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Is Senate Energy Bill a Cap-and-Trade Cop-Out?
Tweet Share on Facebook July 27, 2010 Comment (4)The Gulf oil geyser may be stopped, along with a lot of drilling rigs. Gas prices remain unpleasantly high. And it is very, very hot in Washington—the real heat, not the political kind. Maybe it’s time to talk about fixing our energy problems? Last week, the Senate’s Democratic leadership pulled the plug on a comprehensive energy and climate bill that included controversial measures to cut carbon emissions with a cap-and-trade system. Instead, the Senate will take up a modest measure dealing with tougher offshore-drilling regulations, rebates for home-energy conservation measures, incentives for natural gas-fueled vehicles, and other politically safe elements. A smart move or a cop-out? What do you think? Leave your comments below.
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Should Social Security Be Changed to Deal With the Budget Deficit?
Tweet Share on Facebook July 20, 2010 Comment (8)Here’s something you’re starting to hear whispered in the dens of Washington policy wonks this summer: Social Security. As in, “Given the huge deficit problem we all know we’re going to have to deal with, maybe we should think about some changes to that very big source of money?” I say whispered because in an election year, no politician wants that notion loose in the land. But the topic was broached by members of President Obama’s deficit reduction commission, and though we won’t hear from them until after the election, the wheels are turning. What do you think: Is Social Security related to the deficit? Is it touchable and should it be? Or is it still the third rail of American politics? Leave your comments below and let’s start a discussion that I think will be with us for a while.
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Should Congress Extend Unemployment Benefits?
Tweet Share on Facebook July 13, 2010 Comment (81)With the Senate back from recess, we’re going to hear a lot about unemployment benefits. Should the federal government keep extending benefits for the long-term unemployed or not? Republicans (and one Democrat) drew the line and said that with a current extension of 73 weeks (beyond the 26 that states provide), we can’t afford the $30 billion-plus cost. Some also argue that extending the payments distorts the labor market and promotes joblessness. Democrats point to the plight of millions who’ve already lost benefits and argue that the money is a stimulus for a flagging economy. Is it a deficit vs. compassion issue? Is it smart politics for either side? I’d like to hear your thoughts on whether Congress should vote for another extension of unemployment insurance. Drop me a note at editor@usnews.com.
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How Bad Is the Economy, Really?
Tweet Share on Facebook July 6, 2010 Comment (7)Don’t let me be the guy to throw a wet blanket on your summer plans, but this year maybe you should have kept some of those hot dogs from your July 4th barbecue in reserve. They freeze well, and who knows, you might need them in six months. It’s just that a lot of crummy economic news seems to be piling up of late. Jobless claims are up, car sales are down, housing sales are flat. Even the Chinese look poised to take a very long weekend. That “double dip” phrase is making a comeback. How’s your consumer sentiment? Are you feeling uneasy or confident about your future finances? What indicators concern you? I’d like to hear where you think this economy is going, so please drop me a note at editor@usnews.com and we’ll see if we can get some clarity on a murky future.
