Republicans filibuster premature Democrat attempt to discuss financial reform in USA Senate

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa; c.f. Fox News Radio (Conservative; Secular; American; Independent, but some link it to Republican beliefs) 26 / 04 | April / 2010 (The 5 minute news summary has since been updated); Radio Vaticana (Catholic; Hierarchical with relative independence; Vatican based) 27 / 04 | April / 2010 )

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|External Note: Republicans fear more bailouts, of the scope of those of Obama and of Bush.|

Article by Marc Aupiais





Title / Heading: Republicans filibuster premature Democrat attempt to discuss financial reform in USA Senate

Financial reform is thought to be Barack Obama’s Democrats’ number one priority, as the approval ratings of the US president have dipped to and even below the psychological 50% mark. Unemployment is just below 10%, and with passing of controversial healthcare legislation without any Republican support, despite mass public concerns, and without much of the vital explanations media believed were due to the public, Obama and his Democrats have much to worry about at the November polls, especially with recent iconic Republican wins in by-elections. One of the Republican wins has insured that unilateral financial reform has been filibustered in Yesterday’s procedural Senate vote. The reform is hoped by some Democrats to be a platform to garner support for Democrats via a focus on helping small rural business, and other reforms which could win Democrats votes in November. Republicans have also noted support for reform, but with some slight alterations to the bill, which they see as necessary.

The Democrats, Yesterday, had 57 votes on their side for the financial reform, while 41 Republican side nay votes opposed a proposal in the American Upper House of Parliament, to open debate on the matter; this was enough in the procedural vote to prevent thus far, financial reform, under the current Democrat proposal.

The Republicans are also concerned to insure financial reform goes through, especially as around two thirds of Americans reportedly are in favour of reforming the financial sector, after the recent aftermath of the hot-point of the financial crisis, and given the bail-outs during the Republican Bush, and Democrat Obama Administrations: of firms which otherwise, in ordinary capitalism, would have failed.

Their concerns relate to small but vital segments of the bill. They believe that the federal government could be over-reaching, and would prefer certain details of what they see as a complex issue to be ironed out more carefully. Despite this, their negotiators have reported to media that they are close to a solution. Fox news, a popular news service in America, accused by some of a sympathy towards the Republican cause has said that it is unlikely the Republicans will delay for much longer, due to a desire to garner the support of public opinion ahead of November elections.

Republican efforts at stricter financial regulations, pushed by Republican John McCain and others: during the 1990’s were blocked by Democrats, and it would seem unlikely for the bill to pass without Republican support, since Kennedy was replaced with Brown: as a representative in the Senate from Massachusetts, once a Democrat stronghold.

While both sides have claimed that they are close to a negotiated solution, the Democrats attempted, Yesterday: to push the bill forward for discussion prior Republican satisfaction, in a move similar to the unilateral overhaul of healthcare pushed through by the Democrats, and in the unilateral manner Barack Obama has pushed through legislation in: for much of his presidency. This despite promises of discussion and at attempting bi-partisan efforts during campaigning against his then Republican rival John McCain. Barack Obama has speeches set up in multiple areas (ending in a spot in Illinois), in order to garner more public support for the overhaul.

The question is whether Republicans will gain their concessions on details they believe should change, before the bill is either voted through or before the though highly unlikely, possible shelving of the legislation. The Democrat position seems to be aiming for a Democrat bill to pass, with as few of the Republic concessions within it as possible. Republicans could make an embarrassment for Obama before November polls, but have much to risk given high public support for financial reform, but also given the cost to public confidence, if they pass an inadequate bill, or are seen as a non-issue, or as betraying their ideals as regards Wall Street and other issues of importance to conservative voters: in the Senate.











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No big scares in budget speech

(Social Justice South Africa)

Analysis by Marc Aupiais

I have been watching with some concern, the budget speech by the new Finance Minister, in the job since 11 May 2009: to give some information on how I see the man:

Pravin Gordhan, is a pharmacist by education. He has been quite involved in tax and finance prior his appointment as Finance Minister, under the then new Zuma administration. Requests for the nationalization of the massive mining industry, do not seem to have been listened to, allaying some jittery fears, brought on by statements of ANC officials. The reserve bank, which ANC tripartite ally COSATU has had quite a bad relationship with, the Minister insists must remain independent. He was involved in the ANC's plan for implementing the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which is also a good sign. His work with the Communist party in the past, has not seemingly haunted the long time tax man, who was brought in to replace Mbeki era Trevor Manuel.

