Foreign Relations

Sorry I've been gone. But I'm back.

Today we discuss relations with several key members of current events. In order, these will be:

China

Russia

The Middle East

Mexico and Central and South America

Africa

Let's begin.

China


As the most rapidly growing economy and a direct opponent to American political and economic philosophy, it is likely that a war between China and the US may occur. The factors involved in this are how long the US plans to rely on China as a trading partner and source of cheap labor. While I am not a proponent of anti-globalization, I do agree that mega-corporations take advantage of China and other East Asian countries as a source of inexpensive labor. While not necessarily "criminal," it is something that should be made part of a collection of laws that I am calling "The Business Moral Code." The point of this would be to force businesses to comply with things that should just be common sense; for another example besides cheap labor, food companies regularly produce meat that is only marginally above edible. I think this should be a crime.

China is important for other reasons as well. As a major importer of oil, it regularly helps fund the Middle East. Requirements for China to begin going green could stop this cash flow, and, through this, terrorism, which is funded mostly by wealthy Middle Eastern oil barons.

However, I also believe pressure should be put on China to become a more democratic nation. I believe many of these problems could be solved if the People's Republic actually becomes a republic.


Russia

Many people seem to ignore Russia these days. Former superpower it may be, it still has an impressive armed and political force. The thousands of almost unguarded nuclear weapons also pose a threat to international security.

The tension between the US and Russia will continue to exist until political relations are strengthened.
Furthermore, if China or Russia declare war on the US, the other is likely to follow suit. Therefore, strengthening political ties could prevent a Third World War.

However, most important are the nukes. A terrorist or terrorist organization in the hands of a nuclear weapon will have no qualms about using it on a city. While President Obama has met with the Russian administration and succeeded in an agreement to significantly decrease the number of nuclear weapons, they should be made rid of entirely or put under international control by, per se, the UN.

Similar to China, political alliance with America may help increase democracy and economic growth in Russia. Therefore, there could be benefits for both sides.

The Middle East

A war stricken dessert rich in resources and corruption aptly describes the Middle East. Centuries of culture have bred proud zealots of religion. All based on a sludgy black liquid.

Countries of interest: Iran, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.

Iran is a difficult issue. While many say that war should be declared on this nation, I say not until we can obtain a significant coalition of forces for an assault. Until then, politicians must prevent the use of an nuclear weapon on Israel. However, I do think that it may be inevitable that an assault on Iran will occur. The question is: do we have the money or the resources to attack? Certainly not now.

Israel must continue to be an ally of the United States under the protection of the United States. If the alliance disappears, Israel will be completely annihilated by the combined forces of Iran, the Palestinians, and Hezbolah. However, I must note that my views do come from mostly being a Jew. While I do not think that Israel is dealing with the situation correctly, I do think that US alliance is the only thing stopping Iran from launching its nuclear weapons.

Saudi Arabia and the other oil countries are major blocks in environmental reform, along with the companies that drill there. Furthermore, it is a well known fact that Saudi Arabians fund terrorist organizations. Stopping the use of oil will eliminate these organizations life blood.

Mexico and Central and South America

Mexico: let's help them get their economy running. We can stop illegal immigration by making life in Mexico better for those living there.

Cuba: If we can let China get away with being communist, we can let them get away with it too.

All of South America: Stop drug trafficking. Maybe it's impossible, but the starting point is to let everyone there earn a better life.

Africa

The birthplace of mankind is now one of the worst places to be. Poverty stricken corrupt countries are the norm. With genocide and civil war everywhere, is it possible to save Africa? I think that increased power to the UN could help save our heritage and the majestic splendor that is Africa.

Key issues to deal with: Genocide in Darfur, Sudan; Civil War in the Democratic Republic of Congo; Child Soldiers and Workers; Poverty.

Let's get Africa on track.


So that's my feelings on foreign relations. Please comment and subscribe. Why do I want subscribers? So that you'll know when  I post.
    

Another Important Thing

Heard about it. Found it. Haven't used it yet, but we'll see.

http://wikileaks.org/

What I Hate Particularly About the US Governement

Yeah, by this time I've gone over governmental reform three times. However, none of the other issues can be solved without fixing the problems with our government. To help explain when I'll finally support Mr. Obama, Mark Fiore, political cartoonist.



