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There, using Medicare's Plan Finder, you can compare plans based on price, drug coverage, and out-of-pocket expenses. You can also use the Plan Finder to compare the cost of filling a prescription at your local pharmacy versus a mail-order drug store. You may want to check out one of the Medicare Advantage plans. These plans offer a full range of health services -- and many of them include prescription drug coverage at no extra cost. If you don't have web access, you can always call 1-800-Medicare and speak with a customer service representative. Over the phone, a Medicare representative can talk you through your choices. The Medicare drug benefit offers such a wide range of choices because of its design. Instead of the one-size-fits-all model typical of government health insurance, Medicare beneficiaries typically can choose from among 20 or more plans in their regions, including Medicare Advantage plans that integrate drug and medical coverage into one health plan. This forces insurers to compete - and results in generous benefits at affordable prices. Even though lawmakers originally estimated that seniors would pay an average monthly premium of more than $44 in 2009, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates the average monthly premium next year for the standard plan will be just $28. The prices of some of the most popular plans have increased this year, though, so it's in seniors' best interest to see if they can find a better deal. In virtually every region, seniors can find a less expensive drug plan for 2009. But they have only until the end of December to make any changes, or they will be automatically reenrolled in their current plan. So if you're a senior, be sure to check your options before time runs out. --Grace-Marie Turner, President, Galen Institute P.O. Box 320010, Alexandria, VA 22320 703-299-8900, turner@galen.org Editor's Note: Grace-Marie Turner is president of the Galen Institute, a non-profit research organization focusing on free-market solutions to health reform. She can be reached at P.O. Box 320010, Alexandria, VA, or at turner@galen.org.
According to research from the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, below are some of fastest growing careers in the nation: 1. Down Economy Drives Demand for Paralegals: During times of recession corporations and individuals are more likely to face problems that require legal assistance such as bankruptcy and foreclosure creating a booming demand for paralegals and legal assistants. Twenty-two percent growth is projected for this field, with a projected 53,000 new jobs created through 2016. The occupation, with its many facets and niche markets, is ideal for individuals reinventing themselves from careers in office administration, banking, mortgage lending, healthcare, IT and many other industries. 2. Aging Boomers Propel Growth in Personal Financial Planning: Growing numbers of advisors will be needed to assist the millions of baby boomers expected to retire in the next 10 years. Jobs in the field of personal financial advising are projected to grow by 41 percent over the next decade. Many companies also have replaced traditional pension plans with retirement savings programs, so more individuals are managing their own retirements than in the past, creating new job opportunities for advisors. 3. Construction Workers Parlay Skills into Management Careers: Construction workers facing a downturn in the housing market can parlay their skills into management, a career paying mean annual wages of $85,830 in 2007 and expecting higher-than-average growth through 2016. 4. Increased Regulation Fuels Growth of Human Resources Career Paths: Legislation and court rulings setting standards in occupational safety and health, equal employment opportunity, wages, health care, pensions and family leave, etc. are increasing demand for human resources experts. Overall employment for this field is projected to grow by 17 percent through 2016 faster than the average for all occupations. 5. Globalization of Business Prompts Need for Skilled Marketing Professionals: Spurred by intense domestic and global competition in products and services offered to consumers and increasing activity in television, radio and outdoor advertising, job growth in the marketing profession is expected to increase by 12 percent through 2016. 6. Boomer Retirement Creates Thousands of New Jobs Education: More than 479,000 new teacher positions are expected to be created through 2016. Most job openings will result from the need to replace the large number of teachers who are expected to retire over the 2006-16 period. While no career can guarantee safety from economic difficulty, UC Irvine Extension boasts a number of distinctive certificate programs and specialized studies programs, which pave the way toward futures in industries expected to continue to thrive. For more information, visit www.extension.uci.edu or call 949-824-5414. --Nancy Salzman, Esq., Assistant Director, Business, Management and Legal Education, University of California, Irvine Extension.
them, these are the top four nuts to nosh on: Almonds: Studies have shown that these little guys, like most nuts, can lower cholesterol. They are packed with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (the good fats) and calcium, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. Now that is nuts! Chestnuts: A holiday favorite, these nuts can help you shrink your waistline before you even have to make it a New Year's resolution. They are low in fat and high in fiber and keep you feeling full longer. Walnuts: These brain look-a-likes are the perfect brain food as they contain omega-3 fatty acids, the building blocks necessary for brain cells. In other words, they are the perfect nut for your noggin after a night of too much nog. Pecans: Don't think these nuts are just for pie! With their light, sweet taste and 19 vitamins and minerals, they deserve to be toasted, roasted, or boasted in any dish at your holiday table. From spinach salads to sticky buns, check out www.VegCooking.com for dozens of recipes using this nut and more. --Meena Mahadevan, Ph.D in Nutrition 144 Van Cortlandt Park South Apt. 1 Bronx, NY 10463
necessary funds for the surgery. It is my understanding there are a few groups of Guyanese origin that might be able to help. This gentleman's name is Roy and lives in the Jane and Finch area. He can be reached at 416-661-6815. --Jeff Khan
Love/Avon Army of Women, a charity which aims to recruit one million healthy women to participate in research that will eradicate breast cancer-a truly priceless gift that everyone wants. If we are to stop cancer, we must stop wasting time and money on irrelevant and inhumane animal experiments, and concentrate on education, clinical studies, and other modern, relevant programs. I urge everyone-no matter what sex you are, where you live, and what you celebrate-to share in the true holiday spirit by making a lasting gift that will help all beings live longer, better lives. If you want to contribute or join the Army of Women, see www.armyofwomen.org. --Elaine Sloan 10 Mitchell Place, 2C New York, NY 10017 212-371-4482
I told Liz Smith that the gay community has been jamming my office phone line and making threats to me and my staff. I told her that I am very angry that my office has received phone calls threatening my life and calling the women on my staff "whores" and "bitches". I told her that to add to those names, Ed Koch called us rats. I told Liz that the only rat is Ed Koch. I told her that when he was Mayor and was rejected in my community, the only person who stood by him was this rat, and that now this rat is good no more. I told her that I am so angry that because of their calls and editorial boards and because of the insulting Koch statement, there is nothing else that they can do to us or say to us, and that they will see what we can do. That, my friends, was the basis of my anger, not because the gay community is jamming my phone lines. I am an elected official and I am an old man, and they can do this any time. It was the content of their calls that made me angry. I welcome people to call my office but with respect to me and to my staff. When I told Liz that they will see what we can do, this was not at all meant to be a physical threat. As far as what we can do, we have many options, which include: going to the Republican Party, staying neutral to create an impasse, or going to the Democratic Party. So that is the whole story, and I hope it will set the record straight, for good or for bad. --Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz
It sounds preposterous, but jurors could be given the responsibility for deciding how doctors should practice. That's the scenario one woman is pushing before the Supreme Court. Instead of expert scientists at the Food and Drug Administration having the final say on drug safety, people whose medical training consists of watching "ER" reruns could wield the power to pull the plug on a drug critical to your health. The Court just heard oral arguments in Wyeth v. Levine challenging a legal doctrine known as "preemption," which states that federal law trumps state law when they conflict. Rooted in the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, this legal principle provides a way to resolve discrepancies between federal, state, and local statutes. This legal battle began when a woman named Diana Levine was awarded $6.7 million in damages after she was accidentally injured by an intravenous administration of the anti-nausea drug Phenergan in April 2000. Approved in 1955 by the FDA, Phenergan is used to control severe nausea and vomiting. Over the past 50 years, millions of doses of Phenergan have provided relief to patients. Levine sued both the supervising physician and the physician's assistant who injected the drug. The providers settled out of court. Levine also sued the maker of Phenergan, Wyeth, despite the fact that the error was caused by the physician's assistant, who gave twice the recommended dose and accidentally exposed an artery to the drug. This caused gangrene and led to amputation of part of her arm. Levine's lawyers argued that Phenergan's label contained inadequate warnings of the drug's risks. But the label contained four prominent warnings about the risks of improper administration, including the method used on Levine, as well as instructions on proper dosage. The FDA and an expert advisory committee had reviewed the warnings multiple times. In fact, the FDA required Wyeth to maintain the label's warnings. Wyeth would have been in violation of federal law if it changed the label that was approved by FDA scientists. Levine's lawsuit directly challenges the content of FDA-approved labeling and whether that labeling should protect manufacturers against law suits as fair warning to consumers and physicians about a medication's risks and proper administration. For more than half a century, the public has relied on FDA experts to approve labels that inform consumers of the benefits and risks of their medications. Companies spend about a billion dollars to develop and achieve FDA approval of a new drug. If lay jurors in 50 states are able to overrule this process, then the entire FDA approval scheme would become meaningless. If Wyeth loses before the Supreme Court, consumers can look forward to a litigation free-for-all in which juries -- not scientists or clinicians -- are the de facto providers of information on drugs in this country. A blow against preemption would also be a blow to America's innovative drug pipeline. Drug manufacturers would have to divert funds from research to defending and complying with a dizzying spiral of litigation. But if the Supreme Court stands
in support of preemption, patients will know the warning labels
posted on drugs are vetted by scientists with the medical insight
and expertise necessary for making them.
