Mar 6 2014
What should be the U.S. response to the Russian’s actions in Ukraine?
Putin is a known entity. There is no “intelligence failure” here. The reality is that we are unable to thwart or control the actions of everyone in this wide world, demonstrated by 9/11, Benghazi, or the re-occupation of Crimea. Putin’s political view is for a “Greater Russia”. What will the world leaders do about him? Perhaps we should send a drone with his name on it. We have started with diplomatic dialogue, and condemning Putin’s military action in Ukraine’s sovereign territories. (In 2008 W. Bush stopped with verbal support for Georgia, when Russia invaded and took it over.) Planning for the G-8 summit in Sochi has been suspended. U.S. is pledging $1B economic package, and EU is sending $158B in aid to help prevent the Ukrainian collapse. U.S. has suspended military training with Russia, and has begun training with Poland. The Pentagon has stepped up patrolling air space over the Baltic Peninsula. U.S. may consider economic sanctions against Russia, but Pouty Putin has threatened aggressive retaliation if sanctions are imposed. We need to fast-track adding Ukraine and Crimea to NATO membership.
Mar 28 2014
Galesburg Chamber of Commerce has come out against the state’s minimum wage of $8.25 per hour. Where do I stand?
The Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce conducted a survey to gauge the business community’s response to raising Illinois’ minimum wage, wherein 87 percent were in opposition, and 11 percent were in favor of paying employees a more livable wage. Interesting! I guess the business community of the burg doesn’t want customers with more money to spend on goods and services. Keeping so many people at or near the poverty level does not help our economy. Low-wage workers can barely afford minimal rent, utilities, and food, if that; and the prices for everything keeps climbing, as do taxes! The federal minimum wage would be near $11 an hour if it had kept up with inflation over the past 40 years. The growing income inequality situation portends a serious problem for the stability of our nation. The middle class is shrinking dramatically! We might as well close the mall now and turn it into a retirement village, with shops for the elderly under one roof. The wealthier among us can well afford $3 to $4 for a cup of specialty coffee, and can afford to travel farther to shop, or order goods online. Just leave the dollar stores in the burg for the rest of us!
By spiritspeak • Community Roundtable 0