High Gas Prices Are Good

Reading the title of this article may cause confusion, but stick with me here. I want the government to tax gas increasingly until we ween ourselves off of oil. It should be small at first, but noticeable as time progresses. The current economic crisis poses a problem in doing so, but now is actually the best time to go green. Going green used to be environmental. Now it has become economical, and America must play the lead part in this crucial play.

Simple economics suggests that higher prices decrease the demand of a product, oil in this case. This drop would hurt the countries we are forced to work with due to oil, such as Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. An economical attack on these nations is much more devastating then military action. Direct military conflict breeds resentment, but economic warfare places the blame on the ailing government. In addition, terrorists' funding, which mainly derives from oil revenues, would cease coming indirectly from us.

In the short term, this may be the worst idea ever. However, in the long term, America can come out on top of the new energy era using the innovation we have always thrived on. If the Big 3 Automakers have a specific plan to use bailout money to revamp their industry, please give it to them. Otherwise, let the free market we so love to solve the problem. I am sure an Asian car company is ready to confront this task. This is a high risk, high reward move that we as capitalists need to take. WWII helped America out of the Great Depression. The movement away from oil can just as easily lift us from our current downturn.

Speak Eloquently and Swing the Big Stick

It is no secret that many countries outside of the United States voiced their admiration for the now President-elect Obama after the election and some even before. I see two distinct reactions that can be argued almost equally.

One take on this foreign support is that Obama will be easier to manipulate for a country’s own good. This “control” could take the role of submission or unneeded aid. The congratulatory letter of the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to the President-elect stands as a prominent example for this case. Ahmadinejad displays pleasure in the election due to the possibility of easier diplomacy and better Iranian results in negotiations. This side also believes that the threat of President Medvedev of Russia involving the American missile bases in Europe could result in a surrendering to the foreign leader. Neither of course has manifested itself, but display two current examples where the senator might slip up.

On the other hand, some dispute that this backing may prove beneficial to the U.S. by opening shut doors and new ones. The same, eloquent man that captivated America (most of it) will enthrall foreigners and their governments as well. They contend that the dismal perception of our country can only brighten. I do agree that having a president who draws thousands in Germany and incites more in Kenya to celebrate poses a favorable value. However, we can only examine the role that Obama plays after he officially takes office.

Both contentions could be right for all I know. Strong advisers and characters must back the future president to prevent the first and control the second opinion. Senator Biden was correct, Obama will be tested. It only makes sense for countries to do so. Doesn’t every student attempt to lie to the substitute teacher about how long recess really is? They may fool the inexperienced educator the first time, but soon he or she will realize the mistake. The idealism (foreseen in the Obama camp) can only go so far and it sure hurts when lofty goals or perceptions fall through.

If the 44th president can speak impressively and swing the big stick, America’s foreign policy could fall on the right track. I will wait to see if this happens and I don’t feel too hopeful. Those selected to surround Obama in the foreign relations field should signify the direction he will assume.

Farming Hypocrisy

Announcing that it would help Kentucky farmers harmed by a drought, the federal Department of Agriculture allowed Kentuckians to almost bathe in their hypocrisy.

The Blue-Grass state overwhelmingly supported Senator McCain in the presidential election. I can’t say the economic platform of president-elect Obama was the main reason for the outcome, but it probably played some role. Giving aid to suffering farmers sounds like “spreading the wealth around” to me, something Obama looks to do in the upcoming years.

Farmers in all states tend to lean conservative. However, plans similar to this fall way left in the political spectrum. As Thomas Frank in his book, "What’s the Matter with Kansas?", examines, Americans will vote against potential economic benefit. Though the state does have a Democratic House of Representatives, the farmers of Kentucky provide a ripe example of this theory.

The initiative itself befuddles me. Just because these farmers endured an unlucky year does not mean I and other taxpayers need to save them. Does the American Government bear the responsibility to give a hand to gamblers who just had a bad year? No. Farming and gambling actually contain many similarities. Both involve a lot of prayer, and neither requires a college degree.

Russia Adds to Obama's Plate

One short day after Barack Obama’s milestone victory, another issue arose for the president-elect. The country just miles from Alaska responded to America’s “planned missile defense system in Eastern Europe”, the New York Times reports. President Medvedev assured the creation of a short range missile system on the Russian western border if the new president fails to halt the operation.

The Pentagon press secretary defended America’s act by citing “Iran’s growing missile threat.” Of course we also asked for Russia’s involvement in this initiative, but it continued without their announced support. Medvedev’s speech went on to blame America for both their financial troubles and the Georgian conflict while also opening the door for a return of a Putin presidency.

I cannot comprehend even considering something as misguided and provocative as this. Do we enjoy running rampant across the world “defending” ourselves while pissing off country after country? If Iran poses such danger, countries would react accordingly. A unified, European missile system would make too much sense in the Czech Republic and Poland, the proposed sites. Russia remains an important relationship to the United States. Jeopardizing it for something this absurd would be unfathomable.

Much has been thrust at the Illinois Senator, but our global perception must rank high in importance. President Bush drew up much criticism for his overly interventionist behavior. The new president needs to keep such conduct to a bare minimum. Obama has announced his desire to leave Iraq and finish Afghanistan, both completely acceptable. However, I can only hope the hunt for Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda does not trample over any more borders.