The imposition of tolls on the currently free East River and Harlem Rivers bridge crossings which serve as local streets between Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx with Manhattan essentially recycles the congestion tax. Both the congestion tax and this new re-packaged son of the congestion tax scheme would take $2 for administration for every $3 for transit. The Assembly correctly shunned the parent scheme earlier this year. Instead of the Ravitch plan that also disappointingly lets Albany and City Hall off the hook, we urge Caribbean Voice readers and our public officials to look at our coalition plan (http://keepnycfree.com/media/files/2008-10-15_Recommendations_MTA_Financing.pdf) that makes both the State and the City step up to the plate. We identify specific revenues that empower the city and the state to fund this core responsibility. This includes a modest $0.04 state gasoline levy ($255 million), a vehicle registration fee increase ($250 million), increased fines for illegal parking ($75 million), higher parking meter rates ($50 million) and more realistic (city) fees for the use of street space by construction contractors and utilities ($500 million). Other initiatives raise significant funds to support mass transit, including a non-resident income tax that apportions its proceeds between City and suburban transit projects ($1.8 billion) and a modest real property tax surcharge on real estate development that benefits from mass transit ($741 million). For more information, please visit our website, www.keepnycfree.com. --Corey Bearak Policy Advisor Keep NYC Free PO Box 135 Glen Oaks, NY 11004 (718) 224-8010/ (718) 343-6779; cell: (516) 343-6207
Our president-elect rode its wave to the White House. In January, we'll welcome a new Congress and a new president who seems to share our values and priorities. President-elect Obama has expressed a commitment to bring a new energy and spirit that imbues bipartisan collaboration; encourages ideas and policy solutions; addresses the needs of vulnerable members of our society while also helping working and middle-class families improve their economic standing. He has also promised an administration that will listen and promote transparency and the involvement of civic society. We invite you to take a few minutes to write to President-elect Obama about the need for humane immigration policy. Urge him, in your own words, to * End raids. These acts have separated wives from husbands and parents from children, leaving the people most in need of protection vulnerable. * Suspend e-verify. This program "screens" workers, but it's significantly flawed and has led to racial profiling, abuse, and labor rights violations of all workers. * Lay down 287(g). Police in financially strapped cities and towns use this program to stop drivers and ask them about their immigration status, increasing the level of fear and damaging the financial well-being of many families. * Demilitarize the border. Ask our new president to end the expansion of fence, barriers, and the presence of 10,000-plus border patrol agents. Invite President-elect Obama to lead a bipartisan process for humane immigration policy and affirm the value of all family unions. Encourage him to support the quality of life for border dwellers by increasing job opportunities; investing in schools, roads, and other infrastructure; and working for a clean, healthy environment that benefits everyone. December 10 marks the 60th anniversary of International Human Rights Day, and December 18 marks Migrants Rights Day. Across the country, our offices will mark these important days. Find an AFSC-sponsored event near you. By working together, we can bring about the change we need in immigration policy and the future vitality and viability of immigrant, non-immigrant, and refugee communities. Thank you for joining AFSC in this call for justice and human rights. --Esther Nieves, Director of Immigrant and Refugee Rights American Friends Service Committee
The students are in desperate need of school supplies, specifically: * notebooks * pens * pencils * notebook paper * book bags * computers * folders Last year your donations helped over 300 students, lets push that number to 1, 000. We would appreciate ANYTHING that you can give from the list above. No amount is too small! Contact any of the contacts that is closest to you, their phone numbers are below: Contacts for Different Areas 1. Jamaica - Leanne Phillips - 876 314 8923 2. Georgia - Ricky Morris - 770 367 6028 3. Florida - OMAHAR STEPHENSON - 754 234 1018 4. California - Shama Cameron - 408 648 8158 5. United For Jamaica - 404 533 1248 --Jason Walker, UFJ President, Atlanta, GA
Originally, TARP was supposed to help stabilize financial institutions by buying from them what are euphemistically termed "impaired assets"-that is, gobs of unmarketable, even worthless, financial junk. This plan was abandoned within days. Shortly after TARP was unveiled in September, $250 billion of capital was "injected" into banks, sometimes by purchasing shares of stock, other times via loans. On Nov. 12, Secretary of the Treasury Hank Paulson, who was placed in charge of TARP, announced that the focus of the program was shifting to an attempt to facilitate consumer loans. What Paulson will do tomorrow is anybody's guess Meanwhile, as Paulson and associates tinker with TARP, the stock market has sunk to new lows and the economy continues to deteriorate. In fairness, we can't say that we weren't warned that this might happen. President Bush plainly stated on television that things would get worse before turning around. Secretary Paulson told us that the $700 billion rescue/bailout plan might not work Now the critics are calling for Paulson's head. Among other things, they say he's incompetent. This is both true and untrue. As top banana in a hugely successful investment bank, Paulson showed himself to be highly competent. He is NOT an incompetent person or financier. That said, he has proven incompetent to find a way to use $700 billion to stabilize the American economy. Well, surprise, surprise. Yes, Paulson is "incompetent" in this regard, but vilifying Paulson for not being able to save the economy makes no more sense than condemning him because he can't flap his arms and fly. Nobody-from the eminently wise Paul Volcker to Nobel Prize-winning economists to the world's greatest genius-could fix this economy, even if they were given ten times the money placed at Paulson's disposal Last week, I asked my Economics 101 class why they thought Paulson was having such a hard time pulling us out of our economic tailspin. A hand went up and a young man said something like, "Because he doesn't have enough knowledge to know how everything should fit together." Bingo! That's it in a nutshell Any economy, but especially one as large as ours, involves millions of people, billions of daily decisions, and countless individual assets, contracts, obligations, abilities to pay, etc. What is the "right" price for each asset? Which contracts and obligations take precedence? What is everything worth, and what companies are most worth saving? Answer: Nobody knows, and nobody can know. This is the fatal flaw in socialism. Socialism doesn't work-it CAN'T work-for the fundamental reason that only a market pricing mechanism can bring supply into balance with demand and rationally coordinate the economic activities of millions of persons To use an analogy, the difference between central planning and a market-based economy is comparable to the difference between the Frankenstein monster and Fred Astaire. Nobody planned or built Fred Astaire-his grace, coordination, and fluid motions came naturally. That's the way a market economy works, with prices continually adjusting so as to coordinate the actions of millions of people. By contrast, when Dr. Frankenstein tried to artificially construct a man, assembling the different parts and patching them together, he produced something hideous. It resembled a man (two arms, two legs) but the creature's movements were slow, clumsy, pathetic, and ultimately destructive. Such is the nature of a socialist economy, where necessary adjustments are slow, supply and demand are uncoordinated, production is herky-jerky, and economic progress is pathetic Socialists don't understand that you can't MAKE economic activity be coordinated; you have to LET it coordinate itself through market prices. This is Socialism 101, and it is why Paulson and any eventual successors will not be able to put the fallen Humpty Dumpty of the American economy back together with top-down planning. Only markets developing themselves from the ground up can accomplish this. TARP is doomed to fail. There is a silver lining in this wretched political experiment, however: As Americans see TARP degenerate into a spectacle of corporate lobbyists trying to grab what they can from the government piñata, resistance to future bailouts will grow. And as they see that government planning solves nothing, producing nothing but political inequities, maybe, just maybe, they'll be willing to support market-based solutions. --Dr. Mark W. Hendrickson Editor's Note: Dr. Mark W. Hendrickson is a faculty member, economist, and contributing scholar with The Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College.
* Keep tinsel, ribbons, and ornament hooks away from prying paws. Cats sometimes eat decorations. If you see string hanging from your animal's mouth, never pull it out-it can cut her intestines. Call your veterinarian immediately. * Make sure guests and children know not to share holiday treats with animals. Chocolate can cause cardiac irregularities, seizures, and even death in dogs. * Keep plants like holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and lilies out of animals' reach-they can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even death if eaten. Better yet, choose silk plants. * Guests coming and going provide more opportunities for animals to slip out. Make sure animals wear collars and I.D. tags, just in case. * Save the phone numbers of your veterinarian, along with the nearest emergency veterinarian, in your cell phone, so you are prepared in case an emergency happens after-hours or while you're away from home Have a happy and safe holiday season! --Lindsay Pollard-Post Staff Writer, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510 757-622-7382, ext. 8107 LindsayP@peta.org
First Trip: First off, be prepared to make at least two trips to The Jamaican Consulate. Your first trip to the Jamaican Consulate will be to request a lost/stolen Jamaican Passport form. To obtain this you need to have proper identification. This can be any government issued id (Jamaican or US): Jamaican driver's license, US Worker's permit or Jamaican Voter's registration card. The form will allow you to obtain a police complaint/report from a precinct proving that your Jamaican passport was indeed lost or stolen. Second Trip: On your second trip to the Jamaican Consulate you will need to bring the following documents: Completed Jamaican Passport application The Police report obtained from the precinct Two identical colored Jamaican passport pictures (see Acceptable Jamaican Passport Pictures) A certified copy of your Jamaican birth certificate Proper government issued photo id. (see above for details) All documents should be the original. No photocopies will be accepted. If you are married or adopted, you are also required to bring in the certificates that apply. Your documents will be returned upon approval of your application. With all the Jamaican passport services provided at the Jamaican consulate, the replacement of a passport is definitely the most tedious of them all. I will strongly suggest that you keep your passport in a very safe place, only take it out when needed or when it's time for renewal (all adult Jamaican passports are good for 10 years). At that time you have the option of hiring a document filing business. There are plenty of online businesses that can make your life easier by processing the application for you. --Shereece Clarke Editor's Note: Shereece Clarke is the owner of Precise Advantage, a small business bookkeeping company that strives to provide convenient and affordable services to business owners. DBA Filings and QB Training are among some of the other services offered.
But times have changed. We have grown more cynical and weary--the hallmarks of our materialistic culture. In fact, the season for giving has turned into the season for getting. Even before the Thanksgiving turkey is gobbled up, shopping malls are decorated and playing Christmas music to get people in a buying mood. Not only does greed now dominate the season, but a pervasive political correctness is doing away with the true celebration of Christmas. This is no more so than in the public schools, where musical programs omit all Christmas carols. Others replace "Merry Christmas" greetings with the more saccharine "Happy Holidays." Still others eliminate angels and Santa Claus as being too religious. And some schools even outlaw the colors red and green, saying they're Christmas colors. The Christmas phobia has even invaded higher education. For example, this year, Florida Gulf Coast University has banned all holiday decorations on campus and cancelled a popular greeting card design contest, replacing it with an ugly sweater competition. The reason: school officials don't want to offend anyone who might be disturbed by the mention of "Christmas." In many cities, the Christmas tree is now referred to in more Orwellian terms as a "community tree." And Christmas parties at work are now winter parties where people whisper "Merry Christmas," as if they're dealing with pornography. Add to this silliness a new campaign by the American Humanist Association. Ripping off lyrics from "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," the group is running ads that proclaim, "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake." But Christmas is not, nor was it ever, intended just for religious people. Even the Bible is clear on this point. As the angels proclaimed at Christ's birth, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward all men." Indeed, the birth of the Christ Child signaled that peace could be restored to a troubled world. People could overcome their petty disputes and divisive egos and work together for a better world for everyone, especially the poor and downtrodden. In fact, when Jesus became a man, he made clear that God favored the meek, the poor, the persecuted and the peacemakers over the rich and warmongers. What a message--one that our fractured world so desperately needs. Sadly, the true Christmas story as represented by the baby Jesus has little to do with how we have come to celebrate the holiday. Isn't there something more important than receiving? Isn't the true meaning of Christmas about giving and helping the needy? Isn't that what we should be teaching our children? It seems that a religious holiday would be a good opportunity to celebrate something wholesome and good. Rather than thinking about the height of the selling season, why can't it be a season of reflection and joy? Why can't it be a time to step back and meditate on the original reasons behind the holiday? Why can't it be a day to share our blessings with those who are in need? Fortunately, we live in a country where families can still celebrate their religious holidays with freedom. We can still attend religious services, set up manger scenes and sing traditional Christmas carols. We can still read the Christmas story to our children and tell them the real reason for the season. Should you care to reclaim for yourself and your family some semblance of what Christmas really means, here are a few suggestions: Take time to read the Christmas story found in Luke 2:1-20. Make "peace on earth, goodwill to all men" your motto for the New Year. These are difficult times for many. Thus, sacrifice some portion of what you would spend on family and friends to help a needy family. What a great opportunity to teach our children about the spiritual reality of life. Let that be your gift in the true spirit of Christmas. Count your blessings. And when you're done counting them, say a prayer for the less fortunate: the hungry, the homeless, the lonely, the destitute and the sick. Resolve to do your part to make a difference in the world--even if it's just in your apartment building or neighborhood. Teach your children to give of themselves and their time unselfishly. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Adopt a family for Christmas. Invite someone who might otherwise spend the holiday alone to share in your Christmas festivities. By diverting the focus, in our homes at least, from the "give me" attitude to a sharing spirit, maybe we can recapture the awe and gratitude that Christmas carols say is the greatest gift ever given to humanity. --John W. Whitehead
This model, of course, is followed by many European countries. Interestingly, however, several countries in Europe are actually enhancing the role of the private sector in health care delivery. And it's benefiting everyone. The Netherlands is the best example of Europe's move toward market-oriented reform. Before U.S. officials devote even more taxpayer dollars to health care, they should take a long look at how the Dutch have improved their health care system by reducing the government's role in it. Health insurance has been mandatory for all Dutch citizens since 1941. During the sixties, the Dutch government gradually took over the entire healthcare industry. This crescendoed in 1971 when a national bureaucracy was established to plan everything from funding to staffing and pricing. Unsurprisingly, the Netherlands' healthcare costs spiraled out of control, far outpacing overall growth in prices and incomes. The government tried to limit price hikes by rationing care, resulting in fewer choices, waiting lists, and staff shortages. But such rationing did little to rein in costs. So Dutch leaders turned to the private sector. Today, every Dutch citizen is required to have basic insurance coverage for major areas like medical treatments, long-term care, and dental and maternity care. Citizens and noncitizens alike in the Netherlands choose from among 14 private insurers. Supplemental insurance for vision or dental care is available; about 90 percent of the population has such coverage. To enforce the mandate, the government imposes a steep fine on anyone who doesn't purchase basic insurance. For citizens who cannot afford insurance on their own, there are government subsidies. Private insurers can't deny coverage to high-risk individuals, and are prohibited from charging people different prices based on age, gender, or risk of illness. The Dutch spend less on health care as a percentage of GDP than Americans do. The government keeps costs low through intelligent subsidies. Every Dutch worker has 7.2 percent deducted from his salary, with a maximum deduction of around US$3,300. This fee goes to a central Health Insurance Fund that equalizes risk. About two-thirds of households get a subsidy through the Fund to purchase private insurance, with the size of the subsidy tied to income level. The results have been remarkable. Previously, 70 percent of the population -- basically everyone with an annual income below US$49,000 -- was directly insured by the government. This scheme was financed with an 8.2 percent tax on workers' salaries. By leveraging the power of competition between insurers, Dutch policymakers have been able to lower the "health tax" a full percentage point. Private competition has also improved the purchasing power of Dutch consumers. The average annual premium is nearly US$1,500 lower than initially estimated. Eighty percent of the population has saved money on health care. During the first year of reforms, healthcare prices increased by a mere 0.5 percent -- less than the increase in average income or in the price of other goods. So real healthcare costs actually decreased. Instead of seeing their pay raises eaten up by higher medical costs, Dutch workers were actually left with more disposable income. If this trend continues, a person of average income will have a salary about US$1,500 higher in 2040 than he would have had under the previous tax code. Consumers can now shop around for the best deal on health insurance -- just like for any other good or service. Using the internet, Dutch consumers can compare insurers with regard to prices, services, customer satisfaction, and supplemental offerings. Hospitals are also rated on a number of performance indicators, allowing patients to make informed decisions about where to get treated. The Netherlands provides a blueprint for successful, market-oriented healthcare reform. America's leaders should follow it. --Johnny Munkhammar Editor's Note: Johnny Munkhammar is Managing Director of Munkhammar Advisory, Research Director of the European Enterprise Institute, and author of "The Guide to Reform" (Timbro/IEA, 2007).
