United States – Intel Memo and Russia Investigation

February 2, 2018

United States – Intel Memo and Russia Investigation

Padmini Arhant

The latest furor in Washington D.C. on congressional staff drafted memo for the Republican House Intelligence Committee Chair, Republican Congressman from California Devin Nunes and subsequent approval by the White House to release the intelligence memo hardly escapes attention.

The rebuttals from FBI, the justice department and the democrats’ memo in response to the development is the other aspect of the issue.

While there are arguments on the procedural and constitutional implications with back and forth statements along with media perspectives escalating the problem, the basis of the entire uproar is undermined that deserves focus.

The purpose should aim for transparency in the political system ominously missing much to public frustration and disappointment. Then the use and misuse of intelligence apparatus by one political party against another and especially citizens in civil society in addition to emphasis on Congressional oversight to prevent infringement on civil liberties in the course of overzealous espionage activity that is a persisting tradition in politics.  

The news media published details claimed as information directly from the respective sources on both sides acknowledged as credible data leads to more than it meets the eye.

The saga leading to Russia Investigation with calls for indictment of the incumbent President appears to be the primary objective ignoring the past administrations actions in consciously misleading and misrepresenting American electorate as well as constitutional violations amounting to treason clarifies the political motive behind the pursuit.

What needs to be understood in this particular dispute is the Russia investigation headed by former FBI director Robert Mueller and overseen by deputy attorney general Rod Jay Rosenstein. The controversial Russia investigation is to determine the alleged involvement of President Donald Trump’s campaign advisers and associates with Kremlin and their alleged efforts to obtain findings on the democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton from Russian sources in order to gain political advantage in the 2016 Presidential election.

Interestingly, the origin of this quagmire setting precedence inviting foreign intrusion in the democratic process of national election and obstruction of justice to seek warrant is omitted in the protest.

The democrats apparently engaged a foreign national, the former agent of the British intelligence and paid to conduct research on then Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump alleged ties with Kremlin.

The British ex-spy supplied clues without proper verification were then used by FBI and the justice department to get a warrant against Presidential candidate Donald Trump’s campaign foreign adviser Carter Page from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA) withholding the British agent’s involvement from the FISA judge issuing the warrant.

Clearly, the obstruction of justice had occurred in the onset with non-disclosure on British foreign agent hired by the major political party viz. the democrats competing in the national election during FBI and justice department submission to FISA court thereby misleading the court in issuing the warrant.

Furthermore, the noise over alleged Russia interference in 2016 election overwhelm the foreign entity participation i.e. the former agent of British intelligence agency through paid service for the democrats in acquiring potentially damaging material against the Republican opponent in the Presidential race.

As highlighted recently on the topic of Russia Investigation on this website, the democratic party has plenty to address to their own base and the nation at large in the ways and means adopted to nominate the establishment candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton that were admittedly rigged leading to the expulsion of then DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and the murder of the democrat staffer Seth Rich with police investigation results not yet made available since the incident in July 2016.

Amid these events, one side crying foul against another is equivalent to the pot calling the kettle black.

As for alleged Russia meddling, the foreign intervention in the national election has been facilitated with the democrats appointing the foreign spy agent followed by obstruction of justice in abstaining from truth in the FISA court that merits appropriate explanation prior to proceeding with Russia investigation.

The rules and laws applied across the spectrum exempting none regardless of position and status barring partisanship and bias would exemplify credibility and justice in the otherwise structure fraught with political acrimony.

The earnest quest for truth would hold all those in violations and abuse of power accountable not the selective few in the bitter political environment seeking elimination of anyone against the core entities agenda.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Ethics, Featured | Leave a Comment 

Face the Truth – Election Results

March 2, 2017

By Padmini Arhant

The clamor over 2016 election results claiming Russian meddling perhaps goes further back since the democrats lost in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016.

Why didn’t Barack Obama administration investigate alleged Russian interference behind democrats losing elections from 2010 until 2016?

The democrat candidate Hillary Clinton not just lost in 2016, in fact the democrat contender was unsuccessful in 2008 as well.

Does this mean Russian recipe spoiled the pudding?

Or

Did that have anything to do with Latino enchilada?  The bizarre story on Mexican mother of five casting ballot in 2016 as she did not know only citizens and not permanent residents were eligible to vote?

What was the real cause for Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin’s sudden death in New York City on February 20th, 2017?

When there is a notion that every national event in the United States from elections to changing weather patterns are linked with Russia, then why would anyone allow Russian state owned media Russian Television (RT) broadcast from Washington D.C.?

Why would the American magazine FORBES (by former unsuccessful Republican Presidential Candidate Steve Forbes) honor the Russian Prime Minister turned many times President Vladimir Putin as the most powerful entity?

On Iranophobia and Islamaphobia  leading to hate crimes targeting individuals based on mistaken identity attributed to incognito forces run administrations poignantly Barack Obama Presidency determining Iran as India and vice versa subverted history, geography and political landscape in entirety.  Meanwhile, Iranophobia somehow transformed into Iranomedia with the setting up of Press TV a parallel to Russian RT.

Not to mention the fake social media FACEBOOK & TWITTER collusion in facilitating metadata worldwide for direct control over global population.

