars, conventional stockpiles and nuclear proliferation not barring extravagant agenda like moon travel more for prominence than purpose.
Revision of tariffs and taxation laws to expand the revenue horizon.
It’s imperative to consider tax increases and close tax evasion loopholes through tax havens.
Spending freeze with tax cuts and synonymously tax increases with skyrocketing expenditure would be oxymoron at any given time.
Emerging Markets viz. BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China):
The salient feature in the group is their ability to focus and invest entirely on the domestic economy.
Unlike the United States and NATO, none of the four nations is currently engaged in active warfare though; cross border tension is permanent with contingent defense forces on the periphery.
Still, the four nations ‘combined defense spending falls short of the exponentially escalating U.S military expenditure appropriated for –
Two overt wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,
A proxy war in Yemen with drones and fighter planes provided to the Yemeni forces,
Over and above the U.S military base situated nationally and overseas.
Poignantly China more than Russia is engaged in the lucrative arms race to Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Pakistan, North Korea, war torn Africa – Darfur in Sudan, Congo, Somalia, Guinea, Rwanda…
Yet, not competitive enough to the United States in this respect and confirmed by:
The New York Times article By THOM SHANKER – Thank you.
Published: September 6, 2009
Despite Slump, U.S. Role as Top Arms Supplier Grows
“Despite a recession that knocked down global arms sales last year, the United States expanded its role as the world’s leading weapons supplier, increasing its share to more than two-thirds of all foreign armaments deals, according to a new Congressional study.”
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Economic Synopsis – By Padmini Arhant
BRIC countries impressive performance is expected to continue with the investor confidence higher in these regions than Europe.
Their view on the U.S domestic job creation as isolationism or protectionism do not bode well since the BRIC nations have adapted the domestic investment policy to expedite economic revival.
The irony is the characterization of the United States and Europe adhering to similar strategies as ‘protectionism.’
It’s noteworthy that Brazil, India and China have benefited from globalization with transnational ventures in their shores.
Such anomalies beckon paradigm shift in the globalization concept among the emerging markets.
Some U.S corporations as the global operators echo the sentiments much to the displaced domestic workforce anguish and disappointment.
They remain oblivious to the facts that the United States being the largest consumer base and a major importer is struggling to contain high unemployment, fragile housing market and credit crunch in the financial sector.
U.S economic recovery is paramount for the global economic stability.
Optimize Technological Applications:
World society is more digitalized than before and technology embedded industry maximize efficient output. Incorporating technology in every imaginable field is the cornerstone for the present and future generation.
Green Technology and Climate Change Policy:
Industrialized countries along with developing nations are grappling to arrive at a consensus on climate change policy.
Fortunately there is tremendous enthusiasm towards green technology and the economic powers are reluctant to make the swift transition by renouncing fossil fuel and nuclear power to natural sources like solar, wind and hydrothermal energy.
The main problem lies with the profit guiding politics by the energy behemoths obstructing the fossil fuel and nuclear technology abandonment against all natural elements for energy production.
Life survival and sustenance on the planet is dependent upon clean air, water and food chain maintenance, not achievable without an aggressive climate change policy.
Hybrid policy targeting carbon emissions through carbon tax and cap & trade is the viable solution from the economic and political standpoint, other than possibly winning bipartisanship in the climate bill legislation in the United States.
Humanitarian Issues:
Water scarcity and inadequate food supply is the global challenge confronting humanity.
Emerging markets favoring globalization have a primary responsibility in addressing the plight of the vast majority in their domain rather than exclusively focused on GDP growth.
The population in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East cannot be ignored by the affluent nations and their $100 billion commitment in economic aid during the G20 meeting reflects meagerness and not eagerness to alleviate suffering on the planet.
Poverty being the reality, the global community can provide to the needy by reining in on personal greed.
Communal development against concentrated growth guarantees a bright future for humanity.
Global progress and prosperity begins with economic equality, social justice and political freedom.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
People’s Republic of China – Domestic and Foreign Policy
February 19, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
There is an inherent danger in the hybrid economies with the state controlled capitalism conspicuous in the Google – China controversy with the hackers in China infiltrating the Gmail user accounts.
Having been threatened by Beijing recently, I can relate to the incident.
Hence my message to Beijing is:
I remain steadfast in my commitment to the humanitarian cause and strongly condemn the Communist nation’s following actions:
Human rights violation against the people of China,
Suppression of democracy
Imprisonment of Chinese dissidents
Failure to curb human trafficking and organ extortion crimes in and from China.