Speculators have been unjustifiably raising their estimates for how much rent they will take in after they buy the property and low-ball how much maintenance costs will be in order to get a larger mortgage from the bank. The larger the loan, the larger the fees the bank can take in, and then, similar to a subprime loan, the bank securitizes the mortgage on the secondary market -- in theory -- to protect themselves from any risk. In order to cover the sky-high mortgage costs, the new owners must usually pursue either aggressive strategies to kick out existing tenants and charge newer tenants higher rents, or cut services and allow the buildings to fall in to disrepair -- or both "This is the subprime crisis 2.0," Schumer said. "The same shoddy lending practices that brought on the housing crisis and now have brought our entire economy to its knees are happening all over again and tens of thousands of tenants across the city are in the crosshairs. The bottom line is that predatory equity causes a loss of precious affordable housing in New York City and it leads to deterioration in quality of life both for tenants in at-risk buildings and in the larger neighborhoods where they are located. We cannot let this situation get more out of control and allow tens of thousands more affordable housing units be lost. And the regulators cannot turn a blind eye to this emerging lending crisis as they did for the subprime crisis. Schumer said there has been a dramatic shift in the market for affordable rental housing in New York City that threatens dozens of major complexes in all five boroughs and could eliminate as many as 60,000 affordable housing units. Developers, backed by private equity funds, have targeted rent-regulated and subsidized buildings to be purchased and then converted in to market rate housing, often based on wildly unrealistic assumptions about operating costs, turnover rates, appreciation and future rent rolls Schumer said that despite the softening housing market and tight credit conditions, predatory equity deals are continuing According to the Partnership to Preserve Affordable Housing, a coalition of organizers, housing advocates and legal services providers, the predatory equity scam starts with a speculator targeting an affordable housing complex where there is an opportunity to terminate affordability and substantially raise rents. In order to finance the deal -- and so the lenders can reap a significant profit -- the developer dramatically inflates the purchase value of the building by overestimating the amount of rental income they will take in and low-balls the maintenance and upkeep costs associated with the building. This enables the buyers to receive more financing and the lender to make a larger loan. The larger the loan, the larger the fees and the larger the loan can then be sold on the secondary market for more profit "The entire predatory equity enterprise is a house of cards built on foundation of fantasy and greed," said Schumer, who noted that," The whole thing collapses when there is any depreciation -- or even leveling -- in the property's value, which is the reality we now face. It is a dangerous trend that is damaging both the quantity and quality of our stock of affordable housing, and we must take aggressive action to stomp it out. Once the deal is done and the new owner has to start paying the huge premiums and interest payments attached to the overpriced loan, the developer must do one of two things, and sometimes both, that are catastrophic for the tenants living in the building 1. The landlord has to kick out enough of the tenants to increase the rent roll enough to pay the debt service; or 2. In order to meet debt service and maintain profit levels, the landlord has to cut services and maintenance, allowing the building to fall in to gross disrepair Schumer said this both diminishes the stock of affordable housing in the City and diminishes the quality of life for the tenants who stay in buildings where vital services are cut The impact of predatory equity in New York City's rent regulated housing stock is enormous. In only a few years, predatory equity developers are expected to purchase an estimated 60,000 units of affordable rental housing. This represents more than 10% of our rent regulated housing Maggie Russell-Ciardi, Executive Director of Tenants & Neighbors added, "Speculation and predatory underwriting practices in multifamily housing are placing thousands of low and moderate income renters at risk across this city. It is time we move towards an era of financial responsibility and regulatory reform. With Senator Schumer's leadership we are confident that we can put an end to the practice and re-stabilize New York City's affordable housing stock. "Overzealous investors, particularly during the economic downturn, are especially dangerous for low-income New Yorkers, who become collateral damage in times of a tight and unstable economy," said David R. Jones, president and CEO of the Community Service Society of New York. "From 'predatory equity' to bailout proposals, these programs continue to give to the rich and rob the poor, and it must stop now." If the owner in the end is unable to make the payments to finance the loans and is at risk of default, the entire building can be foreclosed upon. This default crisis will have a destructive, destabilizing effect on tenants, affordable housing, and communities in New York City. When an owner defaults on financing, a property typically falls into physical distress. These distressed projects in turn depress the block in which they are located, and the neighborhoods in which they are concentrated. Another very real consequence of a default crisis is that local credit markers may be destabilized, and financial institutions will be unwilling to make the healthy investments that are necessary in affordable rental housing The danger of default in these predatory equity loans was not an unforeseeable accident. As in the residential subprime crisis, these loans would not have been made if responsible underwriting standards had not been ignored by a chain of parties, including the developer, the private equity partner, the primary lender, the mezzanine debt lender, the security pool underwriter, and the credit rating agency To combat this crisis, Schumer today announced he is taking the following actions 1) Schumer said three steps need to be taken to immediately prevent future predatory equity deals from going through and to help protect buildings and tenants in danger of default and foreclosure. a. Stop Future Predatory Equity Deals Sen. Schumer urged federal and state regulators to issue new guidelines for affordable multifamily lending to ensure that predatory lending does not continue. As some lenders withdraw from the market, others step up to fill their shoes. Guidance from the regulators would help ensure that the size of the loan accurately reflects the value of the building and the realistic amount of rent from both affordable and market rate tenants the new owner will take in over time b. Help Restructure Currently Unstable Loans Sen. Schumer asked federal regulators to issue new guidelines for loan modifications on troubled buildings, specifically affordable housing complexes in danger of foreclosure. Sen. Schumer urged the regulators to ensure that loan modification results in a mortgage that is sustainable given the existing rent rolls and affordability restrictions in place at the affected property. This would remove the perverse incentives that developers have to force tenants from their apartments or dramatically cut back services c. Protect Already Defaulted Buildings Sen. Schumer also urged regulators to develop best practices for their regulated lenders to follow for the treatment of properties that cannot be helped through a loan modification. Tenant advocacy groups in New York City are working to facilitate preservation short sales, in which a troubled property is transferred to an experienced affordable housing manager who commits to maintaining affordability. Regulated lenders should be encouraged to work with these groups to support these efforts. 2) SEC Investigation Schumer called for an immediate SEC investigation the issuers of securities based on misleading and incorrect assumptions (unrealistically low operating costs, unrealistically high rent and tenant turnover expectations). The SEC is charged with ensuring the integrity of the information disclosed by securities issuers, and these securities seem to fail to meet their standards for accuracy; 3) Direct Appeal to Bank to Stop Financing Predatory Equity Deals Schumer sent personal letters to the CEO's of the major banks and other lending institutions who have been known to finance these predatory deals. --The office of Senator Chuck Schumer
Americans today have access to more cutting-edge pharmaceuticals than ever before. But medicines carry risks. Failing to pay attention to a drug's label -- by taking more than the recommended dosage or mixing with the wrong medicines -- can lead to serious side effects. Right now, only the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the authority to approve drug labels. This helps consumers by ensuring that labels in all 50 states contain the same warnings about potential side effects and instructions for safe usage. That may soon change. The Supreme Court is about to decide a landmark case about drug labels. The question before the Court is whether expert scientists at the FDA or local juries should have the final say regarding what's written on a prescription drug's warning label. It all goes back to Diana Levine, a Vermont woman who went to a clinic because of a migraine. In the course of her treatment, a doctor's aide administered the anti-nausea drug Phenergan. Tragically, the drug was improperly injected despite an explicit warning label. Levine ended up losing her arm. Levine sued the physician, the assistant, and the clinic. Each settled. But she also sued Wyeth, the company that produces Phenergan. A Vermont jury ruled that even though Phenergan's label had been approved by the FDA, Wyeth should have prohibited the method of administration used in Levine's treatment. This put Wyeth in a pickle. By Vermont law, the company was now obligated to prohibit a particular method of drug delivery. Satisfying this requirement, though, would put the company at odds with the FDA. If the Court rules against Wyeth, drugs could be required to have different labels in each state. And labels might end up reading like complex legal disclaimers. Regardless of what the Supreme Court decides, this case should remind all of us about the importance of carefully reading and following the instructions on drug labels. There's no better time than the holidays to make sure your loved ones are doing just that. --Peter Pitts Editor's Note: Peter Pitts is President of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest and a former FDA Associate Commissioner.
