For a country whose reputation has been eclipsed by widespread reports of brutal killings and what appears to be an incessant drug war, there is another story that has been kept largely under wraps. This story is that of Mexico’s emerging middle class. The international community’s perception of Mexico has generally been one of a … Continue reading
Last week, the Congressional Budget Office released an interesting infographic depicting the growth since 1972 in spending on federal means-tested programs and tax credits, such as Medicaid, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp program). The expansion of such programs has been staggering: … Continue reading
Mexican Billionaire, the most powerful drug trafficker in the world, and recently announced Chicago’s public enemy no. 1 – “El Chapo” – is the world’s most wanted man. Joaquin Guzman Loera, known as “El Chapo” (or “Shorty”) was born into a poor family in Mexico and sold organs as a child. El Chapo’s education ended … Continue reading
When Pope Benedict XVI announced that he was resigning from his position as Pope last week, the world’s first reaction was to ask, “why?” But whether it is a health issue, an age-related problem or a secret controversy, this is an irrevocable decision and a greater question must be posed: Who will be the next … Continue reading
Tuesday night, with Speaker Boehner having seemingly mastered the art of the stoic expression, President Barack Obama delivered his first State of the Union address since winning reelection. This performance had been touted by the administration as the capstone, complimentary finish to a two-part series begun with the President’s Inaugural address. These speeches have draped … Continue reading
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
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