Interference in foreign nations’ visitor protocol – example United States and India.
Harassment of foreign investors in Chinese soil,
Patent law and Copyrights infringement.
Music, Movies and Software piracy.
Currency manipulation to gain export advantage against the United States and the rest of the world.
Arms supply to Africa,
Aiding ethnic cleansing in Sri Lanka,
Promoting tension between Pakistan and India on Kashmir,
Territorial dispute with India and incursion in the northeastern border concerning the Indian state Arunachal Pradesh.
Refusing to acknowledge Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Forging defense and economic partnership with the dictatorial regime, the military Junta in Burma.
Non-cooperation with international community on Iran and North Korea nuclear standoff.
Abuse of the U.N Security Council permanent membership.
Declining support in the global financial regulations on tax havens used by corporations.
Disregard for the COP15 Copenhagen environmental accord.
And the most reprehensible crime against humanity being –
The illegal invasion and occupation of the independent nation – Tibet
Innocent men, women, children and the Buddhist Monks of Tibet subject to tyranny and persecution.
Systemic eradication of Tibetan culture.
Desecration of the Tibetan shrines and the Tibetan Buddhist religion constituting sacrilegious in the highest order.
It’s important for the Chinese leadership to understand that economic prosperity without freedom is analogous to the bird with clipped wings locked in a golden cage.
Sooner than later the caged bird would set itself free as all living species are born to be free.
Individuals with authority fail to understand that no matter how mighty and powerful one might be –
All things must end for a new beginning in compliance with the natural law.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
The Iranian Crisis – A message for the Iranian regime and the Republic
February 15, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
Pictures are worth a thousand words @
https://www.padminiarhant.com
Thank you.
President Obama’s $3.83 trillion Fiscal Budget
February 3, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
President Barack Obama unveiled his 10-year macro budget with various economic commitments.
2011 Fiscal Budget is projected with the total revenue $2.56 trillion and total spending @ $3.83 trillion leaving a deficit @$1.27trillion.
According to the impressive layout from the article:
Budget outlook: Budget deficits Published By Jackie Calmes – New York Times and,
Presented by San Jose Mercury News – February 2, 2010 – Thank you.
Targeted Revenues – $2.56 trillion
Individual Income Taxes – $1.12 trillion predominantly derived by ending the extravagant tax cuts allowed to wealthy individuals during the prior administration rule for e.g. the couples making over $250,000 and individuals earning above $200,000.
Corporate Income Taxes – Tax increase on wealthy corporations – Expected income – $270Billion
Social Security and Payroll taxes – $935 billion
Excise taxes – $74 billion
Custom duties – $27 billion
Estate and gift taxes – $25 billion
Other $87 billion
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Budget Spending – $3.83 trillion
Mandatory Spending:
Interest on debt $251 billion
Other – $ 648 billion
Medicaid – $297 billion
Medicare – $491 billion
Social Security – $730 billion
Discretionary Spending:
Defense – $895 billion
Other – $520 billion
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Views and Analysis: By Padmini Arhant
The budget’s focus on two most important factors unemployment and the lack luster consumer spending, responsible for slow economic recovery – is a major step in reviving the sluggish economy.
Unemployment addressed by providing $100 billion to boost the small businesses, medium corporations, middle class, social safety net programs, aid to state and local governments and expanding federal student loan program to enable the Pell grants for easy eligibility would remarkably tackle the national double-digit jobless figures.
Since President Obama pledged to reverse the trend by converting the U.S. market, presently a supersize importer to a profit-oriented exporter, the details on the manufacturing sector are missing.
Manufacturing being deeply hurt in the economy with jobs shipped to China, the blue-collar workers in this area require massive attention as the others in the construction industry. Unless there is a provision already made in the $100 billion fund.
The budget provides further economic stimulus through tax credits to average income families –
$400 for individuals and $800 on combined income including tax cuts for workers and other businesses through 2011 – An enormous supplement towards consumer spending and job creation.
Tax cuts to big businesses should be conditional upon preservation and creation of jobs in the national economy.
Federal aid to state and local governments should contribute to the national GDP considering the severe state budget crisis that has directly affected the public services such as education, health and environment suffering serious job losses from the state spending cuts.
Soaring annual deficit expected to be $1.6 trillion for 2010 due to burgeoning economic crisis dropping to $1.3 trillion in 2011 and, then onwards remaining high based on the rising health care costs and retirement programs for the baby-boom population.