"It is a disgrace that in 2009, the New York State Governor David Paterson is going to be limited in his selection to replace Judge Judith Kaye when she retires this year," declared Senator Reverend Diaz during a celebration for newly-elected Justice Elizabeth Taylor. "I am disgusted that New York State Court of Appeals Judge Carmen Ciparick, a Puerto Rican woman who is certainly qualified, has been overlooked for this prestigious position. I thought we were well past the days when women, Hispanics, Blacks, and Asians were considered less than acceptable to serve in judicial leadership capacity, but the roster to replace the State's Chief Judge made up of nearly all white males just does not represent the diversity of New York State's Court of Appeals." Senator Reverend Diaz continued, "The political agendas of John O'Mara and those who are trying to back Governor Paterson into a corner are obvious. The racial undertones in this State are glaring, and the opportunities for women and Puerto Ricans and other so-called minorities are clearly not equal to the opportunities of other New Yorkers." For further information, please contact Senator Diaz at 718/496-4793. --news@rubendiaz.com
of concern to their parents. The DVD in English and Spanish, Stuttering and Your Child: Help for Families, helps parents detect stuttering and take action toward helping their child and is available at most public libraries including the Pelham Bay Public Library in Bronx, New York. Produced by the 60-year old nonprofit Stuttering Foundation, the film describes what kinds of stuttering young children may exhibit, how parents can help at home, and the role of a speech pathologist in evaluating and treating children who stutter. "Stuttering typically begins between the ages of two and five," says Barry Guitar, Ph.D., professor and chair of Communication Sciences at the University of Vermont in Burlington. "It may begin gradually or suddenly, and many of these children outgrow their disfluencies naturally. However, if a child continues to stutter for several months, or appears to be frustrated by it, parents should seek assistance." Guitar appears in the video with four other nationally recognized experts in stuttering: Peter Ramig, Ph.D., of the University of Colorado at Boulder, Diane Hill, M.A., of Northwestern University, Patricia Zebrowski, Ph.D., of the University of Iowa, and Kristin Chmela, M.A., also of Northwestern University. These experts address common concerns that parents have about their child, such as how to help the child at home and whether to seek the advice of a speech pathologist. Strategies parents can use to help reduce stuttering are given throughout the tape and include reducing the number of questions they ask the child, focusing on taking turns during conversations, and making time to read or talk with the child in a relaxed manner. "Parents are relieved to discover that they are not alone and that other parents share their concerns," says speech pathologist Kristin Chmela. "Stuttering remains a mystery to most people," notes Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation. "Watching a young child struggle to speak can be devastating. This DVD is designed to reassure parents and families that many preschoolers stutter, that they can be helped, and how parents can play a vital role in this process." The DVD is available free to all public libraries. If you are interested in checking out this DVD and your library doesn't have it, ask them to contact the Stuttering Foundation toll-free at 800-992-9392, visit www.stutteringhelp.org and www.tartamudez.org, or e-mail info@stutteringhelp.org for a copy. --Jane Fraser, (202) 686-4494 or info@stutteringhelp.org CONTACT: Philip Schmidt, (202) 225-4361 Serrano Mourns Passing of Community Leader Ramon Velez
The Bronx, NY December 1, 2008 Congressman José E. Serrano mourned the passing of legendary political activist and Bronx leader Ramon Velez today.
"Ramon Velez created a political and social movement that has had deep and lasting effects on New York City," Serrano said. "Most of the Puerto Rican elected officials who have held office since the 1970s were elected in large part because of Ramon Velez' work organizing the community. His voter registration drives added more than half a million new voters to the rolls, effectively enfranchising the Spanish-speaking citizens of our city. There are still echoes of his efforts to organize the South Bronx in the social movements in our borough and city today. His models for organizing were based in his deep belief in the power of the people. That is at the heart of all great community empowerment movements.
"I first met Ramon as I was becoming active in my community in the late 1960s starting at the South Bronx Community Corporation. Along with Federico Perez and George Rodriguez, I learned from Ramon and was inspired by his profound faith in the community as well as his deep understanding and celebration of the Puerto Rican identity. Based on these shared beliefs, we have all gone on to dedicate our professional lives to serving the people of the Bronx. Ramon was integral to making such service a core value in our community and shaping the careers of hundreds of young Latinos and African-Americans who are now leaders in government and social service in New York and beyond.
"From the voter registration drives, to setting up the Hunts Point Multi-Service Center, to incorporating the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, and pushing for respect for Spanish speakers in our City in a variety of ways, Ramon Velez' work has had almost unparalleled impact on our City. He was a visionary and a talented organizer. Our community will miss this great man."
Patty Reed Dear Editor,
Unlike hamburgers and chicken nuggets, plant-based foods are cholesterol-free and low in fat and calories. According to the late pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Spock, "Children who grow up getting their nutrition from plant foods rather than meats have a tremendous health advantage. They are less likely to develop weight problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, and some forms of cancer."
Visit www.GoVeg.com for a free vegetarian starter kit and tips on how to keep your kids-and yourself-slim and healthy for life.
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Heather Moore Senior Writer People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) 501 Front St. Norfolk, VA 23510 757-622-7382, ext. 8106 HeatherM@peta.org
TO: Annan Boodram, Editor in Chief Caribbean Voice, The (847) 919-1005; halcoxon@axmarketing.com For Immediate Release New Research Study Seeks Improved Quality of Life for People in the Future with Schizophrenia Dr. Jaffe of Belmont Center for Comprehensive Treatment leads research for local patients Bronx, NY, December 2, 2008:
Imagine going through the day without the ability to concentrate
and focus on the things you enjoy and important tasks that you
need to complete. Think what it would be like, struggling to
remember what you just talked about or learned a short time ago.
Consider how you would feel if you couldn't even accomplish simple
tasks, such as making a phone call, grocery shopping or scheduling
an appointment. Hal Coxon · Axiom Accelerated
Clinical Patient Recruitment · (847) 919-1005 ·
halcoxon@axmarketing.com These year-end actions can cut taxes By Jason Alderman December is the year's busiest month for many people, with holiday-related shopping, socializing and travel cutting into already hectic schedules. It will be tough, but try to set aside some time before year's end to consider taking a few actions that could seriously lower your 2008 tax bill. Maximize tax-deferred retirement savings. December 31 is the 2008 contribution deadline for employer-sponsored 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plans. Remember, pretax contributions can lower your taxable income and thereby lower your federal and state income tax bills. And, if your employer matches a portion of your contributions (a common match is 50 percent on the first 6 percent of income saved) and you don't contribute at least that amount, you could be forfeiting hundreds or thousands of dollars in free money. Ask your Benefits department if you can increase your December paycheck deduction to boost your 2008 contribution. The same strategy for reducing taxable income also works for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), although you have until April 15, 2009, to open or contribute to an IRA for 2008 tax advantages. Use up Flexible Spending Account (FSA) balances. If you participate in employer-sponsored health care or dependent care FSAs that use pretax dollars to pay for expenses, timing is important: You must spend your account balances before your employer's deadline (sometimes up to 75 days into the following year) or you'll forfeit the balances. Double-check the deadline with your Benefits department. If there's money left in your Health Care FSA, consider qualified purchases you could make before the deadline, such as eye glasses, contact lenses, braces, or over-the-counter medicines. IRS Publication 502 provides a complete list of allowable expenses (www.irs.gov). If you've already exhausted your 2008 FSA account balances, think about which elective expenses you could postpone until early 2009. To learn more about 401(k) plans and FSAs, visit Practical Money Skills for Life, Visa's free personal financial management site (www.practicalmoneyskills.com/benefits). Charitable contributions. If you itemize deductions on your federal income tax, most charitable contributions made to IRS-qualified, tax-exempt organizations by December 31 are tax-deductible. (See Publication 78 at www.irs.gov for a complete list.) Remember, you need to obtain receipts for all contributions, including small cash donations, and only donated items in good condition are deductible. Financial gift strategy. By law, you may make financial gifts up to $12,000 ($24,000 if married and making joint gifts) per person, per year, without impacting any estate taxes in effect when you die. So if you're planning to leave money to your children, family members or anyone else and can spare the cash right now, this is a good way to avoid estate taxes later on. Check with your financial advisor for details. Prepay property taxes. Homeowners who itemize deductions can increase their 2008 deductions by prepaying 2009 property taxes before December 31, 2008. If property taxes are included in your monthly mortgage payment, ask your lender to determine if this is feasible. Prepay your mortgage. Another way to increase 2008 deductions is to pay your January 2009 mortgage amount this month. This is especially effective for relatively new mortgages where the bulk of the monthly payment is tax-deductible interest. Again, ask your lender how this might work for you. By taking a few minutes out of your busy schedule now, you can potentially save a bundle on your 2008 taxes. You'll thank yourself come April 15. Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. Sign up for his free monthly e-Newsletter at www.practicalmoneyskills.com/newsletter Please see Press Release below and attached.
Contact: Vanessa Ferreira, 201.766.9993
WILL YOU HELP SAVE THE LIFE OF A 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL SUFFERING FROM KIDNEY FAILURE?
NEW YORK CITY, NY Vanessa Ferreira, a New York area marketing professional, is hosting a fund-raiser to benefit 10-year-old Priscilla Molinet, who is suffering from kidney failure and is on daily dialysis in order to stay alive. Priscilla needs expensive medical care not covered by her insurance as well as a kidney transplant urgently. The event will be held on Friday, December 5th at the Ripley-Grier Studios on 520 8th Ave. Author Rick Jarow ("The Alchemy of Abundance") will be giving a lecture on "The Power of Manifestation in a Time of Crisis". The fund-raiser runs from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and suggested donations start at $30. There will also be a silent auction of donated items. Ferreira created the project while participating in a Landmark Education leadership program. Part of the coursework was to create a project that benefits the community.
"Whenever we are faced with a serious problem like Priscilla's, we have two options: either to sit and watch (and complain how unfair life is) or to take massive action to make a difference in the world around us," Ferreira said. "By choosing the second option a whole new world of possibilities has opened up and I urge everyone to also make this choice. This then becomes a metaphor for all the challenges you can also overcome in your own life."
For more information, call (201) 766-9993 or visit www.HelpPriscilla.com.