President Bush has announced he will brief the future president in an effort to ease him into the White House. Obama should listen to everything the current leader has to say. The man deserves more credit than he gets. If anyone knows a lot about American foreign policy, it is the man who totally reshaped it, while tossing our reputation out the window.

What the France

In an unsurprising tactic, France receded into the fetal position to allow for the current world economic crisis to blow over.

You would think that was the case with stereotypical France, but President Sarkozy has affirmed both himself and his country as the leaders in Europe by proposing a multitude of ideas and plans to alleviate the financial troubles. The land of fries and bread does happen to be the current European Union President for six months. That being said, I cannot see Sarkozy stepping away from this role at the end of his term, while Europe so desperately needs a vocal icon.

The New York Times presented two of the Parisian Prince’s initiatives this week, “The first is a European sovereign fund to protect the ownership of important businesses with suddenly low stock prices. The other is a ‘unified economic government’ of the European Union…” I honestly do not know if these possess the possibility of happening or even working. From an American viewpoint, I must enjoy them. This allows the U.S. to withdraw more from European affairs since a trusted leader has taken the reigns.

Our next leader (I predict Bob Barr in a landslide) will be influenced by the energetic Frenchman. Like it or not, we love France and follow them whenever we can. Just look at nuclear power, bottled water (Jim Gaffigan reference), French bread, French fries, and this article. Clearly Barack Obama has taken a similar, proposal-laden approach while John McCain is not far off. The 44th president will “write checks their tush can’t cash”, but leaders must do this in problematic times for the morale of their populace. Yes, Sarkozy and the next president will be harshly criticized and ultimately buried if they do not succeed in the voters’ eyes; welcome to the joy of democracy.

I could be entirely wrong, which would not be surprising. Czar Cozy may easily be pulling an ingenious political stunt. Both his reputation and favorability have increased in recent months due to his lively actions. We all love leaders who face crisis head-on (apply directly to forehead) and this could be just that.

Are You Syria-ous?

Last weekend, the American Military raided a target located in Syria where a top Al-Qaeda agent, Abu Ghadiyah, was supposedly located. American Officials have reported this mission as a success, killing the terrorist and eight militants. Syria asserts that Ghadiyah’s status remains unknown and only Syrian civilians were killed.

Disputed facts are not a rare occurrence during our Middle East campaign. The results of assaults using Predator Drones or Special Forces in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and now Syria have received scrutiny. We say one thing, while the “host” country says another, usually in a complaint. A prominent example is that Pakistan has condemned American efforts on their borders multiple times and has even promised to open fire.

Do our military officials not realize the repercussions of their actions? Yes, I know they get to cross out a name on their wanted list, but at the same time they further push a country away from a possible friendship.

Syria responded a few days later by closing an American school and cultural center linked to our embassy. Syrians also staged a demonstration just outside the embassy. Many reporters believe the Syrian government staged the protest since the country heavily restricts political speech. Either way, the people or the government of Syria dislike what happened. How can we fight the “War on Terror” when the countries that can possibly help regard us with such low admiration?

Even Iraq retaliated by pushing America to agree to stop using Iraqi land to launch attacks on its neighbors. Their Parliament already struggles to pass legislation about America’s presence in the country and more backlash could harm our relationship.

One of our main objectives in the Middle East was to form much needed alliances and drum up support. Our current strategy fails us in those regards. Wrong decisions, such as the strike in Syria, can lead to American disdain and increases in terrorism. I fear that we are like a mother in a grocery store who only went in to buy one item. However, we and the mother saw items nearby and felt as though they were necessary as well. Instead of actually finishing the Afghanistan War, America has headed to tour the entire Middle East.

Not So Sexy

Last month, four Chinese babies died and thousands were hospitalized after a breakout of melamine-poisoned milk powder. Last week, the New York Times reported that the contaminations also spread to another milk-based product in Britain. The Food Standards Agency has never warned about edible sex accessories before, but “chocolate and strawberry ‘body pens’, as well as "erotic chocolate lotion” were found with a low amount of melamine. Recent reports are claiming that eggs produced in China have also been found contaminated. This poison falsely displays a higher amount of protein in products and can damage kidneys.

Right now, China is feeling the pains of capitalism. Unfortunately, the world shares this rising superpower’s troubles. In 2007, the United States encountered children’s toys containing lead-based paint and melamine-tainted pet food, both imported from China. With Chinese citizens and businesses owners vying to make quick and easy money, regulations tend to be circumvented for economic gain.

Clearly this is another reason why we need to isolate more economically and create American jobs to do this the correct way, right? But do you really want to work in the milk industry? China has the capacity and dedicated work force able to complete these “dirty jobs”. Also, by outsourcing (yes, that horrible word) these tasks to countries, such as China and India, Americans find themselves pushed into the higher levels of labor. This leads to better pay and cheaper prices on these foreign goods.

America needs be both aware and patient with China on this matter. Steps away from open trading due to a few incidents would be the wrong decision. Both parties convey their disdain towards free trade and globalization easily with events such as these and Americans losing their jobs garnering so much public attention. However, the country can’t see the long term benefits when focusing only on the short term costs. I can only hope that America keeps trade as open as possible, especially in the wake of the current economic crisis. The next president’s policies may look great in the first few months of his office, but can and will come back to haunt him if the wrong moves are made.