The President’s effort in this regard should mitigate the deficit largely through proposed strategies
and they are –
Slashing funding for numerous redundant programs and freezing discretionary spending for three years.
Raising fees, taxes on banks and the wealthy.
According to the reports, the President approach towards a comprehensive deficit-reduction plan is to set up a bi-partisan commission represented by the lawmakers from both political parties and budget experts. Their task is to involve a package consisting tax increases and spending cuts to slash deficits as well as stabilize government borrowing by 2015.
Although, the Republican lawmakers had initially agreed to the measure, they later defeated the President’s bi-partisan commission plan and retracted from their position confirming the Republican members’ traditional partisanship towards the democrat President.
Despite the setback, the President’s decision to move forward in this regard is wise and the American electorate must remember the Republican members’ refusal to cooperate for the national interest, i.e. alleviating the national debt burden on their children, in the 2010 elections.
Criticisms against the President’s position on Medicare and Medicaid as the entitlement programs and tax revenues not adjusted against the annual deficit reduction by paying down an accumulated debt do not serve the economic viability, but only offer sound bites in the political discussion.
Again, deficit reduction is paramount and it should not happen at the cost of the vulnerable population – the senior citizens and the poorer families who are otherwise the consumer taxpayers.
In terms of paying down the national debt, it could be adjusted from the inevitable economic growth through vast investment in job creation and consumer spending.
Bi-partisan consensus on the economic revival as the immediate priority is oxymoron, if the administration is not allowed to expedite the process through aggressive policies combined with direct interjection of funds into the revenue sectors.
War spending in the amount of additional $33 billion and a total budget $160 billion for the two simultaneous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is an area that could be drastically modified with a concrete exit strategy from both territories in the near future.
Iraq troop withdrawal this summer has been committed by the President and the savings from it could be utilized in paying back the national debt as it would result in the return savings via interest payment contraction on the borrowings.
Passing the health care legislation with a government insurance program should unequivocally cut the health care costs and decrease the deficit because of the widely acknowledged health care expenditure draining the present economy. Even more reason to introduce the public option in the legislation to minimize the projected escalation in health care spending cited above.
Other areas aimed at reducing national deficit are the cutting and eliminating minor domestic programs and major military equipments.
Raising taxes on big banks and oil companies is an effective means to earn income and a long overdue transformation from the Bush-Cheney era.
The White House being optimistic in cutting the inherited deficit in half by 2013to slightly over 4 percent of the GDP juxtaposed to the projected $1.3 trillion deficit exceeding 9 percent of the GDP at the dawn of Obama Presidency highlights the stark contrast in economic policies between the two administrations.
Overhauling finance and energy sector in addition to the health industry would yield the desirable outcome in the national debt decline.
Allocating necessary funds towards education, science and research, food and drug safety, NASA space programs innovation and climate change legislation reflect short and long-term aspirations.
Concerns over sustainable deficits in the long run are justified. At the same time, the confidence in the guaranteed economic boom is disappointingly low especially after successful intervention to avert the financial collapse in the year 2009 that stabilized the stock market up until now, apart from dealing with other economic woes.
“Limited long-term solutions in the budget expressed by the skeptics” – They fail to view the entire picture in detail that ensures the economic security throughout the decade and beyond primarily owing to the robust fiscal policy adopted in the budget.
In fact, it’s possible to balance the 2011 budget with a shortfall exacted at $1.27 trillion.
Defense spending $895 billion is blown out of proportions and require trimming.
Discretionary ‘other’ spending $520 billion upon careful review could lead to huge savings.
The combined total for these two expenses are $1.4 trillion that could be easily restrained to below trillion dollars for the prolonged deficit sustainability.
On the revenue side – Corporate Income Taxes estimated @$270 billion is relatively low for the world’s leading industrialized nation with U.S corporations playing a prominent role as the multinationals offshore. Therefore, the Obama administration could close loopholes in the tax evasion through tax haven and extract more income to reduce the deficit.
Foreign Corporations in the United States should be evaluated for their operation in promoting local employment against enhancing economic prospects to their country of origin.
Likewise, in excise taxes and custom duties – the tariff and import duty revision on overseas items could produce additional revenue.
Similarly, updating the estate and gift taxes including the ‘other,’ is an opportunity to extract more income.
President Barack Obama and the administration have prepared the budget diligently. It deserves praise and credit for the broader vision. The economic recommendations are solid while remaining essential.