Added to that growth comment, they also need to grow brains.

All that I completely support. No more lobbying unless the public has as much power as industry. Democrats: step up to the plate to defend your ideas. Republicans: stop being idiots and do your research. I too believe it's not the time for health care reform.

We have environmental issues that are much more pressing! If we don't stop polluting we're all doomed!

The Environment and The Economy

As a major supporter of "the environment first," I may return to the environment a few times. By "the environment first," I mean that environmental issues are the most pressing and important issues because they will effect everyone. As the most politically and economically powerful nation on the planet, it is our duty to make sure we stand out as a role model on environmental policy. Sadly, we do not even approach this standard.

An unfortunate fact of American government is that the wealthy control much of the actual decision making. Though a poor man has as much voting decision as Bill Gates, what the candidate running for office will undoubtedly be wealthy enough to actually run for office. As stated previously, this is a grievous flaw that must be changed. However, money also brings power in the form of lobbying government. A general citizen cannot simply approach their local senator or congressperson. They must visit them in their office, possibly in Washington. The average citizen may not know who his or her congressperson/senators are, and cannot possibly reach them easily. But a certain class of citizens can.

Wealthy CEOs, chairmen, businessman, presidents, and et cetera. The majority of economic politics today is shaped by corporations. And here lies the threat to the environment.

Economics 101 teaches the law of the market system. If I need widgets, and Corporation X sells widgets for $10, then I believe that a widget is worth more than ten bucks, and Corporation X believes it's worth less than ten bucks. However, the market system cannot prevent if these widgets cause toxins to enter the ocean. And preventing these toxins from entering the ocean would raise the price of widgets, causing the consumer to believe widgets are worth less than ten bucks, and possibly not purchase widgets from Corporation X. In real terms, this means corporations do not wish to prevent harm to the environment because it would change their bottom line, or remove their business all together. As stated in previous posts, a billion dollars is worth saving the world. The loss of your job or company is worth saving the world, as well.

But which companies are blocking environmental reform the most? The same ones that cause it. They go by the names of Exxon Mobil, Shell, Chevron, and many others. The major oil companies, the most powerful organizations in the world, are pleading for their utter survival. And politicians are buying it.

Disgusting. Utterly disgusting.

It's time to make sure the only ones who make government decisions aren't politicians and corporate lobbyists. United States senators and congresspersons should offer easy to access sites to post possible laws and issues. A good webmaster can make sure no death threats or hate mail is posted.

That's enough criticism. Since their power is going to be removed anyway, let's get a possible glimpse of what that could look like.

I personally support the idea of gradual conversion. Alternative energy sources (i.e. nuclear, solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal) should be brought up to 50%. After this point, fossil fuel sources should be dropped, gradually, about 5%-10% per year, to 0. As this occurs, alternatives should raised to 100%. The process should take approximately 20 years (10 for the first 50% rise, 10 for the next 50% rise). Similar ideas could be performed with vehicles.

Hopefully, these ideas will be put into effect. It's time for change.

The Issue That I Don't Understand Why It's Such a Big Deal But I'm Eventually Going to Have to Cover Because It's So Important

Namely, President Obama's Health Care Reform. Why this has become such a huge turning point actually isn't a huge mystery, I realize, as the Republican party preaches that it is the first step towards socialism. To the risk of losing my few possibly Republican readers, let me state this: socialism isn't the worst thing that could possibly happen. The role of government is to protect the rights of the people. If socialism best protects these rights, then government is effective. Furthermore, most of Europe is socialist, as many know; though taxes are increased, people enjoy free health care and education. The ability to afford one's health and education leads to a higher standard of living, and most people of Europe enjoy the benefits they receive. Simply put, socialism, like democracy, may be the popular form of government for the modern era.


However, I do oppose Obama's health care reforms, on the grounds that it does not effectively solve the use of predesignated conditions (please correct me if I am using the wrong term). The point of denying those with predesignated conditions was to prevent this scenario:


Little Johnny breaks his leg. The parents can't afford the payment, so they order health insurance. Because there are no restrictions on predesignated conditions, the parents pay for the treatment, then cancel the insurance.


