Weekly Columns
We are facing a global recession and a federal response is needed. But the so-called stimulus package that was recently passed busts the federal budget while doing next-to-nothing to truly stimulate our economy. Congress just spent 300 percent more on this legislation than was spent in all of World War II, and a staggering 1200 percent more than was spent during the New Deal. And while the legislation will create some government jobs, it does so at an outrageous expense to the taxpayer. In fact, for every job this stimulus package will create, the government will spend nearly $250,000.
Recently I returned from an official trip to Iraq and Afghanistan. I was honored to spend time with men and women from our Armed Forces and listen to their experiences serving overseas during wartime. And after having those conversations, meeting with foreign leaders and visiting our military bases, it is clear to me that sustainable progress has been made in Iraq. In fact, it has set the stage for a significant drawdown of troops in the months to come. But in Afghanistan, on the other hand, we are facing complex challenges and an elusive enemy.
On February 17, 2005, Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean noticed a suspicious van attempting to cross the border from Mexico into Texas. The agents took steps to apprehend the van which caused the driver of the van, Osvaldo Aldrete-Davila, to jump out of the vehicle and flee on foot back towards Mexico. Agent Compean engaged in a physical struggle with Aldrete -Davila and when agent Ramos arrived on the scene Aldrete - Davila pointed what appeared to be a gun at the agents. Both agents fired on Aldrete- Davila but he escaped on foot.
As Congress returns to Capitol Hill this week, a divisive issue that was put on hold before Thanksgiving has reemerged. Three Detroit-headquartered automakers - Chrysler, Ford and General Motors - have asked members of Congress to consider giving them a multi-billion dollar bailout. Even though the current economic crisis has increased the burden on American automakers, these so called "Big Three" are in the midst of a financial crisis that has been decades in the making.
In less than 99 days American television is going to go through a major change. On February 17, 2009, over-the-air broadcast channels will be distributed exclusively in a digital format. This means that televisions that are not digital television (DTV) compatible will not receive programming. This change will affect over 70 million American televisions and with less than 100 days until the transition happens; it's time to answer the question - are you ready for the DTV transition?