The CBO’s budget and economic outlook, released last week, looks bleak. And one of the drivers of future budget shortfalls? Social Security. During the Feb. 13th house budget hearing on CBO’s outlook, Rep. John Campbell (CA) asked Doug Elmendorf – CBO Director – if we were in a pickle with regards to the U.S. budget. … Continue reading
In his State of the Union Address, President Obama addressed improving the educational standards for American students from preschool to higher education. Analyzing the President’s actions during his first term illustrates that the Obama administration’s main belief is that the federal government needs to get involved in the education of all American students. So it … Continue reading
Although it seems as if almost every consumer good is manufactured in China, in recent years, China has found an unlikely competitor in our neighbor to the south, Mexico. With the drug war raging in Mexico, it may be hard to believe that it is proving to be worthy competition for China’s position as the … Continue reading
What are your thoughts about a federal tax on sugary drinks (ie. Soda, energy, and sports drinks)? The Field Poll, a non-partisan media-sponsored public opinion news service, found an interesting result in their survey of Californians’ views on the tax on sugary drinks. Approximately 40 percent of California residents voted in support of a soda … Continue reading
The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 5.1 magnitude quake on 12 February 2013 in Sungjibaegam, North Korea. No, this wasn’t an earthquake but a nuclear detonation. A third one, in fact, by the rogue nation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The regrettable nuclear test not only violates international law but also undermines … Continue reading
President Obama has been pressured from several different directions regarding climate change and environmental action. His pending approval of the Keystone pipeline as well as policy regarding greenhouse gas emissions is making it difficult to placate both sides of the spectrum. Climate change activists are fervently against the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, and … Continue reading
Since the financial crisis of 2008, discussion of the role big banks play in the American economy and the inherent risk they represent has faded into the periphery. As with many other areas of public policy, a sustained focus beyond a time of crisis is difficult, due mainly to the relative lack of political will. … Continue reading
As a conservative, I’m always hesitant to make the claim of media bias, for two reasons. First, I think the conservative claim of the mainstream media’s bias is often overwrought and self-fulfilling. Politicians and their staffs feel wronged and unfairly treated and, as a result, create an us-versus-them atmosphere that only perpetuates the irascible relationship. … Continue reading
For most Mexican immigrants the American Dream means “opportunity.” It represents the opportunity to work, earn money, and grow accordingly to your efforts and skills. It also means “promise”. America promises that if you work hard, you’ll be rewarded, and if you have the willingness, you’ll earn it. From the low-skill workers to the bilingual … Continue reading
Attending the U.S. Senate Commission on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) helped to illustrate certain key points about current Elementary and Secondary Education Act flexibility waivers. One point is that due to the inability of Congress to reauthorize No Child Left Behind (NCLB), states have had to turn to the federal government to seek … Continue reading
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