In its struggle to motivate the Hispanic people to continue to be Democrats and its commitment to maintain a Democratic majority in the State Senate, El Diario la Prensa has written a negative editorial about the Republican Party. In its editorial, El Diario la Prensa said," Last year, when it came to a policy that would have allowed undocumented persons to access a driver's license, it was mostly Republican fear-mongering that killed that initiative." El Diario la Prensa is less than forthright by blaming the Republicans for this failed legislation. The reality of the matter is that we, the Hispanic legislators, came with an agreement with the Democratic Governor Eliot Spitzer and we obtained a commitment from the Governor to issue undocumented immigrants drivers licenses in New York State. Governor Eliot Spitzer, together with all of us legislators, called a news conference to announce this achievement. After everything was ironed out and after the press conference, it was the Democratic United States Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton who opposed this legislative initiative claiming that because she was running for US President, it would hurt her chances to win. It was Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party who were the ones who forced Governor Eliot Spitzer to retract and give an about face to the promise he had given us. It was I, the only Democratic legislator, to criticize the Governor about his retraction I called him a chicken and a traitor. I don't remember El Diario la Prensa ever criticizing the Governor for going back on his word. Therefore, ladies and gentlemen of El Diario la Prensa, our Hispanic community will do better and go forward the day that we hold the Democratic Party accountable to its promise and commitment to us. After all, it is the Democratic Party who always gets our votes and support not the Republicans. I am a Democrat. But I will always tell our people about the ones who hurt us and the ones who always take us for granted. Yes, ladies and gentlemen of El Diario la Prensa, I am in total disagreement with El Diario la Prensa's editorial which tries to blame the Republicans for the sins of the Democrats. Furthermore, it is the Democratic Governor David Paterson, the one who is trying to cut the services to our needy and minority communities. It is David Paterson, a Democratic Governor who is trying to cut services to senior citizens and cut the Medicare for poor people. He wants to increase tuition for our young people. He is cutting money for our children's education in public schools, and it is he who wants to close the hospitals in our communities. These cuts presented by the Democratic Governor are being supported by State Senator Malcolm Smith who is in line to become the Senate Majority Leader in New York State. I ask myself, Why is it that El Diario la Prensa hides these facts? How come El Diario la Prensa does not inform our community about the abuses and this disrespect toward us? It may be that this happens because they want to see gay marriage become a reality? I don't know. Who knows? --Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz
Obviously, Obama will encounter difficult policy challenges especially in South America where large sections of the population have embraced the political left. US influence has seemingly diminished on this continent where democratic changes, propelled by the active participation of workers, peasants, women and indigenous communities, have brought into power leaders who champion social justice and reform. Currently, the US government has lukewarm relations with "leftist" countries such as Venezuela, Bolivia, and Ecuador, but there is much anticipation that the new Obama administration will apply an approach of constructive engagement with those governments. All of this is expected to form part of a policy strategy with a renewed bilateral and international emphasis in LAC. This strategy could also involve the appointment of a special envoy to the region, as well as early meetings with regional leaders. A positive approach will undoubtedly result in a clearer appreciation of the region's political, economic and social problems. The problem of the greatest common concern to the US and LAC is clearly that of drug trafficking and there have been numerous complaints that the United States has not been doing enough to assist its poorer partners in containing, if not eliminating, this scourge. Since the period of the Clinton presidency, the Caribbean sub-region earned the depiction as the "third border" of the US. But governments of this sub-region feel that the US has not made enough efforts to help strengthen the policing efforts there, especially when they have to budget higher proportions of their resources in the effort to block drug shipments through this "border" to the markets in the north. But, perhaps, a change may be coming. The President-elect has already declared that he will commit the US government to increasing security measures in LAC. Noting that the region has "one of the highest murder rates in the world", he stated recently that the Attorney General and Homeland Security Secretary will meet their Caribbean and Latin American counterparts in the first year of his presidency "to produce a regional strategy to combat drug trafficking, domestic and transnational gang activity, and organised crime." Economic problems are also of pressing concern. The LAC countries surely applaud Obama's promise to double US foreign aid to the region to US$50 billion annually even though this pledge was made before the current escalation of the economic crisis in the United States. And, no doubt, Guyana, Bolivia, St. Lucia, Paraguay, Honduras and Haiti, among other poor indebted countries, are happy to know that he supports a complete cancellation of their foreign debts. Then, there is the perennial immigration issue to which countries such as Mexico hope the US government will see as a priority. Many others, especially those of the Caribbean and Central America, also look forward to a re-examination of the US policy of "criminal" deportation in which their views will be given sympathetic consideration. The Guyana government, for instance, has always pointed to the danger this type of deportation poses on internal security and the social fabric of the Caribbean. Leaders of this region have also expressed profound optimism that Obama will induce a positive advance in US-LAC relations, including a change in attitude towards Cuba. Currently, US diplomatic relations with both Bolivia and Venezuela are at a low ebb, especially since the American ambassadors to both countries were expelled amid allegations that they were plotting with internal opposition groups against these leftist governments. Nevertheless, the presidents of both countries have expressed optimism that Obama's presidency could ease the diplomatic tension. Bolivia's President Evo Morales and Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, in separate statements welcoming his victory, expressed expectation that Obama will end the Cuba blockade and work towards improving relations between the United States and their countries. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also urged Obama to end the blockade on Cuba and to forge more active relations with Latin America. But despite such hope, the Brazilian government remains suspicious of Obama's views on free trade. The President-elect supports taxing Brazil's sugar cane-derived ethanol, which is more competitive than the US corn-based biofuel, and is critical of free trade deals with other Latin American countries such as Colombia. There is little hope that the FTAA negotiations will be resumed, since in any case, a few South American countries are no longer interested in that process. But LAC governments feel that the Obama administration can take new initiatives to reopen the WTO negotiations on the question of agricultural subsidies an important issue in which the US and LAC hold opposite positions. The Obama administration will also have to face the fact that, as the region has grown more economically independent and self-confident in recent years, more and more of the governments are expanding their economic and political relations with China, Russia, the European Union and even Iran. These developing ties have added a new dimension to the geo-politics of the region where, as many political observers feel, the "eastern" influence has expanded as a result of the declining attention by the US in the past few years. Governments of the region now expect the new American administration will rebuild diplomatic links throughout the hemisphere and advance policies that promote democracy, opportunity, and security while treating all its southern partners with dignity and respect. Indeed, the region's citizens are impressed by Obama's principles relating to social justice and equal opportunity, and his message of hope and change has surely inspired them. Expectations, therefore, are very high that the new president will bring major positive changes in US relations with the region. These expectations may not be met immediately but, as the new administration settles down to its task, the region looks forward to the launching from Washington of fresh initiatives which can advance a more constructive and mutually beneficial relationship between the US and its hemispheric neighbours. --Amb. Odeen Ishmael Guyana Embassy, Quinta Roraima, Avenida El Paseo, Prados del Este, Caracas, Venezuela www.guyana.org Editor's Note: The writer is Guyana's Ambassador to Venezuela. The views expressed are solely those of the writer.)
The Soviet Union and the United States emerged from the WW II as the world's leading superpowers. This set the stage for the Cold War, which lasted for the next 45 years. The United Nations was formed in the hope of preventing another such conflict. The self determination spawned by the war accelerated decolonization movements in Asia and Africa, while Western Europe itself began moving toward integration. The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, leaving the United States as the sole superpower in a unipolar world. However, that is about to change. Accordingly, regardless of the current global financial crisis, let's take a look how some major participants of World War II and participants of the later conflicts stand financially today and what can we expect from them in the future, these include: Allies Powers of the WW II: the USA, Russia, France, the UK and China. Axis Powers: Germany, Italy and Japan. Korean War participant: South Korea (Republic of Korea). United States The United States was involved in WW II as a major military power and more or less in every military campaign since the WW II, almost always coming out as the winner. The United States, once in a great power, now is in a great trouble. Today, major economic concerns in the US include national debt, external debt, entitlement liabilities for retiring baby boomers who have already begun withdrawing from their Social Security accounts, corporate debt, mortgage debt, a low savings rate, falling house prices, a falling currency, and a large current account deficit. As of June 2008, the gross US external debt was over $13 trillion, the most external debt of all countries in the world. The 2007 estimate of the United States public debt was 65% of GDP. As of October 1, 2008, the total US federal debt exceeded $10 trillion, about $31,700 per capita. Unfunded Medicaid, Social Security, Medicare, and similar promised obligations made the government liabilities to rise to a total of $59.1 trillion, or $516,348 per household. The military spending by the US Government have created instability in the country. Conservative estimates that by 2017 the Iraq and Afghanistan wars will cost the US budget around five trillion dollars. Despite the current financial situation in the US, the US economy, according to reports is still the largest national economy in the world, with an estimated 2008 gross domestic product (GDP) of US$14.3 trillion (23% of the world total based on nominal GDP and almost 21% at purchasing power parity (PPP)). Russia Russia Soviet Union, an Allies member, was also involved in many military conflicts including War World II and the Korean War. Russia came out of them undefeated. However, Russia than Soviet Union faced serious financial problems and stagnation; with the Cold War coming to a close in the late 1980s and the early 1990s, and with the US increased diplomatic, military, and economic pressure, the Soviet Union finally collapsed. Now, decades after the WW II, Russia is in a great power, not in a great trouble. Recent rising of oil prices, increased foreign investment, higher domestic consumption and greater political stability have strengthened economic growth in Russia. The country ended 2007 with its 9th straight year of growth, averaging 7% annually since the financial crisis of 1998. In 2007, Russia's GDP was around $2,089 trillion (est. PPP), the 7th largest in the world, with GDP growing 8.1% from the previous year, and $14,704 GDP per capita. Growth was primarily driven by non-traded services and goods for the domestic market, as opposed to oil or mineral extraction and exports. Oil export earnings have allowed Russia to increase its foreign reserves from $12 billion in 1999 to $597.3 billion on 1 August 2008. Today, Russia has the third largest reserves in the world. Arms sales have increased to the point where Russia is first in the world in sale of weapons. Also, Russia owns $74.1 billion or 2.77% of the US Treasury Securities. Japan On December 7, 1941, Japan attacked the United States naval base in Pearl Harbor and declared war on the United States, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. This act brought the United States into World War II. After the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, along with the Soviet Union joining the war against it, Japan agreed to an unconditional surrender on August 15, 1945. The war cost Japan millions of lives and left much of the country's industry and infrastructure destroyed. Despite Japan's devastating destruction, today, Japan is one of the strongest independent economical and industrial powers on the earth. A major economic power, Japan has the world's second largest economy by nominal GDP, at around $4.381 trillion in terms of nominal GDP, and $34,296 per capita, and the third largest in purchasing power parity. Japan is a member of the United Nations, G8, G4, OECD and APEC, with the world's fifth largest defense budget. It is also the world's fourth largest exporter and sixth largest importer. It is a developed country with high living standards and a world leader in technology, machinery, and robotics. Banking, insurance, real estate, retailing, transportation, telecommunications and construction are all major Japan industries. Japan has a large industrial capacity and is home to some of the largest, leading and most technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles and processed foods. The US is maybe the biggest importer of the Japanese products in the world. Japan owns $593.4 billion or 22.17% of the US Treasury Securities. Germany Germany was a major European power from the 1930s to the mid-1940s. Its historical significance lies mainly in its responsibility for escalating political tensions in Europe by its expansionist foreign policy which resulted in World War II. The state came to an end in 1945, after the Allied Powers succeeded in seizing German occupied territories in Europe and in occupying Germany itself. Germany like some other European countries was seriously destroyed during the WW II. Today, Germany is the largest national economy in Europe, the third largest by nominal GDP in the world, around $3,320 trillion. Also Germany is ranked 5th by GDP (PPP) at around $2,812 trillion; its growth rate in 2007 was 2.4%. Since the age of industrialization the country has been motor innovator and beneficiary of an ever more globalized economy. The export of goods "Made in Germany" is one of the main factors of the country's wealth. Germany is the world's top exporter with $1.133 trillion exported in 2006 (Euro zone countries are included) and generates a trade surplus of ¤165 billion. Most of the country's products are in engineering, especially in automobiles, machinery, metals, and chemical goods. Germany is the leading producer of wind turbines and solar power technology in the world. Concerning the European Union, Germany was and still is the Union's biggest net contributor; with the biggest economy, she is responsible for about 23% of the EU budget. Germany owns $41.1 billion or 1.54% of the US Treasury Securities. South Korea The Republic of Korea In the 1950s South Korea became one of the poorest countries in Asia; its infrastructure and resources were severely exploited during the Japanese occupation and completely destroyed by the Korean War. However, following the military coup led by General Park Chung-Hee in 1962, South Korea became for four straight decades one of the fastest-growing economies in the world history, completely transforming itself from farming and fishing based economy into one of the world's most high-tech industrial powers. Today, South Korea is a major economic power and one of the wealthiest countries in Asia. The South Korean economy is highly developed and one of the four largest in Asia and 13th largest in the world. Often called the "Miracle on the Han River", South Korea's tremendous economic growth was fueled by the export of high-tech goods. The South Korean economy continues to grow at a very fast speed, having one of the highest GDP, at around $1,201 trillion, export and industrial production growth rate in the developed world. By 2050, the South Korean economy would have grown to over $4 trillion and have an income per capita of over $90,000, surpassing almost all of the current G7. Today, South Korea is leading several key industries in the world, particularly in the fields of science and technology. The South Koreas strongest industries are automobiles, biotechnology, construction, computers, electronics, petrochemicals, robotics, semiconductors, shipbuilding, and steel. South Korea owns $35.3 billion or 1.32% of the US Treasury Securities. There are many other participants who were defeated or seriously affected by the WW II and the Cold War, although stands strong today, these include: the UK, Austria, Italy, France, Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria among others. If we look at the above records, it looks like that all Allies Powers except the US, who contributed mostly to the WW II, stands economically strong today, including Axis members, who by all studies are the strongest ones. Consequently, one question rises from this: did the Allies Powers really defeated Germany, Italy and Japan in World War II? It looks like they did not. Today, Germany, Italy and Japan are very powerful countries, and if they unite for some mutual cause, they might become unbeatable. As an example, if Germany, Italy and Japan decide to start a new war by forcing out the US military basis from its territories, what can we expect; can we expect to see all five major Allies Powers and Security Council members joining against them for the second time? Knowing that Germany and Italy became major European powers, and Japan Asian power, is that really possible? If this war comes to place, Russia would look for her own interests this time, and that is Europe. Russia learned her lessons from the Cold War. China would stay neutral, although, closer to Russia than to the US. France would not be able to help the US; France has too many problems these days, France would have to stay in good relations with European members in order to prosper. The UK is the most interesting one; she would be in very difficult situation, to help closest friend and ally, or to bond closer to Europe. If the UK fails to provide necessary help to the US, who will? In that case the United States could only expect help from the South Korea and the State of Israel. This is just a theory, however, one day Germany, Italy and Japan will try to force out the US military basis from its lands. Let's just hope it will be done in peaceful and understanding way so that we do not get the chance to see millions of people killed and nations destroyed all over again. --Ivan Simic Paloticeva 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Tel: +381/63/7508500