Perhaps I misheard, but I didn't hear anything on ridiculous ideas for a national health insurance plan, perhaps the disaster of such an unsustainable policy has been thwarted for now. Perhaps the USA's rejection of such a plan in their own country, has spared South Africa such foolhardiness. Public Debt, seems to be raising to 40% from about 23%, which is of concern. The extension of the levy on petrol (gas for our North American readers), certainly will affect some drivers. While I was watching Summit television, which is the (financial) network which I do prefer to watch out of the South African news services, when it comes to finance, it was noted, that the state of South African roads is a concern. Drivers are taxed, but roads have largely fallen into disrepair, with costly, and deadly pot-holes and other hazards becoming more and more common for drivers in their daily journeys.

I wrote a bit of additional commentary on my Hurricane and the Tempest blog, which while independent: is, with my permission: a commentary column on the South African Catholic website, for Scripturelink.net news, whom I am writing this article for, with permission, I am placing a quotation of that commentary here:

"Pravin Gordhan, who replaced Manuel, seemed the last time we checked to be continuing his monetary economic policies. Suggestions that mines must be nationalized, and other braying from the ANC's leftest allies has yet to yield the fanaticism some predicted under Zuma, whom they had brought to power. Granted, the ANC, has always refused the desires of their communist allies when it comes to requests for the nationalization of mines. The Finance Minister has noted that investment is important to South Africa. Gordhan, has warned of the economic crisis, and claimed it may bite again. He has noted he expected vast changes in global financial markets. He has also made note of claims of those who say that South Africa is not as competitive as others on job creation. He has emphasized a labour intensive economic growth path, which may be wise in a country with such skills shortages, and where the ANC continues uneconomic societal engineering projects such as BEE and BBBEE and AA, which do not afford the most skilled South Africans jobs or education first. Continuing the ANC tendency to cut the cake more finely, he has noted plans to give businesses subsidies if they hire inexperienced youths out of schools. The Subsidies would allegedly be over a two year period, presumably after the hiring took place.

The Finance Minister has emphasized the need for an independent reserve bank, and emphasized the need for pragmatism. He quoted Business SA, and COSATU, both of which I would believe are Zuma allies. His policy, so far, and I have not watched the end of his speech, seems quite similar to past policies. Promises of job creation, do not seem likely to myself. From the expressions of the President and others, I do not expect the speech was unexpected to them.

I certainly don't expect many changes in this budget, but I have yet to watch the speech to the end. it seems inflation targeting goals also remain similar.

This article should not be relied on as any form of financial advice!"

I have further copied what the government has to say about the finance minister, here:

Keeping with the topic on hand:
http://marc-aupiais.blogspot.com/2010/02/keeping-with-topic-at-hand.html

It does not seem that there are any big surprises, although, if the public debt is not kept down, or if more taxes are not raised, due to economic growth, there may be some need of careful financing by the government. It was suggested, that this speech was more a State of the Nation Address than that of sex scandal embattled president Jacob Zuma. The feared policy changes due to the president's allegiance with the far left, still seem like storm clouds hanging over South Africa, but with this budget speech, possibly, the nation may be able to stave off the rain. The relative leftest policies of tax the rich to feed the poor, and some neo-socialist policies, which have existed for a while, continue to exist in the current budget, it would seem.

As noted in our disclaimer, this article, like all our articles, does not constitute financial advice. Rely on this information and all our information at your own risk.

Europe faces collapse starting 2010- report given EU Parliament

(Social Justice South Africa)

[English; Afrikaans; français]

According to LifeSiteNews.com, a reliable pro-life service, a report has been given to the European Union's (EU) Parliament, warning of disasterous effects if the EU does not turn around its abortion spurred local population decline.

The report also warns of the effects of a decline in marriage and increase in divorce.

To demonstrate why these statistics by lifesitenews are concerning, one need only look at a 2008 article by Mark Easton, the BBC's home editor: BBC Reporters (Secular; Governmental; British) 24 / 09 | September / 2008), which details some of the consequences on broken families or single parent homes. A recent study released by the Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, where abortion is encouraged even with tax benifits, by the government, and where it is not taboo, found that abortion, which the WHO (World Health Organization) notes can have at least 5 years effect on women psychologically, can increase a woman's susceptibility to Breast Cancer by 17% (CNA [Catholic News Agency] (Catholic; Independent; American; Articles designed to be published in secular papers) 13 / 11 | November / 2009). A number of other services, including Canada's Globe and Mail (Secular; Independent; Canadian; Liberal) have increasingly warned of the effect society driven population reduction may have on the world economy and on the economies in the West. The statements of the WHO that abortion can have long term psychological effects on women, is furthered by the University of Oslo, which finds that one in every five women who have an abortion, are still affected five years later, and that women who have abortions have to avoid thinking about it (BBC World News (Secular; Governmental; British) 12 / 12 | December / 2005) .

