A Democrat disgrace | Michael Tomasky
Obama’s congressmen will sabotage the health bill to keep their seats. It is stomach-churning
In our House of Representatives – “the people’s body” – the Democrats at this moment enjoy a gaudy 75-seat majority. Wait. Did I just put “Democrats” and “enjoy” in the same sentence? Scratch that. The Democrats suffer the affliction of a [...]
Reform takes on a national agenda | John Springford
With global co-operation fading away, there are disturbing gaps in the approach to financial reform in Europe and the US
Consensus on financial reform seems further away than ever. In January, Barack Obama finally got on board with the “Volcker rule” to get tough with US banks, after months of dithering. The rule, long advocated by [...]
US to charge tourists for entering country
Barack Obama passes a new law to encourage foreign tourists to visit – by charging them for the privilege
The US yesterday passed a new law designed to boost dwindling numbers of foreign tourists – it will start charging them for the privilege of entering the country.
The bizarre move has prompted controversy on both sides of [...]
US unemployment rate stable at 9.7%
Fewer jobs cut than expected, bolstering hopes of a recovery in the US, but the White House and labour department are split over how much can be blamed on bad weather
The unemployment rate in the United States held steady last month as employers cut fewer jobs than expected, according to official data today that bolstered [...]
Should Barack Obama do more for black America? | Lola Adesioye
He need not ‘ballyhoo’ a ‘black agenda’ but solving problems that affect African-Americans would strengthen the US as a whole
Over the past week, the recording of an on-air argument between Reverend Al Sharpton, the prominent civil rights leader, and Tavis Smiley, a well-known African-American media personality, has been circulating in the black US media. Sharpton [...]
Obama’s bold plan for bank reform likely to founder in the Senate
Legislation to introduce the ‘Volcker rule’ and a consumer financial protection agency faces the prospect of failure or substantial compromise
The White House’s push to overhaul America’s system of financial regulation is facing heavy dilution in Congress, and a key measure to ban Wall Street banks from risky trading is likely to be watered down or [...]
Barack Obama gives green light to nuclear reactors
US president announces $8.3bn in loan guarantees for construction of first nuclear reactors in almost 30 years
Barack Obama gives green light to new wave of nuclear reactors
US president announces $8.3bn in loan guarantees for construction of first nuclear reactors in almost 30 years
Barack Obama pressed the start button on the first new construction of nuclear reactors in a generation today, announcing $8.3bn in loan guarantees for the company building two.
Obama, in a visit to a job training centre in Maryland, said [...]
US and China: Tetchy twins
A year ago, China Daily gushed with upbeat epithets about the co-operation between the US and China. The relationship was already effective and smooth on trade, Taiwan and global warning. With two firm multilateralists, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, now in power, it would be positively strengthened and constructive, the official mouthpiece opined.
How different the [...]
Wise old men of American finance are called back to fight recession
Paul Volcker, Warren Buffett and George Soros have new status as America sees the value of age and experience
Youth, flair and intellect can only get you so far. As the worst recession since the 1930s grinds the nation into political disillusionment and economic hardship, America is turning for inspiration to grizzled veterans with a proven [...]