There is no doubt that networks of familiarity in small societies can compromise effective state response. It is precisely the small size and absence of social distance between alleged perpetrators and responsible state officials (police, prosecutors, medical workers) that pose a threat to the rule of law. Human rights, women and men's organizations have a responsibility to pay close attention to the treatment and circumstances of women who have alleged sexual assault, understanding that anything less than dispassionate and efficient responses perpetuate acceptance of women's vulnerability, and therefore gender inequality. According to a statement from the Latin America and Caribbean Women's Health Network, it is in such a spirit of concern that the defenders of women's human rights in Nicaragua have relentlessly kept their commitment to improving women's living conditions and health in Nicaragua, especially among the poorest and most vulnerable. They have put themselves on the front line of the social struggle for rights, and because of their dedication, they are at serious risk under the campaign orchestrated against them by the government in Nicaragua. This manifests itself through direct threats against their lives, and the lives of their families. Reports from the Cayman Islands speak to the sad fact that a strong advocate against violence to women suffered a gruesome death when she was abducted, raped, murdered, and burnt beyond immediate recognition. Strong speculation is that this horrific deed may have been the work of an ex-prisoner who was convicted based on her evidence. She ran the Crisis Centre, and was required to give statements in court. She received death threats from time to time. In Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago and St Vincent & The Grenadines, men have murdered their wives, then committed suicide, over domestic disputes, when women tried to flee from situations of violence within the home. In Guyana, an uncle raped his niece, who was under the age of sexual consent, resulting in her pregnancy. The state intervened, but when the matter came to court three years later, the niece said she did not wish to bring charges against her uncle, because he was her only means of support. The violence is perpetuated by the state and judiciary, first in levels of poverty forcing women to accept sexual assault as a fact of life, and the powerlessness of the judiciary to administer justice, because of existing state laws. On November 25, we joined in solidarity with women who are suffering from violence in all its forms, with survivors who have achieved worthy careers for themselves, and with the defenders of human rights, so let us reflect on the origin of this day. It was the Mirabal sisters who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives, at the hands of an unjust regime in the Dominican Republic. In their name, and for the cause of those after them, and for those who are suffering even now, let us begin with ourselves to build a culture of peace. Let us march forward fearlessly to defend our right to a life free of violence. Let us speak with one voice, for as long as deadly perpetrators of violence stalk our homes, communities and systems of government, silence is not golden. --Yours faithfully, Nelcia Robinson Hazell Coordinator,Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA)
It is a terrible time to raise children, except that Bye Bye Birdie opened in 1960. Chaim Potok published his best selling work in 1969; and Honoré de Balzac published his in 1835. Have parents always thought it was a terrible time to raise children? Is it more challenging today than ever? Clearly, many risks have been reduced by modern medicine, coming from improvements in immunization and treatment. Yet previous generations did not deal with HIV/AIDS and the prevalence of teenage pregnancy. In fact, however, as reported in America's Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2008, much of the news is positive. Granted the numbers are high, and far too high, yet in most cases the numbers have been improving over the last decade. The numbers are down in the problem areas of cigarettes, alcohol, illegal drugs, sexual activity, and teen pregnancies. Youth are more likely to be in school or holding jobs. The numbers suggest that raising kids today might be less risky than raising kids a decade ago. Given this evidence, why do we hear so much youth bashing? Maybe it is just political manipulation. If I can convince you that times are terrible, and that I can do something about it, whereas my opposition is clueless, then perhaps I can earn your vote. Well, we know that we should hold a healthy skepticism about the claims and promises of politicians. So, why does it matter if the politicians (and the media) exaggerate the troubles of our youth? It turns out that it does matter, and that it matters a great deal, because of a social psychological phenomenon known as the self-fulfilling prophecy. When we as a society come to believe that a certain outcome is inevitable, then we tend to act in such a way as to create the very outcome that we expect. This seems to be the case with one youth issue in particular, that of binge drinking. Granted, there is too much binge drinking on college campuses across the country. Young adults are forfeiting many of the benefits of a rich college experience because of their binge habits. Yes, it is a problem, but the problem is not universal. It is simply not true that "everybody is doing it." When the media exaggerate the alcohol problem, they communicate to some college students that binge drinking is the norm, which can encourage our peer-driven students to engage in more binge drinking, worsening the extent of the problem. Recent research at the University of Virginia has sought to overcome this self-fulfilling prophecy by creating a new more positive norm, telling incoming freshmen that students drink less than their peers perceive that they are drinking, that binge drinking is not as common as you might think. Planting this belief is not an example of propaganda, by the way, because it is true-the media exaggerate the problem. While correcting this belief, and perhaps because they have corrected this belief, UVA has seen a reduction in the number of alcohol-related injuries, the extent of drunk driving, as well as reductions in other problem behaviors. Politicians and the media might think they are doing a service by emphasizing a problem such as binge drinking, but in fact there is evidence to suggest that by exaggerating the extent of the problem, they have created a self-fulfilling prophecy that is actually making the problem worse. Instead of serving our society by being part of the solution, they are part of the problem. I should not point fingers, however, because there is a sense in which the field of psychology has followed this model for most of its 100+ years. Psychology has focused on the problems of human existence. By spending most of its time and effort on the negative, psychology might very well have created self-fulfilling prophecies, making existing problems even worse. The discipline has started to correct this problem in the last decade, however, developing the new field of Positive Psychology. Although it is important to understand why certain negative outcomes occur in the process of human development, why not ask the positive question, "Why is it that some kids turn out so well?" We as parents are also tempted to exaggerate the negative. Because we have such high expectations for our kids, and because so few of them are perfect specimens, we tend to focus on their every fault, minor and trivial though most of them are, in the larger scheme of things. In fact, most of our kids will eventually become independent contributing members of society. Most of them will have some struggles and issues as they mature (and so did we), but most of them will enable us to be very proud grandparents. My father-in-law, reflecting the fears expressed in the quotes at the top of the column, once said to me, "If I had known how well my kids would turn out, I would have had more." Perhaps we need to create new messages about parenting our teens. Yes, there are no guarantees. Yes, we do take a terrible chance. But spending more time and effort communicating the positive outcomes might just increase the positives and decrease the negatives. By the way, my family fulfills me in a way I never could have imagined! --Dr. Gary L. Welton Editor's Note: Dr. Gary L. Welton is assistant dean for institutional assessment and a professor of psychology at Grove City College. He is a recipient of a major research grant from the Templeton Foundation to investigate positive youth development.
Several years ago, I found myself in a rut. My mother had just died. And I was facing an empty nest at home, as my kids had all gone off to college. I needed guidance for what to do next with my life. I soon realized that there were more than 40 million other baby boomer women in America, many of whom were feeling the exact same sense of aimlessness. Vital Population Wired In Like me, this community was digitally savvy, and hungry to connect. I decided to start my own site dedicated to boomer women called National Association of Baby Boomer Women (NABBW.com). Today, I am the founder of the # 1 site for baby boomer women. Since launching the site, I've learned so much simply by connecting baby boomer women to one another and giving them a place to share their stories and support each other. We live longer, are wealthier, and are better educated than our predecessors. We've become a key demographic segment for online marketing. According to data reported on Brandweek.com, 41 percent of boomers visit social networking sites. Sixty-one percent of boomer internet users visit sites that offer streaming and downloadable video. Baby boomers make up the Web's largest constituency, accounting for one-third of the 195.3 million web users in the United States. Whether connecting to other women with similar interests and traveling together, exploring elder law, playing brain games to avoid dementia, or using a web cam to check in with the grandkids, it's no longer a miracle when parents and grandparents use computers in their professional and private lives. Benefits of Social Networking And social networking isn't just a good idea, it's scientifically proven. In fact, a UCLA study on friendship among women showed that when a woman is stressed, her body releases the hormone oxytocin, which encourages her to tend children and gather with other women. When she actually engages in this behavior, more oxytocin is released, which further counters stress and produces a calming effect. Boomer women may need this calming effect as they weight retirement against prolonged careers due to the economy or the desire to keep working. An AARP survey recently found that one in five boomer workers has stopped contributing to his or her 401(k) account. This year, the oldest boomer women are turning 62 and starting to receive Social Security. Luckily, the closeness found among women online isn't simply a superficial female emotion. It's good business. According to Jennifer Kalita, our entrepreneurship expert on NABBW.com, "The beauty of boomer women in business is their collective spirit of collaboration. Rather than being intimidated by a potential business competitor, boomer women will often seek out ways to cross-promote, pool resources, and support one another." Kitchen Table Goes Virtual "A coffee break with a friend at work, a quick chat with a neighbor, a phone call to your sister, even a visit to church are all ways to reduce stress while fostering lasting relationships with the people close to you," reports Mayo Clinic research on Revolutionhealth.com. Well, we always knew that. But the researchers at Mayo also found that connecting through a Web site provides added support to those who live in small towns, are living abroad, facing chronic illness, loss of a loved one, divorce, or other life changes. This support network helps women develop a sense of belonging and security along with an increased sense of self-worth. In my experience, being in relationships with others is exciting. I feel fortunate and fulfilled when I listen and share with others. There is peace in knowing that others trust me with their stories and I feel comforted when others listen to mine. Baby boomer women will continue to connect, across the kitchen table and around the world -- and the virtual world is there to support them. -- Dotsie Bregel Editor's Note: Dotsie Bregel is the founder of the National Association of Baby Boomer Women (NABBW.com)
"These findings indicate that financial constraints such as inability to afford needed visits with healthcare providers and the cost of drugs are major barriers to seeking care among migraineurs and other headache sufferers. As a result, many patients are seeking out alternative treatment methods and are learning about such alternatives through electronic media and other self-seeking information and education resources," said Dr. Nabih Ramadan, Board Member, National Headache Foundation. Patients are empowered by the use of the Internet and the educational resources it offers. Even among people who seek medical advice from healthcare providers, more than 50% of them also conducted their own research about their health condition. Only information obtained from one's healthcare provider rated higher than the NHF as a credible and trustworthy source of headache information. "Unlike ever before, patients are using a number of different treatment methods for their headaches without seeking professional medical care. While professional guidance remains critical to optimal treatment of migraine and other headache disorders, the availability of credible resources on the Internet, social networks advocacy groups and professional organizations, allow patients to become better informed and educated about their illness and the means to manage it," says Dr. Ramadan. Of those who responded to the survey, 68% reported using prescription medications for their headaches. Alternate treatment methods listed by survey respondents included the use of over-the-counter medications (73%), sleeping (70%), lying in a dark room (59%) and applying cold/hot compresses (46%). ADDITIONAL NHF SURVEY RESULTS * 31% of respondents selected their healthcare providers based on a referral from their family physicians and 29% chose from a list covered by their health insurance plan * 38% of respondents said they visit a primary care physician (internal medicine or family practice) to seek treatment for their headaches * 30% of respondents reported seeing a neurologist for their headache and/or migraine pain --Suzanne E. Simons Executive Director, National Headache Foundation (312) 274-2651 ssimons@headaches.org
Problem is, the oft-touted benefit of importation -- namely that it will reduce healthcare spending -- has been thoroughly discredited. To start, let's take a look at spending. While advocates of drug importation routinely trumpet a 2004 Congressional Budget Office report which estimated that legalized importation could save $50 billion over 10 years, they fail to mention that that represents just a 1 percent reduction in total drug spending. That's not to mention the as-yet-unknown cost of providing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the resources necessary to monitor drugs coming in from other countries. As it is, the FDA is poorly equipped to oversee drug safety. Just this year, for example, tainted shipments of the blood thinner Heparin slipped past the FDA and made it to the American market, killing nearly 100 people. Legalizing drug importation would only make another tragedy like this more likely. Many supporters of importation believe that, so long as the drugs come in from safe, developed countries like Canada and Britain, the threat of importing tainted drugs is minimal. But that's simply not true. Because of parallel trade agreements among the European Union's member states, drugs purchased from a pharmacy in Britain or France could easily have originated in Latvia, Malta, Cyprus or another country with a less-than-ideal regulatory system. And, as for buying drugs from Canada, that's hardly a safe bet either. So long as a drug is sent to Canada for "export only," it's not subject to the Canadian regulatory system. So drugs coming out of Canada could easily originate in Europe, China, or India. Given these risks and the lack of cost-savings, it's unsurprising that state-level programs legalizing drug importation have been enormously unpopular. In Illinois, for instance, Governor Rod Blagojevich initiated the "I-Save-Rx" program, which allowed residents to purchase prescription drugs from Canada. Ending after only 19 months, the program was an unmitigated embarrassment for the Governor, with only .02 percent of Illinois residents enrolled. A similar importation program in Boston proved equally unpopular. Earlier this year, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced that the program -- which he spearheaded in the 2004 -- will soon be suspended. At the time of the announcement, only 16 eligible Bostonians were receiving drugs from Canada. Legalized importation would create massive health and safety risk and put unbearable financial strain on the already-underfunded FDA -- all while failing to save the American public much money. --Peter Pitts Editor's Note: Peter J. Pitts is President of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest and a former FDA Associate Commissioner.
