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What Should Obama Do About Libya?
Tweet Share on Facebook April 25, 2011 Comment (6)Should we be doing more or less in Libya? The stakes rose with the announcement last week that the British, French, and Italians were putting "advisers" into the country to prop up the fragile band of rebels. It was an admission of what military leaders said from the start: A sanitary air war was not going to get the job done. And that job, now, is the removal of Muammar Qadhafi. What should be the U.S. role? President Obama has been tentative about committing significant U.S. forces. The polling is going against him. Do we have a strategic interest in trying to shape a favorable outcome? If we don't, who will? Is it best to let the rest of the world try to solve the problem? Are the Europeans capable? I'd like to hear your thoughts on where we go with Libya at editor@usnews.com or in the comments section below.
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Tax Day: Did You Pay Too Much? Are Federal Taxes Fair?
Tweet Share on Facebook April 18, 2011 Comment (3)For some reason, as I sit down to write this, I'm thinking about taxes. Oh, right. They're due today. Debating tax policy after settling up with the government may be as ill-advised as grocery shopping after skipping lunch. But given the politically charged problem of our budget crisis, now's the moment. The issue boils down to merely two of the most important questions a society can ask itself: When it comes to taking money out of people's pockets, what's necessary, and what's fair? No one likes taxes, but thinking about your own still-wet 1040, was it the right amount? Did you get your money's worth? Assuming, of course, that you paid taxes; nearly half of Americans don't. Is that fair? Is there a better system? Give me your thoughts at editor@usnews.com or in the comments section below.
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Does Donald Trump Belong in the 2012 Presidential Race?
Tweet Share on Facebook April 11, 2011 Comment (6)What’s Donald Trump up to? And does it matter? One of America’s greatest self-promoters—and a very successful businessman—is turning his attention to politics. “Oh, goody!” might be a voyeuristic reaction from someone who views politics as an entertainment spectacle. Those who see it as a serious business might think otherwise. [Vote now: Is Trump's birtherism just a stunt?]
Whatever, he can be compelling TV. And he’s already making a mark by reviving questions about President Obama’s birth certificate—including sending private investigators to Hawaii to dig up who knows what. In New Hampshire, some early polls find him with actual support. I’d like to hear your thoughts. Does Trump belong in the race? Is he helpful or harmful to the process? I'd like to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.