However, a daunting task is the legislation on national issues such as health care, finance and energy crucial to contain the agonizing deficit. The grueling legislative process is dominant in opposition and weak in positive action.
Therefore, the opposition from both sides of the aisle must work together with the majority in resolving the economic crisis to benefit the people across the political spectrum.
People should coalesce nationally in this respect and help President Obama and Congress in seeking legislation approval on the listed national issues from across the political aisle, particularly free of filibuster threats.
Perhaps, bust the filibuster movement is imminent.
The legislations are urgently needed for instant economic relief.
Finally, the fiscal budget has –
Remedy for the past problems, Solutions to the present challenges and Investment in future goals.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
State of the Union Address by President Barack Obama
January 29, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
President Barack Obama presented the first State of the Union address to the joint session of the United States Congress.
Appropriately, the core message was about the economy and the various proposals to revive the nation from the prolonged economic recession that began in 2002.
Attention to the small businesses, students and the average American families who represent the significant consumer base is timely and the commitments are economically viable.
The tax cuts to Corporations preserving American jobs is a necessary strategy to deal with the double digit unemployment risen to the current rate by 2.6 percent, since inheriting the 7.6 percent rate in January 2009 when the former President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney left office.
In fact, the $787 billion funding towards President Obama initiated American Investment and Recovery Act helped to contain the economic crisis and the unemployment to a marginal increase against the financial sector avalanche.
There was a large emphasis on education to improve Math and Science skills among K-12 students.
In addition, the President laid out the programs to ease the burden on the students attending Community College through tax incentives, affordable loan payments, increasing Pell Grants and even enticing them to join public service in exchange for the loan adjustment. Of course, the families were included with a $10,000 tax relief for their children’s college education.
As highlighted by the President, sound education is the stepping-stone to progress and prosperity in a society and the effective means to reduce poverty. Also, it would decrease the prison population that is straining the state budgets like in California.
In social issues – the President pledged to repeal the ‘don’t ask don’t tell,’ discriminatory policy in the United States military against the gay service personnel who are equally dedicated in their patriotic duty. A remarkable recognition and long overdue.
On the discretionary budget-spending freeze scheduled to begin in 2011, it’s relieving to note that the safety net for the retirees and senior citizens available through social security, Medicare and Medicaid for the low-income families would not be affected.
However, it’s essential to apply tighter control on the defense spending that is disproportionately increasing against health care, educational and environmental cause regardless of party representation in the White House.
The President urged both parties in Congress to rein in wasteful spending in the form of earmarks or pork barrel – It’s necessary to be discerning in the expenditures given the accumulated national debt.
Job creation through public projects such as high-speed railways and infra structure maintenance is coherent with the former President JFK’s achievement in connecting America from coast to coast.
It’s a worthwhile investment and pervasive in dealing with the energy and environment issues.
The President is right on target in this respect due to multiple benefits on these projects viz.
First, it would decrease unemployment and boost the economy simultaneously.
Second, it enables energy conservation with mass transit possibly becoming the desirable public transportation, besides having a positive environmental impact.
Third, from the health standpoint – the automobile accidents being the leading cause of premature deaths and often leaving the victims with horrific physical injuries in the industrialized countries, the proposed system is a preventive measure in that regard.
Moreover, the stress factor that is common among the motorists could be eliminated as well.
Last but not the least; the local economies would enormously gain from an efficient public transport system attracting tourists within and outside the country.
It’s gratifying to note the President’s affirmation on the health care reform – Echoing the President’s message – Health care legislation cannot wait indefinitely for it’s proved to be a burgeoning crisis contributing to national deficit due to horrendous costs not to mention the loss of lives.
The President also detailed on the financial reform that ought to be implemented to save the domestic and the global financial markets from major catastrophes in the future. It’s crucial for the legislation to be loopholes free to deter the industry from circumventing the rules and regulations.
With respect to the on-going wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the capturing and killing of terrorists might be a partial success for the military operation. Nevertheless, terrorism emanating from despair and desolation cannot be eradicated with military might and sophisticated drone attacks.
In the absence of a functional government facilitating basic necessities like clean water, agricultural and industrial growth, education, health care and social equalities that guarantees freedom to live life with dignity, the regions will continue to be the breeding ground for terror.
The President fulfilling the campaign promise on troops withdrawal from Iraq by this summer deserves praise and credit. Again, the veterans returning home after a traumatic combat situation have to be suitably provided for their settlement in the civilian environment. These patriots and their families cannot be abandoned after their sacrifices for the nation.