"

Monday November 16, 2009

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Massive Changes Needed in EU Family Policy to Avoid Demographic "Catastrophe": Report

By Hilary White

ROME, November 16, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The news about abortion, marriage, divorce and the birth rate in Europe is bad and only getting worse, a report recently presented to the EU said.

According to the report by Norway's Institute for Family Policies abortion rates in Britain have leaped by a third among unmarried teenage girls and abortion is helping to age the population of Europe. Without a massive shift to family-friendly policies, the pattern of increased abortion and increasingly aging population will inevitably lead to the collapse of social welfare benefits, and, ultimately, to the bankruptcy of Europe's cradle-to-grave socialist welfare state.

Presented to the European Parliament on Wednesday, the report said that the situation of the family in Europe is "a desolate panorama."

"Europe is plunged in an unprecedented demographic winter and has become an elderly continent, with a large birth deficit, fewer marriages and more of them broken, homes emptying."

"The aging population, critical birth-rate, escalating abortions, the collapse of marriage, the explosion in family breakups and the emptying of homes are the main problems of Europeans," the 2009 Report on the Evolution of the Family in Europesaid.

The study found that the annual number of abortions in the EU equals the entire combined population of its ten smallest member states, with the three top aborting countries being Britain, France and Romania. In Europe there is one abortion every 25 seconds, for a total of more than 1,200,000 abortions a year. 19 percent of all European pregnancies end in abortion and 28 million children have been killed by abortion since 1990, making abortion the main cause of death in Europe.

The population over 65 years in all European states already exceeds the population under 14 years. The EU under 14 population has fallen from 89 million in 1993 to 78.4 million in 2008. Over-65s have risen from 68.3 million in 1993 to 84.9 million in 2008 - an increase of 16.5 million elderly people. The average age of EU citizens is 40.3 years, with Italy and Germany having the highest populations of elderly people.

The dropping European birth rate, the report says, with its concomitant increasing health and pension costs, will lead to increases in public expenditure to care for the aging population and the eventual collapse of public revenues, leading finally to the bankruptcy of the welfare state. The average birth rate of EU countries is now 1.38 per woman, well below the replacement rate of 2.1 births per woman, even in relatively fertile countries like France.

Without a significant shift in family policies in all EU countries, the report predicts the result will be "catastrophic." Starting in 2010, the population of Europe overall will begin to fall from 499 million to 472 million by 2050 and every third inhabitant will be over 65.

According to the study, Britain is the "abortion capital of Europe" with rates that last year pulled ahead of France. Its abortion rate is fifth in the world, behind Russia, the U.S., India and Japan. Among these countries, Britain can least afford such a high rate, with a population less than half that of Russia and Japan, a fifth that of the US, and 1/19 that of India. The median age of women in Britain is also rising, at 41.3 years, making recovery even more difficult.

The population of the 27 EU nations reached 500 million last year with most increases in population (78 per cent) attributable to immigration, not births. The natural increase of Europe's population is 12 times lower than the US. Spain has immigration 9 times greater than its internal birth increase and Italy's native population fell (-0.14 million) and had 23 times more immigrants than births (+3.28 million). Poland, Romania and Bulgaria are losing citizens by emigration and Lithuania, Latvia, Romania and Bulgaria have falling populations due to low immigration rates.

Only France, Holland, Finland and Slovakia have internal rates of population increase higher than their immigration figures.

Other indicators show the number of marriages, especially first marriages, is down and divorce rates are up. There are 1 in 4 fewer marriages than in 1980 and the marriage rate has fallen in 9 out 10 countries. One out of every 3 children (36.5 per cent) is born outside marriage. In some countries the fall in marriage rate has been around 50 per cent since 1983 and there are over one million divorces a year, the equivalent to one marital breakdown every 30 seconds.

More people (55 million) are living alone than ever before. One in four households in Europe has a single dweller and two out of three households have no children. Of the households with children, 50 per cent have only one child.

The report recommends the creation of a European Union ministry of the family, laws to increase flexibility of working hours to accommodate families, increases in tax benefits for families and an emphasis on family welfare programs over welfare for individuals.

It calls for governments to recognize the rights of families, including the right of parents to reconcile work and family life; to have the number of children they want; to choose the type of education their children receive and the right of children to live in a stable home.