The Intercollegiate Studies Institute released on November 20 its latest findings on civic literacy in the United States. Not surprisingly, young people once again proved that their mastery of popular culture far surpassed their knowledge of basic facts in American history, political science, and economics. What might surprise readers however is the fact that even when one polls the middle-aged, seniors, college graduates, and elected officials, the results were not necessarily any better. Specifically, more than 2,500 randomly selected Americans took ISI's basic 33-question test on civic literacy and more than 1,700 people failed, with the average score being a 49 percent, or an "F." Over twice as many people knew Paula Abdul was a judge on American Idol than knew that the phrase "government of the people, by the people, for the people" came from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Shockingly, elected officials scored even lower than the general public with an average score of 44 percent. As for success, only 0.8 percent (or 21) of all surveyed earned an "A." Simply put, America faces a crisis in civic literacy. This fact probably does not come as a surprise to anyone who watches Jay Leno do interviews on the street or Jeff Foxworthy match adults against fifth graders; however, the problem is no laughing matter. ISI makes its findings and its test available on its website and it is worth perusing. The test consists of basic questions culled from standardized tests for high-school graduates and the U.S. citizenship exam. Furthermore, ISI's test is multiple-choice, and yet the average American did not get results over 50 percent, which means they did not even double the results one would statistically achieve just by blindly guessing. Naysayers might question whether civic literacy truly poses a problem for the United States. It does. The American system depends on its citizens to make wise decisions. Such an achievement is beyond the ability of an uninformed electorate. ISI's findings suggest a more familiar example may be needed for Americans to grasp this political fact. Think of it this way: Can one make an intelligent prediction of American Idol's next winner without a working understanding of Randy's, Paula's, and Simon's personalities? Do you put much faith in the Super Bowl predictions of a person who thinks football is soccer? Whether around a water cooler or outside a voting booth-debate, deliberation, discussion, and discernment all require a firm understanding of a system's rules and a clear conception of the personalities and parties involved. Without that knowledge, we flail in the dark and can expect success only through divine intervention or dumb luck. No contemporary American problem lacks an historical precedent, but Americans have become trapped in a tyranny of the present. If we want to find solutions (and avoid mistakes) to problems such as economic collapse, the extent of executive power, or even pirates, the place to look is our past. In fact, it is the only place we can look. Likewise, if we have any hope of maintaining the precious hard-won freedoms we all enjoy, we must all-parents, teachers, professors, students, citizens-commit to learning, teaching, and upholding the informing principles of our system of government. Amnesia is the surest way for an individual to lose his identity; the same holds true for a people. Amnesia leaves an individual vulnerable and scared. As a people, our civic illiteracy has made us vulnerable; it is high time for us to be scared. Civic illiteracy is a multi-causal problem that will require a multifaceted solution. The answer however does not likely lie with some of the institutions Americans typically trust to fix it. For three years, ISI has documented how colleges and universities are failing to improve their students' civic literacy. Likewise, this year's study revealed that television-including watching the news-also reduces a person's civic literacy. Conversely, civic literacy improved through consistent reading and thoughtful conversation. In other words, the solution lies within our lifestyle choices. Don't shoot the messenger; the Intercollegiate Studies Institute has done the United States a favor by bringing this threat to our attention. Now, it is our collective job to take up the serious responsibility of citizenship that freedom places upon us all. --Dr. Jason R. Edwards Editor's Note: Jason R. Edwards is a research fellow with The Center for Vision & Values and the director of Educational Policy Studies at Grove City College where he serves as an associate professor of education and history.
Ring in the New Year on the right financial foot with these 5 essential tips from Dara Duguay, Director of Citi's Office of Financial Education, to help get your finances in shape: 1. Don't treat money as a taboo subject. Whether managing finances yourself or with a spouse/partner, avoiding money issues in the hopes that they will just go away or until you have a financial crisis only guarantees stress and arguments. Set aside time every month or schedule regular monthly "money meetings" with your partner to review the bills, progress towards your money goals, investment portfolio, college savings and any other money topic that is relevant. This monthly review could coincide with bill paying or when your bank statement arrives. 2. Create an emergency fund. Emergency savings are, in effect, a form of insurance. It will protect you from life's curveballs catapulting you into a financial crisis. So open a savings account and don't stop contributing until you have saved enough to cover at least three months of monthly expenses. If you can save six months worth, even better. This will prevent you from having to take cash advances, which while helpful in emergencies, come with fees and interest rate charges that are usually higher than your credit card purchases. Use cash advances with discretion, and don't use them to fill gaps in your income or savings. Having an emergency fund will give you peace of mind. 3. Pay more than the minimum on your credit cards whenever you can. Even a small amount more than the minimum can make a big difference in the time it takes to pay off your balance and the total cost of interest. Also, be sure to make your monthly payments on time, every time. Even one late or missed payment can be recorded in your credit report and affect your credit history. 4. Contribute the maximum to a retirement savings plan. Approximately 50% of Americans who have the opportunity to contribute to a company retirement plan, choose not to. In many cases, contributions are matched by the company. This is free money that is being thrown away by opting out. Remember that your contributions will reduce your taxable income and will only be taxed when you start to withdraw them at retirement age. 5. Make sure you have adequate insurance protection. There is nothing like an emergency to wipe out your savings or add to your debt level. Protect yourself financially from as many emergencies as possible by ensuring adequate insurance for health, life, auto and home. Confronting these issues can be difficult since no one likes to think about possible illness or death, but to assume you are invincible from "life events" or tragedy is to not be realistic about life. --Dara Duguay Editor's Note: Personal finance expert, Dara Duguay, is a dynamic interview. Author of three popular books, The Citi Commonsense Money Guide for Real People, Please Send Money and Don't Spend Your Raise, and currently director of Citi's Office of Financial Education, Dara also served as executive director of the non-profit Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy. Her extensive media experience includes: The NY Times, Associated Press, LA Times, USA Today, Money, Redbook, CNN, Fox News Channel, Bloomberg, MSNBC, NPR, among others.
Understandably, many are bewildered. But now is not the time to shrink from our responsibility as citizens. In fact, we should welcome the chance to regain control of a government out of control. And if there is to be any change, it is going to be brought about by us, "we the people," not the politicians. No president, no congressman and no judge can do what you can. There is no better time to act than the present. Fear, apathy, escapism or reliance on some government official to save us will not carry the day. It is within our power as citizens to make a difference and seek corrective measures. That principle is the basis of the American governmental scheme. We need to think like revolutionaries. Thus, there can be no room for timidity or lukewarm emotions. What we need is passion, dedication and courage. And in the words of Martin Luther King, we have to demand change from the oppressors. There are certain things that are common to every successful struggle. Here are a few suggestions from my book, The Change Manifesto (2008): 1. Get educated. Without knowledge, very little can be accomplished. Thus, you must know your rights. Take time to read the Constitution. Study and understand history because the tales of those who seek power and those who resist it is an age-old one. Understand the vital issues of the day so that you can be cognizant of the threats to freedom. 2. Get involved. Become actively involved in local community affairs, politics and legal battles. Think nationally, but act locally. If our freedoms are to be restored, taking action at that local level must be the starting point. Getting involved in local politics is one way to bring about change. Seek out every opportunity to voice your concerns, and demand that your government representatives account for their actions. Be relentless. 3. Get organized. You can overcome the behemoth with enough cunning, skill and organization. Play to your strengths and assets. Conduct strategy sessions with others to develop both the methods and ways to force change. 4. Be creative. Be bold and imaginative, for this is guerilla warfare--not to be fought with tanks and guns but through creative methods of dissent and resistance. Creatively responding to circumstances will often be one of your few resources if you are to be an effective agent of change. 5. Use the media. Effective use of the media is essential. Attracting media coverage not only enhances and magnifies your efforts, it is a valuable education tool. It publicizes your message to a much wider audience. It is through the media--television, newspapers, Internet sites, bloggers, and so on--that people find out about your growing resistance movement. 6. Start brushfires for freedom. Recognize that you don't have to go it alone. Engage those around you in discussions about issues of importance. Challenge them to be part of a national dialogue. One person at a city planning meeting with a protest sign is an irritant. Three individuals at the same meeting with the same sign are a movement. You will find that those in power fear and respect numbers. 7. Take action. Be prepared to mobilize at a moment's notice. It doesn't matter who you are, where you're located or what resources are at your disposal. What matters is that you recognize the problems and care enough to do something about them. Whether you're eight, twenty-eight or eighty-eight, you have something unique to contribute. You don't have to be a hero. You just have to show up and be ready to take action. 8. Be forward-looking. Develop a vision for the future. Is what you're hoping to achieve enduring? Have you developed a plan to continue to educate others about the problems you're hoping to tackle and ensure that others will continue in your stead? 9. Develop fortitude. What is it that led to the successful protest movements of the past? Resolve and the refusal to be put off. When the time came, Martin Luther King, for one, was willing to take to the streets for what he believed and even go to jail if necessary. King risked having an arrest record by committing acts of nonviolent civil disobedience. He was willing to sacrifice himself. But first, he had to develop the intestinal fortitude to give him the strength to stand and fight. If you decide that you don't have the requisite fortitude, find someone who does and back them. 10. Be selfless and sacrificial. Freedom is not free--there is always a price to be paid and a sacrifice to be made. If any movement is to be truly successful, it must be manned by individuals who seek a greater good and do not waver from their purposes. 11. Remain optimistic, and keep hope alive. Although our rights are increasingly coming under attack, we still have certain freedoms. We can still fight back. We have the right to dissent, to protest and even to vigorously criticize or oppose the government and its laws. The key to making a difference is in understanding that the first step begins with you. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "We need to be the change we wish to see in the world." --John W. Whitehead
We have had the distinct privilege of having Representative Velazquez in the New York State delegation and of working with her to move the immigration debate forward. Most recently, she joined us for a roundtable discussion with business executives and immigrant community leaders to begin to develop a common agenda for immigration reform. The historic election, and the increasing importance of Latino and immigrant citizens as a voting bloc, provide us with a real opportunity to move our nation to a better place: to fix our immigration system so it addresses our nation's needs and upholds our core American values. We know that as chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Representative Velázquez will sustain and build on the leadership role the Caucus has assumed in promoting a more just and humane immigration system, and we look forward to working with her in the months ahead. --Karen Kaminsky, 917-929-0967
Seniors should jump at this once-a-year opportunity. Instead of being forced into a one-size-fits-all plan run by the government, Part D participants can choose among a variety of private insurance plans, custom tailoring their coverage to their particular drug needs. Since companies have to compete for the premium dollars of millions of Part D participants, they're delivering increasingly attractive offerings. Beneficiaries are seeing a broader selection of drugs, lower prices, and more generous benefits. Indeed, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) estimates that the average monthly premium for standard Part D coverage in 2009 will be $28, only $3 higher than last year, and a whopping 37 percent lower than the $44.12 monthly premium projected for 2009 when Part D was launched. The prospect of substantial cost savings is another big reason why savvy seniors should sign up for Part D. "Until I enrolled in Medicare Part D I paid more than $4,000 a year just in premiums," says Joan Wells of East Aurora, New York. "Now I only pay about $300 a year for coverage." You don't have to be a rocket scientist to pick the right plan. Simply make a list of all your current prescriptions and dosages. Then visit Plan Finder, an easy-to-use, interactive comparison tool at Medicare.gov. Once you enter your information, Plan Finder kicks out a list of all the appropriate plans and their costs in your area. This year, the CMS Plan Finder has a valuable new feature that can help you save even more on drugs by comparing the cost of filling your prescriptions by mail versus buying directly from a local retail pharmacy. According to a recent poll, nearly nine in ten seniors covered by the Medicare drug benefit are satisfied with the program. In the coming weeks, seniors should take advantage of the open enrollment period and sign up or switch to a new plan that better meets their needs. Seniors should also pay attention to any effort Congress makes to take those choices away. Many lawmakers are pushing for a redesign of Part D, as they'd like to turn it into a more traditional government program with just a single, price-controlled plan. By taking the opposite approach, Medicare Part D leverages market forces to create competition, leading to lower prices, better service, and more choices. And choice is what better health is all about. --Robert Goldberg Vice President The Center for Medicine in the Public Interest 973-379-4029 cell: 201-463-1323
As Vice President and General Manager for the New York City Region of the largest American-owned security officer services company and a former NYPD Deputy Chief, I have seen my share of holiday crime. I offer the following top 10 tips for a safer shopping experience to ensure a joyous holiday season: Strut While You Shop - Thieves and predators are on the lookout for body language that conveys vulnerability. Criminals look for easy marks such as people who are slouched over, preoccupied or are fumbling with packages. Walk confidently and be alert when you maneuver through crowded malls and parking areas. Don't Shop Till You Drop While Madison Avenue may say otherwise, security professionals advise that consumers avoid holiday shopping fatigue. Keep your shopping bags in your sight at all times, and don't burden yourself with too many bags or packages. No Flashing Displaying large sums of cash is a powerful lure to greedy thieves. Use checks or credit cards whenever possible and never leave your credit card on a store counter. While "bling" may be king, avoid wearing visibly expensive jewelry during holiday shopping jaunts. Where is Waldo or your Wallet and Purse? While the worldwide search for Waldo may be fun, the same spirit of joy is missing when a purse or wallet has gone MIA. Carry your handbag or purse close to your body with the clasp or flap secured and facing toward you. Never leave your purse on a store counter, on the floor in a restroom or in a dressing room. Maintain Pack Mentality There is safety in numbers, so shopping with friends whenever possible is highly recommended. Report Suspicious Activity Report suspicious people or situations to mall security. Be aware of unusual movements or anyone who gets too close for comfort. Avoid Parking Lot Isolation Chockfull of goodies during the holidays, parking lots are targeted locations for the theft of valuables from vehicles. Parking in an isolated area rolls out the welcome mat for criminals so park near other vehicles or in high pedestrian and vehicle traffic areas. You can also avoid becoming an easy target for theft by tucking packages and valuables out of sight in your vehicle, and making sure that your windows are closed and doors are locked. Parking Lot Readiness Avoid becoming an easy mark in the parking lot by being aware of noises and movements and having your keys in your hands, ready to open your vehicle. Be sure to look into the vehicle's front and rear seat before entering it, and lock your vehicle as soon as you get in. Keep Guard and Windows Up - If someone approaches your vehicle inquiring about directions, do not open your door or roll your window down. If you have car trouble, remain in your car and use a cell phone to call for assistance, or return to the mall and notify security. Collect Cash with Care If your holiday shopping includes a trip to an ATM, be alert for ATM skimmers. Skimmers can be installed on an ATM's card reader to collect or skim your card information. The thieves can then use the stolen information to access your account. Avoid this by using ATM machines inside bank lobbies, under video surveillance, that are less likely to be tampered with. Be sure to shield the keyboard as you enter your PIN and keep your card in your possession. Don't accept help from random people at the ATM and if the machine keeps your card, call your bank immediately. While criminals and predators are most prolific during the holidays, effective security precautions require a conscious awareness of one's environment virtually every day of the year. Maintain vigilance, common sense and caution to shop smart, and safe, during the holidays and always. --Lawrence F. Loesch Editor's Note: Lawrence F. Loesch is Vice President/General Manager for AlliedBarton Security Services' New York City region. Established in 1957, AlliedBarton Security Services is the largest American-owned security officer services company. Loesch served as a Deputy Chief for the NYC Police Department and has held corporate security positions for Credit Suisse First Boston and UBS/Paine Webber. He can be reached at: Larry.Loesch@alliedbarton.com.
In Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, acclaimed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin describes how Lincoln basically pulled in all the people who had been running against him into his Cabinet because he was more concerned about 'How can we get this country through this time of crisis?' In turn, Lincoln appointed three of his rivals for the GOP presidential nomination to his cabinet -- three men who at the time loathed him. William H. Seward became secretary of state, Salmon P. Chase became secretary of the treasury, and Edward Bates became attorney general. Another former rival, Edwin Stanton -- who once called Lincoln a "long armed ape" -- became secretary of war. Lincoln's reasoning: "We needed the strongest men. These were the very strongest men. I had no right to deprive the country of their services." "With malice toward none, with charity for all...let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds," said President Lincoln on March 4, 1865. As I read Goodwin's book, I wondered if Team of Rivals served as Obama's "guidepost for his presidency." Was he planning to emulate Lincoln's political genius when it came to having "dissenting voices" in his administration? "I think it reflects a great inner strength on Obama's part that he is seriously considering creating a team of rivals as Lincoln did," Goodwin told The Associated Press on Friday. "By surrounding himself with people who bring different perspectives, he will increase his options, absorb dissenting views and heighten his ability to speak empathetically to people on different sides of each issue. The challenge, of course, is to ensure that the discussions do not become paralyzing, and that once a decision is made the inner circle accepts that the time for debate is over," she said. In fact, President-elect Obama and Abraham Lincoln share some similarities. Both served in the Illinois legislature. Both rose from obscurity as lawyers to prevail over gifted rivals of national reputation to become president and the most important similarity, like Lincoln, President Obama plans to gather a "team of rivals." Joe Klein reported in Time magazine that "Obama is particularly intrigued by the notion that Lincoln assembled all the Republicans who had run against him for President in his war Cabinet, some of whom disagreed with him vehemently and persistently." "The lesson is to not let your ego or grudges get in the way of hiring absolutely the best people," said Obama. "I don't want to have people who just agree with me. I want people who are continually pushing me out of my comfort zone." Obama said he'd be particularly interested in having high-ranking Republicans advising him on defense and national security, possibly keeping on Republican secretary of defense Robert Gates, or appointing Senator John McCain. Perhaps former Secretary of State Colin Powell is on his shortlist. Already, news is circulating that President-elect Obama is considering Senator Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State. Now, I have enormous respect for Sen. Clinton who has proven herself to be a "Bull" fighter, however the Clinton era is bygone, or is it? Madame Secretary? Bear in mind, the Secretary of State will be the face of Obama's America as the country tries to re-brand itself internationally. The world wants change, not recyclables. If Obama wants a Clintonite, Bill Richardson, the governor of New Mexico and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President Bill Clinton, would be a better candidate for the job, but who cares what I think, right? As for the White House transition team, Obama tapped John Podesta, President Bill Clinton's former White House chief of staff to head the "changing of the guards" and former Clinton aide, Representative Rahm Emanuel of Illinois, signaling that Mr. Obama sought out "two of the hardest-hitting veterans of the Clinton administration, known for their deep Washington experience, savvy and no-holds-barred approach to politics," according to PBS NewsHour. However, "neither is considered a practitioner of the 'new politics' that Mr. Obama promised on the campaign trail to bring Republicans and Democrats together." Paul Begala, a veteran of the Clinton administration, put it bluntly: "[Rahm] got this pair of big brass ball, and you can just hear'em clanking when he walks down the halls of Congress. The Democratic party is full of Rhodes scholars - Rahm is a road warrior." Even his own mother calls him by his nickname of "Rahmbo." I think it would behoove President-elect Obama to recruit a balance of smart newcomers as well as experienced veterans at a time of intense economic and national security challenges to guide him through the transition process if he wants real change. Let's not forget, it was thirty-three percent of the youth vote that helped Obama win the election. So far, President-elect has demonstrated clear judgment and has enormous potential and goodwill surrounding him to be one of the greatest American presidents in history as he has successfully soared above and beyond our expectations. Perhaps Obama's "team of rivals" isn't such a bad thing. "Better to have him inside the tent pissing out, than outside pissing in," said President Lyndon Baines Johnson. --Falana Frey Editor's Note: Falana Fray is a freelance writer and contributing columnist for Hofstra Chronicle. She is a graduate of Hofstra University and former 2003-2004 Presidential Fellow of the Center for The Study of the Presidency in Washington, DC. Contact her may at fbfray@yahoo.com.
It is not certain his victory has broken the back of racial politics in America but his victory has opened the political environment for anyone aspiring to higher office, regardless of ethnicity and economic status. Hopefully, it marks the beginning of a process where the ethnic or religious identity of the individual will no longer be relevant criteria for the presidency. The Obama victory also has implications for immigrants like those who come from Guyana and the Caribbean. Obama is the son of a Kenyan immigrant and his winning the US presidency shows that the children of immigrants can have big dreams and can successfully run for high office. In a commentary in Newsweek, Fareed Zakaria, himself an immigrant and the magazine's editor, said an Obama victory would open opportunities for his son, Omar to aspire to become President. It is the central reason why most immigrant communities supported Obama. In sum, the Obama victory will make minorities believe that the highest public offices are open to them. Already, people are talking about an Indian-American President, Bobby Jindal, although I think this is a very long shot. The victory is a huge step in transcending the tragic history of the oppression of minorities through segregation and Jim Crow laws. It is hoped that it will encourage greater participation by minorities at all levels of the American political process and maybe even the rest of the world. --Vishnu Bisram |