As long as behind the scenes operatives representing crime syndicate engage in the lethal game of Russian roulette, democracy remains a myth and far fetched imagination.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter, PadminiArhant.com

Spouse in Divine Mission

 

 

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United States – Wall Street and Washington Job Action

October 15, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

American families across the nation are hurting from the tough economic times with layoffs, housing market decline, credit crunch and expensive health care costs taking toll on middle class, lower income groups and small businesses all over.

Main Street justified frustration over high unemployment; unlawful foreclosures and unaffordable health care expenses are demonstrated in ‘Occupy Wall Street’ protests spreading within and outside the country.

Protestors could peacefully assemble near Capitol Hill and the White House for reminder on the unresolved economic problems and social inequality in the United States and abroad.

As for Washington measures on jobs – the lawmakers failed to pass the jobs bill this week and,

Instead approved free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Peru. respectively for manufacturing jobs at home although,

The legislative success is dependent on the trading partners’ reciprocation i.e. the consumer demand and affordability for American goods.

Meanwhile, U.S. Congress has agreed on payroll tax holiday and unemployment insurance extension that are positive steps with immediate relief for the jobless and those facing retrenchment in the uncertain economic environment.

If both parties in the House and Senate could set aside the political differences for common goals,

Perhaps it would facilitate job growth in private and public sectors essential for economic revival.

Addressing the serious housing crisis with lenders unlawful practices is pertinent for the following reasons:

Improper foreclosures is depriving American homeowners ownership allowing foreign investor frenzy to capitalize on the American plight that needs to be fixed considering,

The mortgage securities as derivatives component are tied to overseas assets.

Furthermore, there are inherent risks involved in such investments due to short-term selling and swap agreements generating volatility in the global market.

Notwithstanding the equity transfer from domestic to offshore holdings embedded in the sovereign wealth funds cause political concerns besides economic turbulence in the globalized economy.

Remedies to these ramifications lies with Congress in easing the burden on home owners through effective strategies such as –

Resurrecting foreclosure moratorium enabling homeowners to renegotiate mortgages with property reevaluation to current market value and,

Payment modification per existing rates would protect American interests in the desperate housing situation.

The home loans revision for families regardless of hierarchy on the verge of losing homes could reverse the trend and boost jobs in the construction industry and service sector.

Any relief thus far is limited to conventional practices with the bulk of the homeowners left at the mercy of lenders’ discretion often premised on short-term gains suppressing the housing market rebound.

While the taxpayer bailouts based on ‘too big to fail’ salvaged the default banking industry despite the illegal sub-prime mortgage activities,

The delinquent homeowners are forced to deal with contrary response ranging from aggressive evictions to unreasonable payment options.

The banks were rescued unconditionally and the financial institutions in return have not only restrained money supply prolonging the credit crunch but also denied majority homeowners refinancing opportunity and small business entrepreneurs capital infusion.

Wall Street with substantial cash reserves could create and retain employment rather than preparing to slash 10,000 finance jobs in the coming months that would exacerbate the dire economy.

Corporations’ role confined to economic development with disengagement from political governance through lobbyists would promote government functionality and efficacy in legislative matter.

Companies incentivized with Bush tax cuts extension have failed to deliver the anticipated job growth and expansion only to be substituted by job reduction and/or exports contributing to national debt and trade deficit.

Repealing Bush tax cuts and redirecting financial resources to organizations committed to domestic jobs would enhance free market performance.

Micro-credits is yet another avenue to empower business proprietorship and alleviate economic pain from unemployment status.

Communities with alarming jobless rate could potentially utilize micro-credit facility for self-employment and niche market.

United States is endowed with skilled work force, ingenuity and innovative talent leading in sophisticated technology and other global achievements that revolutionized urban lifestyle.

U.S. workers productivity resulted in economic boom worldwide supporting developing economies to advance at a phenomenal pace.

There is an urgent requirement to turn U.S. economy around with Corporations assuming primary responsibility in providing jobs, liquidity and restoring homes for American families.

U.S. economic recovery is paramount for Wall Street and Washington.

Corporations cannot exist without workers and politics would desist in the absence of electorate.

Citizens’ grievances are real and legitimate – the economic issues cannot be resolved without political will and corporate investments in domestic economy.

Government and Corporations expediting job oriented economic surge is the universal expectation with millions of lives in jeopardy.

Corporate and Political leaderships are urged to prioritize American jobs, housing, health and business prospects over personal aspirations and partisanship.

Global recession could be contained upon U.S. economic progress.

Action and not procrastination would guarantee the desirable outcome.

Hopefully rationality would prevail in arriving at consensus on economic solutions.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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United States – National Debt Ceiling, Deficit Reduction and Balancing the Budget

July 24, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

Leaders in Congress and White House held vigorous discussions on national fiscal crisis up until recent standoff disrupting political discourse.

The main focus was clarifications from each side in achieving the goal and winning congressional support for their specific agenda.

The White House request to raise debt ceiling by $2.5 trillion carefully analyzed by Congress.

Cut, cap and balance bill aimed at middle class, senior citizens and veterans from Republican majority in the House rejected in the Democrats controlled Senate.

Meanwhile the Gang of Six from the Senate presented their version highlighting tax reform alongside deep spending cuts creating a political puzzle with the legislative and executive branch struggling to arrive at a consensus urgently required to prevent national default portending serious ramifications upon failure.

Given the current national debt at $14.3 trillion extending credit limit by $2.5 trillion to facilitate borrowing for spending without revenues in the form of tax restructure and other sources exacerbates the debt situation.