Warning the rebels in Iran and North Korea on nuclear programs is warranted. But, the successive failures in the multilateral talks in 2009 and 2010 among the 6 powers including Russia on Iran’s nuclear program suggests the inherent mistrust and power struggle conspicuous in the United Nations Security Council.
Reiterating the earlier suggestion, the solution to resolve the international crisis on different fronts is to expand the U.N. Security Council from 5 to 11, with the inclusion of new and conciliatory members like Japan, Brazil, India, South Africa, UAE and the present defacto member, Germany.
In other international crisis, even though the Israeli Palestinian conflict was not part of the address, the President responded to a town hall participant’s question on this issue.
Despite Israel being the United States strongest ally and the political predicaments prevalent more in Israel than Palestine, Israel’s settlement expansion along with brutal occupation and humiliation through check posts in Palestine must be condemned unequivocally to reflect fairness and United States commitment to an independent two state solution in the region.
To summarize the first State of the Union address by President Barack Obama, the content was relevant with the economy being the primary focus and the well-articulated objectives strengthened the urgency to act on the issues confronting the nation.
The presentation was immaculate for it had the measured composure and at the same time the passionate delivery revealed empathy, resilience and resolve to energize the party members and the democratic base especially after being let down in the preceding political upheavals.
Now, the responsibilities lie with the Congress members of both political parties to lay their ideological differences aside and coalesce to pass the legislations designed to alleviate the average Americans’ suffering, for which the representatives were elected.
The people on their part, i.e. the students, working families, senior citizens, businesses and alike have a unique opportunity to renew democracy by calling the local representatives in the House and the Senate to pass the pending legislations on financial reform, health care and climate bill.
Democracy is efficient with the main street activism to promote the desired ‘Change,’ in Washington and Wall Street.
When we could succeed in 2008, we will do so in 2010, if you make it possible.
Please extend your support to our President Barack Obama and those Congress members who are devoted to your interest and not the special interests.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Obama Presidency – State of the Union Address
January 27, 2010
By Padmini Arhant
On the eve of the first State of the Union Address by the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, the media frenzy with opinions and speculations preceding the important event is not uncommon.
President Barack Obama is scheduled to address the nation and the rest of the world about the administration’s efforts and achievements in the past twelve months and the commitments moving forward.
The past week political and legal outcome has created anxiety and genuine concern among the people and some lawmakers in Congress.
Although, the political consultant based in Washington D.C. echoing the ‘K’ street sentiment by presenting oxymoron analogies would like this development downplayed, the truth of the matter is the high court decision embolden the prevalent corporate dominance and enhance the opportunity for the legislators to either remain or return to power regardless of their detrimental performance in public service.
Assailing the facts as ‘hyperventilation,’ a spin that undermines democracy when the elections are swift boated with the Corporations, Unions and religious institutions’ influence, is rather naïve if not ignorant.
Amid dismal forecasting of the Obama Presidency, the rationality beckons a fair analysis of the Obama administration’s accomplishments and errors since their election to the White House.
President Barack Obama was sworn into the office on January 20, 2009.
State of the Economy:
The former President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney administration left the White House on January 19, 2009:
United States FEDERAL BUDGET – WIKIPEDIA, THE FREE ENCYCLOPEDIA
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_federal_budget
Deficit and Debt Increases 2001-2009 … to a total debt of $10.6 trillion as of January 2009. …
For the first time in FY 2008, the U.S. added $1 trillion to the national debt. …
Then bipartisan Congress approved taxpayer spending on two simultaneous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan by allocating $1.05 trillion up until September 30, 2010.
Source: http://costofwar.com/
Total cost of wars since 2001 until date – $954 billion and rising
Spending on Iraq war – $704 billion and Afghanistan war – $250 billion
In addition, the Bush-Cheney administration Wall Street bailout that included insurance giant AIG, Mortgage lender Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, major banks and the auto industry in 2008.
Reference: www.padminiarhant.com under Business Category, Date – July 23, 2009
Title –Bush Stimulus Package
Total – $1.557 trillion i.e. $1 trillion and 557 billion dollars.
Source: The United States Labor Department
Unemployment Rate in January 2009 – 7.6 percent with 11.6 million Americans out of work.