"

Washington: USA, North America: watching the dessenting vote: as the Democrats "ruin" America's sustainibility, what the opposition is saying

(Insider Confessions Analysis; c.f. Inforumblog 13 / 02 / 09; Liberation (French; Secular; Liberal; Independent) 13 / 02 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

First Year Law students in South Africa: are wisely taught that the dissenting views, are as important as the agreeing views of judges: in looking at similar cases, in a cautious manner. By analyzing the dissent, we can understand the situation better: and have better hopes of winning other cases, future cases.

The United States Senate and government is going through such a stage: with no-one wanting to take responsibility for Mr Obama's controversial, and dangerous stimulus package. Liberation, a French language, French liberal paper: expresses the fact, that the position given to: Republican "Judd Gregg", which he later rejected over inherent differences with the US President: has seen more than one person offered it before him. It was hoped that "Judd greg", would help manage the US economy under Mr Obama.

The promises of Obama for bipartisan, inclusive governance: are long evaporated: he has attempted to force through bill after bill, and ignored many concerns of the watchdog of the opposition: who believe he is using short-term, dangerous means to attempt salvation of the American monotony.

His policies on global warming, and contraception are dangerous. A bailout for his abortionist backers: "Planned Parenthood", who were performing less murders of unborn children: was seen as pathetic, and efforts at "rescuing" the American economy by contraception: a policy which has created the aging workforce issue in Europe: was seen as not beneficial. The entire idea of constantly injecting more debt into the American economy, is seen as deadly by Republicans. Much of the stimulus package is just what got America into the situation in the first place: money which needs paying back.

Judd Gregg, has now withdrawn. it may be noted that his senate position would have been up for grabs to the Democrats, if he left it, however, he had already decided to join Obama's one influence government: before withdrawing.

America, is set to see the bill pass. Like South Africa: they will soon see the dangers of a state under the major influence of one party: of a party which ignores the opposition on many important issues.

It is how South Africa got away with prescribing onions as a treatment for aids, it is how South Africa has continued to prop up Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe, against the international community.

America's choice to place an inexperienced politician, with ideology and empty promises behind him: instead of an experienced, and weathered: though imperfect Candidate in the job: has resulted in an already impractical, unimaginative policy.

How it is that the history of the communist and socialist world has been so ignored, is beyond reckoning: that free-market policies have been so abandoned, and that direct funding, rather than systematic and all-encompassing policies are adopted: is dangerous: in that it unbalances the system America is designed on. Funding buisinesses based on a structure may be acceptiblee, or based on individual issues: but America is ignoring the root cause of the issues, and simply seems to be keeping afloat failed enterprises. Not enough about the economy is known. America is endangering not only itself, but the world: by reckless policy.

What can be learnt: analysis of the dissenters: may well one day give a solution to the economic wreck of the western world: that perhaps can save it from the whirlpool, that unregulated, and unnatural markets have steered it towards: giving more steam to companies still heading in the same direction, is as an ineffective manner at curbing the problem, as giving condoms to those in hiv/aids areas. Like the need for marriage: and promotion of honesty, openness, and fidelity; is the need for responsible governance, and conservative, open, transparent, and human rights based market policies, along with intelligent, strategic economic direction, and stimulus projects: without all the liberal, and dangerous ideology, which has so hurt America in the past.

Without, also: America's dependence on cheap, and human rights ignoring labour: such as many plants in the east use for American companies, such as Disney, or Nike, such as dealings with nations which abuse the rights of women and those of different religiouns.

What interference is acceptable:

...responsible funding of business: and regulations which encourage natural responsible growth is.
America has relied too much on artificial markets, and foreign debt. Debt is like a boat taking on water. More debt, seems America's answer: this is short term. Perhaps their government should actually buy shares in enterprises, but more debt only postpones the inevitable, as with strait giving of money: it is seldomly spent on efficiency.

Governments must fund infrastructure, and create general measures; not specific bills: possibly ideas such as an economic development firm: based purely on what would make sustantive growth: and independent of government ideology. A research institute on economic policy, should certainly be set up: based on the experience, and capacity: and demonstration of success, and intelligence of persons: it must review which campanies have survaived, and why!

The communistic idea of a stimulus package: aimed at supporting failed companies: rather than at pruning an economy: and focusing on heathly business: and on supporting businesses which reduce executive pay before firing, and other such things: this could aid. If America: where to ban imports from human rights abuse nations: which use child labour, if they were to fund on poverty issues: based purely on the issue, and not on ideology: if we were to see programs aimed at jumpstarting an economy: rather than saturating it with cash: possibly: then government support is acceptable.