Republican House bill targeting essential programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and Veterans benefits while demanding spending cap at 2008 level in the absence of revenues to accommodate White House $2.5 trillion credit increase is imprudent considering the prevalent economic conditions on unaffordable health care costs and high unemployment.

The Republican members’ mandatory requirement to balance the budget through constitutional amendment is an important strategy to restore fiscal order.

However the milestone cannot be reached on severe austerity alone.

Last year Bush tax cuts extension to the wealthiest individuals and corporations with extraordinary gains was overwhelmingly approved holding the optimistic outlook on job creation and economic revival yet to be realized a year later.

The agreement between Republican members and White House in 2010 on Bush tax cuts extension proved detrimental since the opportunity to rein in deficit then was missed with generous tax breaks to the top 10 percent thereby transferring the debt burden on the remaining 90 percent – the routine targets in fiscal management.

White House stance is claimed to be over trillion dollars in spending cuts i.e. domestic discretionary and defense spending combined in addition to $650 billion from entitlement programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social security.

The contention for the White House is revenues not measuring up to spending restraints from the Republican side.

White House determined to obtain debt ceiling increase to a tune of $2.5 trillion beyond 2012 elections.

White House expectation from Republican members is to raise $1.2 trillion income through tax restructuring that would lower tax rates by broadening base and eliminating tax loopholes plus deductions to maintain balance.

Republican House members on their part favor slash spending and no revenues especially tax related options not considered in the equation.

The pragmatic approach to the highly contentious issues – raising debt ceiling and taxes simultaneously with drastic spending constraints not sparing Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans benefits and Social security could be rationalized beginning with two major resolutions.

It would be economically sound to abandon impulsiveness when searching for practical rudiments to complex fiscal conditions.

Following precedence on debt ceiling extension is not suitable in the highly volatile global environment featuring promising gains and precipitous decline in individual and overall growth.

Similarly, compromising entitlement programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans benefits and Social Security – the only safety net for average Americans in the political bargain is best safeguarded than dismantled to attain positive returns through productivity and consumerism from healthy, able and economically stable citizens.

First and foremost, review and re-organize budget appropriations.

Budget financing for current expenditure already available in discretionary as well as defense allocations, tax reforms addressing tax evasions and deductions for luxury purpose rather than tracking the middle and lower income stimulus programs returning to the economy being the consistent consumer segment is a straightforward approach.

Exploring savings and revenues for government operation could begin with freezing salary increase and perquisites availed by Congressional members and federal agencies top management including the executive branch for two years.

Poignantly wasteful spending by Congress and federal organizations on travel and trimming bureaucracy with efficient technology could bring some relief.

Reviewing trade tariffs, levies and fees applicable on imports and providing incentives to corporations for local manufacturing and industrial expansion would trigger economic upward trend.

Selling or privatizing government owned buildings and tangible assets could assure cash conversion.

In an attempt to enhance the super wealthy income status – lowering tax rates for the rich and concurrently imposing taxes viewed negligible against the underemployed American work force tilts the scale higher again on the middle and lower income groups barely surviving in the harsh economic environment.

Corporations like General Electric innovative techniques to not only avoid paying taxes but also receiving tax refunds on zero tax payments are the kind to be blocked and dues collected retrospectively to fund legitimate services.

Protracted government operations and congressional offices replicating functions could be centralized to perform under single unit directives and supervision.

U.S. taxpayer bailouts of banking industry from 2008 to date – toxic assets removal from bank balance sheets with treasury intervention using taxpayer funds enabled banks to avoid bankruptcy,

Since rescue with taxpayer funds – banks have not eased the credit crunch experienced in commercial lending, housing market and small business stalling progress and economic recovery.

Accountability on interests owed and remaining principal balance from the bailout recipients could aid treasury from potential national default considering the banking sector’s record profits largely directed to CEO‘s extravagant bonuses and stock option distribution adhering to business as usual practice.

Eliminating tax subsidies to energy industry exempting clean natural resource energy production,

Nonetheless pursuing fossil fuel producers are some aspects of savings and revenue prospects to assist in debt reduction.

Environmental damages from gross negligence as witnessed in Gulf coast oil spill and repeat offences restoration costs collected from energy, pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical fertilizer companies…would supplement state and national income.

Without having to raise debt ceiling now or in the future, the unused budget allocations not excluding redundant expenditures could be identified for budgetary requirements.

Lowering tax rates from 35 to 29 percent to the top bracket could be incentivized for domestic investments and job creation instead of the reduction standardized that is otherwise held in offshore tax havens and Swiss bank accounts.

Again reiterating the fact that mortgage interest payments and other genuine deductions to middle and lower income groups representing the vast active consumer base and labor force routinely reinvested back in the economy.

Therefore any drastic initiatives to terminate essential services to Senior citizens, veterans and vulnerable demography notwithstanding economic stimulants to middle class America would fall back on the state ultimately affecting national GDP.

The House Speaker John Boehner and Republican House members’ position declining debt ceiling adjustment is relevant in light of alarming national deficit at $14.3 trillion and inevitably escalated with $2.5 trillion borrowing that could be procured from within the budget and monetary instruments at the treasury.

At the same time, Republican Congress in the house and Senate cannot avert default without meaningful and realistic fiscal solutions consisting revenues with tax reforms, levies and payments from Wall Street for causing economic and environmental adversity.

Although spending cuts targeting Main Street is the predominant component in every proposal not sparing the economically vital programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans provisions and Social Security,

Republican majority in the House – Legislation titled cut, cap and balance primarily slashed and deprived significant population from basic existence.