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Reality Check: By Padmini Arhant
With that being the actual state of affairs, the Obama administration initiative towards jumpstarting the economy was passing a stimulus package to benefit the average Americans and the small businesses worst hit in the economic recession that started in 2002 but acknowledged by the republican members and the Bush administration in December 2007.
Economic Stimulus: $787 billion Passed in February 2009 without any vote from the Senate and a single vote from the House of representative among the Republican minority.
Having previously voted for the Wall Street bailout to AIG and the TARP fund under Bush administration in 2008, the republican members refrained from assisting the American workers and families in the Obama stimulus package in 2009.
Obama Administration Stimulus Funding:
$787 billion economic stimulus package for job creation and tax cuts to help average American workers, families and small businesses.
$275 billion mortgage stimulus program aimed at saving troubled homeowners from foreclosure.
$30 billion bail out to AIG (in addition to the $150 billion Bush administration bailout to the insurance giant in 2008) to avert the conglomerate collapse.
$1 trillion “toxic asset” buyout program designed to get under-water assets off the U.S. banks balance sheets and facilitate the credit flow in the market to help small businesses, first home buyers, home owners refinancing as wells as the medium corporations in retaining jobs.
At the end of March 2009, the Obama Administration gave automakers General Motors and Chrysler another $22 billion in low-interest loans to protect the manufacturing jobs.
In June, the Obama Administration gave General Motors another $30 billion to help them steer through bankruptcy.
Total Obama Stimulus Package – $2.1 trillion dollars – $2 trillion and $144 billion dollars, of that $1 trillion relates to “toxic asset’ program.
It’s noteworthy that the subprime and hedge fund activities accompanied by various Wall Street speculative gambling happened on Bush-Cheney administration and the republican majority watch i.e. 2000-2006 and the recession had already been well under way, even though they refused to take responsibility.
2000 – 2006 the republican members controlled all three branches of the government.
The legislative i.e. both the House and the Senate, The executive, a.k.a. The White House and the judiciary branch.
During that time, the Bush-Cheney Presidency was preoccupied with the wild adventure in Iraq that commenced in 2003 under the pretext of WMD, the weapons of mass destruction that turned out to be Work of Mass Deception.
Again, the Bush-Cheney administration and the republican members were focused on the Halliburton, the oilfield service corporation and its subsidiary, the Kellogg Corporation’s prosperity by neglecting the U.S economy and the brewing global financial crisis.
When the same republican Congress and the Bush administration decided to accept the financial debacle and the economic crisis in December 2007, it’s a year after the democrats gained majority in the House of Congress with the selective news network and the republican members blaming the democrats for the economic crisis.
Shifting attention to the year 2009 -2010, the Obama administration and the democratic Congress passed the necessary legislations to stimulate the economy and devoted much of their time towards the historic health care reform.
President Obama and Democrat Congress Accomplishments:
Economy –
– Salvaged the global financial markets from the brink of collapse,
– Extended unemployment benefits to help families survive the massive layoffs,
– federal tax credits to first home buyers that decelerated the crumbling housing market,
– Stimulus funding generated jobs for the veterans and the green technology projects.
Education and Arts:
Provided College Students relief by shifting the unaffordable student loan payments from the private industry to non-profit organizations.
$787 billion Stimulus Package included –
Federal funding to boost K-12 education supplementing the state budget crisis across the nation.
Federal funding to preserve arts and cultural science.
Health Care Legislation – A phenomenal feat by the democrats in the Congress and the White House, despite the existing resistance from the health care industry to block the legislation.
Poignantly, the milestones in the health care legislation reached without any republican votes in the Senate and again may be with an exception of a single vote from the House of representative.
Average Americans across the nation shared their harrowing experiences from the health care industry abuses and pleaded with their representatives for a universal Medicare and save American lives – approximately 45,000 dying every year due to denial and the lack of health insurance.
Besides, the members of both political parties were well informed on the burgeoning health care costs contributing to the national deficit, an issue that has been squarely attributed to the democrats by the republican members while forgetting their own legacy to the American taxpayers, the accumulated $10.6 trillion, the wars, bailouts…cited above.
Energy and Environment:
The Copenhagen summit in December 2009 is a huge disappointment.
Nevertheless, there is an opportunity in the remaining term to accomplish the desirable goals.
President Barack Obama’s domestic environmental actions surpass the expectations in the first year.
Source: Environmental Policy – San Jose Mercury News, January 19, 2010 – By Paul Rogers
“The economy, war and health care are dominating discussions about what he has or hasn’t accomplished.