Insurance is to ensure that you will be able to pay for treatment when the need arises, not on demand. I fear that Obamacare would open the floodgates to millions of these scenarios. Therefore, removal of predesignated conditions should not be included in the reform. However, there is stark contrast between the Little Johnny scenario and the following.


Big Bill is perfectly healthy, and decides he has enough money to afford health insurance. However, as the insurance agency checks his conditions, he is diagnosed with diabetes. Therefore, his insurance is cancelled.


The legislation must allow for people who were perfectly healthy when they ordered insurance to obtain their insurance even if diagnosed with an illness during the screening process.


Despite my opposition to the Affordable Health Care for America Act, I do agree that there should be some form of government provided health care as an option for citizens who cannot afford traditional insurance.


Also in agreement with the AHCAA, doctors should receive more of the money paid for by non-insured patients than they are now (right now, the amount close to 0%; this should be raised to at least 40%).


I do not believe that these type of reforms are required in a 3,000 page bill. However, what surprises me most is that debate is continuing at what health care reform should be. If Congress cannot make a consensus based on both sides of the debate, the entire reform should be dropped like a hot pan. Much more important issues should be faced before health care, like the environment.


Don't fear socialism. Fear communism and oligarchies. If you ever believe the government is amassing too much power, it is your constitutional right to oppose the government. The sign of a free society is the ability to oppose the government without being thrown in jail. Socialism is still a free society.


Following a political party isn't the right idea, unless you agree with them on every single issue. Make your own decisions. Be independent. Don't follow the crowd.


As I explained before, health care should have been on the back burner. We have much more important things to deal with.  

Immigration

Possibly the most controversial issue of our time is what to do with the thousands of illegal immigrants streaming across our borders. Most likely, this is because of the thousands of options possible to change the situation. With such a complex issue, no one is right. The simplest solution: make our legal immigration system more efficient.

The immigration system in the modern United States is, like many systems, outdated. It is imperative that we increase its efficiency before confronting illegal immigration. In my opinion, to become a U.S. citizen, people should be required to (in steps):

1. Apply for registration.

2. Have lived (i.e. owned property) and worked in the U.S. for at least one month.

3. Pass the mandatory background check.

4. Learn English.

Hopefully, this would cause immigration to be a smoother process. The background check will rule out undesirables.

If you are wondering why this post is short (my one subscriber), it is because I believe that immigration is a rather minor issue. I am hoping that Barrack Obama places the environment over immigration in his reform agenda, due to the recent oil spill. 

The Issues in Review

I'm not perfect. If so, then I wouldn't have forgotten these important tidbits from the last three posts. I plan to do this continually to add new items, every four posts (not counting the first).

The Environment:

Most of the paradoxes only occur when everyone performs those certain activities. The reason why local foods is a paradox is because the countries that produce the non-local grapes and etc. would revert to slash-and-burn farming if their livelihood were suddenly taken away. However, recycling and buying fluorescent lightbulbs is something I high recommend. If possible, attach solar panels or a wind turbine somewhere on your house. Try to help any way you can, without causing paradoxes. In other words, think deeply about the consequences of your actions.

Government and the Economy:

Lawyers should be a governmental service. Big business should be robbed of the advantage of having armies of lawyers. Furthermore, people in non-legislative agencies (CIA, USDA, etc.) should be non-partisan and unbiased. No USDA employees should work for businesses they formerly worked for. In other words, the United States must not become a corporatocracy. Even more simply, business should be completely separate from government.
   
The voting age should be lowered to 14. I don't really care if my guy doesn't win the election; I just want a chance to actually decide governmental policy.

Senators and representatives should also be much more approachable (i.e. via email and telephone). It is horribly unfair that businesses can lobby and bribe officials into their point of view. Why can't I?

National Security:

The United States must not turn into a police state. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. No one should be constantly suspected to be a terrorist, and the benefit of the doubt must always be given.

Also, I feel anger at the stupid people who would ruin the reputation of an entire society through their selfish acts. Islam is not a religion promoting self-destruction (I'm Jewish). It is unfair to discriminate against Muslims because of the stupidity of extremists.

-The Inspective Nudibranch (AKA Ian Fries)

P.S. Pegasus Class of 2010 please find me. That means you Tiana, Douglas, and Louisa! Mr. Conti can't be my only follower. I crave intelligent conversation