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Kid Nation
2007-09-19 18:33:00
Tonight CBS will air the season premiere of its controversial new series, Kid Nation . The show has been condemned on both moral and legal grounds. Critics contend that parents and CBS have not acted in the interests of the participants, subjecting the children to dangerous neglect. Defenders of Kid Nation point to its real world commentary and pragmatic educational value. Is this new reality show a sign of larger social decay, or just an overreaction?

Blackwater, Iraq & Privatized Security
2007-09-18 18:54:00
After a controversial shootout, the Iraq i government revoked the operational license of Blackwater USA, an American security firm with at least 1,000 paramilitary soldiers in Iraq. Whether Blackwater actually leaves the country remains to be seen, but the incident highlights the growing controversy surrounding contracted security. The debate reignites with prescient timing, as President Bush recently announced that, if stability continues to improve, US troop levels in Iraq will be reduced by the end of the year.
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The Natural Food Industry
2007-09-16 17:29:00
As the market for minimally processed food develops, the definitions and regulations have become convoluted. The difference between natural and organic, for instance, is often lost on many consumers. Meanwhile, the growing market has attracted large corporations which play a vital role in policy, price, and enforcement. The question remains whether these foods will retain their "wholesome" cache or become merely another series of labels in a crowded supermarket.
More About: Food , Industry , Natural , Natura , Food Industry

Alternative Medicine
2007-09-14 13:47:00
Thousands of years before medicine was based on the scientific process, each culture evolved its own system of medicine. Today, our understanding of medicine has reached unprecedented heights as we systematically study the drivers of health with the rigor of science. This approach has helped us reach unimaginable medical feats. However, as people find that modern medicine has its limits, there has been a return to try to embrace and understand the healing techniques of thousands of years ago.
More About: Medicine , Alternative , Alternative Medicine , Medici , Alter

Anthrax
2007-09-14 10:21:00
During a presentation to the UN Security Council, Colin Powell held up a small bottle of anthrax, stating that its contents would be capable of infecting everyone in the room. At the time, fear of anthrax attacks bordered on hysteria, and Powell's demonstration may represent the apex of those fears. Since then, the idea of mail delivered terrorist attacks has disappeared from public discourse while questions linger as to who was ultimately responsible.
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The Disappearing Middle Class
2007-09-13 16:11:00
American economy and society have been distinguished by a healthy and self-sustaining middle class. But in recent years the income gap has been widening and the middle class shrinking. Some contend that this is a positive result of pro-growth policies designed to encourage middle class growth and enrich the nation. Others, however, argue that it is the wealthiest who are enjoying the benefits of government legislation. Have the middle class become the new rich or are they backsliding into poverty?
More About: Middle , Class , Middle Class , The D , Middle-Class

Evolving Russia
2007-09-12 17:01:00
In recent months, President Vladimir Putin has made dramatic changes to the Russia n government and military. Putin has presided over the Georgian missile conflict, resumption of bomber patrols, and the testing of an enormous non-nuclear bomb. Yesterday he replaced long-time Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov. Each of these events is noteworthy, but considered collectively they have caused international concern.

Petreaus, the Surge, and Polarized Politics
2007-09-11 18:42:00
Yesterday, General Petreaus delivered his highly anticipated update on the surge and Iraq war. He pointed specifically to the recent progress in the Anbar province and urged lawmakers to give the troop escalation more time. The General's presence in Washington underscored the polarized political climate, as politicians sparred over his report, integrity, and non-partisanship.
More About: Politics , Surge , Politic , Urge

The First Amendment on Campus
2007-09-11 17:06:00
A first amendment debate is emerging across university campuses. Speech codes and anti-harassment policies, first implemented to protect students, are being questioned. Critics argue that the rules are taken too far and infringe on the constitutional rights of the students. Administrators, however, maintain that the standards are key to preserving the culture and atmosphere of the institutions.
More About: Campus , Amendment , First Amendment , The First Amendment , Amen

Sharif Returns, Musharraf Reacts
2007-09-10 18:26:00
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Shari f landed in Islamabad this morning, and was met with soldiers that demanded his passport. He was deposed in the 1999 coup by Perez Mush arraf after attempting to dismiss the General. Sharif's exile was to last until 2010, but the Supreme Court of Pakistan recently ruled to allow him an early return. The court decision caused turmoil, as political support for Sharif remains high and General Musharraf threatened arrest if the exiled Premier attempted to enter the country.
More About: React , Hari

Degrees of Separation
2007-09-08 07:30:00
The American economy is intertwined with oil politics in the Middle East and labor shortages in India. A t-shirt will travel the globe before ending up in our closets. Pollution in China can cause a hurricane in Mexico. The latest fashion trend or pop star can shape another nation's culture. More than ever before, our politics, economics, cultures, and environments are interwoven.
More About: Separation , Rees , Degrees

Tommy Franks
2007-09-08 07:03:00
Tommy Franks led the US campaign in Afghanistan and the subsequent invasion of Iraq. After retiring from the army in 2003, General Franks disappeared from the public eye. He took positions on multiple boards, accepted speaking engagements, and wrote a book. But with some campaigns possibly considering the former general as a potential Vice President, he may soon return to a position of power and influence.
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Campaign Finance
2007-09-06 18:47:00
From the Naval Appropriations bill of 1867, which prevented government employees from soliciting naval yard workers for campaign donations, to the recent McCain-Fiengold act, legislation has regulated political campaign finances. Both sides of campaign finance reform want a level playing field, but disagree if it is best accomplished with increased legislation or more lax financial restrictions.
More About: Finance , Campaign , Fina

Pollution in China
2007-09-06 16:17:00
Pollution in China has become a heated international issue. Recently, several key developments have taken place: Presidents Bush and Hu spoke about global warming in Australia, Olympic athletes were warned about the air quality in Beijing, and the Chinese government made public statements acknowledging the effects of global warming. Meanwhile, the EU continues to pressure China for meaningful steps to combat climate change. For China, it is a delicate balance between the future of the environment, a growing economy, and international relationships.
More About: Pollution

The Tuition Increases
2007-09-05 18:14:00
In private and public institutions alike, the cost of higher education is on the rise. For some would-be students, the cost of graduate degree has become prohibitive, but for schools and states with rising costs, increasing the price of education is necessary to compete in a saturated market.
More About: Tuition

Bush on the Ground
2007-09-04 18:54:00
Early yesterday morning, President Bush touched down in Iraq for the third time in his presidency. The President convened his top advisers to discuss the evolving war strategy and notably met with tribal leaders, signifying their growing importance in the unification of Iraq. While speaking to troops, Bush mentioned the possibility of reducing force levels in the coming months if the situation improves.
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The Turkish EU Bid
2007-08-31 16:30:00
The possibility of Turk ey's EU membership has created waves. Geographic discussion aside, many believe that the Turkish democracy has not yet evolved to European Union standards. But governmental and economic progress in Turkey has exceeded expectations and the possibility of the EU's first non-European member seems very much alive.

Labor Day
2007-08-31 15:33:00
For over a century, the first Monday in September has honored and celebrated the American worker with a day of rest and reflection. The holiday has also come to mean barbecues, picnics, family, and the final celebration of summer. However you celebrate, take a moment to remember the origins of the holiday, and enjoy the weekend.
More About: Labor

Kenneth Foster and Capital Punishment
2007-08-30 17:14:00
Yesterday, hours before his scheduled execution, Kenneth Foster was granted commutation by Texan Governor Rick Perry. Foster's sentence was controversial because he was convicted under the Texan "Law of Parties" statute, which makes no distinction between a perpetrator and an accomplice. The reprieve has rekindled the ongoing debate on capital punishment. Although many vocal citizens oppose it, Americans are still statistically in favor of the death penalty.
More About: Punishment , Capital , Unis

Escalating Tensions: US & Iran
2007-08-30 07:56:00
Late Tuesday night, US troops captured 8 members of an Iran ian delegation, holding them captive for a few hours. Although apparently a mistake, tensions between the the two countries have reached new heights with the incident. Both Presidents have made inflammatory speeches, with Bush alluding to the possibility of US military action and Ahmadinejad promising Iranian retaliation. The US is determined to stop Iran's nuclear program and the spread of Iranian influence in the Middle East, while Iran is equally determined to pursue both.
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Poverty Numbers
2007-08-29 07:02:00
Yesterday, the Census Bureau announced that the poverty rate fell .3% in the past year to 12.3%, meaning that about 900,000 fewer people are living below the poverty line. Interpretations of the news vary along the political spectrum. Some see it as validation that Bush's domestic policy is working, while others point to a widening income gap.
More About: Poverty , Numbers , Vert , Number

The Gonzales Resignation
2007-08-28 08:53:00
Yesterday morning, Attorney General Gonzales announced his resignation, ending a six month national drama. Mr. Gonzales has been accused of dismissing 8 US attorneys for political gain and participating in a wiretapping program that had been deemed illegal. Now that the cries for resignation and impeachment have subsided, the convoluted narrative remains amidst questions of a successor.
More About: Resignation , Zales , The Go , The G

US & Iraq: Strained Relations
2007-08-27 08:23:00
Last week, President Bush indicated disappointment in the Iraq i Prime Minister's government. Despite Bush's recently reaffirmed support of Mr. Maliki, the relationship between the US and Iraqi governments has become increasingly strained. Yesterday, Mr. Maliki responded to democratic critics by directing comments at Senators Clinton and Levin and asserting the independence of the Iraqi government. Considering the unwavering alliance between the two countries, these public exchanges mark a critical shift in US-Iraqi relations.
More About: Relations , TRAI , Trained

The Iraqi Refugees
2007-08-24 18:20:00
Since the beginning of the war, more than 2 million Iraqi s have fled their country looking for asylum. While many have settled in Jordan, Egypt, Sweden, and other countries, less than a thousand have moved to the United States. What, if anything, is the obligation of the International community to harbor these refugees?
More About: Refugees , Gees

Sweatshops
2007-08-24 16:53:00
Over the past two decades, "sweatshop" has become a dirty word. The self-titled pragmatists say that laborers are taking these jobs because it is better than all of their alternatives, including subsistence farming, prostitution, or starvation. They are the only proven, sustainable method of lifting third-world nations out of poverty. But others argue that sweatshops reduce humans to the days of slave labor, where lives are owned by their employers. The corporations and governments that support these sweatshops consistently choose to ignore sweatshop conditions in favor of high profit margins and attractive GDP numbers. How do we ensure safe and healthy working conditions now without hindering the economic growth that will bring a country out of poverty in the future?
More About: Shops

Gun Control
2007-08-24 16:25:00
While the debate over gun control seems to have stalled nationally, individual cities like San Fransisco and New York are enacting their own measures to ensure safe streets, while Washington D.C. is seeing their restricted laws overturned. Meanwhile, a parallel debate continues, both on the federal and state level, about the philosophy of the second amendment and a citizens' right to self defense.
More About: Gun Control , Control

Global Flooding
2007-08-22 17:53:00
In the past two months we have seen abnormal flooding in North Korea, China, India, Africa, the US and the UK. Many have died and millions are still displaced. Proponents of global warming claim that these floods are yet another year's evidence of climate change, while others point to meteorological cycles and incomplete data.
More About: Global , Flooding , Odin , Flood

Britain Reduces Iraq Commitment
2007-08-22 07:19:00
As British forces pull back to larger bases like Basra Air station and transfer their hard fought territory to Iraq i forces, many question the eventual outcome. British generals say that their Iraqi counterparts are up to the task while others look at sagging approval numbers in England and see a political decision. Meanwhile, America is paying careful attention, as there will be lessons to learn from this experiment in withdrawal.
More About: Britain , Commitment

India and Pakistan: Looking Forward After Sixty Years
2007-08-21 18:01:00
After sixty years of independence, tensions between India and Pakistan remain high. While much of the grievance stems from the controversial 1947 partition, it is aggravated by the ongoing religious animosity. Understanding the history between India and Pakistan will be vital to stabilizing the relationship between the two nuclear powers.
More About: Years , Sixty , Forward

Economic Uncertainty
2007-08-17 16:58:00
Friday morning the Fed lowered interest rates to ease a credit crisis and prevent further market collapse. Considering Bernanke's testimony two weeks ago, when he reasoned that inflation was the primary risk and rates should remain the same, the Fed's outlook indicates that the greater worry may be a stalling economy. While some experts think the rate decrease is a band-aid solution to deeper problems, others believe it is all that the economy needs.
More About: Economic , Cert