Campaign Finance Reform Bill

August 8, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Further to the United States Senate Actions Chronicle, there were more relevant bills proposed by the Senate Democrats in the past month – July 2010.

Campaign Finance Reform: The bill aimed at the election campaign’s fundamental problem – the special interests influence undermining democracy.

Evidently, it did not survive the Republican members opposition.

Although, the House passed the legislation, it failed in the Senate by three votes short of 60 votes required to eliminate Republican filibuster against the Disclose Act and various important components protecting the democratic sanctity.

The Democrats introduced the bill primarily to offset the negative effects from the Supreme Court’s decision granting unlimited access to the corporations, unions and other interests through campaign contributions, political ads and advocacy for or against any political candidate ahead of the election.

However, there was an exception to the Supreme Court’s rule that permitted Congress to legislate the interest groups’ political rhetoric via disclaimer and disclosure requirements.

Democrats precisely drafted the legislation to prohibit overseas corporations, federal contractors and tax payer bailed out businesses from the sponsorship.

At the same time, the bill enforced the disclaimer and disclosure requirement on the rest with the respective organizations’ chief executive or union leader’s personal appearance and endorsement message in the political ad.

Similar criteria apply to the nexus group representing the corporations, trade unions…to identify the top donors in the political ad.

Additionally, the corporations and advocacy groups are expected to provide campaign contribution details exceeding $1,000 in their political expenditure accounts.

The purpose behind this legislation is to enable transparency for free and fair elections by limiting the powerful organizations from depriving the electorates’ voice being heard in a democracy.

Not surprisingly, the business groups had expressed their grievances claiming the legislative act violated the free speech right and reportedly highlighted on the unions not being subject to the same conditions.

This issue could be addressed with a clear emphasis on the bill to affect all participants in the political campaign including the non-profit organizations with a political agenda regardless of stature.

Up until now, the legislation passage is entirely dependent on the democrats and isolated Republican member votes viz. Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, in all major issues.

The Republican opposition has been driven by the special interests controlling the electoral and legislative process.

Now, the Republican members voting against the campaign finance reform prove their priority to the business groups over their constituents and the American electorate in the nation.

In return, the business groups have pledged extraordinary support and financial backing to the Republican candidates thwarting the democrats’ effort to represent the American people and the nation at large.

Therefore, the public demand across the political spectrum is imperative to revive the bill and restore democracy upon the Congress members’ return from August recess.

Any resistance to the bill will indicate the political party and the member’s self-interest against national interest.

Rest assured, the Democrats bill on the campaign finance reform is a phenomenal step towards fixing the broken political system in Washington.

People have the power to bring about the long overdue change in the political sphere.

It’s possible by electing the legislators demonstrating their commitment to work for the people and the democrats are diligently performing their constitutional duties in improving American lives.

Please send your affordable / generous contributions to DCCC, DSCC, DNC and DGA in getting the doers i.e. the democrats elected overwhelmingly to the House, the Senate and State Governors in November 2010.

It might be a great challenge to compete with the corporations, but the will of the people cannot be deterred by the forces against them as established in 2008 elections.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

P.S.: Please send your contributions to the following address or visit their websites.

DNC – Democratic National Committee – www.dnc.org
Attn: Governor Tim Kaine
430 South Capitol Street SE,
Washington, D.C., 20003

DCCC – Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee www.dccc.org

Attn: Speaker Nancy Pelosi
430 South Capitol Street S.E.
Washington, D.C., 20003

DSCC – Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee www.dscc.org
Attn: State Senator (?)
120 Maryland Ave., N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002.

DGA – Democratic Governors Association – www.democraticgovernors.org
1401 K Street, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005

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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

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

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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Remembering Senator Robert Byrd – Democrat Senator, West Virginia

June 28, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Today, the United States Senate and the nation lost a longest serving Senator and the member in congressional history.

Senator Robert Carlyle Byrd, a Democrat from the state of West Virginia, political career span from January 2, 1959 – June 28, 2010.

Reflecting on the record, the Senator had previously struggled to keep pace with the social developments in the society.

Nevertheless, towards the end there appears to be some reconciliation with the erroneous decisions the Senator had made during his term in office.

