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Politics

The Conundrum of the Smartphone

With smartphones starting as low as $40, it’s hard to remember what life was like before mobile devices dominated our lives. In combination with a data plan, integrating our social and virtual lives is as easy as touching a simple button. While social media apps and ridiculous time wasting games like Fruit Ninja are a … Continue reading

America / Economy / Regulation / U.S. Domestic Policy

State vs. Federal: the Fundamental Fight without the Facts

Judge Robert L. Hinkle on Saturday, February 18, 2012 upheld the 2009 determination that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had jurisdiction to mandate clean water regulations on the state of Florida’s major water bodies. In 1998, EPA mandated Florida to develop new rules to develop nutrient criteria on limiting phosphorus and nitrogen in waterways, which … Continue reading

Foreign Policy

The Bipartisan Pivot to Asia

President Obama’s “strategic pivot” to Asia has received a lot of attention lately. Philip Zelikow, former advisor to Condoleezza Rice, defended the move, while Arnaud de Borchgave remarked that “U.S. strategic moves from Europe to the western Pacific and South China Sea are likely to be more pirouette than pivot — spinning on one foot, … Continue reading

Economy

Economic Daily Outlook

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012 ECONOMICS: The Buffet Tax Rule Is Really More of a Guidelinehttp://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/17/us/politics/white-house-sees-buffett-tax-rule-more-as-a-guide.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha23President Obama has made the Buffett Rule, mandating that millionaires pay at least 30 percent of their incomes in taxes, the centerpiece of his campaign for “fairness.” But look for it among the myriad tax changes the White House detailed in … Continue reading

America / CFPB / Economy / Other / Regulation / Uncategorized

Rebuilding and Altering the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Deep Breath Before the Plunge It would be an understatement if the hearing on February 8th, 2011 would be considered as anything less than tame. During opening statements alone, which were typically no longer than two minutes, both attacks and decibels were on the rise. Whether on the attack or coming to the defense of … Continue reading

Uncategorized

EPA Hearing — The Industry Strikes Back

In the 8th Regulatory Reform Hearing, The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations discussed “Private-Sector Views of the Regulatory Climate One Year After Executive Order 13563.” Overseeing the committee, Mr. Stearns opened expressing concerns that over one half of private industry refuses to hire based on concerns due to healthcare costs and regulation overburden. The adjusted … Continue reading