Age is a sensitive topic in our society. Even Hollywood actress Jessica Chastain has gone on the record saying that she will never reveal her age because she’s an “actress.” (It is widely speculated she is 35 years old.) Another actress Isabelle Huppert rebuked an interviewer for asking a question about her “longevity” in the … Continue reading
Category Archives: Politics
The Obamacare’s Mandate and a Look at Some Alternatives
Controversy continues to arise over a new law being promoted by President Obama and his administration. The Affordable Care Act, or otherwise known as Obamacare, would require every United States citizen to either pick from set health insurance packages or be forced to pay a steep penalty. Many Americans, however, are becoming outraged at the … Continue reading
Saudi Arabia is Mad at the U.S. But It Won’t Last Long
Last Monday, Saudi Arabia became the first country to be elected to a non-permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council—and then decline the honor. It’s clear that Saudi Arabia, one of America’s closest allies in the region, is expressing its displeasure with U.S. policy in the Middle East. However, the cooling of relations between Washington … Continue reading
Gas Prices are Down, Will They Stay This Way?
Gasoline prices, like prices of any commodity, are determined by many factors including supply-and-demand, government policy and even the weather. Gasoline is unique, however, because it is very nearly the only energy source used in transportation. Its monopoly on transportation amplifies the impact its price has on the economy. Low gas prices translate to more … Continue reading
Trending Incorporation of Voter ID Laws
In my political science class, my professor, we’ll call him Dr. Mane, was leading a discussion on adequate forms of voter identification in states that require them. Amidst the class conversation, Dr. Mane mentioned how absurd it is that the state of Texas accepts concealed carry permits as valid forms of identification, yet does not … Continue reading
Immigration Policy: The Plight of America’s Foreign Students
For many foreign students in America, immigration reform is a cause for concern. The idea that a U.S. degree will lead to employment is far from reality. Opportunities are rather limited and many international students have little or no chance of remaining in the U.S. under the current immigration system. When international students complete their … Continue reading
Cruz Control: Long Senate Speeches and How a Non-Filibuster Can Still Wield Power
While Senator Ted Cruz’s September 24 speech condemning the Affordable Care Act was not technically a filibuster, the length of time he spent talking without yielding the floor is notable in the history of speeches delivered in the Senate. Filibusters are intended to delay or prevent voting on a piece of legislation. A senator may … Continue reading
The Bad Policy of De Facto Amnesty
In the past weeks U.S. Representative Steve King, a Republican from Iowa’s 4th district, has emerged as the leader of the anti-immigration reform coalition in the House. Cantaloupes and drug mules aside, King has become the face of conservative opposition to any proposed reform that includes a pathway to citizenship, or even legal status. King’s … Continue reading
The Cost of a Living Wage
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. Many states have implemented minimum wages that are higher than that. But, in most places around the country, the minimum wage is not enough to support a family’s basic needs. This is where the debate over implementing a “living wage” comes into play. The living wage, as the … Continue reading
The Dark Cloud Over the Medical Device Tax
The medical device industry currently consists of 8,000+ manufacturers and employs over 400,000 Americans. Over the last seven months, the industry has been subjected to a 2.3% excise tax on all medical device sales – not only profits. The tax has been a primary funding mechanism for the health care overhaul so far. The medical device industry … Continue reading
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