No human being is infallible. Those who recognize the missed opportunities to contribute to positive changes and later do it right are honorable.

For the recent contributions benefiting all forms of life represents the core value, a confirmation of the fact that it’s never too late to act for greater good.

Senator Byrd has served the West Virginia constituents well. Otherwise it would have not been possible to hold the historic position in the Senate.

The democrats and other Congress members reminisced their time with the Senator from West Virginia.

Senator Robert Byrd’s unprecedented public service to the citizens in West Virginia and across the nation remembered with respect and gratitude.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Featured, United States | 1 Comment 

Citizens Plea to the Senators on Jobless benefits and Health Bill

June 28, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The unemployed citizens have presented their desperate situation with the hope of getting some help.

It’s not always easy to be open and upfront to the world about one’s life.

It requires honesty. Honesty demands courage.

The citizens’ message has adequate reasons and highly inspirational, apparently a prerequisite in approaching the elected officials for their votes on life and death matter such as jobs and health related bills.

A lawmaker’s constitutional duty to serve the citizens at all times more so during critical hour is portrayed as a favor or mercy towards their subjects by the authorities and certain news media.

If these messages do not change the ‘Nay’ votes to ‘Yea,’ votes, then ‘compassion,’ and ‘righteousness’ have lost their meaning.

Meanwhile, anyone who could assist these citizens to cope with the difficult circumstances would be not only saving lives but also providing the nation with additional taxpayers through their employment.

Your kindness is much appreciated.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Please read the message from the citizens pleading for survival means. Thanks again.

The URL or any other information about job sites and financial aid may be posted in response to citizens’ comment on this website against appropriate articles. Thanks again.

1.” JOE: From Why Senate must act immediately on the Unemployment Benefit Extension?,
2010/06/27 at 4:44 PM

THE REPUBLICANS FILIBUSTERED THE VOTE TO TRY TO MAKE THE DEMS LOOK BAD.

I CAN ALMOST HERE THE ANTI CAMPAIGN COMMERCIALS NOW.

This is political nonsense at its best.

THEY HAVE TO VOTE BY THIS WEEKEND BEFORE THEY GO ON VACATION (THAT’S A JOKE IN ITSELF)

I HAVE NO INCOME COMING IN, MY 26 WEEKS ENDED LAST SUNDAY.

ARE WE CHASING THE GHOST OF TOM JOAD?

I’VE BEEN KNOCKING DOWN DOORS FOR A JOB, NONE EXIST.

WITH A DAUGHTER ENTERING HER SOPHOMORE YEAR OF COLLEGE, THERE’S NO WAY TO HELP HER ALONG THE WAY. CELL PHONE DUE, RENT DUE, CAR PAYMENT DUE.

GAS TO FILL UP MY CAR. UTILITIES TO PAY.

I’M A SINGLE FATHER, I CAN’T SURVIVE WITHOUT THE EXTENSION…PRAYING THAT THE JOBS WOULD COME, BUT THAT’S LIKE ASKING A FARMER TO RAISE CROPS WITH NO WATER…

PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, SENATORS, GET YOUR…BACK TO WORK AND,

FIGURE OUT A WAY TO GET A BILL SIGNED. AND CREATE MORE JOBS BY YEARS END…OUR FUTURE, WITHOUT IT, IS THE GRAPES OF WRATH REVISITED ALL OVER AGAIN…”
————————————————————————————–

2. “out of benefits in Ohio:

From Senate Block Vote on Unemployment Benefits Extension and Delay Medicare Reimbursements, 2010/06/28 at 8:35 AM

To Padmini Arhant,

You are so full of it.

Congress is ignoring everyones plight.

While they spend money for big dinners and jets and cars, we the working class get to live in the streets.

I guess the ILLEGAL immigrants are more important to Washington than the citizens of the US.

Washington is spending $10.4 Billion/year on them.

Because I don’t have children at home, I can’t get medical care for my wife.

I can go to the VA but they won’t give me 2 of my meds for a heart condition because some government agency decided I didn’t need them.

Meanwhile I see drug addicts and dearlers getting all kinds of help. I hope that you never have to rely on your government to take care you….”

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

Urgent Medicaid Support Required for People with Disabilities

June 25, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The organization dedicated to helping children with disabilities made the following plea and requested the U.S. Senators from both sides of the aisle to consider reviving the bill and approve the federal Medicaid funding to the states.

One cannot ignore the urgency on this important measure.

Hopefully the GOP Senators would heed to the call for assistance from the most vulnerable members in the society, the children and pass the legislation on humanitarian grounds, if not as a constitutional responsibility.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

———————————————————————————————-

Fri, June 25, 2010 12:34:38 PM
URGENT: Tell your Senators to do the right thing

From: “Katy Beh Neas, Easter Seals”

Easter Seals: Creating life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn work and play.

Dear Padmini,

Vital health care services for people with disabilities are at stake.

Urge your Senators to do the right thing for people with disabilities by passing the Medicaid funding extension.

Last night, the Senate was just three votes short of passing critical Medicaid support for people with disabilities.

If the Senate does not approve additional federal Medicaid funding to the states, they will be forced to cut benefits and services for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

We came so close last night. Every message from Easter Seals supporters like you will make a difference when the Senate takes this up again in the next few days.

Act now! Urge your Senators to protect people with disabilities by voting to extend this enhanced federal Medicaid funding!

Medicaid is a lifeline for children and adults with disabilities. Because of the health care they get through the program, they are able to be successful in school, keep a job and live independent lives.

Thanks to Medicaid, a child with autism can get the speech therapy he needs, a teenager with spina bifida can get the wheelchair she needs to use to get around school, and an older person living with a chronic illness can see his doctor.

Medicaid exists to help people who can’t otherwise afford it, pay for critical services like these.

But state budgets have been squeezed by this recession. With less and less tax revenue coming in, they’re facing the prospect of devastating cutbacks.

They need help filling the gaps and keeping important programs afloat.

They’re counting on support from Washington.

The federal government has always shared the financial responsibility for Medicaid.

With so many people in need and the states so strapped for cash, this is the moment for the Senate to step up with additional funding.

When enough of their constituents weigh in, elected officials listen.

That’s why we can’t let Senators cast their vote again without hearing our voices.

But it has to happen fast.

Write your Senators and let your opinion be heard before it’s too late.

I really appreciate your help on this critically important issue.

Dedicated Easter Seals supporters like you are the difference between winning and losing these legislative battles.

Thanks again,

Sincerely,
Katy Beh Neas
Vice President, Government Affairs

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Senate Block Vote on Unemployment Benefits Extension and Delay Medicare Reimbursements

June 23, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

In the past week, the United States Senate was presented with the two most important bills directly affecting the average Americans survival.

According to the reports, the GOP rejected the $24 billion aid to the long-term unemployed citizens in the cash-strapped state governments and the several tax breaks renewal for businesses and individuals.

Apparently, the 56-40 vote on June 17, 2010 fell short of four votes to avoid GOP filibuster. Without any Republican votes for the measure, the Nebraskan Democrat Senator Ben Nelson along with the Connecticut Independent Senator Joe Lieberman contributed to the filibuster.

Today, the Ohio Senators’ repeat attempt to revive the bill by emphasizing on the urgency of this extension remained unsuccessful.
————————————————————————————————–
Per: http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=138410&catid=3 – Thank you.

Ohio’s Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown told fellow Senators that “more than 57,000 Ohioans — about the size of Elyria, Ohio or Mansfield, Ohio or twice the size of Zanesville — more than 57,000 Ohioans are estimated to have lost unemployment benefits since the extension ended in May, a month ago.”

“If the Senate does not pass an extension, that number will increase dramatically. More than 90,000 Ohioans could lose their benefits by the end of June. That is more people than live in Youngstown, more people than live in Springfield, more people than live in Cleveland Heights or Lakewood.”

Brown said that, nationwide, since the beginning of June, some 900,000 workers have run out of jobless benefits. That number will surpass 1 million by the end of this week.

Brown said today that he is very disappointed by the obstructionists’ moves to stop the extension of benefits.

“Senate Republicans are denying tens of thousands of Ohioans — and thousands of people in New Hampshire and hundreds of thousands of people in California and Texas and Florida — the Republicans are denying tens of thousands of Ohioans the unemployment insurance benefits they have earned during years of hard work,” Brown told fellow Senators.

“I ask my Republican colleagues who consistently vote no to try to empathize with those who have less privileges than we do, who don’t have huge staffs and don’t have a good salary and don’t have good insurance and don’t have a secure place to live, what their lives would be like if any one of us lost all of those privileges. I think it would make a difference in how they vote.”
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Perspective – By Padmini Arhant

It’s evident from the Ohio Senators’ case scenario that the situation is dire for the citizens in many states with higher unemployment.

Denying thousands of workers the means to cope with the economic recession amid rising or stagnant joblessness under the pretext of national debt or demanding that they are paid for prior to approval is a misplaced priority.

Where the Republican members should be arguing for the prepaid funding is, unnecessary wars such as Iraq and now Afghanistan including the perilous offshore drilling contributing to colossal costs witnessed at present.

It’s common knowledge that the GOP members and the few Democrats against the bill have willfully authorized the defense funding for the prolonged wars and claim no objection to the environmental damages via offshore drilling…

The Nay Sayers fail to recognize the consequences of their action or the lack thereof, leading up to the status quo exacerbation.

When the national figure for jobless benefit is expected to reach a million by the end of this week, the complacency is the affirmation of the elitist least bothered about the populist plight.

Ignoring the struggling families’ desperate economic needs based on partisanship more than fiscal responsibility is politics superseding national interest.

Although, the estimated $13 trillion national debt is a legitimate cause, the divestments from other sources with excess budget allocation including the pork barrel spending could be utilized for this important legislation.

Citizens cannot be possibly deprived of existence in the worst economy and the Republican lawmakers’ argument in this respect does not bode well, considering the positioning is purely aimed at winning conservative support in 2010 elections.

As for the isolated democrats and the independent Senator Joe Lieberman, the clock is ticking with the diminishing public patience on all issues. The proof of the pudding is in the electoral outcome.

Increased awareness and harsh experience by the electorate is a political gamble for the incumbents and the new challengers in the coming election.

People are tired of gridlock and, the ominously missing empathy among the obstructionists is a blatant dismissal of the economic reality endured by the voters.

Therefore, the ideal strategy to resolve the bill passage would be to identify the redundant funds in the fiscal budget and reallocate them for the unemployment benefit extension as well as the retrospective Medicare payments towards health care service.

Regarding the Medicare decrease in doctor payments: The belated Senate vote to spare doctors a 21 percent cut in Medicare payments is proved to have escalated the administrative costs for the providers and the taxpayers.

Much to the AMA (American Medical Association) frustration and AARP, the seniors’ lobby disappointment, the Congressional delay in the particular legislation is stated to affect the large health care program availed by 46 million elderly and disabled people.

Further, the claims processed at the lower rate are forcing many physicians to stop accepting Medicare patients while others considering dropping out of the Medicare program.

The cut appears to have had a direct impact on the billings for the early part of the month because of the Congressional reprieve expiry on May 31, 2010.

Seemingly, the lawmakers’ failure to act earlier is drastically hurting doctors’ cash flow and subsequently the beneficiaries, i.e. the most vulnerable groups in the society – the senior citizens and the disabled population, who also happen to be the nation’s substantial voting bloc.

It is obvious from the facts and legislative events that the representatives declining to vote on the pivotal legislations viz. unemployment benefit extension and Medicare payments to doctors attending to seniors and disabled patients are adding to the national debt crisis rather than alleviating the taxpayers’ burden.

GOP Senators and the Democrats aligning with the Republican members in the voting process are miscalculating the fiscal ramifications and the inevitable political price for their decisions.

It’s essential for the victims in these two vital legislations to distinguish between those who represent the people from the ones’ sworn allegiance to the special interests – health insurance industry and the likes.

Please remember that ‘Change is made possible by the people.’

For the voters have the ultimate power in a democracy.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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

Environmental Disaster – Gulf Coast Oil Spill

June 7, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Ever since the explosion at the oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico that initially claimed 11 lives, the avalanche of unmitigated losses has become the reality.

It is evident in the oil dripping Pelicans, dolphins and lifeless birds alongside the economically devastated fishermen, tourist industry and restaurateurs.

Approximately 1.6 million gallons of oil reportedly gushed from the spill that is yet to be completely contained.

Meanwhile, it has evolved into the economic and environmental disaster for the entire Gulf Coast threatening the inhabitants in the adjacent regions with oil plumes traced as farther in Florida.

Further, the BP oil company liable for the calamity has maintained that it could take until August 2010 to stop the leak in the face of extensive damages to the states near the Gulf Coast.

During the congressional hearing on the major environmental catastrophe, it was clear the BP executives including the federal regulators responsible for monitoring the risks failed in their assessment of the pervasive repercussions from the oceanic accident prior to issuing permits.

Like any other hearing, the company CEOs’ concern for the shareholders interest superseded national interest when they evaded the obvious questions leading to the cause and aftermath of the accident.

The disappointments following the oil spill is the BP’s unsuccessful action to block the leak and more disturbing is the legislators, especially Alaska’s Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski and others rejecting the Democrat Senator Bill Nelson’s bill to increase the cap for oil spill damages to $10 billion from $75 million,

Thereby, eliminating the possibility to hold BP accountable in the greatest man-made environmental destruction.

As it turns out, according to the NYT June 5, 2010 report – titled ‘Gulf Oil Spill’:

“The letter co-signed by Janet Napolitano, the director homeland security, said that federal agencies had already spent $93 million on the spill response, which BP is yet to reimburse.”

When the industry representatives in Congress are in the forefront protecting them from financial liabilities and diligently transferring the burden on the taxpayers,

Besides allowing the federal agency to issue more permits for offshore drilling continuation,

The combined power in Washington and Wall Street determination to ruin the habitat with unsustainable policies is conspicuous.

Not to mention their decisions adding insult to injury endured by ordinary citizens across the coastal region having a ripple effect overall.

The reason to proceed with shallow water or deep water offshore drilling is provided as the necessity to meet the enormous energy requirement in the United States.

With energy and environment directly linked to consumption and conservation, the pursuit of clean energy from natural sources – solar, wind, hydropower and bio-fuel comprise the absolute safe energy solution against the increasingly risky and hazardous resources viz. coal, oil and nuclear energy.

Now the argument is immediate availability of the latter and the projected longer duration to harness the former.

Even though the solar, wind, hydrothermal as well as bio-fuel technology is currently in use, the U.S. investment in these abundant sources is replaced by the energy industry preferred limited resources i.e. oil, coal and nuclear power.

The simple explanation for the less importance to plentiful alternatives over scarce energy resources – which has led to perpetual wars, nuclear proliferation and consequently standoff is profit driven strategy set by the OPEC, ONGC, Coal and Nuclear industry.

Anything that is freely accessible to a large extent with a higher possibility to trade within national and international territories i.e. solar, wind and hydrothermal projects are secondary choices due to the broadening energy supply capabilities inducing competition to the energy monopolies in the industry.

The recent mining accident in Virginia, oil spill in the Gulf Coast, civilian nuclear program used as a pretext for nuclear weapons –

The latest being Myanmar, the military junta is apparently involved in uranium enrichment for a nuclear warhead,

All of it underscore the urgency to adopt energy programs that are environmentally conducive.

In terms of curbing the extraordinary energy demand, the society consuming less and leaning towards environmentally healthy lifestyle is the viable remedy to the burgeoning energy shortage.

For example, California’s recent announcement to ban plastic bags throughout the state and,

Previously guiding the nation on stringent carbon emission standards through EPA regulation to avoid legislative rigmarole are the positive steps to energy saving and life enhancement on earth.

Concentrating on the green technology development to boost green jobs is a favorable short and long term economic and environment goals.

Again, divestment from the conventional minerals to natural elements is the ideal alternative to energy independence.

Unless vigorous investments are made in the solar, wind, hydrothermal, biodiesel etc.,

The world will never be ready to migrate from the life endangering fossil fuel and nuclear energy to the truly green energy production.

Planet sustenance is dependent upon the ecosystem optimized preservation that is violated through prevalent drilling and mining for oil, coal and uranium.

The limitless human wants and desires have contributed to the status quo –

A dire economy, prolonged wars, cataclysmic changes to the environment in the form of extreme drought, flood, tornadoes, hurricane and tsunamis…beyond human control.

It is made worse by the lack of recognition to rein in on the profit oriented energy opportunities depleting the earth’s resources with no regard for the present or the future.

If the energy industry giants conscientiously engage in the energy derivation from sun, wind, water and bio-fuel the demand and the affordability factor can be effectively addressed, particularly with the hydrosphere phenomena –

Oceans covering the two-thirds of the earth’s surface supplemented by sunshine and windy conditions in the equatorial zones.

Instead, polluting and contaminating the natural habitat through risky mechanisms is opted regardless of the carnage from it.

Notwithstanding, the democratic powers political appeasement of the “Petro-dictatorial” regimes merely to replenish the ever growing contemporaneous energy needs.

There are several ways to relieve the society from the energy deficiency.

Reducing the usage and maximizing the above outlined potentials is the origin to end the energy and environment crisis.

Manufacturing and distribution of eco-friendly products and services is an emerging trend but not popularized in practice.

The existing problems related to the economy, energy, environment and political issues are attributed to excess greed, self-interest and dominance ultimately affecting all.

Unfortunately, the political and economic powers resist the environmental dangers in the Gulf coast oil spill and a range of energy industry mishaps for they refuse to steer away from the traditional means irrespective of the tragic outcome.

Expecting different results from the same methods fits the fantasy than the fact.

The position on the ‘presumed’ job losses from these sectors as the justification to resume offshore drilling in spite of massive environmental harm does not bode well for it ignores the similar, if not severe economic experience by the local industries and residents affected in the oil soaked areas.

Moreover, the energy industry is being requested to retain the workforce and not abandon them by diverting to solar, wind, hydrothermal and bio-fuel sources that aptly qualify as –

“Clean energy substitutes.”

Collective reaction rather than actions is witnessed in the Gulf oil spill with BP not demonstrating the ability to terminate the leak altogether into the seventh week of the horrific incident, rendering the numerous livelihood and lives dispensable.

Monetary compensation to the victims and the states impacted by BP’s negligence is the least the oil company could offer in this instance.

Marine life has been significantly impaired creating an ecological imbalance reflective in the deteriorating food pyramid.

Offshore drilling moratorium is negated by simultaneous shallow water drilling permits despite no guarantee in the so-called ‘risk free’ process.

Conflicting preparations are detrimental to the planet, the natural habitat for all species.

Energy challenges in the modern era are best dealt with natural and holistic approach.

Gulf Coast oil spill is just the tip of the iceberg in the energy exploration.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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

Secret War Ramifications – U.S. Military Espionage and Directive for Global Operation

May 30, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

With reference to the preceding article May 30, 2010 titled U.S. Military Espionage – Directive for Global Operation:

It’s clear from the reports that the signed directive promoting espionage through troops deployment around the world would be an invasion of sovereign nations apart from undermining the intelligence agencies in the U.S. and the rest of the world.

The U.S. is officially engaged in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan and Yemen that has claimed millions of lives with the Afghan war surpassing Iraq in the U.S. troop casualty reaching 1000 mark.

Notwithstanding death toll of service members reportedly as part of “Operation Enduring Freedom,” in the Philippines, the Horn of Africa and the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
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Per AP report on May 29, 2010, titled U.S. records 1000th death in Afghan war by Robert H. Reid

“More have died in past 10 months than in first 5 years, the death toll for this month alone being 32 in 29 days with more expected in the aggressive campaign this summer.

In the past 10 months, at least 313 U.S. service members have been killed in the war – more than the 295 who died in the first five years of the conflict.

More than 430 of the U.S. dead were killed since January 2009.

The number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan has now surpassed the total in Iraq – roughly, 94,000 in Afghanistan compared with 92,000 in Iraq.

In 2008, the U.S. force in Afghanistan numbered about 30,000.”
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Secret War Ramifications Continued – By Padmini Arhant

That being the grim reality, the elaborate scheme to accentuate the military role throughout the world in the mission against “war on terror,”

Despite the ongoing conflict spanning nine years in Afghanistan and eight years in Iraq including the escalation in Pakistan via drone attacks, missile strikes from Navy ships in Yemen producing immense loss of lives and economic liability is tragic if not outrageously ambitious.

Sadly, the universal dissent for the invasion and occupation in Iraq and the prolonged war in Afghanistan is ignored with a false presumption of winning the wars that has contributed to political instability, scores of deaths, alarming national deficits and anti-Americanism.

Now with a new strategy involving troops regardless of size on clandestine military activity would be provocative creating opportunities for militancy to continue their resistance by plotting against innocent civilians in the United States and their domicile.

Such offensive plan with utter disregard for the individual national security measures maintained and coordinated by the majority in global terrorism is likely to generate more adversaries than allies.

Again, the recent terror plots have been thwarted by the courageous unarmed civilians on flights and ground level as witnessed in the Christmas bomber or The Times Square conspiracy.

The terror suspects and offenders invariably use the invasion and occupation as the reason for their participation in the violent attacks when they try to win the local population support.

Peace and diplomacy to resolve disputes is no longer an option in the aggressive military action setting the world stage for a dangerous outcome in the nuclear era.

Unfortunately, the military command’s secret war across the globe appear to have little or no concern for the troops’ safety as shared by the military officials revealing the truth about the risks upon the brave service men and women being captured as spies and denied Geneva Convention protection,

Thus, allowing the rivals to justify their treatment of the captives similar to the detainees’ experience in Bagram Air base and the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

In addition, the crisis is worsened by the private contractors’ apparent sportive shooting incidents of civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan fomenting deep resentment against the hiring authorities for their failure to investigate these crimes.

Continuation of torture, prisoner abuse, denial of Habeas Corpus and federal trials as opposed to military tribunals are few of the many human rights violation attributed to the citizens’ protest in the nearly decade old battles.

The cyclical violence through suicide bombings and explosives used by the militants is counteracted with drones and improvised explosive devices by the military in the perpetual warfare, leaving the victims – the civilians, the troops and their families endure the indefinite combative environment.

Terrorism is being redefined by the frustrated population of the war zones and the potential targets as the one involving the insurgents and the other ‘state sponsored,’ displaying the sophisticated artillery in their possession, with neither willing to ceasefire.

Understanding the population plight due to the lack of freedom, political stability, economic prospects and social justice is not a priority for the warring factions.

If it were to be the case, the leadership in Afghanistan, Honduras, Haiti…would represent the electorates’ choice and not be the external political power nominees.

Usually, the U.S. legislative process is gruelling on pertinent issues viz. the economy, health care, energy and environment with the exception of overwhelming bipartisan support for war funding.

Poignantly, per the current report – the Senate passed the $58.8 billion war funding 67 – 28, a dozen Republicans, including GOP leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky voted for the 30,000 troop increase in Afghanistan against the jobless benefits before Memorial Day, suggesting that the Senate will not hold any more votes until senators return from their holiday break June 7.

The legislators in favor of deficit reduction have approved the Afghanistan troop surge funding while declining their votes for the average Americans’ interest forcing the House Democratic leaders to drop the following provisions in response to the deficit concerns:

$24 billion for states to help cover Medicaid costs.

$6.8 billion to provide health insurance subsidies to the jobless under the COBRA program.

$22 billion to provide a 19 month reprieve from a scheduled 21 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors.

Further it’s reported that “Spending cuts demanded by Democratic moderates unhappy about voting to increase the deficit will mean layoffs next year by state governments and no health insurance subsidies for people laid off after Memorial Day.”

Evidently, the spending cuts required for deficit contraction is directed at the population’s nerve center – jobs and health care over the insatiable appetite for redundant warfare resulting in the loss of precious lives sacrificed by the valiant troops and the vulnerable civilians.

The misplaced priority in the two conflicting options – lifesaver and fatalities is attention worthy.

Contemporary policy embracing war and aggression on all sides defies the conventional wisdom that violence begets violence leading the world to go blind in the revengeful act.

Non-violence means empowered with empathy for one another is far more powerful in attaining global peace and harmony.

On the Memorial Day weekend, our nation salutes the fallen heroes for their patriotism and commemorates those serving at present as well as the members in the past.

Fresh beginning awaits humanity celebrating life through peace.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under National and Global Security | Leave a Comment 

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