Throwback to the foundations

1. In the United States, businesses effected by the economic recession are shedding jobs fast, pushing the unemployment rate to 7.6 percent, with over a million unemployed in two months(November and December). And these numbers aren't estimated to improve until 2011 (at least) when job growth is expected to return to a healthy pace. With some 3.6 million jobs disappearing, President Obama has proposeda three-part plan to take these problems head-on: jump-starting the economy, solving the housing crisis, and stabilizing the banking industry. The 800 billion (plus) stimulus package will act to bail out the failing companies and restore confidence in the market, but has yet to be voted on. The problem that triggered the economic downturn,the housing industry, is also under reform. The two mortage giants - Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - are now both directly under federal control.The government is taking the role to protect at least one of the natural rights of its citizens and stop unemployment and foreclosures (the pursuit of happiness).But,while the financial market can be quick to rebound, the labor market tends to react more slowly,so even if stocks or other financial indicators improve, there may still be job losses.

source: http://www.courant.com/business/hc-jobless0207.artfeb07,0,2497336.story

2. A major condemnation of the Bush administration centered around interrogation techniques used by the CIA against suspected terrorists, i.e. prisoners at Gitmo or detainees shipped to countries where torture is legal. President Obama's nominee for the next CIA director, Leon Panetta, has promised to shun controversialinterrogation techniques used by former CIA members, stating that "...we can get the information we need, we can provide for the security of the American people and we can abide by the law." When asked if the safety and security of the American public was a No.1 priority, Panetta responded, "Everyone agrees that is the No. 1 priority."Interestingly enough, Panetta also stated that CIA agents who were previously sanctioned to use "harsh" interrogation methods should not be prosecuted. All in all, Obama's efforts to change the Bush administration's policies can be interpreted as an attempt to promote the common good, but this time in a legal fashion.

source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/05/panetta.torture/index.html?iref=newssearch

3. The idea that there is a separation between national and state government is obvious. Its equally obvious that the current power held by the presidential office in itself is proof that Obama is a federalist (otherwise, he wouldn't have as much power). Such plans as universal health care or a national stimulus package are his testaments ("A bold new national goal on energy effiency,"tax cuts, social security,etc.). If the U.S. was anti-federalist, it would not have/want a president.

source: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/