President Barack Obama’s annual budget — which he will send to Capitol Hill Wednesday — includes a cut to Social Security called chained CPI. “CPI” stands for consumer price index; the United States has always adjusted Social Security benefits to inflation. Essentially, this policy presumes that seniors will change their buying habits as prices go… Continue reading Obama plays losing hand in budget negotiations
The New York Times posted two brilliant articles on immigration in the past week. One revealed a positive (and unintentional) consequence of President Barack Obama’s immigration policies, and the other showed a negative ramification. But they both highlight the urgent need for immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship. Angy Rivera, an undocumented immigrant, was… Continue reading Recent findings show need for immigration reform
Last week, Judge Milton Tingling struck down New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s limits on large sugary drinks. Despite Bloomberg’s noble intentions to curb obesity, his proposal amounted to a lazy way to fight the obesity epidemic. For one, the limit had multiple loopholes: it did not apply to 7-Eleven and its Big Gulp soda or… Continue reading Judge makes right call to strike down soda ban
In a rare moment, the U.S. Congress took a positive step forward for the country today. The House of Representatives approved the Violence Against Women Act, sending it to President Barack Obama’s desk for signature. (The Senate had already passed the bill, 78-22, and 87 Republicans joined 199 Democrats to pass the bill in the… Continue reading VAWA passage stands as a victory for immigrants
The contours of President Barack Obama’s immigration reform proposal are beginning to become known now. Several prominent Republican voices immediately voiced their displeasure after the plan was leaked. Senator Marco Rubio said that the proposal would worsen the country’s immigration problems, and Representative Paul Ryan said that the White House should not undermine Congressional efforts… Continue reading Obama makes right move to frame immigration reform
The Obama administration’s use of drones to kill suspected terrorists became a heated political issue this past week. This tactic’s foray into public discourse was a bit of a surprise, considering that 83 percent of Americans approve of the strategy. But NBC News leaked a Justice Department memo detailing the administration’s justification for drone strikes,… Continue reading Drone strikes present moral quandary
The fiscal bill that just passed the House has some good, liberal policies. Income taxes will rise to 39.6 percent for households earning more than $450,000 per year and taxes on wealthy estates will rise to 40 percent. The bill also includes a renewal of unemployment benefits, a rise in capital gains taxes and an… Continue reading Obama displays timidity in fiscal cliff negotiations