That Catholic Charities deal with 20% of the AIDS issue, with 2% of the fiunding, shows how deep the ideological bias goes: those doing most to combat disease, get hardly any of the resources.
Promotion of corruption via television, should also be curbed, as with bands, and childrens programs: which promote school killings: freedom of speach is not as important as the survival of a nation, nor is it anywhere as important as accountability and transparency: and accuracy of what is presented.

As it is: much of the money given the companies: will likely be wasted in the long term. The problem with electing a novice, and one connected politically with the banks at fault: lies in the fact: that rather than remaking and solving the economic system: the man is simply spending money in different directions. Government should be the framework in which economies and human rights flourish.
Obama: has almost entirely ignored his opposition in the US government.

Possibly, America may finally focus on sustainible development; and on the actual statistics of what grows or destroys economies. As it is: the rest of the world must heed America's naysayers: and realize that the need is to create a system which works: and then funnel monetry aid into that if necessary: in a tactical, competitive, and fair manner.

In either case, this is my humble analysis.

Note, rely on this analysis at your own risk, we cannot be held responsible for incorrect facts, or bad calculations of a fluid, dynamic and dangerous world and local economy. Views of danger, are based on personal perspective. I am not an economist, but simply an ordinary citizen. Use this information at your own risk!

Mexican Bishops Distrustful of politicians

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Zenit: Spanish Edition (American; Catholic; Independent) 11 / Feb / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Mexico's Bishops: have made a release: calling for a lack of empty promises at elections, which could increase voter apathy, and have asked for a responsible program to combat the Credit Crisis. The Bishops have asked for all players in the economy to act responsibly to get Mexico through the coming times in a healthy or better manner, than if the players were to act irresponsibly about the entire situation.

Obama Inauguration to cost about 10 times Bush's, in a time of economic crisis

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa; c.f. InForumBlog (Catholic; Independent; American) 19 / 01 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

When Bush did his cool +-40 million or so US Dollar inauguration, the press thought it could better be spent: not so with the cool +-500 000 000 (Five Hundred Million) Barak Hussein Obama inauguration. Despite a time of economic Crisis, two wars, and so much more: Obama, who voted to kill Abortion survivors, via infanticide,and hardly spoke up on the tragedy in the Gaza Strip, except to bolster his own image, Obama, wants to go in in "Style", insisting on using Lincoln's bible, and other extravagances. As could have been predicted, by his cool political response when the Financial Crisis came out, Obama: is proving to be anything but prudent with American money.

Bush recently set aside January 18th, as a day for the sanctity of human life, including the lives of the unborn. Bush, while being against abortion, and cloning, and liked, apparently by the Dalli Llama, given special treatment by pope Benedict XVI, also went against the Vatican on the Iraq war (Second gulf War), resulting in a massacre of Christians, by militants, and also: has been implicated in removing privacy, and in possible human rights abuses.

Bush's own inauguration, was considered a bit extravagant. The question as to why Obama throws such a party, when his people will starve all the more, and why the homeless in the area have been force to move; is hardly being asked very much, if at all: in much of the mainstream media.

Italian Finance minister: Pope Benedict predicted financial crisis first: paper about dangers of economic conditions such as those in America in 1985

(Journey in a Broken World; c.f. Bloomberg 20/11/08; group of sources added 21/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

As the Vatican advises the world on the current financial crisis, Italy's Finance Minister has called global attention to the fact that the Leader of Italy's landlocked neighbor: the Vatican; estimated that such a crisis would occur back in 1985, when still Cardinal Ratzinger.

The cardinal had warned of a connection between ethics and economics: saying that when ethics decline, financial collapse can follow!

In 1992, the Republicans, along with controversial Senator McCain, no relation to the brand of chips that we know of: had sponsored a bill to clean up America's financial regulations; it was rejected by the "Democrats", who currently hold the white house in America.

G.K Chesterton: suggested an economic proposal which is different from free-market economics, which may be of use to governments now. Essentially, the wisdom of "God's Rotweiler", has again proven why he was such a good candidate for the papal chair. "God's Rotweiler" being Benedict XVI, who hopes to guide the world into wiser market ethics, and systems. Morality, is what is seen in early Catholic doctrine, as the acting of what materially is sanity.

First World crisis affects everyone

(Journey in a Broken World; c.f. Agenzia Fides 06/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Agenzia Fides is noting that the financial crises in the west is affecting African businesses, even if they are not entirely linked with the global economy. This is mirrored in the JSE, and other markets which are down somewhat- what the rich do affects everyone!