EPA Email Rejected During Bush-Era, Found

During the Bush Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency sent an email to Susan Dudley about six gases linked to global warming that posed danger to the public health. The twenty eight page document also included procedures to reduce and regulate the gases. The email on Dec. 5th was rejected due to its conclusion on global warming. The emailed was opened on Tuesday almost two years after it was sent to the White House. The document sited the gases effect on air quality, agriculture, forestry, water resources and coastal areas.

The Bush White house, had opposed the Clean Air Act, to address climate change. The Bush administration and EPA administrator Stephan Johnson, both agreed to hold on to the document and not present it to the public, since it was labeled "deliberative, do not distribute". Instead in July 2008, the House allowed three senators to review it when excerpts were released. The Obama administration, concluded the greenhouse gases endangered public health. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Republican lawmakers, had questioned the EPA's science, saying to review the conclusion. Many questions were found, and the EPA were told the link between global warming and health is too distanced.

The e-mail due to requests by the Freedom of Information Act, was opened. Adora Andy, a spokeswoman for EPA administrator on Tuesday said the document makes sense today, and the science is still updated. They concluded if this knowledge would have been found earlier quicker actions to prevent damage to the public health would of been considered. How could the Bush Administration just turn a blind eye to this? Isn't something of this degree at least worth investigating. Maybe not opening to the public, but they should have at least opened the email and tried to prove its conclusion. I am not sure of the degree of damage these gases could cause, but it must be a little hazardous, since the EPA was willing to send a twenty eight page report, and conduct many studies. It was interesting to see the public opinion of Bush fall, even after his presidency is over.

$250 Payments to Make Up for No Increase in Social Security

Obama called congress to approve $250 payments to over 50 million senior citizens on Wednesday. The reason these payments were created was to make up for no increase in Social Security next year. This would become the first year without an increase in Social Security since 1975. Because of the current economic state the prices of gas and energy have dropped 30%. Statistics show the average monthly Social Security payment for retirees is $1,160. Now how is $250 going to make a significant change? Maybe the increase that would have been applied was a small amount, thus the sum of the differences being $250.

"Even as we seek to bring about recovery, we must act on behalf of those hardest hit by this recession," Obama said in a statement. I totally agree, thought we have have been effected by the economy one way or another many including the disabled and senior citizens have found most difficulty. The total of the bill would cost $13 billion. Obama did not allow this money to come out of the Social Security trust fund, defeating the whole purpose of the bill. Though he did not offer any alternatives, one of his senior administrator suggested to borrow the money, increasing the federal budget deficit. Another great way to add debt to the country, but in order to get out of debt we must spend money. These payments would be limited to one per person.

Obama also announced Wednesday that the IRS would soon issue tax guidance preventing reductions in contribution limits for certain retirement funds, like Individual Retirement Accounts. Many people have agreed and disagreed with Obama's move. Some believe it is important to care for our seniors, while others see if unnecessary, since Social Security payments have increased by 5.8% in January, due to the spike in energy costs in 2008. Barbara B. Kennelly, a former Democratic member of Congress from Connecticut who now heads the National Committee to PreserveSocial Security and Medicare said, "The likelihood of losing an average annual COLA increase of about $200 to $300 in 2010 may sound like no big deal to some, but for millions of seniors who've already seen a third of their Social Security eaten up byhealth care costs, this proposed COLA relief could truly make the difference". That is true if an average payment is around $1200. A third is $400, now this $250 is about 63% of that payment. Many it is small through the eyes of many, including me, but like to us how a quarter holds a decent value, this small payment should aid those in need.

McCain, the Man With No Regrets

It has been eleven months since McCain’s defeat against Obama. Many things have changed for both sides. Recently McCain’s side seems to be losing its “fire”. During a White House meeting on Oct.6, McCain urged Obama to set sending additional troops in to Afghanistan a primary priority. McCain stated not to make it, “a leisurely process”. Obama replied, “John, I can assure you this won’t be done leisurely, as nobody feels more urgency to get this right than I do”. I feel as if McCain was treated like a child. Obama talked as if the problem would be solved with a short, strong, relieving statement.

After his loss, McCain’s political power has been altered. With the Senate lopsided margin of Democratic, it is difficult to cut any deals. Many of his veteran aides who have been with McCain for many years during this political career have left town or consult from a greater distance. Many close advisers report. “he has struggled to regain his footing and voice”. Its like a bad hangover, it lasts long and makes you feel down. The impact of his loss has forced McCain to reconsider running in the future, as he no longer has the motivation to run the campaign.

But with this difficult time for McCain, he always finds a way to never look at the past. Many believe it was Palin or the media who ruined his chances. But when asked about what he felt he replied, “Don’t look back in anger”. Well I’m, sure he has some regrets in his life, but at least his looks on them are positive. After all this, an even greater challenge immersed. Former Arizona Congressman J.D. Hayworth, a favorite of conservatives who has been critical of McCain's work on immigration reform, told TIME he is thinking of challenging McCain in next year's GOP Senate primary. Hayworth, has respect for McCain as a historical figure, but feels he has lost touch with the foundation of Republican values.

Congress Approves Increase in Aid to Pakistan

Legislation purposed to triple the amount of aid going towards Pakistan. The bill on Wednesday September 30, 2009 was passed to President Barack Obama for his signature. The bill, approved by the house would provide Pakistan with $1.5 billion every year for five years. Even though the world is going through tough economic times, America has enough money to give to poor countries. But history has proven many similar instances come with an hidden intention.

This aid would focus on democratic, economic and social development programs. But though we are struggling with the economy and spending even more money would create a bigger debt we have to remember the United States has an enormous stake in the security and stability of Pakistan. Creating a strategic partnership with Pakistan and its people was an important task. To make Pakistan a source of stability in an unstable region, we must strengthen Pakistan's democratic government.

The aid would also strengthen Pakistan's legislative and Judicial system. For social benefits it would improve Pakistan's public education system, allowing access for women and girls, its health care, and human rights. How can we create a stable health care program for others, when ours is terrible. I believe congress overlooks the fact the Pakistan region's culture is far different then ours. So we can force social, ethnic and religious rules. The aid also plans to provide Pakistan with military assistance, as long as they follow a set of conditions. These conditions include cooperating in stopping the production of nuclear weapons, and combating against terrorist groups. The senate passed the bill on a voice vote last week, as President Obama attended a meeting in New York of Pakistan supporters. He quoted, The United States is firmly committed to the future that the Pakistani people deserve, a future that will advance our common security and prosperity." With this bill maybe the the Pakistan region may become stable.