The vacillation surrounding China’s view on public censorship is a troubling harbinger for the future of Sino-global affairs. 2012 saw a series of political scandals involving the communist regime: From the ambitious escape of blind dissident Chen Guangcheng to the government cover-up of British diplomat Neil Heywood’s murder. Yet it is the latest revelation in … Continue reading
The Fiscal Cliff: More of the Same
The “Fiscal Cliff” seems to the be the buzz-word of the month. Why shouldn’t it be? The numbers are scary. An almost 600 billion dollar combination of tax increases and across the board spending cuts that go into effect on January 2, 2013. Broken down the majority of the cost comes from 440 billion dollars … Continue reading
When Politicians Talk About History
Historians rightfully get a bit leery when they hear politicians talk about history. All too often, history becomes a convenient rhetorical device for promoting a political agenda. Both parties maintain an arsenal of historical narratives which they enjoy reciting to the public. Here are some common fallacies… Notion of Progress: “We are enlightened and our … Continue reading
An Unfriendly Election
“Don’t talk religion or politics,” is an old adage with which many people are familiar and usually embrace. We don’t ask someone that we’ve just met about his or her religious or political beliefs because, as one of my professors once said, these issues get to the essence of who we are. The creed to … Continue reading
A Defense of Constitutionalism
I like most Americans play Fantasy Football. Now that I’m out of college, my buddies and I use fantasy as a way to keep in touch. It is a great tool to bring people living all over the country together. In the League I serve as Commissioner (not to be confused with the other 3 … Continue reading
Income Inequality and Education
Much has been made during the Presidential Campaign of income inequality and the undue influence of the so-called 1%. The quantifiable facts on income inequality are stunning, and it’s true that this reality can and will have a serious impact on both the American economy and social structure. Between 1979 and 2007, real household income … Continue reading
Medicaid Expansion: The Bigger Picture
With 63 million enrollees, Medicaid provides coverage to low-income families, individuals with disabilities, and elderly individuals on Medicare who need assistance with cost sharing or services not covered under Medicare (dual eligibles). In 2009, the Medicaid program dished out $346 billion on health care services, or $5492 per enrollee (obviously spending varies per person depending … Continue reading
How the Procurement Process Hurts the US Military
There has been a disturbing trend in the US military in recent years. The weapon systems that have been touted as the most advanced, most game changing, have been almost uniformly late, over budget, and under performing. The F-22, F-35, V-22, and Littoral Combat Ship have all fallen into this trap. And this trend does … Continue reading
The Politics of Healthcare Reform
It’s not often that an election is a major determinant to a single issue. Concerning the upcoming Presidential election, though, it “is all about health care.” One of the few things we know is true in this election is that if Barack Obama wins, the Affordable Care Act will be fully implemented. If Mitt Romney wins, we … Continue reading
Another Wrench in Obamacare
A proposed settlement to a nationwide class action suit filed in the U.S. District Court in Vermont could become yet another headache for the world of healthcare. The lawsuit was filed by patient advocacy groups asserting that Medicare eligibility was flawed regarding skilled nursing and home health care. Under current law, Medicare is only required to … Continue reading
You must be logged in to post a comment.