Yet with little notice from the public, Obama has been steadily rewriting a major area of American policy – the environment – from global warming to gas mileage rules, logging to endangered species.
Many of his initiatives have particular impact on California.
Obama on the Environment:
Increased gas mileage standards for cars and light trucks 40 percent, to 35 mpg by 2016.
Signed a bill establishing 2.1 million new acres of federally protected wilderness, the largest such bill since President Bill Clinton signed the Desert Protection Act in 1994.
The bill bans logging, mining and road building on federal forests and deserts in nine states, including portions of Joshua tree and Sequoia national parks and ancient bristlecone pine forests in the eastern Sierra.
Announced tougher new national smog standards from the EPA this month i.e. January 2010.
Issued EPA rules requiring large U.S. ships to cut soot emissions by 85 percent.
Blocked Bush administration rules on offshore drilling and endangered species protections.
Begun a process in December in which the Environmental Protection Agency will, for the first time, restrict the amount of greenhouse gases industry can release.
Directed more than $50 billion in funding and tax credits for renewable energy projects.
“This is by far the best first year on the environment of any president in history, including Teddy Roosevelt,” said Carl Pope, national executive director of the Sierra Club, in San Francisco.
“Most presidents have done their best environmental work late in their term. This is very very strong opening.”
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Democratic Congress and White House Administration errors requiring correction:
Domestic Policy: By Padmini Arhant
Passing legislations in the partisan atmosphere is a daunting task in itself.
Both the White House and the democratic Congress have not been meticulous in the policy implementations such as,
Banks bailout approval without any stipulations.
Oversight and accountability on the stimulus funding slighted by the financial industry.
Failure to reserve actions against banks’ non-compliance in easing the liquidity crisis and the housing market revival.
Resisting pork barrel or earmarks in the stimulus funding to negate the opposition and the selective media hypocrisy.
Recruiting the faulty economic team otherwise known as the Wall Street oligarchy –
The Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, the economic adviser Larry Summers and now backing the Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke for a second term, much against the main street protest is a tremendous political liability.
Further, the team members were the head of the respective institutions that led the economy to a near free fall and arguably viewed by the general public as the lobbyists for the financial sector.
Job creation and protection – It’s been slow irrespective of the stimulus programs and is the primary cause for losing the recent elections.
It could be recovered by offering tax cuts to deserving corporations preserving jobs as opposed to exporting jobs overseas.
Incentivizing manufacturing sector by reviewing trade and commerce law.
Embracing protectionism over globalization is necessary to promote domestic jobs, thereby confirming the White House and Congress priority for the American people over the overseas financier, China.
Regulations and reform in the finance, health care and energy sector is paramount for the present survival and future growth.
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Foreign Policy: By Padmini Arhant
Haiti disaster fund $100 million by the administration is commendable but news reports regarding the U.S military presence overwhelming the rescue and relief operation was alarming.
Remarkable improvement in the U.S. and Russian relationship particularly in the dialogue related to conventional stockpiles and nuclear arsenal reduction treaty.
The 64th U.N General Assembly session in September 2009 – Smart approach to discuss nuclear non-proliferation even though nuclear disarmament is the ideal path towards global peace and security.
G-20 meeting in April and September 2009 was a success and progress dependent on pending U.S financial reform.
April 2009 – $1 Trillion Stimulus Package – G-20 World Leaders Stimulus
The leaders of the 20 most powerful countries in the world (representing 85% of global economic production) convened in London and agreed to $1 trillion in economic stimulus funds, as well as tighter global financial regulations.
Environmental – COP15, Copenhagen Summit – A failure.
There is hope to realize the environmental scope in the 2010 and future global summits. The environmental pursuit must begin with the U.S climate bill legislation to gain credibility in the international forum.
Domestic issues like economy, health care, debates surrounding the troops increase in Afghanistan and national security have consumed most part of the 2009 and overshadowed the prominent world crises.
Pakistan – Financial aid to advance socio-economic development is a positive step as long as the funds are invested to alleviate the population plight and educate the children in the rural and urban areas. Drone attacks have caused many civilian casualties justifiably triggering anger and frustration among the local victims.
Military aid and the deployment of the private mercenary viz. The Blackwater a.k.a.Xe Services LLC and alike to eliminate the terror networks is a contentious issue to be discussed in length later.
India and Pakistan – The United States’ position to disassociate from the talks reveals political expediency.