White House plan extracting $650 billion Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans and Social security is in coherence with Republican strategy – streamlining funding for fundamental needs and tampering with robust Social security system.

Senate Gang of Six debt minimizing strategy admittedly contains 74 percent deep spending cuts and 26 percent revenue – the estimate cited as inadequate by the White House and,

Last but not the least –

Senate Republican minority leader Mitch McConnell offer yielding to White House on elevating debt ceiling generates a perception of political maneuver due to onus entirely on Democratic administration undertaking huge deficit hike likely to impact democrats in the 2012 election.

Hence ascertaining wealth in possession, income flow from taxes and other revenues juxtaposed to discretionary, defense and Congressional frugalities could provide for various government obligations.

In terms of deficit containment – ending the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen and Libya and divestments in economy, health care, education and infrastructure repair and renewal is the only viable permanent remedy to rebuild the nation.

Constitutional amendment to balance the budget would not be sustained as long as the unsubstantiated unaffordable indefinite warfare remains the agenda for any administration.

The lawmakers and the White House passion to bring troops home from all corners of the world and sincere engagement in constructive dialogue leading to fruitful negotiations on all issues – fiscal matter in particular would exemplify congressional pledge towards national and public interest.

With the nation on the brink of financial insolvency communication breakdown and obstinacy for political reasons perpetuates the problem and adversely impact incumbents on both sides.

Esteemed members in Congress and White House are urged to resume talks by isolating political differences for bipartisanship on budget –

Without moving debt ceiling,

Preserving Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans and Social security funding,

Expeditious tax overhaul for ongoing legitimate income,

Exploring further income options on federal government activities and,

Finally concluding wars conducted on borrowed money from overstretched credit limits and external creditors viz. China and Saudi Arabia.

It’s time to halt the destructive course and steer the nation forward with thoughtful decisions relieving the present and next generation from burgeoning debt as long lasting legacy and tribute to the brave hearts for their sacrifice to the nation they defended in all frontiers.

Hopefully wisdom and rationality would guide leaderships in the peaceful reconciliation of fiscal and monetary policy.

When diverse ideas recognized and formulated to promote common cause that guarantees satisfaction to all then none left behind in their aspiration to rise to the occasion.

Good Luck! To all members for successful legislation on national debt reduction, adopting fair income expenditure methods in balancing the budget and diligently reverting to budget surplus than relying on enlarging unmanageable debt ceiling.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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United States – Budget Impasse and Possible Government Shutdown

April 7, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

United States is confronted with many contentious issues.

The disagreement on federal spending, funding for the rest of this year, the deficit, and the FY 2012 budget constitutes the highlight of the political standoff.

There is no doubt that deficit is a major concern not only for the elected officials but also the mainstream taxpayers especially the average citizens forced with tax burden and drastic spending cuts directly affecting vital programs such as health, education and environment protection.

Republican members have always maintained that balancing a budget means targeting essential services to the vulnerable members i.e. children health, youth population dependent on educational grants, senior citizens and veteran affairs without due consideration for the reverse impact on the net output.

Meanwhile, the tax breaks to the wealthiest including estate tax exemption passed during the Bush tax cuts extension in 2010 combined with disproportionate defense expenditure on the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan which were never even budgeted prior to engagement are contradictory to their objective in containing deficit.

The White House fiscal year 2012 budget and the 2011 federal spending is also based on drastic cuts in domestic discretionary spending expected to cause significant pain in states with budget crisis.

Again the Pentagon spending and corporate tax evasions have not drawn the White House and the conservatives’ attention in the crucial debate.

Otherwise – General Electric, America’s largest corporation having made ($14.2B) $14,200,000,000 in profits last year paid $0 in taxes — that’s right, zero dollars in taxes.

Further GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt ensured his compensation doubled and then diligently concentrated on imposing severe concessions in wages and benefits against 15,000 workers.

Ironically Jeffrey Immelt is the Chair of President Barack Obama’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness – the coveted status for any Corporate Executive to be in the realm of policy making at the executive branch.

People grievance in this regard is justified – Mr. Immelt assisted his company to evade taxes on its mega profits and subsequent to securing personal compensation double has been pursuing the workers to accept pay cuts – signifying the culture in the corporate dominant political systems.

Citizens petition seeking CEO Jeffrey Immelt to step down and President Barack Obama for Mr. Immelt’s resignation is yet to be obliged much to public frustration.

CEO Jeffrey Immelt position as the Chair of the White House council is evidently in conflict of interest and therefore honoring citizens’ call to quit from the controversial post would be a dignified decision in a democratic setting.

Perhaps the lawmakers’ favoring austerity on the middle and low income America could review their overwhelming generosity in tax breaks facilitating certain corporations and the super rich executives to defraud the current taxation law.

Congressional Democrats particularly the progressives being the only hope for average Americans are hamstrung in their efforts to prevent the intense attacks against the working class.

Social security – the guaranteed safety net for the baby boomers and retirees is another misplaced political maneuver in the fiscal mismanagement.

The latest stopgap measure passed in the House by Republican majority providing a mere week funding instead of the remaining year reflects the lack of seriousness to perform the services pledged on the campaign trail.

Balanced approach and clear rationale is required to overcome the political gridlock contributing to possible government shutdown likely to exacerbate the situation rather than resolving for national benefit.

Congressional members from both parties are urged to set aside their respective political differences and earnestly involve in fruitful discussions to exemplify their commitment to the American electorate.

Representatives are elected to run the government efficiently and not dedicate to the closure for political appeasement.

Besides the House Speaker John Boehner in the tearful moment upon being elected the Republican leader declared the victory as the strong message from the American people to “change course.”

It is poignant to remind the esteemed Speaker John Boehner on the promises made at the emotional hour.

Republican Congressman John Boehner’s statements were:

“The people’s priorities will be our priorities. The people’s agenda will be our agenda.

This is our Pledge to America; this is our pledge to you!

Let’s start right now by recognizing this is not a time for celebration. This is a time to roll up our sleeves and go to work. We can celebrate when small businesses are creating jobs again.”

The status quo could be attributed to politics served more with rhetoric than actions and as for changing direction – it is worth travelling down memory lane when the then Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich successfully led the Government shut down under the former Democratic President Bill Clinton.

Experimenting old ways for new results might yield self-satisfaction and in this instance to national detriment.

However prolonging the stalemate only confirms the reluctance to ‘Change’ despite the relevance in political stagnancy.

Promoting inaction is not the solution to the burgeoning problem and,

Political leaderships arriving at a consensus through middle ground without marginalizing those struggling to make ends meet or the demography striving hard to revive the economy is instrumental in leading the nation forward.

Spending cuts are vital in the areas that are redundant and destructive to humanity like incessant warfare as well as incentives to energy behemoths indulging in environmental damage.

Contrarily the spending reductions are invariably focused on life saving and prospective investments.

Hence the two substantial avenues to address the federal spending, balancing the budget and deficit control – essentially fiscal responsibility are:

Containing military expenditure with a definitive exit strategy on Iraq, Afghanistan and military bases around the world.

Tax reform to close tax evasion loopholes and tax structure review for fair assessments.

Additionally eliminating wasteful spending i.e. earmarks with the exception of infrastructure improvement in the congressional districts or uplifting social standards producing business and community growth opportunities benefitting all are viable for a meaningful breakthrough in the budget dispute.

It is time to deliver and not deliberate on the government functionality through collective reconciliation of the fiscal matter.

Hopefully all parties will rise to the occasion by recognizing their individual obligation to public and national service without alienating the issues for political purpose.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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The 112th Congress begins on January 5, 2011

January 5, 2011

By Padmini Arhant

Welcome! To the 112thCongress with the Republican House and Democratic Senate.

The power shift in the new Congress is prepared to make some significant changes to the House rules, previous legislation and the Senate procedure.

Initiatives to implement proposals on Congressional transparency and accountability through on-line presentation of legislation as outlined in the blog post ‘Defining the Humanitarian Responsibility’ – 04/16/2010 on this website is deeply appreciated.

Yet another strategy as stated earlier on omnibus spending delineating earmarks from the Congressional budget would enable legislators to clarify the expenditure.

The recommendation for bill funding to be raised from cutting costs and not through revenues might lead to essential program termination with an adverse economic effect.

If the Republican House pursues permanent spending slashes while increasing liabilities in prolonged wars and tax cuts for the billionaires – the formula used during their earlier majority rule that led to the status quo, it would be the same experiment seeking different results.

Fiscal responsibility is a constant requirement. Nonetheless avoiding brazen measures would confirm pragmatism over ideology.

Further, the majority seizing budget control with the incoming chairman of the House Budget Committee having unilateral authority in domestic spending until budget resolution passage defies checks and balances per the constitution pledged to be upheld in the ‘send-a-message’ category on January 6, 2011.

While it is necessary to trim the legislation volume for better understanding within the allowed time frame, it is equally important to include relevant issues concerning the people and national interest.

In similar context permitting additional amendments and open debate on the bill for proper scrutiny is sensible provided it is not political but carried out to ensure prudence.

Some issues have been presented on the floor over the decade like START treaty eventually ratified in December 2010 and the unsuccessful DREAM ACT rejected on ‘short notice’ basis even though the records reveal otherwise.

On the contentious health care repeal and tax cuts legislation making exception to the impending Republican rule by denying amendments or evading costs in new bills introduction affecting national deficit – a Republican campaign priority reflects double standards and political dominance rather than balance of power.

Amendments to the health care legislation instead of repeal might be the appropriate action in order to protect any crucial components benefitting the sick, the poor and the tax payers now and in the long run.

It’s imperative for the ruling and the opposition members in Congress to transcend partisanship through mutual exchange of ideas and policies in achieving legislative victories guaranteed to move the nation forward.

Reiterating the earlier expectation that the events in 112th Congress would comprise less conflicts and more cooperation for national good.

Best Wishes! To the newly elected and incumbent members in Congress for a successful and harmonious beginning prevailing until the end.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Unemployment Benefits, Tax cuts with Skyrocketing Deficit

December 17, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The bill is passed in the Senate and currently making its way in the House of Congress despite the legislation’s long term repercussions on national deficit and social security.

In the deal struck between the current Republican minority and the White House – the deficit spending through tax cuts extension for the 1% wealthiest including estate tax concessions is hailed as a bipartisan victory against the overwhelming public opposition to the reckless compromise.

As stated earlier in the article titled Bush tax cuts, Unemployment benefits and National deficit, December 7, 2010 published on this website – the average Americans are burdened with the liability from the tax credit to the super-rich.

They are being punished for the unemployment benefits extension, child tax breaks and college tuition credits in the bill – the combined costs of these desperately required provisions is significantly lower than the over $700 billion expense from the tax cuts to the top 1% wealthy in the country resulting in the total spending of $858 billion added to the skyrocketing national debt.

The two year tax cuts to the affluent members in the society are expected to become permanent and the social security with payroll tax holiday targeted for privatization potentially wiping out the only safety net for the retirees while the retirement period prolonged to offset national spending.

It is a remarkable win for the Republican minority soon to be the majority in the House with further representation in the Senate.

Unfortunately the voices for the average Americans in Congress are drowned by the political agenda to implement policies aimed at gains in the short-run with no due concern for future ramifications on the fiscal irresponsibility.

The strange partnership with similar motives is a sheer betrayal having been elected with the overwhelming democratic base votes and thus far delivering to the campaign financiers in Wall Street and military industry complex.

Beginning with Health Care Reform – the mandatory health care subscription without reining in on the health insurance industry and Bigpharma protocol alone is a huge setback for the vulnerable majority – the sick, the middle income and the senior citizens.

Likewise in the financial sector regulation – the $19 billion tax exemption to Wall Street – the primary source for the global economic recession is a major boost to conduct business as usual weakening the regulatory impact.

The Republican vote favoring Wall Street sought by the White House against a democratic vote seeking robust measures blocking loopholes to avert repeat economic disaster is disillusionment and disappointment for the electorate anticipating real change that also in part contributed to the midterm election outcome.

In the areas of warfare and foreign policy – the Bush-Cheney hawkish strategies vigorously carried out tarnishing the national image and seriously jeopardizing credibility in the international domain.

Now with the Bush tax cuts agreement to protect the wealthy is an affirmation of the ideological priorities substantially affecting the national deficit in addition to widening the gap between the haves and the have-nots.

It is clear from these developments that democratic aspirations in terms of industry regulation, effective economic policy, peace and diplomacy against nuclear threats continue to remain far-fetched objectives when acceding to Republican demands and upholding oligarchy principles – profit by any means even if it is proved detrimental to vast population and national interest.

Considering the status quo the only hope to restore democratic values and pragmatism is the substantial public participation in the legislative process through various communication channels conveying the message not only to their elected representatives but also the executive branch for the evident complacency.

Only the citizens’ will to enforce change at the political, economic and social fronts could lead to desirable progress in a democratic system.

Democracy is functional when the government of the people committed to the electorate entrusting power for collective actions benefiting all rather than the privileged members in the society.

History is testimony to the fact that people power never failed in challenging any rule other than the republic.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Bush Tax Cuts, Unemployment Benefits and National Deficit

December 7, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The 111th Congress with Democrats still in control of the House and Senate is challenged by the White House capitulation to the Republican unsustainable deal on Bush tax cuts.

Fortunately the House passed the bill per initial democratic plan – allowing tax cuts to the wealthy expire and granting permanent tax cuts to the families with income $250,000 and below.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi leadership and the House representatives’ commitment to the middle class America is commendable.

‘Political Irony in Republican Congress Victory’ – Article published on November 18, 2010 under ‘Politics – United States’ category on this website highlighted the specifics on Bush Tax Cuts and Protecting Social Security for America.

There are different proposals from the majority and the minority in Congress.

Republican members unanimously dedicated to the top 2% wealthy Americans getting wealthier at the rest of America’s expense pushed tax cuts extension for the multimillionaires while disregarding their irresponsible claim’s devastating impact on the ballooning deficit – the primary political slogan that enabled Republican victory in the recent mid-term election.

Unlike the Republican minority, the Democrat majority are divided on this issue.

The Senate Democrats have laid few options – Some favor the House version which is the initial Democratic strategy outlined above. It is unequivocally a pragmatic solution to the status quo.

Other Senate Democrats are considering $1 million threshold for tax cuts redefining the middle class category that is contradictory to reality.

Yet another democrat’s perspective opposes any tax cuts alongside rising deficits.

“We can’t afford any of these tax cuts,” says Rep. Bobby Scott (D) of Virginia. “It is hard to imagine that extending all of the tax cuts at a cost of $3.7 trillion is fiscally irresponsible but extending $3 trillion worth of tax cuts [to families earning less than $250,000] is somehow fiscally sensible.”

It’s obvious that the opposition to tax cuts for middle class America stems from blanket assessment of the fiscal crisis without any consideration to the slow economic growth and rising unemployment predominantly affecting the poor and the middle class not the super-rich.

According to the latest reports the deal between the White House and Congressional Republican members comprises the following;

Bush tax cuts extended at all income level for two years – the cost of this compromise is estimated at $700 billion over the next two years.

Estate tax capped at 35 percent after $5 million exemption to each wealthy individual – This alone would deprive the economy of the desperately required revenue contributing further to the alarming deficit.

The Republican two year extravagant tax breaks to the wealthiest is in exchange for the jobless benefit to the long-term unemployed up to 13 months at the anticipated $60 billion cost and last but not the least,

Social Security payment is diverted from retirement savings and added to the present income through 2% payroll tax reduction for workers.

However, this detrimental step is substituted for the general tax relief provided to the middle and lower income groups in the previous year economic stimulus.

Otherwise the bill eliminates last year tax credit from the middle and lower income families’ paychecks and utilizes their only safety nest thus far – the Social Security for consumer spending in the payroll tax diversion.

It’s a dangerous precedence with the possible depletion of reliable income to the baby boomers nearing retirement notwithstanding the easier access to Republican goal in privatizing Social Security and increasing the retirement age similar to the unpopular Pension bill enforced upon the people in France.

The contentious issues are the disproportionate concession to the 2% with an extraordinary disposable income mostly invested in personal holdings against harsh imposition on the 98% hard working middle and lower income groups burdened with not only diminishing income, spending cuts on life dependent programs, savings replaced for tax credits but also expected to pay substantially towards national debt mainly accumulated from irrational economic and defense policy.

Above all the Republican members’ euphoria on the pending bill –

‘Not raising taxes on anyone in the country’ is ideological for it rejects the ramifications on national deficit. Again the issue presented as pivotal to the conservative agenda during the 2010 election.

If there are no tax hikes for two years, the essential unemployment aid up to 13 months in the provision combined with a magnanimous estate tax credits,

How do the decision-makers of this deal propose to trim the burgeoning national deficit?

Are the Republican members complacent to the Borrow and Spending concept that was targeted against the Democrats in the past two years irrespective of the Democrats Pay-go rule to fund the key economic legislations?

Given the undercurrent in the U.S and China relationship from currency devaluation to North Korea skirmishes – China the major U.S. creditor may not volunteer to be the Santa Claus.

Who is then expected to bailout the wealthiest Americans in the GOP sponsored –

Who wants to be a billionaire contest?

It’s imperative to dispel the myth surrounding the bizarre agreement that Republican minority have control over the crucial legislation when the Democrats are the majority in the legislative branch and the White House currently has the power to do the right for the suffering Americans as demonstrated by the House Democrats on this bill.

Republican legislators assuming cart blanche to steer the critical economic decision despite the catastrophic effects on their constituents and the nation at large is purely political besides betrayal of the electorates’ trust in the Republican action to protect self-interest over the average American interest.

In fact, Republican party awaiting House dominance and increased Senate representation is on national watch to deliver their campaign promise on containing the growing deficit, coordinate efforts in easing unemployment not excluding jobless aid to the millions who elected them in the fall election and transcend Washington partisan culture visibly promoted by special interests.

The Speaker-elect John Boehner emotional speech upon victory reminiscing the hard times experienced to achieve the American dream is a common factor in the contemporary society.

Relevantly, Republican lawmakers’ allegiance to the campaign financiers instead of the people they are elected to represent clearly revealed in their failure to address the American plight.

In the difficult economic period the GOP priority to undermine main street struggles is regrettable sending a strong message to the electorate to exercise diligence during election since Washington is not amenable to change.

Therefore the people power must exert pressure on the elected representatives with a reminder about the legislative responsibility towards the constituents and the nation they are elected to serve during their term in office.

The republic position in this matter is absolute and that being “No deals on tax cuts for the wealthy.” Overwhelming electorate disapprove the GOP reckless demand to shift the economic liability on the average Americans – the driving force of the economy.

Hence the Senate Democrats and moderate Republicans focused on fiscal constraints have a unique opportunity to exhibit bipartisanship in passing the House approved Bush tax cuts bill.

Ignoring public concerns is a political misstep and often realized in the electoral results. If GOP won in November 2010 then it does not take long for the political tide to turn against them and that is politics.

It is incumbent upon the esteemed Senate to acknowledge the American families’ hardships and the escalating deficit when casting votes on this particular bill evidently vital for national and global economic recovery.

Good Luck! To the Congressional members for a successful passage of the prudent economic legislation.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Economy | 7 Comments 

Political Irony in Republican Congress Victory

November 18, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Bush Tax cuts Expiration and Preserving Social Security – The Republican members’ opposition to this issue is no surprise considering the campaign financing received during the November 2010 election.

However, should the consequences be the struggling majority bear the burden of the privilege to the top 1% in the society?

The earlier proposal offering permanent tax reduction to middle income families earning $250,000 or less and subjecting those earning more to the progressive tax structure on the residual income adequately meets the requirements in income distribution and deriving national revenue that could perhaps be applied to deficit reduction.

In fact, by passing the above prudent measure the Congressional members would be relieving the tax payers across the board from excess taxation and allow voluntary economic stimulus through consumer spending.

The Republican members’ gridlock in this legislation would derail the needful tax breaks to all deserving taxpayers in the tough economic times.

Regarding Social Security – The Social Security Administration Act introduced during Great Depression by the former President Franklin Roosevelt is a formidable economic policy that withstood turbulence and provided the safety net for millions of hard working American families in the retirement years until now.

Any attempts to jeopardize the only reliable income source would be catastrophic for the business and the government dependent upon the consumers and taxpayers to revive the economy.

Social Security is the fundamental protection for the vulnerable population in the increasingly volatile financial market resisting regulations and submitting to failures – the preferred short term strategy that led the global markets to a near free fall.

Citizens across the political spectrum are against legislation proved to be detrimental to their retirement savings through Social Security.

The legislators ignoring the republic request for personal and special interest might be dealing with repeat political outcome in the next election.

Therefore, pursuing economic policies that could endanger citizens’ survival is best abandoned for political reasons as well.

Similarly in Medicare and Medicaid intervention – the alternative course exacerbates the sick, the seniors and the poor people’s plight with the private health insurance costs exceeding the anticipated savings by eliminating the federal program.

When citizens are deprived of basic living standards, decent income and easily accessible health care, it directly impacts the entire society. The mid-term Republican victory pledged to improve American life cannot be achieved with business-as-usual practice in Washington and State Capitals conforming to the political irony.

The citizens’ active participation to block the counterproductive legislation on Bush tax cuts, Social Security and Medicare, Medicaid services are extremely important in a representative democracy.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under United States | Leave a Comment 

Bust Tax Cuts Expiry and Permanent Extension to Middle Class America

October 18, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The Congress members were debating on the contentious Bush tax cuts for the top two percent wealthiest scheduled to expire in 2011,

While introducing the permanent tax cuts for the middle class and small businesses, the two most vulnerable groups in the economy with the skyrocketing national debt.

The hard to detect ‘Who is Who’ in the contemporary national politics, there is one thing that is crystal clear, the real voices for democracy representing the people are being shut out by the myriad of influences from all directions predominantly focused on their personal agenda.

This particular bill deserves the republic attention for it concerns them and their future with the multi-trillion dollars liability transferred to the average citizens and their dependents expanding over several decades.

The arguments are all about whether or not to let the infamous Bush tax cuts to the top 2% wealthiest in the society expire and allow permanent tax cuts to individuals or the combined income up to $250,000.

Those earning above $250,000 would be subject to the applicable progressive tax structure i.e.

After the permanent tax cut on the initial $250,000, the residual or remaining income to be taxed appropriately under the new law.

Although it is a viable proposal the political factions are deviating from the course doing harm than any good to the interests they represent.

As such legislative process has increasingly become a ceremonial event than a result oriented action marginalizing the purpose behind every bill.

If the legislators were serious then they would direct their attention to the content and proceed with the bill introduced by the House Congress members – Reps. Raul Grijalva, Alan Grayson and Mary Jo Kilroy to protect the middle class and the small businesses alike.

It appears from the real power brokers’ bizarre approach that they are for it as much as they are against it leaving the public hoodwinked like with every other legislation experienced by the suffering average Americans.

The Republican Senators not surprisingly favor the Bush tax cuts extension perhaps indefinitely if possible and at the same time vehemently oppose the middle class permanent tax cuts.

What does it mean is the Republican members’ empathy for the super-rich living an extravagant lifestyle is a priority over the national deficit.

The Bush tax cuts to the affluent 2 percent is expected to add $836 billion to the explosive deficit not to mention the middle class and the small businesses punished with the tax liability for a prolonged period.

Contrarily, the Republican members explanation for their opposition to middle class permanent tax cuts is the rhetoric – ‘out-of-control’ spending contributing to the ballooning national deficit.

Now on the Democrats part – the Senate majority leader Max Baucus bill is aimed at permanent tax cuts to the middle class along with estate tax relief forever at 2009 levels on inheritances worth over $1 million dollars in addition to maintaining a historically lower 20% flat rate on dividends and capital gains.

The Baucus package is estimated to cost approximately $2 trillion still half of the Republican minority leader Mitch McConnell’s plan.

Nevertheless, the generosity to the wealthiest through perennial estate tax exemption would raise the national deficit by a phenomenal $250 billion dollars. Again the debt shared among the middle class and the small businesses to ease the pain on the wealthy.

In the House – the Blue Dog Democrats – the conservative wing of the Democratic party have demanded that the tax cuts be either extended to all – the middle class and the wealthy alike or abandon the concept in its entirety.

Otherwise, a simple and straightforward action has developed into a complex legislative rigmarole.

The only legislators with a sensible and pragmatic solution are the Progressives in the House of Representatives – Congress members Raul Grijalva, Alan Grayson and Mary Jo Kilroy in their bill with permanent tax cuts for the middle class and letting the Bush tax cuts to the wealthy expire offsetting one another without affecting the national deficit unlike the others.

It’s clear from the legislators’ positions that the wealthiest individuals and corporations have superfluous representation in Congress on both sides deeply committed to the rich campaign donors.

Hence, the only hope for the electorates entrusting power to lawmakers are the Progressives with a defined goal to improve the average American lives against all odds and yet they are viciously attacked on the campaign trail with malicious rumors and propaganda.

The majority American electorates are confined to the corporate legislators’ policies elevating rather than alleviating their plight parallel to the vertical national debt.

Therefore, the middle class, the small businesses and the income groups in the $250,000 threshold need to come forward and urge their representatives to vote for the Progressives’ House bill in this matter.

Evidently, the Progressives bill is guaranteed to expedite the economic recovery besides helping to move the nation forward.

Failure to recognize the electorates’ grievances would confirm the incumbents’ misplaced preferences and as the political candidates seeking re-election they are accountable to the voters, the victims in the corporate dominant and U.S. Chamber of Commerce funded campaigns as well as legislations.

With the midterm elections around the corner, the American voters have an awesome responsibility to exercise diligence in choosing their representatives to Washington and the State Capital.

The status quo is largely due to the power entrusted in candidacy fulfilling obligations to their campaign financiers instead of the constituents electing them to the public office.

Please request your Congress members to hold a special session and pass the Progressives House Bill on permanent tax cuts to the middle class effectively benefiting all.

If the Congress is adjourned then the electorate could have them return to deliver on this particular legislation prior to the election. The lost opportunity would exacerbate the usual uphill battle and potentially lead to the legislation demise.

Please act now to secure your economic prospects and save the future generation from the burgeoning financial burden.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Economy | Leave a Comment 

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