Congressional Elections 2010 – Prognosis

September 15, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The recent primaries indicate a strong surge among the Republican base compared to the Democrats and the independent voters.

There is urgency for the Democrats and the independents to get back into action similar to the tidal wave witnessed in 2008 to accomplish their goals.

Grievances on some issues among both groups are justified. However, they cannot be addressed without effective representation in the House and the Senate. Abstinence or the eleventh hour effort could only lead to more frustration allowing the conservative blockade to continue.

Both democrats and independents need candidates with high quality performance reflecting solid commitment to the people and environment. Candidates willing to stand up to the entities against public and national interest from corporate affair to military warfare, the two predominant factors contributing to the alarming national deficit and myriad of social-economic disparities deserve voter approval.

The Republican members are not the choice whether they are tea party candidate or establishment nominee for they represent the big industries and not the average citizens. It is confirmed in the ‘Nay’ votes on legislation concerning the economy and host of other issues since January 2009.

Likewise, the democratic establishment instrumental in opposing single payer system or public option in health care reform, closing loopholes in finance legislation and swaying to the energy behemoths’ call to adhere to fossil fuel, nuclear energy despite the misgivings and horrific mining accidents in the United States and around the world,

Last but not the least against troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere – owe valid explanation to the democratic base and independents for rejecting their voices in all these issues.

Democrats have struggled with legislative process in both Houses of Congress, more in the Senate than the House, even while being a majority in 2009 as seen during the contentious health care bill and economic issues.

It’s paramount for the industry, union or any special interest backed candidates to be transparent and clarify their true representations on all things related to the American electorate in addition to providing legitimate reasons for not demonstrating them in action.

The voters have an obligation to identify their requirements and choose the candidate with proven record or having demonstrated the will to challenge the forces undermining democracy on all issues.

Essentially pragmatism over ideology enhanced by inclusive rather than divisive positions would yield bipartisan solutions to the problems confronting the nation.

Republican legislators have absolved themselves from constitutional duty to work with the Democrat majority in legislative matter throughout Obama Presidency letting partisanship prevail in life threatening issues such as jobless benefit extension, small business lending and 9/11 rescue workers health care assistance.

Unfortunately, the persisting Republican opposition on legislation to benefit average Americans fails to recognize the social and economic cost ultimately affecting all in the interdependent society with the irony being the national deficit used as a pretext in this context.

Democrats, independents and disenchanted republicans have a great opportunity to come together this election in electing the officials pledging allegiance to the American people and not the oligarchy responsible for the Washington status quo.

The electability criteria in consistent with the constitutional oath is the real test for the new contenders and the incumbents alike.

They could precisely be the following:

Disavow partisanship, declining special interests influence and,

Above all maintain ethical standards through accountability with corruption in politics being a worldwide epidemic denying progress to a substantial population living in abject poverty and lifelong miseries.

Honesty and integrity determines human character, yet it’s not an integral element in the quest for public office.

In fact, the systemic abuse of power is the fundamental cause of the contemporary social and economic inequality.

American electorates hold the power to implement these changes in Washington through the electoral process that could restore the broken system and renew the tarnished image.

Voting is no longer an option but an absolute necessity to rescue the nation from the repeat catastrophe experienced at the dawn of twenty first century under President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.

Besides, voting is a constitutional right granted to citizens in a democracy to protect their civil liberties and freedom from internal or external threats.

American electorates have awesome responsibility to elect the hard working, diligent and trustworthy officials not only to represent them in the United States but also the fellow citizens across the globe.

Congressional decisions made in Washington impact the approximate 6.5 billion people destiny.

Therefore, it is imperative to ensure the massive voter turnout in November 2010 or earlier in states like Ohio facilitating mail-in ballots.

First time voters may register in their local districts and join the other electorates to cast their votes on or before the election date provided it is permissible.

Democrats, independents and disillusioned republicans – please contribute to
Democracy for America (DFA) dedicated to the positive change in Washington and across the United States at:

http://www.democracyforamerica.com

Also, Please help Senator Barbara Boxer in raising $200,000 by September 18, 2010 for media fund. It’s a daunting task. Nonetheless, the Senator’s campaign is grassroots funded unlike her opponent Carly Fiorina – financed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce apart from the contestant’s personal campaign investment.

Please visit www.barbaraboxer.com for your affordable and generous donations.

Most importantly, please secure your future and the dependents prospects by casting your vote as early as possible.

Please rally America via email, texting or visiting DFA to energize voters.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant
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Midterm Election 2010 – An Opportunity to Rebuild the Great Nation

September 13, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Midterm Election 2010 is an opportunity to rebuild the great nation – the United States of America.

From the latest developments it’s clear that Washington is broken and desperately requires citizens’ involvement in governance to restore the renowned American values that remains the basis in attracting many across the globe.

United States is resilient, resourceful and admirably courageous in dealing with any crisis.

It is evident in this great nation’s history for it has weathered the fierce storms and survived even the “Great Depression.”

The people representing the stars and stripes have come forward as one nation and contributed their unique skills in building the United States as the economic engine and a model democracy.

United States is the beacon of light for the entire world and the leadership will continue to provide the necessary guidance to those seeking political, economic and social progress in their domain.

The fall election is crucial to implement the changes that Washington has been deprived due to partisanship and special interests dominance in the legislation.

The political majority and the minority that prioritizes public interest and delivers the campaign promise are worth re-electing.

It predominantly rests with the American electorate in their choice of candidates as their representatives in Washington.

The combined forces such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce influencing the Supreme Court decision allowing unlimited cash flow in the election campaign together with the political architects determined to distract the electorate through distortion and negative attacks render the democratic elections irrelevant.

Whenever a candidate with no established record or substantive policies to move the nation forward is dependent upon the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and smear campaign, that candidate is unequivocally pledged to the sources behind them and not their constituents.

Their name might be on the ballot but only in theory for the real candidates are the big industries devising the policy and the strategists with the political ideology.

Voter discernment in electing the candidates with proven record and service against those without solutions to any problems could make the desirable change possible.

Congressional Democrats in the House and the Senate have worked extremely hard and are committed to improve the American lives. The selective few Republican members share the credit for their bipartisanship that enabled the recent reforms.

The policies related to ongoing wars contributing to the brave armed forces’ death toll and, the national deficit from the disproportionate defense expenditure with no accountability and transparency have been largely accepted without subjecting the claims to due process.

Public concern and views are disregarded and democracy undermined through propaganda subverting facts to promote the specific agenda.

The abuse of power with little or no respect for the constitutional law and democracy, reckless decisions that led to a bankrupt economy, chaos, death and destruction are minor details as compared to the serious ramifications on the office of Presidency – setting a dangerous precedence for history to repeat itself citing the predecessor’s exemption from law in the land of justice.

Ignoring the warnings on 9/11 attacks and conspicuously neglecting the constitutional duty to protect American lives is a colossal Presidential failure.

Above all, granting immunity to the status is rejecting the constitution set up to safeguard the national interest and the democratic principles that guarantees equal justice.

Accordingly, the nation particularly the United States Congress is obligatory to the 9/11 victims and their families in initiating a thorough investigation in public view with appropriate findings against all those implicated regardless of stature.

Democracy is threatened when the lawmakers become the lawbreakers and decline action against unethical conduct exemplifying discriminatory practice with law being applicable only to the law abiding ordinary citizens but not the powerful absconding the law.

These are truly the trying times for democracy and their representatives in presenting unwavering justice to preserve national security and the rule of law reflecting the fact that no one is above the law.

Massive voter turnout exceeding the 2008 statistics is paramount to overhaul Washington.

Please vote for the democrats so that they can cast their vote in return on legislation addressing the average citizens’ plight.

At the same time, the Republican members have invariably cast ‘Nay’ votes on ‘regular citizens’ issues while some of their colleagues choose abstinence to facilitate special interests victory.

Voting is the basic right denied to a significant population in some parts of the world and the citizens in a democratic society have tremendous chance to reshape the political landscape.

Hence ‘rally America’ to the midterm elections is an important call for all citizens.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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2010 Elections – The Balance of Power

September 6, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

With less than eight weeks for the mid-term elections, the speculations are the GOP will claim the House and the House majority leader will be John Boehner. Similarly, the speculators believe the GOP has a slim chance of taking over the U.S. Senate.

In view of the optimistic Republican forecast as potential majority House members it’s essential to review the GOP plans for the nation.

Currently, the GOP mantra is the economy they successfully transformed into near ‘Great Depression,’ during their majority rule in the House and Senate under the Republican administration of the former President George W. Bush and the Vice President Dick Cheney.

The Republicans might fervently argue that the Democrats controlled the House and the Senate since 2006.

Although it’s a valid argument, the Republican members always gain control over legislation regardless of them being the majority or the minority due to their allegiance to the special interests devising the bills in Capitol Hill.

Moreover, the former President George W. Bush vowed to veto the bills passed by the Congressional Democrats on every issue and the veto record exemplifies the oath.

Per the leading conservative talk show host complimenting on the previous Republican administration – “President George W. Bush was not the lame duck for the agendas were pushed against the Democrats will.”

The comment is accurate in that respect – prominently the Iraq war, financial deregulation, blank check to Wall Street and tax exemptions to the wealthy by letting the middle class America disappear with the lower income families in poverty were all the Republican achievements that drove the surplus economy into skyrocketing deficit mostly blown away in the illegal warfare.

The GOP economic plan is none and their winning strategy in the coming elections,

According to Wall Street Journal, September 2, 2010 – By David Wessel – Thank you.

“Republican rhetoric offers little help. To the quiet discomfort of a few GOP politicians and several who advise Republicans on economics, this year’s campaign, so far, has little of the substance that accompanied the 1994 Republican renaissance with then-House leader Newt Gingrich’s “Contract with America.

The only sure thing is that if President Barack Obama is for it, Republicans are against it.

Comments by Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell a few weeks ago are typical:

If a bill doesn’t kill jobs or make it harder to create them, they’re not interested. It’s time for a different approach.”

This may be smart politics. Why be specific and give the other side a target, when you’re winning by riding a wave of voter frustration: Don’t like the Obama economy? Vote for us.

The closest Republicans come to a public economic agenda are speeches by their House leader, John Boehner, who promises more detail later this month to blunt Democratic efforts to paint Republicans as the “Party of No.”

For now, a few themes are evident.

One is that the spending-heavy Obama is a failure, often extrapolated into arguing that government spending is inherently bad.

“The common logic among Washington Democrats is that government spending creates jobs when that money is used to build a hiking trail or a playground,” Mr. Boehner said, disapprovingly, during an Aug. 24 speech in Cleveland.

Adds GOP Rep. Paul Ryan: “We are not Keynesians. We don’t believe in demand-side stimulus. We’re going to stop the spending spree.”

That’s easier to promise than do. Even spending foes, once in office, tend to spend.

“Prior to the Democrats’ takeover of the Congress and the White House in 2008, the Republicans ushered in the largest expansion of federal spending since the heydays of Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society in the 1960s,” says Alaska’s Joe Miller, who beat incumbent Sen. Lisa Murkowski in the Republican primary.

“You’re going to have a whole bunch of people coming here who aren’t going to want to vote for any spending bill—maybe defense? Maybe not?—to fund the government,” predicts Vin Weber, a former Republican congressman. That could force GOP leaders to rely on Democratic votes for spending bills to keep the government running, hardly a recipe for curbing spending.

The leadership’s avowed interest in promoting free-trade pacts, for instance, may not be shared by the populist Republicans who are winning primaries.

The absence of a coherent Republican agenda reflects more than the usual lack of consensus. The gap between current congressional leaders and tea-party activists is huge.”

——————————————————————————————————
GOP Economic Plan Overview – By Padmini Arhant

There is no economic plan upon Rep. John Boehner assuming House leadership and likewise in the Senate.

Except for extending the 2000 – 2008 President Bush and Vice President Cheney’s failed economic policy.

1. Renewing all the Bush tax cuts is a top GOP priority.

2. Business friendly tax cuts enabling massive Wall Street CEO Bonuses.

3. A big corporate tax overhaul that cuts rates now – Inevitably depriving revenue for the nation, besides widening the national deficit to an alarming proportion – precedence set by the Republican administration with unique expertise in this regard.

Ironically, it’s also the GOP’s main criticism against President Barack Obama even though the President has diligently set up bipartisan committee on deficit control.

4. Promoting free trade pacts – outsourcing 90% American jobs overseas enlarging the unemployment indefinitely and facilitating,

5. Small businesses, Retail and Wholesale industry collapse from the lack of consumer spending.

On the contrary, the Congressional House Democrats under the efficient and result oriented Speaker Nancy Pelosi passed the following legislation – swiftly and favorably to all Americans including the Small Businesses and Corporations to promote job growth.

Ref: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/d?d111:0:./list/bss/d111HR.lst:

1. H.R.1: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – keeping 750,000 and more Americans employed with a significant rise in the immediate future upon complete investment.

2. H.R.2 : Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009

3. H.R.11: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 – Guarantees equal pay for women that were denied by the Conservative Supreme Court votes followed by the Republican Senate coherence to the equal rights denial to women. The bill was passed through Democrats votes.

4. H.R.12: Paycheck Fairness Act – Subsequent to Republican Senate ‘Nay’ votes for equal pay to women, the matter was introduced through a new bill and passed with the Democrats votes.

5. H.R.13: TEACH for Our Future Act of 2009 – Focused on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness. Referred to the Subcommittee related to Higher Education…

6. H.R.14: Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009 – Referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology.

7. H.R.78: Stop Mortgage Fraud Act – Latest Major Action: 4/1/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee Hearings Held.

8. H.R.83: Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2009 – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

9. H.R.84: Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act – Latest Major Action: 3/25/2010 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

10. H.R.74: Financial Oversight Commission Act of 2009 – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

11. H.R.58: Green Schools Act – Latest Major Action: 3/16/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.

12. . H.R.52: Tropical Forest and Coral Conservation Act – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

13. H.R.49: American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act – Latest Major Action: 2/4/2009 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources.

14. H.R.47: Expand and Preserve Home Ownership through Counseling Act – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

15. H.R.46: Family Self-Sufficiency Act of 2009 – Latest Major Action: 4/30/2009 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

16. H.R.43: Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2009 – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

17. H.R.21: Ocean Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act – Latest Major Action: 6/18/2009 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

18. H.R.16: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the deduction of State and local general sales taxes – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

19. H.R.15: National Health Insurance Act – Latest Major Action: 1/6/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

20. Economic bills to stimulate job growth, Financial Reform, Health Care law, Unemployment Benefits extension and energy bill are the hallmark of Speaker Nancy Pelosi leadership.

Together with the extremely hardworking Democrat legislators alongside selective few Republican members votes made the historic legislation possible.

The choices are clear. American jobs, economy, education, health care, environment and energy independence are the Democrats priority.

Whereas the Republican leadership under John Boehner is clueless evidenced in the Wall Street Journal report and the minority leader’s interviews.

Why would the American electorate reject a bright future with Democrats under the leaderships of Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the House, Senate Democrats majority and President Barack Obama?

When they are all constantly engaged in improving American lives.

Quoting from the cited Wall Street Journal report –

“Many Republicans are running on “anger.” That may win the election; it’s hard to turn into a legislative agenda.”

Further, the Republican election winning strategy is to create a wedge between the solid Democrats working towards economic recovery and social progress. Usually it’s premised on distortion, false propaganda and negative attacks considering there is no specific economic or other proposals from them to move the nation forward.

GOP might have won in the past on divide and rule, polarization tactics. However, disregarding the reality on their track record that will be clarified and presented loud and clear to protect the American electorate from being misled in the coming weeks nearing election – is underestimating voter decision power.

After all, actions speak louder than rhetoric.

American voters’ prospects are assured under Democrats rule in the House, Senate and the White House.

The Republican action thus far has been protesting every legislation – particularly the jobs bill, economic revival such as unemployment extension, tax credits for consumer spending, payroll tax exemption to small businesses and corporations, $30 billion to community banks for small business lending…and,

Importantly they were against Wall Street reform and everything to do with national interest.

Republican candidates are hopeful in November 2010 to win the elections through their relentless support to Wall Street and the special interests’ campaign financing.

Unlike the Democrats accomplishments and future commitments towards American families and businesses that confirm their candidacy.

Please safeguard and secure your own, your family and the next generation’s prosperity by granting the Democrats a super majority status in the House and the Senate.

It’s well known that the Republican balance of power consistently produce “Washington gridlock,” – rewarding the special interests at the average American plight.

Allowing that to happen would be devastating for the national and global economy with slow and steady growth.

Notwithstanding history repeating itself reminiscent to 2000 – 2008 – President Bush and Vice President Cheney era.

Please visit the websites – www.dcccc.org, www.dscc.org. www.dnc.org and www.dga.org with your generous and affordable donations to help all Democratic contenders win the congressional election in November 2010.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Economy, Jobs and Housing Market Assessment

August 30, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The economy, job and housing market are the most important issues for the American electorate.

An overwhelming population is experiencing tough economic situations one way or another and there is legitimate concern over the rising deficit as well.

President Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats achievements, work-in-progress including the remedial measures are elaborated for better understanding and fair assessment.

Upon assuming office President Barack Obama and the Congressional Democrats passed the economic stimulus bill worth $787 billion to salvage the economy from ‘Great Depression,’ at that time.

This step was vital for the U.S. and the global economy on the precipitous decline following,

The previous administration’s deficit spending on two simultaneous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,

Facilitating financial market recklessness,

Free market deregulations in finance, health and energy industries,

Widening deficits through financial and auto industry bailouts with no accountability

Allowing Corporations to evade taxes on domestic and overseas earnings with adverse effects on national revenue.

Extending tax cuts for the wealthy – are the few recipes that triggered the economic disaster.

The policies were implemented at U.S. taxpayers and the average Americans colossal expense.

By neglecting the national requirements – prominently the job and housing market deceleration, the infrastructure repair and restoration, education, health, social security, veterans’ health care, small businesses and the American families in general.

President Barack Obama then introduced “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” for $787 billion in February 2009.

It comprised –
• $288 billion in tax cuts.
• $224 billion in extended unemployment benefits, education and health care.
• $275 billion for job creation using federal contracts, grants and loans.

The main objective was to invigorate economic and job growth at an estimated 900,000 – 2.3 million jobs.

Further, the stimulus fund was spread over ten years with the first three fiscal years receiving the major allocation.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected the stimulus funds would boost GDP growth by 1.4% – 3.8% at the end of 2009.

GDP growth for Q4, 2009 – 5.6% when including the businesses low inventory replenishment.

Otherwise the growth reported to be 1.8%.

According to (BEA) Bureau of Economic Analysis, Trading economics – Bloomberg – Thank you.

“The current GDP growth is 2.40%, with Growth rate – 1.60%, Inflation rate – 1.20%, Jobless rate – 9.50%, Interest rate – 0.25%.”

A significant increase when compared with the negative GDP growth -6.80% in December 2008.

The economy has moved from the negative to a positive trend with a present annual growth rate at 1.60%.

Beginning 2010, the economic figures in the first and second quarters are very encouraging and attention worthy.

GDP before adjusting for inflation in Q1 (Jan – Mar) 2010 rose to 4.8% and Q2 (Apr – Jun) 2010 – 3.6%.

GDI – Gross domestic income – the individuals, private and public sector combined income reportedly increased by 2.3% annual rate for Q2, 2010 after gaining 4.1% in the first quarter – Q1, 2010.

Corporate profits after an impressive 10.5%increase in Q1, 2010, rose by 4.6% for Q2, 2010 – still maintaining the gain from Q2, 2009.

Similarly the higher earnings by 39 percent in Q2, 2010 is relatively progressive than the 2009 second quarter.

Consumer spending for Q1, 2010 – 1.9% and Q2, 2010 – 2% exceeding the previously expected 1.6% pace for the second quarter.

Wages and salaries for Q1, 2010 increased by $6.5billion from the fourth quarter i.e. Q4, 2009.

Company inventory in Q2, 2010 was 0.65% against 2.64% for Q1, 2010. However, the business capital expenditure on structures, equipment had surpassed the prior projection of 22 percent to 24.9 percent.

Trade gap seemingly grew to $445 billion for Q2, 2010 in excess of the previous estimate at $425.9 billion confirming the import level at 32.4%.

It’s clear from the data that the economy in 2010 is comparatively a vast improvement to 2008.

The modest annual rate 1.60% is attributed to numerous factors:

Despite 39 percent increase in 2010 second quarter corporate earnings, the companies have contracted inventory spending, payrolls and lowered employee wages contributing to sluggish job growth and household income reduction eventually having an impact on the economic stimuli – the consumer spending.

Consumer spending also affected by the lack luster housing and stock market performance with majority households dependent on investment income.

Notwithstanding the ripple effect on the small businesses relying on retail purchases.

In addition the rising imports at 32.4 % suggest the lagging manufacturing industry require substantial private investments to provide the anticipated jobs.

Perhaps, capital gains tax relief might incentivize corporations to promote jobs in the manufacturing and service sector. The consideration could ease the burden on Congress in extending unemployment benefits to the jobless.

Per Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board that oversees spending under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 available at:

http://www.recovery.gov/Pages/home.aspx – Thank you.

Recovery funded jobs reported by recipients – 749,597 as of June 30, 2010.

“Job calculations are based on the number of hours worked in a quarter and funded under the Recovery Act.”

Evidently, the $787 billion has not been entirely invested in the economy to realize the immediate goals – jobs, housing and stock market appreciation to generate consumer spending and ultimately the desirable GDP growth.

Stimulus fund investment verification:

Tax Benefits:
Allocation – $288 billion
Investment – $223B /77%
Remaining Fund – $ 65B / 23%

Education, Jobless Benefits etc.:
Allocation – $224 billion
Investment – $143B / 64%
Remaining Fund – $ 81B / 36%

Contracts, Grants & Loans:
Allocation – $275 billion
Investment – $139B /51%
Remaining Fund – $136B /51%

President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and the Congressional Democrats have passed the crucial legislations to stimulate the different economic sectors.

Housing Market – Foreclosure moratorium to contain the bleeding and refinancing at affordable payments has saved homeowners from losing their homes. The documentation and eligibility cited as the reasons for the programs’ average success.

Addressing these issues would enormously benefit many homeowners and revive the housing market.

Also, the $8,000 credit to first home buyers enabled the market to rein in on falling home prices nationwide.

Therefore based on the results, extending the moratorium and first homebuyer credits, refinancing options by reviewing the eligibility criteria to include more struggling homeowners could be helpful to the housing sector.

Tax benefits: President Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats have been extremely diligent in this respect.

Tax breaks to 99% represented by average Americans, small businesses, corporations creating or saving employment, payroll taxes, tax exemption to seniors with moderate income $50,000 or less, consumer rebates and credits on home and automobile transactions – proof is in the data for 77% of the allocated stimulus fund has been invested.

The recent $26 billion bill for unemployment benefits extension and the federal aid to cash-strapped states to prevent job losses as well as essential programs termination directly influence consumer spending.

Investments in infrastructure projects such as highways and roads, the electric power grid, dams, bridges, levees, water mains and sewer systems, airport, public transportation system expansion by building new high-speed passenger rail systems were in the job creation proposal.

Although, the target is – 900,000 – 2.3 million jobs, it’s distributed across the economic spectrum ranging from green jobs, infrastructure, manufacturing and service sector to small businesses.

A bulk of it to be absorbed by the private sector contrary to the false propaganda on the alleged government take-over of the free market.

President Barack Obama’s timely intervention in the auto industry attracted criticism from the opposition.

Nonetheless, today the state of Michigan that was worst hit in the economic recession is experiencing job growth in the auto industry due to the Obama administration rescue plan.

Stimulus package has been directed towards saving multitude jobs for the beleaguered local school districts that threatened teachers’ salaries with layoffs and cutbacks,

Federal grants to make education affordable for students – Pell Grants for college education and ‘race to the top’ federal funds for schools across the nation.

Adequate medical coverage for military members and their families and $1 billion for the Veteran’s Administration – which suffered severe cutbacks under President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney that led to the Walter Reed Army Hospital closure at the peak of Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

In an effort to care for the children and seniors – Food programs for low-income Americans, including $150 million to help refill food banks, $100 million in meals programs for seniors, and $100 million for free school lunch programs – all ignored by the former administration.

Deficit management is possible with the troop withdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan, constrain defense expenditure, health care costs savings and economic surge producing revenues, besides optimizing GDP growth through exports.

Above all, President Barack Obama and the Democrats legislative successes are phenomenal.

Historic reforms in finance and health care in tandem with bipartisan committee on deficit control deserve recognition.

The economy, jobs and the housing market are the President and the Congressional Democrats’ priority and they continue to explore all options in expediting the economic recovery.

If not for their hard work and determination to improve American lives, the pessimistic view on the economy would have prevailed.

Congratulations! To President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, the Congressional Democrats and the selective Republican members for the milestones reached thus far and the impending legislations to move our great nation forward.

All the more reason to elect the Democrats for a super majority in the House and the Senate, so that President Barack Obama can complete the tasks in every respect, particularly accelerating the job growth, stabilizing the economy and energizing the housing market.

A great future is certain with President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and the Democrats majority in Congress.

Please visit the DNC, DSCC, DCCC and DGA websites for your generous contributions to elect the new and incumbent democrats in November 2010.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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

Lower Manhattan Mosque Controversy

August 19, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Sometime back, the Lower Manhattan residents had approved the community center construction with a religious mosque in New York City.

Subsequently, the city granted permission for the project in accordance with the civil ordinance. The process would have clearly involved a thorough review of the construction site, the local convenience or the lack thereof and the majority consensus in this issue.

Reportedly, after much deliberation and survey the final decision was made favoring the community center project with the mosque, a worship place for the people of Islamic faith.

The community center with recreational facilities is meant for all within and outside the community including a peaceful gathering by the people to pray at the proposed mosque.

Although, it was a widely known public project with an overwhelming support from the people in the neighborhood and around until now, the mosque site is the contentious issue and currently turned into a sensitive debate.

The opposition to the project is based on the location and the proximity i.e. two blocks from Ground Zero suggesting that it adds “insult to injury.”

First and foremost, the 9/11 terror attack is and will always remain an insurmountable human tragedy with an estimated three thousand lives lost in the horrendous crime against humanity.

It also set precedence for a spate of similar attacks around the world.

The 9/11 victims were from New York City and many different parts of the world.

More appropriately the human lives without any distinction were compromised for the perpetrators’ self-fulfilling purpose deserving worldwide condemnation.

No eloquent consolation can replace the loss of precious lives. The pain and suffering still experienced by the victims’ families is natural and one could pray as well as hope for the healing to begin in helping the grieving families recover from the sadness surrounding their life.

Nonetheless, the extraordinary global reaction to the 9/11 victims was pervasive and people from all walks of life especially the followers of peaceful Islam i.e. the significant majority Muslim population across the globe were deeply disappointed and sincerely expressed their sorrow for the inhumane act against innocent civilians.

The outpouring humanitarian aid in the 9/11 aftermath included the good Samaritans of Islamic religion in an outreach to their fellow human beings and rebuilding the vibrant New York City.

That being the fact, the mosque in Islam is equivalent to the Church, Synagogue and Temples… a shrine where people come together seeking solace and peace for them and others.

Islam is not alienated in the worship by pious minds congregating to redeem themselves and those responsible for any harm to other human beings.

Therefore, the mosque is ideal since several worshippers’ prayers would absolve the attackers’ incarcerated negativities bringing the desirable harmony and serenity to the environment with a violent past.

The humanitarian service anticipated in the community center and the mosque would enhance the opportunity for a new beginning through forgiveness and charitable activities.

Such noble deeds will purify the site, inevitably contributing to the 9/11 souls’ eternal peace and the survivors well-being.

Further, the community center has job potential for the Lower Manhattan unemployed citizens adding to the economic benefit.

Perhaps, the 9/11 families’ solidarity and positive perspective could broaden the prospects for a stronger America undeterred against the destructive and divisive forces.

The opponents misinterpret the Mosque site as provocation and demand the permit withdrawal for the project.

Contrary to the claims, rejecting the mosque in Lower Manhattan is a willful surrender to the 9/11 masterminds determined to polarize the nation and mislead the political faction behind the controversy towards their school of thoughts.

The terror organizations have invariably indoctrinated other religions as irrelevant with a reference to the society as ‘infidels,’ and were never inhibited from exploiting religion for personal ideology.

Unfortunately, the leading proponents against the mosque are echoing the sentiments that are detrimental to the secular democratic society founded on solid constitution granting equal rights to all citizens of this great nation.

The evolving situation on the subject is counterproductive if not a major political distraction.

The U.S. Constitution, Islam religion and most importantly the 9/11 victims’ families i.e. the survivors are being used as political tools to propagate ideas that are not representative of the American democratic values.

President Barack Obama’s thoughtful statements in this context have been distorted for political reasons with midterm elections around the corner.

It’s not uncommon for politics to suffer from selective amnesia.

If the political opposition is truly concerned about the 9/11 survivors and their welfare, it’s time to exemplify them beginning with the passage of the –

“H.R. 847, James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act Rejected by House Vote.” Please refer to the AP article below.

Which, the majority Republican Congress rejected to protect the multinational corporations’ interest against the 9/11 workers and their families.

The devastated 9/11 workers were not surprised considering the Republican members’ record on the ‘Nay’ votes against every Democrat’s bill introduced to improve American lives.

President Barack Obama and the Democratic Congress have been consistently denied the majority Republican votes on all issues throughout Obama Presidency.

The mosque project is politicized to deflect public attention from the lack of Republican cooperation on legislations concerning the American electorate.

Republican minority performance predominantly focused on filibuster threats and voting against Democrats’ bills designed to promote average American lives and their future.

So the mosque issue is a convenient political fall back to gain momentum against the Democrat lawmakers dedicated to move the nation forward upon inheriting the bad economy, simultaneous wars with no strategy in Iraq and Afghanistan, tumbling financial sector, bankrupt auto industry…to list a few in the profile.

Ironically, the prominent opposition members / 2012 Republican Presidential hopefuls denigrating President Barack Obama and others on the mosque issue fail to recognize the fact,

The 9/11 would not be discussed today, had the previous administration proactively prevented the attacks upon several ominous warnings and memos on 9/11 attack in American soil that were ignored.

Pictures are worth a thousand words and they often reveal the sensitivity or the conspicuous absence.

President Barack Obama and the Democratic majority achievements thus far are phenomenal.

American people are tired of partisan politics and scapegoat tactics nearing election for they prefer to see result oriented actions.

While the Democrats have it, the Republican minority continues to conceal their poor record by using politics to win elections rather than extending bipartisanship to assist the President in all national issues.

Empathy towards 9/11 survivors are best displayed through legislations like the 9/11 health and compensation act, extending unemployment benefits or the economic stimulus bill creating jobs to enable them in providing for their living dependents.

United States is an egalitarian society and a model democracy with constitutional rights to practice religion in any part of the nation.

The status quo is a political and social infringement on the religious right guaranteed to all citizens in the U.S. constitution.

Islam is the religion of peace. The people of Islamic faith as the American citizens share equal rights and privileges regardless of the political view.

The mosque construction in Lower Manhattan will be symbolic of the United States’ religious tolerance and resolve against the terror networks.

Wishing long lasting peace between 9/11 survivors and their American Islamic neighbors in the culturally diverse, tolerant and exuberant New York City.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Source: Associated Press – July 29, 2010 – Thank you.

“H.R. 847, James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act Rejected by House Vote.”

“A bill that would have provided up to $7.4 billion in aid to people sickened by World Trade Center dust fell short in the House on Thursday, raising the possibility that the bulk of compensation for the ill will come from a legal settlement hammered out in the federal courts.

The bill would have provided free health care and compensation payments to 9/11 rescue and recovery workers who fell ill after working in the trade center ruins.

It failed to win the needed two-thirds majority, 255-159. The vote was largely along party lines, with 12 Republicans joining Democrats supporting the measure.

For weeks, a judge and teams of lawyers have been urging 10,000 former ground zero workers to sign on to a court-supervised settlement that would split $713 million among people who developed respiratory problems and other illnesses after inhaling trade center ash.

GOP critics branded the bill as yet another big-government “massive new entitlement program” that would have increased taxes and possibly kill jobs.

To pay the bill’s estimated $7.4 billion cost over 10 years, the legislation would have prevented foreign multinational corporations incorporated in tax haven countries from avoiding tax on income earned in the U.S.

Bill supporters said that would close a tax loophole. Republicans branded it a corporate tax increase.

John Feal, a ground zero demolition worker who has lobbied extensively for the legislation, expressed disgust.

“They pulled the rug out from beneath our feet,” Feal said. “Whatever member of Congress vote against this bill, whether Republican or Democrat, should go to jail for manslaughter.”

The bill would have provided up to $3.2 billion to cover the medical treatment of people sickened by trade center dust and an additional $4.2 billion for a new fund that would have compensated them for their suffering and lost wages.”

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

United States Senate Actions Chronicle

August 8, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The United States Senate in the past week (August 2nd – August 6th 2010) made inroads through following actions.

1. Senate Confirmation of the Supreme Court Nominee.

Senate confirmed the Supreme Court Justice nominee, Elena Kagan and further enhanced the intellectual as well as the judicial acumen in the United States Supreme Court.

Congratulations! To the Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan for the highest honor and a lifetime opportunity to serve the people of the United States with objectivity, diligence in the interpretation of the constitutional law and decisions evaluated on the pervasive impact.

As stated earlier, Justice Elena Kagan would be a valuable asset to the present distinguished Supreme Court representation in all aspects.

Best Wishes to Justice Elena Kagan in the new judicial responsibility.

President Barack Obama and Congress members deserve credit in efficiently addressing the nomination process.

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2. Senate Confirmation of the National Intelligence Director

Senate also confirmed the National Intelligence Director – James R. Clapper to lead the nation’s 16 intelligence agencies.

Recently, there were concerns regarding the fragmented intelligence apparatus and the revolving complexity compromising the efficiency required to serve national security.

The newly appointed Director is claimed to possess the credentials and experience in the intelligence field with glowing references from the defense and intelligence departments.

Director Clapper is expected to integrate the national intelligence efforts and provide the management crucial for national security.

It appears that Director Clapper successfully demonstrated his ability in this respect and convinced the Senate Committee for a unanimous vote during the confirmation hearing.

Congratulations and Best Wishes! To the National Intelligence Director – James R. Clapper in the important designation to safeguard national interests.

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3. Senate Approval of $26 Billion for States and Schools

Earlier in the week, the Senate passed the bill to fund the States and School districts in an effort to protect the teachers and the several government workers’ jobs.

Teachers, law enforcement and emergency department employees were facing layoffs due to the states’ severe deficit crisis.

The federal aid is a saving grace for it would provide the school districts with timely financial supplement in maintaining the proper academic environment.

With respect to the states, the furloughs hurt the employees and deep spending cuts were targeted against the essential programs.

But, now the funding could help in those areas and prevent job losses that otherwise would have exacerbated the state and national unemployment.

The $26 billion is a stopgap measure to allow the states in continuing the necessary educational and social services including the border security provision by deploying 1000 patrol agents as a strike force in the sensitive areas.

The benefits are also extended to the department of Justice in handling the excess case overload.

It’s noteworthy that the bill is entirely funded by the revenue from closing the business tax loophole and making spending cuts.

Therefore, it does not add to the national deficit.

The $600 million appropriated towards border security is also paid for. The 10 percent increase in spending is adjusted against the visa application fee hikes on the few companies sponsoring foreign workers.

Senate action is praiseworthy and reflects the authors such as the New York Senator Charles E. Schumer as well as others’ true commitment in defending the nation from economic woes and security foes.

House of Representatives are returning to vote on this bill next week. It’s indicative of their dedication to rescue the vulnerable members in the society. Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House members’ action are attention worthy.

The public gratitude in this regard would be inevitably conveyed through ballots in November 2010.

Republican Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe share the appreciation for their bipartisan support in the recent legislations.

Perhaps, other Republican members would join their two esteemed colleagues in the near future.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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California Proposition 8 Victory

August 6, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Heartfelt Congratulations! To the LGBT community and Gay rights advocates on the recent victory.

On August 5, 2010 the California federal court Judge Vaughn R. Walker ruled against Proposition 8 that banned same-sex marriage.

The issue had been long contested by the opponents through various avenues – legal, ballot and legislative measures.

Yesterday’s ruling confirms the unconstitutionality surrounding the voter supported Proposition 8 that deprived society’s specific members the equal rights in all matter.

With this verdict, a significant progress has been made thus far.

The debate has evolved into a much better understanding of the prevalent social injustice prompting legislative actions by the Democratic Congress to protect these citizens from discriminatory practices including,

President Barack Obama’s actions extending equivalent benefits to federal employees and gay rights expansion in every possible dimension, not to mention the initiative to repeal ‘Don’t ask don’t tell,’ policy in the military.

There is still a great deal of efforts required in invoking natural empathy, the inherent human quality latent in the contemporary society,

For the civil union continues to be the political choice over legitimacy to formalizing the marital status.

Nevertheless, the gay rights movement has gained impressive momentum through myriad sources and it will soon be triumphant nationally in this regard.

Incremental winnings provide optimism in the targeted goals and the gay members deserve to prevail at every opportunity.

Any society that believes in – “All are created equal in every respect,”

They would unequivocally favor the simple desire for “same-sex,” marriage among their fellow human beings without subjecting them to individual perceptions.

Best Wishes and Good Luck! To the gay activists for more positive outcome not only in this issue but also the ‘don’t ask don’t tell,’ matter.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Relief to the Unemployed Citizens through Jobless Benefits

July 20, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Congratulations! To the millions of Unemployed citizens whose jobless benefits expired in June 2010, now have the means to support them while they are looking for work.

Job search is a stressful experience in a tough economy with millions competing for fewer jobs in the job market.

The extension revival by the Democrats and two Republican Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins is a saving grace for the Americans out of work and the slow economic recovery.

An estimated five million people is expected to be relieved through this measure for they will receive allowances up to 99 weeks averaging $309 a week.

The long fought legislation survived the filibuster threat despite the majority in the opposition along with a lone Democrat, Ben Nelson from Nebraska voting for it.

It appears that the newly sworn in West Virginia Democrat Senator Carte Goodwin’s vote was crucial to move forward for the final Senate approval.

The contentious issue was the $34 billion benefit extension cost being added to the $13 trillion national debt instead of being provided for with cuts in the $3.7 trillion federal budget.

Although, the national debt is a legitimate concern with a valid proposal for funding the legislation, the Republican Senators could have identified the reallocation from the $3.7 trillion federal budget if they were seriously committed in helping their unemployed constituents and the people across the nation.

However, it’s never too late to review the federal budget to eliminate wasteful spending and prioritize economic activities such as this legislation over less important or extravagant budget expenditures.

As stated earlier, job creation and sustenance is an immediate requirement and the unemployment benefit is a catalyst to stimulate consumer spending that would promote the retail industry and the small business sector, the two most significant bases contributing to the ripple effect on the manufacturing, wholesale and the service industry in the economic recession.

Expediting job growth in the retail industry and small businesses is vital for long-term economic progress.

The argument about the out-of-control spending is more appropriate in the alarming defense budget with no auditing or accountability factor. Moreover, the extraordinary investment has not delivered the desirable results thus far.

Ironically, the ‘deficit’ is not an issue in the bipartisan legislation to increase defense funding for the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan and Yemen including the U.S. military bases around the world.

Whereas in the economic aspect the mere existence has been challenging for many and with the opposition blocking funding to the struggling states, the current federal aid is a lifesaver besides being an economic stimulus.

Even if the economic prospect is downsized, any improvement in people’s daily life enables them to endure hardships without losing hope.

According to the latest reports, the unemployment rate in many states is on the decline.

Any attempts to jumpstart the economy would restore consumer as well as investor confidence.

Jobs, housing market and economy have a major impact on the electorate anytime more so in the election year.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Financial Regulatory Reform – HR 4173

July 15, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Congratulations! To President Barack Obama, Senator Chris Dodd, Rep. Barney Frank and other Congress members from both sides of the aisle for their contribution to the historic victory on the Financial regulations bill.

The United States Senate approved the long overdue financial regulatory reform that was challenged by Wall Street and their representatives since conception.

Not long ago, the global economy faced the possibility of the ‘Great Depression,’ emerging from the deregulated financial markets with extraordinary privileges in the public fund mismanagement and speculative trading showing no regard for the dire consequences, now a harsh reality experienced by the billions around the world.

Wall Street exercising the ‘free market’ power to engage in calculated high-risk ventures especially through derivatives and hedge fund activities led to a near free fall in the absence of any oversight on the reckless involvement.

The U.S. economy would have succumbed to the economic crisis if not for the American Investment Recovery Act passed by the Democrats and isolated republican members in Congress.

President Barack Obama and the lawmakers behind this legislation deserve credit in this regard.

Unfortunately, their actions have not been truly acknowledged for the substantial measures implemented through this stimulus bill aimed at helping citizens across the political spectrum.

The positive results benefiting American life from the economic stimulus subverted for political reasons in the election year.

In a democracy, the most grueling aspect is the legislative process.

It’s even harder with the special interests controlling the legislative course on every issue, further exacerbated by the majority in the opposition pledged to defeat the legislation against national interest.

With respect to HR 4173 – it’s a monumental task to gain unanimous consensus on a broad legislation targeting the most powerful sector in the economy.

As expressed by the Chairman, U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Chris Dodd, the dissatisfaction from the different political factions are legitimate and reaching an agreement on common grounds is the preliminary step towards consumer protection along with many other important regulations in this bill.

Arguably, it is not perfect as every Senator holds some reservations and distinct views about their support or the lack thereof in the crucial legislation.

The main components of the bill are elaborated in the – http://banking.senate.gov/public/_files/FinancialReformSummary231510FINAL.pdf

Pros and Cons: The Treasury secretary historically and more relevantly have close ties with Wall Street – going back to several administrations.

Hence, the conflict of interest is a major concern with the Treasury secretary as the head of the 10 member regulatory council – evidenced in the failure to monitor the financial market between 2000 and 2008 that caused the economic meltdown.

Otherwise, the 10-member council of regulators representing the oversight committee is an effective strategy.

Given the facts on the subprime lending and credit card abuses, the consumer protection agency is the hallmark of this legislation.

The contentious derivatives and hedge fund management is subject to rigorous standards underscoring the transparency and accountability factor in this bill.

Opposition claim on the omission of the controversial Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from the financial regulation could be clarified to dispel misconceptions about any exemptions to the lender.

The compromise on the $19 billion bank tax to earn the Republican Senator Scott Brown vote whereas not pursuing the Democrat Senator Russ Feingold seeking tougher regulations is an irony in the democrats led legislation.

Nevertheless, the three Republican Senators cooperation is praiseworthy.

Overall, the framework of this legislation encompasses the requirements to avert the financial crisis and the economic downturns barring no Wall Street intrusion in the regulatory mission.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Extending Unemployment Benefits – House Bill Failed By Three Votes

June 29, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Less than an hour ago, the House of Representatives’ concerted effort to revive the bill extending unemployment benefits to the millions of people representing the stars and stripes fell short by three votes in the two third majority requirement.

Yea – 261 votes. Democrats – 231 and Republican – 30.

Nay – 155 votes. Democrats – 15 and Republican – 139

Not clear on the remaining single nay vote.

Despite the citizens’ plea to Congress members to pass the bill through bipartisanship,

By revealing their deteriorating economic situation due to the weak job market, severe recession and the unemployment benefits expiration,

The ‘Nay’ Sayers on both sides rejected the public plight to allow politics prevail over people’s life.

Legislation failing by three votes that could have salvaged millions from becoming homeless is a tragedy and a sad day for democracy.

Regardless of the political differences, ignoring the harsh realities experienced by the people across the nation is incomprehensible and speaks volume about the individual priority.

Perhaps, the lawmakers possessing the power to improve lives have a legitimate explanation for their action depriving the American families, the means viz. unemployment benefits and tax breaks for small businesses to cope with the dire economic crisis.

Human nature is to protect, preserve and nurture life, not aid in their destruction.

Unfortunately, the current trend is ominously in favor of the latter.

Anything that is detrimental to human existence and life threatening has overwhelming support in the political and judicial system fomented by certain news media.

On the contrary, the bills pertaining to economic recovery and legal issues on life sustenance is defeated with no concern for the consequences.

The reasons behind such decisions are usually related to personal and political ideology.

When human beings have the power to help others in their suffering and they willfully act against their conscience, it is clear that they are guided by their illusion rather than intuition.

The real joy and success is measured by the selfless activities i.e. without any expectations in return for promoting progress among the less fortunate in the society.

Any work performed for greater good often accompanied by empathy makes life worth living.

Notwithstanding the eternal bliss –

For health, wealth and power are meaningless without inner peace and happiness.

Something that cannot be achieved by superficial sources in life.

It’s a sincere hope that the Congress members in the House and the Senate elected by the people to address their needs would reconcile the disagreements with the majority and collectively resolve the national crises hurting their constituents and the citizens at large.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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