Iranian crackdown of the democracy movement and defiance in the nuclear program – A cautious reaction and response by the United States arousing passion among the allies and the adversaries.
Worsening Israeli and Palestinian conflict – Jewish settlements, blockade and occupation continue to derail peace prospects and fomented by the United States adherence to the prior administration’s foreign policy.
The controversial three-dimensional wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Yemen via military and intelligence intervention will be elaborated in the later segments.
Containing the saber rattling – North Korea launching missiles, a tradition maintained since the former Bush-Cheney administration. Multilateral talks are vital to curb North Korean President Kim Jong Il’s erratic behavior.
Postponing the meeting with his Holiness Dalai Lama and accepting illegal invasion and occupation of Tibet as part of China in an effort to appease the major creditor – A diplomatic trend serving none and blatantly condones oppression, a diametric stance for the world’s first democracy.
Honduran Military Coup – A setback reflecting the flagrant U.S foreign policy towards Latin America complicated by the republican members’ rendezvous with the military coup leader Roberto Micheletti.
Darfur Genocide – President Obama’s interference was refreshing and requires intense pressure on the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to end the massacre entirely.
Burma – The Burmese junta extending the pro-democracy leader, Aung san suu kyi’s house arrest and exploiting the forthcoming election with false declaration to release the leader by November 2010 is bound to attract international interest.
Unrest in Sub-Saharan Africa – Guinea – The U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appropriately condemned the violence and the message should resonate in other parts of the world for the United States to be received as the reliable negotiator in peace process.
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Performance Assessment and Future Role: By Padmini Arhant
President Barack Obama and the democratic Congress have demonstrated leadership in dealing with the humongous challenges inherited from the previous administration on the economy, war, national security and neglected issues pertaining to human life i.e. health care and environment.
Regrettably, the White House and the democrat Congress have not utilized the political capital earned from the historic election and the weaning public support especially among the independent voters stems from the promised ‘Change,’ not being delivered with Wall Street reining control over Washington and the substantial bailouts not producing the anticipated economic recovery.
Other factors like transparency and accountability are perceived to be in coherence with the earlier administration’s discreet policy, avoiding the free press and media, thus providing fodder for the critics.
In foreign policy and war on terror – The administration policy is viewed as Bush-Cheney policy in the international main street specifically in the most vulnerable regions of the world.
President Barack Obama seeking bipartisanship with a cabinet offer to the Republican Senator, Judd Gregg of New Hampshire to serve as the U.S Commerce Secretary was turned down.
Similarly, the White House invitation to the republican members for their input in the economic stimulus went stone deaf with criticisms volleyed against the President and the democrats for the economic stimulus package.
The President and the democrats’ bipartisan outreach have been futile, for they are doomed either way among the republican members who can’t find any common ground to agree upon any proposal.
In light of the status quo, the Congress members are obligatory to the American electorate rather than their colleagues in the House and the Senate or the Wall Street.
Creating jobs and restoring confidence among the consumers, investors and taxpayers is the inevitable victory against any form of opposition.
Negative attacks and distortions will persist. Maintaining a strong disposition and determination to succeed are the key characteristics when facing obstacles on the path.
Moving diligently with the legislations on financial reform, health care with a public option and concentrating on the climate bill will prove the inherent courage in the Presidency and Congress members to fight for the people and the nation.
Ultimately, in a democracy the power lies with the people as voters, consumers, taxpayers and shareholders.
Among the members in the society – Effectively, it’s better for different groups supporting a common cause to pool resources and present them as one voice against any powerful force during the elections and legislations.
For instance, the various environmental organizations should consolidate ideas and act together to defeat the industrial threat to the planet.
Likewise, the average citizens should join together as a resilient force to represent democracy during elections, and rally behind the President and the party that is dedicated to the public and not the private or personal interest.
The United States has a unique opportunity to rebound in all aspects and emerge from the present crises under the leadership of President Barack Obama and the democratic Congress.
People have endured and overcome many upheavals in the ‘Land of the Free and Home of the Brave, the United States.
President Barack Obama brought hope to many in this country and around the world in 2008.
People are the only ones who can bring about the ‘Change,’ they desire by electing the officials and the President who are willing to undertake political risks and protect the people’s rights in a democracy.
“Yes We Can,” did it in 2008 and “Yes We Will,” should elect the doers, the democrats to office in 2010 to complete the work began in 2009, the economy and health care…
I wish President Barack Obama and Congress members of both parties success in the legislative matter concerning “We the People.”
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant