In the final hours of December 31, 2012, congress and the democrats agreed on a deal in the White House that averted the fiscal cliff in the US and saved the economy from slipping away into darkness. But for how long?

According to Forbes magazine, income tax rates up to $450,000 (for married couples) will be subject to older tax rates, but income above $450,000 will taxed at 39.6%. Tax-rates on long term capital gains and dividends will be hiked from 15 percent to 20 percent only for those taxpayers above; for everybody else it will be the same 15 percent.

Further, according to Forbes, the deal is composed of an extension of exemption on estate taxes at $500,000, but rates have been increased to 40 percent from 35 percent.

It seems rather uncomfortable to say that President Obama achieved victory on tax code debate since democrats were pushing top tax rates for income just above $250,000; nevertheless, tax revenues have been made somewhat stronger.

As reported in my last article, updating tax rates for the rich may strengthen the revenue part of the budget. Perhaps it is a good sign, but the deal barely mentions anything about chronic deficits.

Perhaps the most pivotal portion of budget is spending. Because spending and taxes are branches of the same tree, and there is a threat that the tree might lean to one side if the other branch grows too heavy.

According to the Heritage Foundation report, “Federal spending by the Number 2012,” federal entitlements are driving this spending growth, increased from less than half of the total federal outlays some 20 years back to nearly 62 percent in 2012.

Further report says that three major programs (Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security) eat up about 44 percent of the budget. Other programs such as anti-poverty program increased by 49 percent in the last 10 years, food stamps tripled since 2002, and housing assistance rose by 48 percent since 2002.

Debt Facts

The year 2012 marked $1.1 Trillion of deficits, the fourth consecutive year the deficit exceeded 1 trillion.

The 2012 Deficit. was estimated to be 7.3 percent of the GDP.

Over 2 decades, spending grew 71 percent.

In 2012, spending on entitlements was nearly 62 percent of total spending, while defense expenditure was 18.7 of the budget.

The US economy is drifting towards deeper deficits for two principle reasons: a dramatic shift in spending on the outset of recession, and a large chunk of financial resources diverted towards a host of social programs.

What’s happening in the US economy can be summed up as a fiscal fiasco. It is also economic uncertainty and political confusion over the fate of the tax code, massive spending and mountainous federal deficits, since this deal focused extensively on one side of the budget.

Ironically, what remains to be the most awful aspect of the deal is the extension of rapid spending cuts, generally known as sequester. The sequester problem should have been solved under this deal.

According to the Christian Science Monitor, ‘sequester’ is composed of mandatory spending cuts, hammering down $600 billion in defense and $600 billion in domestic programs, which have been extended to March 1, 2013.

Are we going to experience the same kind of frustration and confusion again in March as we did prior to this deal? Fiscal deficits are a jinx to growth and the whole of the economy because it forces us to cease off-spending.

But again a question arises whether welfare policies sometimes ask for more than what the economy can produce? Is this too much welfarism?

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Incorrect conceptions about Africa are common in the West. Some TV shows and media news communicate an erroneous image of Africa to their citizens despite a powerful tool of research, such as the Internet, which holds much accurate information. Western media typically only covers the negative aspects of Africa, and TV programs display the lack of knowledge about other cultures. Here are five typical fallacies about Africa.

Africa is a country. Many citizens around the globe mistakenly categorize Africa as a country. But Africa is a continent, which has 54 independent countries each with their own currency, flag, anthem, food, music, and history. Africa is home to 1 billion inhabitants, who belong to 3,000 different ethnic groups There are thousands of indigenous languages and dialects spoken. Africa’s size is three times bigger than the USA.

Africa is unsafe. It is true that there are conflicts, civil wars, and pirates who kidnap tourists in some countries. But if bigger cities like New York, Madrid, London were rated by their crime rates, not many tourists would visit them. Violent crime against visitors in most African countries is uncommon. In the last two years the Travel State Department in the US has issued countries which are considered risky to travel for American citizens. These are the African countries to avoid: Libya, Kenya, Chad, Burundi, Eritrea, Somalia, Central African Republic, Cote D´Ivoire, Nigeria, Sudan, Republic of Sudan, Congo, Mali, Mauritania, Guinea and Niger.

Africa is extremely poor. Many visitors will be shocked with the poor conditions around them. The problem of the African continent is the distribution of wealth, where there is a lack of middle class (people are either very rich or very poor) in many countries. Many African countries such as Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria and South Africa have many natural resources, good education systems and developed business areas.

Africa has many diseases. The lack of babyhood vaccination programs and basic health care take millions of African lives every year. But that is not the case for tourists, who are up to date with the vaccines recommended by their origin countries. The most common immunizations are Hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio. The way to avoid malaria is to take prophylactics and sleep under a mosquito net.

African politicians are corrupt and incompetent. There are some African countries that are not well governed, just like in Europe and the Americas; and there are many countries that are democratic and well-led which are experiencing economic progress. On the other hand, there are also democratic countries that are not growing, and non-democratic countries that are developing.

Many political crises in Africa can be blamed on colonial legacy, but most of it reveals political power and corruption on the part of incumbent presidents and political parties. To characterize all of Africa based on outliers like Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe, would be like generalizing about Europe based on Berlusconi, the Former Prime Minister Italy.  Nelson Mandela showed the world that Africa is capable of producing an honest leader.

Image Courtesy of   meunierd / Shutterstock.com

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Despite the portentous threat of extradition hanging over his head, Julian Assange has managed to use his credentials to interview some of the most controversial figures across the world. In the ninth episode of Julian Assange show, he takes his viewers inside the tumultuous world of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. In this segment, Assange cross examines infamous Pakistani politician Imran Khan and gains perception into country’s foreign relations, its ongoing internal warfare , pending corruption and the status-quo of power structure in the society.

Imran Khan is one of the most recognized figures ever to come out of Pakistan. He will always be remembered for bringing the 1992 world cup trophy to his homeland, for his marriage to British socialite Jemima Goldsmith and for his philanthropic contributions to Pakistani society. He joined politics in 1996 and formed a party called ‘Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’ (PTI) to fight injustice and corruption. His political voyage has been full of endearing hardships, multiple incarcerations and heartbreaks.

“Pakistan is changing fast, over the last two years US drone attacks and corrupt political dynasties have driven millions to this cause” said Assange. This is another glimpse of Arab Spring that has crossed over to Pakistan.

According to Khan, “Well, the battle in Pakistan, just like in the Middle East, is of a status quo, an entrenched status quo ‒ what you call the power structure ‒ benefited from the system, and the majority of the population wanted a change. ”

Khan has faced severe criticism from home and abroad for his docile political career. In 2007, US cables referred to him as “Pakistan’s one man party” He boycotted the 2008 elections over the protest of the National Reconciliation Ordinance deal that the Bush administration brokered between General Perveez Musharraf and Benazir Butto. The following deal gave amnesty to Bhutto and her party members over corruption cases.

Khan explains that in Pakistan there is a political mafia. According to Khan, “First of all, I boycotted the elections in 2008, um, because, you know, these elections were manipulated by the Bush administration. His party alongside other political parties boycotted 2008 elections over their fear of pre-poll rigging.” Khan argued that Musharraf allowed criminals to contest elections.

In the aftermath of 2008 elections, his party’s popularity decreased. But for past two years things have changed. As opinion polls in Pakistan reflect, Khan’s popularity has increased in the last six months to 60-80%. With over 306846 followers on Twitter, Khan and his party have risen to prominence. His popularity has come with a hefty price tag, as many political parties turned against him. His party is no longer actively seeking coverage in media, due to money being poured into channels by opposition parties.

But despite the setbacks, he has been holding mass rallies with over 100,000 people and as he puts it: “Now, since the big rallies, the whole political scene has changed. We have seen now politicians rushing to me. So people who are electables, realizing that the vote bank now belongs to me, they are coming to join me.” Khan compares his ardent following in Pakistan to one in former Middle East, where demand for change and a protest against anti-status quo movement saw fall of many governments. According to Khan, Pakistan has not experienced such mass turn out in rallies since the death of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

Assange quizzed Khan over the challenging and oft confusing relations between the US and Pakistan. In the aftermath of 9/11 and under the governance of General Musharraf, Pakistan became America’s key ally on its war on terror. Over time, the War on Terror has changed and evolved by transcending the Afghan boundaries and crossing into mainland of Pakistan. Khan said “no country has ever been bombed by its own ally, as we have been bombed in this country.” There is a mounting anger in Pakistan over American drone attacks on its soil. People of Pakistan are still coming to terms with the fact that certain factions of intelligence services aided Bin Laden in using Pakistan as his hide out. The war on terror has bore horrific consequences for Pakistan, 40,000 Pakistanis have been killed and in the last 4 years it has cost Pakistan $50 billion.

Khan holds Musharraf accountable for all the mess in contemporary Pakistan from growing corruption to country’s mounting debts to the war on terror. “Julian, it’s so shameful. You know, never has a country’s ruling elite, for personal benefits, never have they betrayed their people as much as this elite under Musharraf and the current elite”, Khan said.

Imran Khan provides another well known glimpse into a world of darkness, where corruption is rife, civil liberties are eroded and money and power has become an instrument of governance and military to exploit and exercise dominance over the poor population of a country. However, things are changing fast across the Pakistan’s political spectrum, with the recent eviction of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani from his office, judiciary maintaining its status, and the current President losing support fast amongst general public. With mounting debt of $12 trillion, an army killing its own people, and over 14 hours of power cuts in a day, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is in a dire need of miraculous savior. Now, whether Khan’s popularity in opinion polls will take him towards becoming a next leader of the troubled Pakistan remains to be seen.

Image Courtesy of  stiksa

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Yemenis troops took two of al-Qaeda’s southern strongholds 12 June 2012 in an operation known as Golden Swords. The offensive, which began 12 May 2012, took over ninety percent of the provincial capital of Abyan, Zinjibar, and the city of Jaar. The troops also took the highway linking Jaar to the port of Aden, the area through which sixty percent of Yemen’s oil passes.

The Yemeni military was backed by dozens of US troops who remained in a command center at a nearby air base.

The Yemeni troops have been shelling the strongholds for about the past two months. The troops took Jaar in a surprise dawn attack, driving the al-Qaeda group out. The residents of the town celebrated the victory of the operation. One Jaar resident, Khaled Mohsen stated, “we thought it would take a year in order for the army to get rid of al-Qaeda, but we were surprised when they swept into the town in no time. I have been hearing constant exchange of gunfire all night, then suddenly everything was quiet. I looked from the windows, and I saw soldiers in uniform in the center of the town.”

The fighting in Zanjibar was much lighter than in Jaar since most of the city was already taken and many of the militants left for Jaar to defend that city.

Twenty militants and forty troops were killed in the fighting. The al-Qaeda militants fled from the town to the mountains and small towns in the region; most are now in the coastal town of Shaqra, the last remaining stronghold of al-Qaeda in the Abyan region. The group claims that they left the city to “spare bloodshed” and threatened to attack the capital of Sanaa in retaliation, according to CP24, a Canadian news agency. As they left Jaar the militants wrote “Al-Qaeda has withdrawn. Al-Qaeda was not defeated” on shutters and walls.

Al-Qaeda has been in possession of most of the southern province of Abyan for over a year. Although the Yemeni military has tried to take the region back, past attempts have failed because they are ill-equipped, badly trained, have no developed intelligence system, and there are still some conflicted loyalties to former President Saleh.

Newly elected President, Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, has promised to purge Yemen of al-Qaeda; so far his efforts seem to be successful. According to Gamal al-Aqil, governor of the Abyan province, the Yemeni government has succeeded in dealing al-Qaeda “painful blows.”

The United States views al-Qaeda in Yemen as the greatest threat to its national security. They have been aiding the Yemeni government as it tries to overthrow the group. The United States has also sent many drone attacks to the area over the past several years, although many in Yemen oppose the strikes. According to the BBC around forty people, including Yemeni citizens, were killed in US drone strikes in 2009.

Although al-Qaeda seems to be on the run in Yemen, the government is still worried about sleeper cells that may remain elsewhere in Yemen. The group has also retaliated recently with a suicide bomber in Sanaa in response to the foiling of a bombing attack on a US airliner.

Image Courtesy of  Ryan Rodrick Beiler / Shutterstock.com

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A new report by 13 leading international and Congolese civil society groups asks the international community and Congolese government to urgently agree upon a new deal to reform the Congolese military. The report argues that the lack of political will to reform the security sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) risks not only billions of dollars of international aid but also the stability of the country.

“At the end of the day, many of Congo’s seemingly intractable conflict-related problems can be traced back to dysfunctional security services: the army, police and courts. The Congolese government has failed to take concrete action to reform these vital institutions,” said Emmanuel Kabengele, National Coordinator of the Congolese civil society Network for Security Sector Reform and Justice.

“Yet the international community has continued to sustain the government, investing money and effort with no actual return. It’s high time that donors demand that Congo engage in real army reform.”

The report, Taking a Stand on Security Sector Reform, was completed after extensive research and interviews in DRC and donor countries. It argues that the army not only fails to provide security but actively preys upon the population, being one of the major perpetrators of human rights violations in the country.

“An effective security sector – organized, resourced, trained and vetted – is essential to solving problems from recruitment of child soldiers, internal displacement and rape, to economic growth or the trade in conflict minerals,” says the report.

The report concludes that the main reason for the failure of army reform in DRC is a lack of political will from parts of the Congolese government – notably those elements which have benefited from endemic corruption.

“The very people in senior positions of the government and military who are responsible for effecting reform continue to profit from the current army, either in raking off salaries of servicemen, kickbacks, or involvement in illegal mining, trade or protection rackets” said Dismas Kitenge, President of the Congolese organization, Groupe Lotus and Vice-President of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)

The paper underscores the critical role the international community must play. In just five years, the report documents that donor countries alone have invested more than $14 billion into the DRC.

Yet only 1%, or $140 million, was spent on security sector reform. International aid is now equivalent to nearly half of the DRC’s annual budget. As such, donors have considerable leverage over Congo. Yet despite this enormous investment, the DRC has actually gone backwards. The DRC is ranked last in the world on the UN’s main development index.

“The international community’s investment in DRC has yielded poor results. Numerous armed groups send thousands of child soldiers into battle, and women and children continue to bear the brunt of violence. Adequate health care and personal security remain the exception rather than the rule,” said Ben Affleck, Actor, Director and Founder of Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI).

“Donors must work to convince the Congolese government to undertake drastic military reform. Unless a new course of action is adopted, we run the risk of losing much of the investment that has already been made.”

The costs of accepting the status quo are high, for the Congolese people but also for the international community. In addition to the traditional donors – US, EU, UK, France and Belgium – key partners such as China, South Africa, and Angola all have a vested interest in the stability and long-term prosperity of the DRC.

“The new government must seize the opportunity to refocus attention on implementing sustainable and effective reform,” said Pascal Kambale from the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA). “Now is the time for the international community and Congolese government to work together to reform the police and army so that Congo is capable of protecting its own civilians.”

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YEA Networks–syndicators of “Kidd Kraddick in the Morning”–announced a formal partnership  with “The Bert Show” to expand the popular morning show’s national syndication reach. From their flagship station in Atlanta (Q100), “The Bert Show,” is already syndicated to Nashville and Indianapolis, and YEA CEO George Laughlin believes the show has a bright, national future.

“From our experience with “Kidd Kraddick in the Morning,” we’ve learned that audiences care more about quality content than where the show originates,” Laughlin said. “Bert has assembled a morning show that wins, thanks to their talented cast and compelling content,” he added.  “We are very confident that this show will be a hit in syndication.”

Cumulus COO John Dickey says the partnership with YEA is “a sign of things to come, not just for Cumulus, but for all of radio.” He compared the Cumulus/YEA relationship to Disney’s partnership with Pixar prior to Disney buying Pixar. “Pixar utilized Disney’s distribution scale while maintaining its creative independence and focus.

YEA’s partnership with Cumulus will give it access to a national platform of significant reach while allowing YEA to do what it does best – building the most popular, relevant shows and products for mornings in contemporary radio.”

“The Bert Show’s” Bert Weiss adds, “Kidd showed me how to be successful in morning radio and now I’m looking forward to his guidance in successful syndication. It’s great to be able to share the content and ideas, and our cast is excited to move in this new direction.”

YEA Networks Chairman Kidd Kraddick commented on the partnership, “Bert and I have a fantastic winning streak. We worked together in Dallas and it’s exciting to have Bert part of the team again. We’re giving advertisers, programmers and listeners a great entertainment vehicle for their morning commute with a broader national footprint.”

In addition to syndicating “Kidd Kraddick in the Morning,” YEA also produces “The Hollywood 5,” a weekend gossip countdown that is heard in 75 markets and six of the top ten markets, and the interactive pop culture news service RadarOnline.  YEA Networks will begin handling syndication for “The Bert Show” this month.

Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/TheBertShow

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The 21st century witnessed one of the most perilous and unethical alliances of mankind’s biggest foes: greed and capitalism. A system where the will or self interest emerges as a master of all human actions in the economic sphere.

There has been a change in the way organisations do businesses and there has been a change in the way businesses are being managed. With the passage of time, businesses have become more isolated from the basic idea of self-interest and more fascinated with profits, expanding their wealth based on what they see as most lucrative rather then on ethical foundations.

There is contamination of capitalism in every corner of the imagination, through the unscrupulous pursuit of profits, selfishness, and through an incorrect comprehension of the idea of economic freedom.

It is true that a farmer in the fertile English midland produces potatoes not to make consumers happy, but for his self-interest and survival. But it may also be true that if the farmer regularly exceeds his need, greed might lead to consumer concerns elsewhere, such as unjustified price movements or supply barriers.

Many illustrations, mathematically and not, can demonstrate how this system becomes contaminated. When capitalism was introduced it was hailed has a unique path to prosperity, opportunity, and more importantly, an end to inequality.

Over the years the urge to make money has killed morality. Now we are trapped in a net which was earlier believed to be a liberator from material discomfort. Greed became epidemic at all levels of commercial existence in the world.

We are living in a society where wealth commands, and those who posses wealth command the world — often in a way that only benefits themselves. The ideals of capitalism to provide opportunities that benefit everybody are contaminated by self interest, and this transition from self-interest to greed in recent years proved fatal. If the bottom line of business is profits, then it is cultivating greed and no benefit at all.

The outburst of protests across the world primarily addressed income inequality and unethical behaviour on part of entrepreneurs. Over the years, the divide between rich and poor deepened in the US, according to the Congressional budget office. Between 1979 and 2007 the incomes of the top 1% grew by a whoping 275% average, and during the same time 60% of the American middle class income grew by just 40%.

Economist and Noble Laureate Paul Krugman wrote in the New York Times that the ‘we’re the 99%’ slogan correctly defines the issue as “being the middle class versus the elite.” He also noted that the movement debunked the wrong notion that rising inequality is “mainly about the well-educated doing better than the less educated.” True enough, economic injustice is not just about education, but to fully comprehend the deep-rooted cause requires organizes and collective study.

Under an Islamic economic system we will not find any of these character-based problems or growing inequality. The Islamic economic system is primarily based on Islamic laws and principles, while capitalism is constructed upon morality. Ideally, if something is based on religion there is no danger of greed and malice, because no religion has ever preached greed. The Islamic economic system considers greed as a grave sin, so if the system tried to bring in something which is based on faith, people might refrain from evil deeds. But unfortunately Islamic economic system is hardly prevalent.

What we need is to find ways to resolve inefficiencies of the system through religious methodologies rather than criticism of capitalism.

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At an international conference by the French Committee for a Democratic Iran (CFID) held in Paris on March 24, 2012 speakers from the United States and Europe stressed the need for a firm policy towards the Iranian regime.

Attracting thousands of Iranian dignitaries, the meeting also called for the protection of the rights of Ashraf and Liberty residents and the removal of the terrorism label on the main Iranian opposition movement, the People’s Mujahidin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) by the U.S. State Department.

Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the Iranian resistance, offered her condolences to the French people, the Jewish society and the families of the victims of the terrorist attacks in Toulouse. She blamed this tragedy on fundamentalism under the guise of Islam, whose roots are found in Tehran and Qom. “Warnings had been issued about this phenomenon as far back as 25 years ago and these crimes had nothing to do with Islam,” Rajavi stressed.

She said the only means of defeating the fundamentalism and terrorism that hides behind Islam is an alternative based on a democratic and tolerant Islam, and that the PMOI represents this democratic alternative which is the anti-thesis to extremism – an Islam with the message of mercy, freedom, equality, brotherhood, love and co-existence between all religions and all of humanity.

Rajavi declared that with global solidarity, it would be possible to make this the year that sees the defeat of the religious fascism ruling Iran. She added that the only solution to prevent an Iranian nuclear bomb or unprecedented conflict and crisis triggered by the mullahs is regime change by the Iranian people and the Iranian resistance.

“In order to escape their demise, the mullahs have reverted to war with the Iranian people, the people of the region and the international community. At the centre of these measures is their effort to annihilate the organized resistance which holds the key for change in Iran. Attacking Ashraf is done within this context,” Rajavi commented.

“The policy of the United States and the European Union, bowing to the demands of the regime over Ashraf and the continuation of unjustified designation of the Mujahidin (MEK) has worked in favour of the Tehran’s mullahs,” she emphasized.

Referring to the transfer of 1200 Ashraf residents to Camp Liberty, Rajavi said: “This transfer unfortunately has turned to a forcible displacement combined with a lot of harassments and pressures. Despite the repeated calls of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the residents do not have freedom of movement. They are also deprived of meeting their family members and lawyers. Most importantly, the unjustified presence of armed forces within the Camp’s private limits has created constant insecurity for the residents.”

She also warned that the presence of armed forces inside the camp strongly adds to the risk of a humanitarian catastrophe. In these circumstances, the UN is expected to return to its real responsibility of defending the victim and the oppressed, or at least to stay neutral between the Iraqi government and Ashraf residents.

In his remarks, Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York and US Presidential Candidate (2008): “Let me go there (Camp Liberty). Let me see it with my own eyes. In other words, let’s see if my country that I love, the United States of America, is living up to the promise that it made to the people of Ashraf to protect them and to treat them decently or it’s breaking that promise.

And if you don’t want to send me, you can send Judge Mukasey or Tom Ridge or Patrick Kennedy or four or five of us and then you can put us before Congress and put us under oath and I assure you, we’ll tell the truth about it and we’ll get this resolved. Are we being misled or is the State Department breaking its promise to the people of Ashraf? Let’s get an answer to it once and for all.”

The former Mayor of New York added: “And right now, the enemy of stopping a nuclear Iran is appeasement. That’s the false notion that made Iran more determined to become nuclear. Let’s stop the appeasement. Let’s stop trying to negotiate. Let’s stop writing letters to the ayatollah. And let’s stand up, united as Americans in saying we are for regime change in Iran and we will take any step necessary to stop Iran from becoming nuclear.”

Tom Ridge began by stating his readiness to join Mayor Giuliani on his trip to Camp Liberty. He went on: “We will continue to stand with the MEK, with the freedom-loving people of Ashraf and Liberty. I want to stand on the right side of history and I do not worry about anything else.”

Ridge described the scenes of attacks on Ashraf, and strongly criticized the US government for trampling on the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Geneva Conventions. He said: “How can my country ignore those vicious attacks? One wonders when last time those responsible for Ashraf looked at those documents.”

He told the UN: “You have not done your job United Nations, and it is about time you did it.”

And he urged the US government: “If you want to send a message to Iran and Maliki about how serious we are, I’ll give you one simple idea: delist the MEK.” Michael Mukasey said: “This conference should be broadcast to the State Department. Then they would see that Rajavi opened this conference by extending her condolences to the Jewish community in Toulouse.”

The former U.S. Attorney General ridiculed the ‘unnamed sources’ at the State Department, saying: “Why anonymous? What are they afraid of? They fear, but we have no fear. We do not hide our names.”

And he told Iranians in audience: “Right prevails in my country and I hope it will not be long before right will prevail in your country.”
Patrick Kennedy strongly criticized the UN and said: “We want action, no more words.” He expressed solidarity with the residents of Camp Liberty, adding: “All of our thoughts are with people in Camp Liberty who are being treated as prisoners and not refugees.”

Philippe Douste-Blazy, Special Adviser and Deputy to the UN Secretary General and French Foreign Minister from 2005 to 2007, also voiced his support for the goals of the conference via a video message.

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In a new series of reports from Mintel, examining consumer behavior in China, Mintel finds that while consumers in China are ready to switch to healthier alternatives of carbonated soft drinks, brands have yet to offer the product options to fulfill this demand.

This is despite seven out of ten consumers (72%) trying to avoid drinks with artificial ingredients and 75% wanting to buy drinks with natural ingredients, highlighting an unmet need which could be satisfied by manufacturers.

Indeed in 2011, 1.8% of new launches of carbonated soft drinks carried a no additives or preservatives claim – only up slightly from the 1.5% launched in 2006. This is in stark contrast to the UK and US markets where manufacturers have embraced consumer demand and followed swiftly with NPD. Indeed, in the US, some 16% of new carbonated drink launches carried a no additives or preservatives claim (up from 12.5% in 2006) – and in the UK a massive 37% of new carbonated drink launches carried this claim—up from 14% in 2006.

Despite this, Chinese consumers are increasingly becoming health conscious. Half (50%) of consumers consider carbonated soft drinks as just a treat, with a high proportion of carbonated soft drinks consumers (67%) expressing the desire to purchase diet or low-calorie drinks. The current lack of launches with natural or diet or low-calorie claims provides the opportunity for natural carbonated soft drinks to fill in the gap in the market.

Tan Heng Hong, Research Manager at Mintel, said:

“With obesity on the rise in China, consumers are increasingly trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle such as minimizing the intake of artificial ingredients and exercising more. Companies have tapped the health trend with diet carbonated soft drinks, but increasingly, the trend has shifted towards natural products globally and this has opened new opportunities for companies to meet the demand for all-natural products.”

“The prospect for newcomers or existing smaller players to succeed in the marketplace can be quite a challenge. Despite the tough market environment, Chinese consumers have proved to be adventurous in taste and packaging and this provides two key areas of future growth.

The current lack of launches with natural or diet/low-calorie claims provide the case for natural carbonated soft drinks to fill in the gap in the market. Increasing the appeal of carbonated soft drinks in different occasions through smaller pack sizes, food matching and beverage mixing has the potential to drive volume growth going forward,” Tan Heng Hong continues.

Overall, China’s carbonated soft drink market has seen low double digit growth (up 10.2% from 2006-10), which is significantly faster than other global markets such as the US and UK (-1.5% and -1% respectively). While as many as 96% of Chinese consumers drink carbonated soft drinks, frequency of consumption remains lower than other drinks such as mineral water and other beverages which are seen to have less sugar than carbonated soft drinks.

However, on a per capita basis, the consumption of carbonated soft drinks in China is still low at an estimated 10.34 liters per person in 2011 compared to an estimated 168 liters per person in the US and 57 liters per person in the UK, indicating the potential for growth in the marketplace.

Future opportunities lie with the significant potential for increasing sales of single-serve packaging. Indeed, the ‘on-the-go’ consumption occasion is increasingly important due to the rapid growth of urban convenience stores. Smaller packages can also increase appeal amongst the growing office snacking culture. Today, most consumers in China (75%) drink carbonated soft drinks during mid-afternoon, and nearly half (52%) of consumers drink carbonated soft drinks at work.

“Besides flavor innovation and natural carbonated soft drinks, the potential of single-serve package has not been fully exploited. Due to their small size, mini packs, if marketed creatively, can be a useful tool to drive sales,” concludes Tan Heng Hong.

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With prices climbing more than 60 cents a gallon since January 1, President Barack Obama discussed energy and rising gas prices—a top-of-mind issue for motorists across the country including AAA’s more than 53 million members—in a meeting with AAA.

Following his speech on energy issues in Cushing, Oklahoma, the President spoke to a representative of the nation’s largest auto club that serves one-in-four American households. As an advocate of motorists nationwide, AAA asked the President questions likely to be foremost in the minds of drivers feeling the pain at the pump.

When asked by AAA to comment on the frustration and confusion that U.S motorists are experiencing with rising gas prices, the President said, “I understand what folks are going through because it wasn’t that long ago that I was having to fill up my gas tank and drive to work, shuttle the kids back and forth to school or events. It takes a big bite out of folks’ paychecks.”

The President went on to say that the U.S. has experienced cyclical gas prices for decades and stressed the importance of America having more control over its own energy security.

AAA also inquired about the role of the President in addressing prices at the pump given the global forces and political tensions abroad that drive the oil and energy markets. The President elaborated on points from his earlier speech, saying, “The most important thing I can do as the President is not to simply focus on tomorrow.

It’s focusing on getting America properly aimed toward our goal of continuing to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.” The President also highlighted the importance of maintaining growth and productivity while further reducing U.S. oil consumption. The president noted that pressure on oil prices in the coming two decades will be difficult to reverse.

Even as a 110-year old organization whose origins date to the earliest days of the motor vehicle, AAA continues to explore new vehicle technologies to offer enhanced and improved services to members. Responding to member interest, AAA began testing a roadside service vehicle capable of providing charging assistance to electric vehicles.

As to public acceptance of new technologies, the President said, “People need to feel confident that when they get into an electric car they’re not going to get stuck. To the extent that we start having both more efficient batteries and distribution capacity, people can feel confident that they’re never going to get stuck, or at least not any more stuck than they do when they forget to fill up and then call AAA.”

The President also shared insight about the role of alternative-fuel vehicles as a possible solution to current high fuel costs. President Obama noted that fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks have doubled, which will result in fewer trips to the gas station and a savings for the average family of about $8,000 over the life of the car.

As to the future, the president is optimistic. “If we unleash American creativity, if we properly incentivize people to think about fuel economy as part of overall design, Americans can make great cars.”

While he is no longer able to do his own driving, AAA couldn’t pass up the opportunity to ask President Obama about his first car. Noting he had been AAA member for years, he said, “I have to confess, my first car was my grandfather’s car, which was a Ford Granada.

It rattled and it shook, and I don’t think the girls were particularly impressed when I came to pick them up in a Ford Granada. But you know what? It moved, and so I have fond memories of the fact that it got me to where I needed to go.”

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Leaders from business, political and religious life are falling desperately short of expectations around the world – with Europeans and Americans the most disillusioned according to a 12-country survey by global communications firm Ketchum. More people globally believe leadership will actually get worse in 2012. Quite startling the report found a 28% gap between expectations of leaders and their delivery against those expectations

The study reveals leadership credibility in 2012 and beyond requires a combination of decisive action and honest, transparent communication – most effectively achieved through a leader’s personal presence and involvement.

“Our study reveals for the first time the full extent of the world’s disappointment with its leaders across every category of human endeavor,” said Rod Cartwright, Director of Ketchum’s Global Corporate Practice. “What is clear is that effective leadership and effective communication are inextricably linked

Perhaps unexpectedly, the Ketchum Leadership Communication Monitor found that business leaders were seen as the most effective over the past year – beating politicians, not-for-profit bosses and even religious leaders. More than a third of respondents said they were more confident in business leaders than a year ago, with 36% viewing business as providing effective leadership (receiving an “excellent” rating of 8 or above on a scale of 0-10) and 48% seeing them as effective communicators.

This compared with just 25% of politicians and religious leaders, who achieved the same “excellent” rating. Although expectations of politicians to provide effective leadership in difficult times were higher than any other group (63%), they suffered the lowest vote of confidence, with 47% expecting worse political leadership in 2012.

Within the business community, knowledge-based industries were perceived as having the most effective bosses. Ranked highest on leadership effectiveness was technology, with a 44% approval rating, followed by media (39%) and telecommunications (36%). Banking chiefs came in fourth overall in the poll worldwide with 32%. The energy sector and financial services leaders were ranked fifth (31%) and sixth (30%) respectively. Consumer business leaders lagged far behind on leadership, with consumer packaged goods placed lowest at 20%.

Perhaps most significant for the business community, the research underlines a direct link between positive perceptions of leadership and business-critical decisions such as a willingness to buy stock, goods and services or recommend working at a company. This explains crisis response being seen as the most important area for business leaders to communicate personally (53%), followed by financial results (48%) and the state of the business (40%).

Clear, transparent communication topped the table of key leadership behaviors. For 84%, effective communication is extremely important to strong leadership, while 48% rated it as the number one factor. However, action matters – with tough decision-making, leading by example and calm crisis-handling following immediately behind.

The study also revealed that globally, the number one action leaders should take to restore confidence in 2012 is to be open and honest about the nature and scale of the challenge ahead (57% US; 52% Europe vs. 43% China). By contrast, only 17% indicated a preference for leaders to spare them the full picture to avoid panic.

Trustworthiness was seen as the number one source of leadership credibility for corporations, placed above quality of management and financial strength. In order to win that trust, the report found that the personal “presence” and involvement of a leader in communicating was vital. As a result, communication via face-to-face and traditional media left social media trailing. Face-to-face contact provided the greatest source of leadership credibility (50%), followed by televised speeches (43%), broadcast media (41%) and print media (38%). Digital platforms and social media were well off pace, with blogs at 20%, Facebook at 16%, advertising at 13% and Twitter at just 8%.

Cartwright said: “It is clear that mainstream media still carries a great deal of credibility. When it comes to digital and social media, the message is that most people don’t believe that the leader is actually involved. This doesn’t mean we should conclude that these channels are redundant as a vehicle for establishing credible leadership – quite the contrary. Rather, it underlines the absolute imperative of making the ‘presence’ of the leader shine through.”

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North Korea has recently struck a deal with the United States to denuclearize their state in exchange for food. The deal was decided and agreed upon in Beijing last week but made public only yesterday.

Under its terms, North Korea will halt uranium enrichment and long-range missile tests and also let overseers screen the state’s main Yongbyon nuclear complex. Not all nuclear devices have been deactivated, however, as the short-range No Dong missiles that pose a threat and hazard to South Korea and Japan were not incorporated into the deal.

Also under this agreement, the US will give North Korea 240,000 tonnes of food to a drained population. Many analysts have speculated that this food is primarily to help ease the diplomatic relations between the two countries, and have said that the food is the least significant part of the deal. North Korea, however, has recently experienced the most frigid winter it has dealt with in 65 years which resulted in a depletion of much of the country’s food supply, and the food comes as a great relief to the nation.

The deal comes as a step towards reconciliation between North Korea and the US. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, however, understated the agreement’s power and meaning, calling it a “modest first step.” She went on to say that Washington still has apprehensions towards North Korea, especially when considering its past actions.

The agreement had been in the works for a while, before last year being put to a grinding halt by Kim Jong-Il’s death. And just two months into his successors reign, the deal has already been deemed acceptable by North Korea.

Some political analysts, like Narushige Michishita, an associate professor at Tokyo’s National Graduate Institute of Policy Studies who has been watching North Korea for some time now, think this deal will give Obama a strategic edge in the coming election. The uranium enrichment program would have created the fuel required for one to two nuclear warheads each year if not kept under a close eye. The breakthrough definitely gives Obama the upper hand when it comes to foreign policy, and may perhaps prove to be what clinches this next election.

North Korea’s plutonium program, originally supposed to be ended with the uranium program, was not included in North Korea’s announcement earlier. Though there is thought to be enough to make a handful of warheads, it is of less importance than the uranium program.

Many consider the deal a bigger step than the last one from 1999. As of this time, though, just where this deal will lead North Korea, and Obama, remains unclear.

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LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – called the reported decision by the Obama Administration to block permitting for Keystone XL pipeline “politics at its worst.”

Last fall the Administration delayed consideration of a permit for the pipeline until after the 2012 elections. On January 18, in response to Congressional legislation requiring a 60-day decision, the Administration reportedly denied a permit.

“The score is Job-Killers, two; American workers, zero. We are completely and totally disappointed. This is politics at its worst,” LIUNA General President Terry O’Sullivan said. “Once again the President has sided with environmentalists instead of blue collar construction workers – even though environmental concerns were more than adequately addressed. Blue collar construction workers across the U.S. will not forget this.”

The project would create thousands of jobs at a time when unemployment in the construction industry is 16 percent with 1.3 million men and women jobless.

Environmental groups have cited the Keystone XL toward the argument against global warming. But proponents argue the pipeline would carry up to 900,000 barrels of oil a day from Canada’s Tar Sands to the U.S., reducing reliance on oil from hostile nations.

While environmental groups decry Tar Sands development, the Canadian government and Trans-Canada, the company developing the Tar Sands, have made clear the oil will be developed – and possibly sold to China – regardless of whether Keystone XL is built.

Some experts believe the project would be the safest ever constructed. Design included 21,000 sensors, monitored by satellites to immediately detect leaks and automatically stop the flow of oil. In addition, a revised route alleviated concerns in Nebraska over the project crossing water resources. Overall, the pipeline has undergone more than 1,100 days of governmental review.

“The Administration and environmentalists have blown the whistle on workers trying to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads,” said O’Sullivan. “Instead of celebrating their victory by hugging a tree they should hug a jobless construction worker because they’re the ones who are going to need it.”

Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/LaborersInternationalUnionofNorthAmerica

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The Postal Service and two of its major unions have agreed to extend separate labor contract negotiations until January 20, 2012. Contracts with the National Association of Letter Carriers and the National Postal Mail Handlers Union expired at midnight Sunday, November 20, 2011.

The extension will allow the parties to continue to work on the important economic, health care, workplace, and other contractual issues being discussed. The NALC represents more than 195,000 employees who work as letter carriers delivering mail primarily in urban areas. The NPMHU represents more than 46,000 employees who work in mail processing plants and post offices.

Respectively, wages and benefits for NALC- and NPMHU-represented employees exceeded $15.7 billion and $3.5 billion last year. Should negotiations fail, a process begins which could result in a third party determining contract terms and work rules for more than 240,000 employees.

Unlike the private sector, when negotiations come to an impasse, postal employees are not permitted to strike as Congress has designated the Postal Service as an essential service to the nation. An arbitrator determines the final outcome and is not legally required to consider the Postal Service’s financial obligations when rendering a decision.

A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 150 million residences, businesses, and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund its operations.

With 32,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, usps.com, the Postal Service has an annual revenue of more than $67 billion and delivers nearly 40 percent of the world’s mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 29th in the 2010 Fortune 500.

Black Enterprise and Hispanic Business magazines ranked the Postal Service as a leader in workforce diversity. The Postal Service has been named the Most Trusted Government Agency six consecutive years and the sixth Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute.

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The Gas Company (TGC), Hawaii’s clean gas energy provider, is now producing renewable natural gas (RNG) for Hawaii. The Gas Company is transforming non-food-grade oils and fats into clean, reliable gas and biofuels at its renewable natural gas pilot plant in West Oahu.

The renewable natural gas plant is capable of processing up to one million gallons of feedstock per year, and it is designed to allow for expansion to accommodate increasing demand and feedstock supply availability. The facility was designed in association with Primoris Renewables, a leading innovator in renewable energy technology, and is located on the premises of TGC’s synthetic natural gas (SNG) manufacturing plant in Oahu’s Campbell Industrial Park.

The Hawaii Renewable Energy Development Venture, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, awarded a $1 million grant to The Gas Company to support the RNG plant demonstration. No tax credit or further taxpayer support is required for the project. ”The production of renewable natural gas is a major milestone that will allow us to provide sustainable energy from local agricultural products that were previously discarded or shipped out of state,” said TGC’s president and CEO, Jeffrey Kissel.

The Gas Company is working with companies in Hawaii to purchase locally produced, sustainable non-food-grade oils and fats for the production of renewable natural gas. Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie participated in today’s dedication of the RNG plant.

“Hawaii’s clean energy industry is becoming a test bed for clean technologies because of our rich portfolio of renewable energy sources and strong partnerships,” he said. “Our state government has put in place the most aggressive clean energy policy in the nation, and The Gas Company’s renewable natural gas pilot plant is a prime example of how Hawaii is investing in itself rather than exporting its dollars elsewhere.”

Because Hawaii relies on imported petroleum for approximately 90 percent of its energy – more than twice as much as any other state – Hawaii’s state government launched the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative in 2008, calling for 70 percent clean energy by 2030. The Gas Company is working toward producing half of its gas from renewable and sustainable sources.

The new facility transforms fats and oils in a process that uses the heat from its existing gas production facilities, surplus hydrogen, and steam to produce renewable natural gas and biofuels.

The renewable natural gas and biofuels that the RNG pilot plant produces will be incorporated into The Gas Company’s existing manufacturing and distribution operations. Renewable natural gas will displace gas produced from petroleum and will be distributed through The Gas Company’s 1,100-mile Oahu pipeline network. The cost for renewable natural gas should be the same as, or less, than gas produced from current sources without relying on taxpayer subsidy.

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On December 19, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) praised Senator Scott Brown for his support for the first comprehensive lung cancer legislation now pending action in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act, S. 752 and H.R. 1394, is a bicameral, bipartisan call to action on the leading cause of cancer death.  Senator John Kerry is one of the primary sponsors of the Senate bill that was introduced earlier this year. Other supporters from the Massachusetts congressional delegation include Congressman Barney Frank, Stephen Lynch, John Olver and John Tierney.

Lung Cancer Alliance’s President & CEO Laurie Fenton-Ambrose said, “We are thrilled to see this strong bi-partisan recognition of the urgent need to have a better plan of action to address all aspects of lung cancer which we hope will continue to grow and include all members of the Massachusetts delegation.”

Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, nationally and in every ethnic group. According the National Cancer Institute estimates, this year, in Massachusetts more people will die of lung cancer – 3,490 – more than the combined total of deaths due to breast cancer (760), colon cancer (980) and prostate cancer (640).

Diane Legg, LCA-New England Co-Director said, “As a seven year survivor of lung cancer, it is reassuring to know that our elected leaders have heard our stories, have become better educated about the disease and have become proponents of a call to action that would put life-saving, cost-saving, cancer reducing benefits in motion.”

Rich Monopoli, LCA-New England Co-Director said, “Sadly, the impact of lung cancer goes beyond epidemic yet few people even know that today 80% of lung cancer patients have never smoked or had already quit, often decades ago.  That is why support for a more coordinated and comprehensive plan for this disease is so important – as it will help reduce lung cancer’s stigma and reverse decades of neglect.

The Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act is win-win for all and I am hopeful that the entire Massachusettsdelegation and their New England colleagues will join our call to action.” LCA has been building a network of support for the call to action which includes leading research, veterans, and minority health and labor organizations.

The legislation, H.R. 1394 in the House and S. 752 in the Senate, calls for the Departments of Health and Human Services, Defense and Affairs to develop a coordinated research, prevention, early detection and treatment effort with the specific goal of cutting lung cancer mortality in half by the end of the decade.

Lung Cancer Alliance is the only national non-profit dedicated to providing support and advocacy for those living with or at risk for lung cancer.  LCA is committed to reversing decades of stigma and neglect by empowering those with or at risk for lung cancer, elevating awareness and changing health policy at both the federal and state level. For more information visit: www.lungcanceralliance.org.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.flickr.com/photos/massgovernor/

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A federal bill introduced Friday December 16 to protect school children from dangerous, and sometimes deadly, restraint and seclusion practices has the support of the National Autism Association (NAA). The “Keeping All Students Safe Act”, introduced by Senator Tom Harkin, provides long-overdue protections to students across the country by prohibiting restraint and seclusion techniques that compromise health and safety.

It’s estimated that over the last five years, more than 200 students, many with disabilities, have died due to seclusion and restraints being used in schools. A 2009 Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation reported that thousands of students have been physically injured and emotionally traumatized as the result of restraint and seclusion in public schools, and noted specific cases where students died from “mechanical compression to the chest,” or “smothering.”

The study outlined a sampling of other cases, including one schoolchild who died from hanging himself in a seclusion room, a four-year-old girl who was tied to a chair and abused, five children who were duct-taped to their desks, and a ten-year-old boy who was put in a seclusion room “75 times over a 6-month period for hours at a time for offenses such as whistling, slouching and hand-waving.”

“Students with autism and other disabilities are at significant risk for regression, emotional trauma, injury and death as a result of these harmful practices,” states NAA President Wendy Fournier. “Aversive interventions, restraint, and seclusion carry no therapeutic value, and basic protections are a must. We applaud Senator Harkin for introducing this critical piece of legislation.”

Specifically, the Keeping All Students Safe Act would:

Prohibit aversive behavioral interventions that compromise health and safety.

Prohibit physical restraint that is life threatening, including physical restraint that restricts breathing.

Prohibit physical restraint if contraindicated based on the student’s disability, health care needs, or medical or psychiatric condition.

Prohibit the use of seclusions and/or restraints in a student’s Individual Education Plan or any other behavioral plan.

Prohibit seclusion in locked and unattended rooms or enclosures.

Call for states to collect data on the occurrence of seclusions and restraints.

Call for schools to conduct a debriefing with parents and staff after a restraint is used and plan for positive behavioral interventions that will prevent the use of restraints with the student in the future.

Establish a state grant program to enhance the States’ ability to promote, within its LEAs, preventative programming and training for school personnel

To read the 2009 GAO report, visit http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09719t.pdf. To learn more about restraint and seclusion prevention, visit http://tash.org/tash-offers-free-parent-guide-on-restraint-and-seclusion-’shouldn’t-school-be-safe’/  or http://www.autismsafety.org/.

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The abundance of shale gas resources may spark a U.S. manufacturing renaissance with economic benefits that include cost savings, greater investments to expand U.S. manufacturing facilities and increased levels of employment, according to a new report released December 14 by PwC titled, Shale Gas: A renaissance in US manufacturing? .

To achieve these results, however, PwC says that manufacturers must help manage the environmental, regulatory and tax concerns created by shale gas resources.

PwC expects an estimated $11.6 billion in cost savings by 2025 by combining recent natural gas consumption levels with potential natural gas prices under high shale recovery scenarios. Additionally, manufacturing employment could increase by approximately one million workers by 2025 in high shale recovery scenarios.

“An underappreciated part of the shale gas story is the substantial cost benefits that could become available to manufacturers based upon estimates of future natural gas prices as more shale gas is recovered,” said Bob McCutcheon, U.S. industrial products leader, PwC .

He continued, “In fact, the number of U.S. chemicals, metals and industrial manufacturing companies that disclosed shale gas potential and its impact so far in 2011 easily surpassed that of the last three years combined, indicating this is of growing importance in the outlook of U.S. manufacturers.

The significant uptick in shale gas commentary among the manufacturing community reflects the positive influence that shale gas is having from investment, operational and demand standpoints.”

Resulting from production of a stable supply of shale gas, manufacturing industries are able to lower feedstock and energy costs, and are looking to shale gas as a source of growth for their own products. For example, companies that sell goods such as metal tubular products, drilling and power generation equipment should experience a near-term growth in sales as domestic natural gas production rates move higher.

“Manufacturers and communities throughout the country are beginning to see and recognize the real economic benefits of shale gas,” said National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Shale gas development is a bright spot in our economy and it has the potential to boost manufacturing employment by one million jobs, which are badly needed.”

Shale gas has already contributed to greater manufacturing investments in the U.S., particularly with chemical companies seeking cost advantages by using cheaper ethane, a natural gas liquid derived from shale gas, differentiating themselves from foreign competitors who rely more on oil-based naphtha.

Manufacturers outside the chemical industry have also announced expansion plans due to incremental energy resources, and plan on making investments in the U.S. based upon the opportunity to sell equipment for shale gas plays, according to PwC.

The relatively inexpensive and stable long-term source of natural gas is helping manufacturing companies expand and open more facilities in the U.S., presenting an opportunity to create more jobs in the industry.

“Lower natural gas prices resulting from incremental shale gas production have the potential to add over one million manufacturing jobs in the U.S. by 2025. The expectation of the new shale gas resource providing a significant long-term boost to move the U.S. manufacturing employment needle shines a light across the nation amid the current labor market woes,” added McCutcheon.

Environmental and regulatory concerns of shale gas resources include the rapid decline in production rates for shale as compared to conventional gas, which requires drilling more new wells to offset decline in existing wells. Also, there is a need to build out infrastructure in regions that haven’t already produced significant amounts of natural gas.

“The economic benefits to U.S. manufacturers can’t happen if shale gas is not extracted in a profitable and safe manner. To achieve these significant outcomes, manufacturing companies must effectively communicate the value that shale gas can create for U.S. workers and communities,” concluded McCutcheon.

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Dr. Feiz & Associates supports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to investigate and take action against misleading advertising for the LAP BAND , an FDA-approved medical implant used for weight loss. The FDA issued warning letters to several southern California entities that have allegedly misled the public regarding the possible risks of the LAP BAND procedure.

The LAP BAND is an adjustable gastric restrictive device that has been proven to be an effective tool in aiding weight loss. However, the LAP BAND should be viewed as one of many components that comprise a broader, comprehensive treatment plan , like the one offered by Dr. Feiz & Associates. A safe and successful treatment plan for morbid obesity requires meticulous patient selection (as not all surgical procedures are suitable for all patients), as well as life-long follow-up of the patients health and success.

Surgeons have an obligation to consult with patients and inform them about possible side-effects and contraindications associated with LAP BAND surgery. Moreover, it is the duty of the program to inform patients not just about the risks and benefits of the LAP BAND, but also about all possible treatments.

These include non-surgical and behavioral treatments, as well as surgical treatments such as the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic gastric bypass , in addition to the LAP BAND. This is in keeping with the fundamental guiding philosophy of Dr. Feiz & Associates. Without a thorough education about all the various options, a patient cannot possibly make an informed decision on the safest and healthiest course of action.

The FDA’s commendable decision to take action underscores the need for patients to seek LAP BAND surgery and other treatment options only with well trained and qualified surgeons who are Fellowship trained in the field of Bariatric Surgery and accredited by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The simple truth is this: LAP BAND surgery can be a safe procedure, but only when performed by qualified and responsible medical professionals.

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New Hampshire leaders from the business, military, faith, and non-profit communities came together for a town hall meeting with Republican Presidential campaigns on America’s role in the world and the importance of development and diplomacy, alongside defense, to our security and prosperity.

Hosted by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College, and honorary host Senator John E. Sununu , Four Star General Anthony Zinni , USMC (Ret.), former Commander in Chief of U.S. Central Command, began the town hall by stressing how critical economic development programs and fighting global poverty are to our national security.

“American engagement has always been indispensable, and never more so than today,” General Zinni said.  “That is why the citizens of New Hampshire must call on all the candidates for President of the United States to embrace a smart power strategy that invests in all the tools of our foreign policy, including development and diplomacy, to keep us safe.”

Following General Zinni’s address, WMUR’s Tom Griffith moderated a panel of high-level surrogates for Republican Presidential campaigns:  Paul Bonicelli for Governor Perry; former Executive Councilor and State Representative Bill Cahill for Senator Santorum; former U.S. Senator Norm Coleman for Governor Romney; State Senator Jim Forsythe for Congressman Paul; former Reagan National Security Advisor Bud McFarlane for Speaker Gingrich; and, Randy Schriver for Governor Huntsman.

“I have seen firsthand that strategic investments in U.S. global leadership are among the most efficient and effective ways to keep us safe and create jobs,” said Steve Duprey , CEO of Duprey Service Company. “It is my hope that our nation’s leaders, whether they represent New Hampshire in Congress or are running for President, will see the value as well.”

“New Hampshire residents will play a critical role in selecting the next President of the United States, and they have called on elected leaders to support our development and diplomacy programs to keep us safe and create jobs,” said USGLC Executive Director Liz Schrayer . “With just weeks to go before ballots are cast, we call on all Presidential candidates to stand up for a smart power approach to U.S. foreign policy.”

Image Courtesy of   http://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/

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A survey comparing the rates of hotel rooms in Indianapolis over the ‘Big Game’ weekend has just been completed by CheapHotels.org, and the news is disheartening for diehard football fans and non-sports-fanatic Indy visitors alike this upcoming February. Hotels in and around Indianapolis are jacking up their rates as much as 2000% over their regular prices.

What is enabling them to get away with this ploy? Blame it on a scarcity of rooms. Indeed, most hotel rooms in Indianapolis for the ‘Big Game’ weekend were already booked solid a full year in advance of the big game. This inability to snag a place to stay is attributable to hotels blocking off 18,300 hotel rooms in 141 hotels in and around Indianapolis for the National Football League.

A few hotel rooms are still available in the near vicinity, but that convenience will come at a hefty price. Case in point is the Quality Inn & Suites. This 2-star hotel situated about 9 miles from downtown Indianapolis normally goes for $60 a night. Come early February, however, the no-frills establishment is charging $1000 per night, a 1500%-rate hike.

Those who are thinking they’ll slum it and go budget for the weekend might want to think again. At the Knights Inn Indianapolis Airport, where a room is normally priced at $39, they can expect to pay a whopping $800, nearly 2000% more than they usually would.

Alternatively, they can give up the convenience of the city altogether. The cheapest rate still available in the wider vicinity is the Quality Inn in Noblesville. Located about 20 miles from downtown Indianapolis, rooms there are listed at $300 (versus the usual $100).

To score a room for under $150 per night, Indy visitors will have to settle for driving more than an hour outside the city. Although the rates are still being doubled there over the ‘Big Game’ weekend, in Bloomington and Lafayette, such prices are available. And if one wants to avoid super-jacked-up prices altogether? Think a 90-mile radius out from city center. Terre Haute and Richmond, both on that outer circumference, are the closest locales offering rooms at regular prices.

Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/colts

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On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States, according to findings released December 14 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over the course of a year, that equals more than 12 million women and men. Those numbers only tell part of the story – more than 1 million women reported being raped in a year and over 6 million women and men were victims of stalking in a year, the report says.

“This landmark report paints a clear picture of the devastating impact these violent acts have on the lives of millions of Americans,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “The information collected in this ongoing survey will serve as a vital tool in the Administration’s efforts to combat domestic violence and sexual abuse. And the report underscores the importance of ourAdministration’s work to combat domestic violence and sexual assault.”

The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, or NISVS, is one of CDC’s latest public health surveillance systems and is designed to better describe and monitor the magnitude of sexual violence, stalking and intimate partner violence victimization in the United States. It is the first survey of its kind to provide simultaneous national and state-level prevalence estimates of violence for all states. Launched in 2010, NISVS also provides data on several types of violence that have not previously been measured in a national population-based survey.

“This report highlights the heavy toll that sexual violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence places on adults in this country. These forms of violence take the largest toll on women, who are more likely to report immediate impacts and long-term health problems caused by their victimization,” said Linda C. Degutis, Dr.P.H., M.S.N., director of CDC′s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. “Much victimization begins early in life, but the consequences can last a lifetime.”

The report findings also underscore violence as a major public health burden and demonstrate how violence can have impacts that last a lifetime. For instance, the findings indicate female victims of violence had a significantly higher prevalence of long-term health problems, including irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, frequent headaches, chronic pain, and difficulty sleeping. And nearly twice as many women who were victims of violence reported having asthma, compared to women who did not report violence victimization.

“The health problems caused by violence remind us of the importance of prevention,” said Howard Spivak, M.D., director of the Division of Violence Prevention in CDC’s Injury Center. “In addition to intervening and providing services, prevention efforts need to start earlier in life, with the ultimate goal of preventing all of these types of violence before they start.”

NISVS provides data that can help inform policies and programs aimed at preventing violence as well as addressing the specific information needs of state and national governmental and nongovernmental organizations, while providing an initial benchmark for tracking the effectiveness of prevention efforts.

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The Coalition for U.S.-Russia Trade, comprised to date of more than 70 business associations, companies and agricultural groups, including  the National Association of Manufacturers and the American Farm Bureau Federation, welcomed the announcement made by the WTO’s Ministerial Conference in Geneva to formally invite Russia to become a member of the global rules-based body.

The Coalition’s task now is to work with the U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration to pass necessary legislation that makes Russia’s market concessions fully available to U.S. business and agriculture.

“Russia is the 11th largest economy in the world, yet it is still not bound by the international principles and standards of the WTO.  Today’s invitation brings Russia one step closer to abiding by and adhering to global rules.

We applaud the negotiators from the United States, Russia and other WTO members, without whose dedication and hard work this historic moment would not have been possible,” said Edward Verona, President and CEO of the U.S.-Russia Business Council (USRBC), the Washington, D.C.-based trade association that serves as Secretariat of the Coalition for U.S.-Russia Trade.

“The terms of Russia’s WTO accession agreement will provide businesses in the United States the opportunity to operate with greater transparency and predictability in the Russian market – but only once the U.S. Congress graduates Russia from the Jackson-Vanik amendment and extends Russia Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR),” Verona added.

Russia’s WTO membership agreement stipulates that the Russian government must ratify the accession package by June 15, 2012.  Once the agreement is approved by Russia’s legislature and signed by the Russian President, the Russian government will notify the WTO of its approval, and 30 days later Russia will officially become a member of the WTO.

For now, the Obama Administration has invoked what is known as “non-application,” notifying the WTO that the United States cannot yet offer Russia immediate and unconditional free trade status, as WTO rules require.  Thus, Russia is not obligated to grant U.S. business and agriculture full rights to the wide range of concessions it made to become a WTO member.

Thus, while the achievement of a high-standards deal on Russia’s accession is cause for celebration, the U.S. business and agricultural communities realize their work is not done.

“We now need to help Congress understand that, without Russia PNTR, the U.S. private sector is going to miss out on growing export and investment opportunities in Russia that will create and sustain jobs here in the United States,” said Randi Levinas, Executive Director of the Coalition and Executive Vice President of the USRBC.

“The Jackson-Vanik amendment no longer provides us with leverage in our relationship with Russia.  It now stands only as an impediment for U.S. economic interests. We will be working hard in the coming months with the Congressional leadership, the committees of jurisdiction and the Administration so that U.S. interests can take full advantage of Russia’s accession in a timely fashion.

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As the national news media continues to focus on the Sandusky and Syracuse child abuse allegations, a coalition of national experts applauded a bill introduced this week by U.S. Senators.

John Kerry (D-MA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and U.S. Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and Joseph Crowley (D-NY), who were joined by ten members of the House Ways and Means Committee, proposed a bill that could make a significant impact towards reducing fatalities resulting from child abuse and neglect, and make improvements throughout the child welfare system.

More than seven children die from abuse and neglect every day in America – some 2,500 a year – reflecting the estimated 50 percent undercounting in the officially estimated figure of 1,560. A child is abused or neglected every 36 seconds in the United States, yet only 40 percent of abused children with substantiated cases receive services, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Representatives of the National Coalition to End Child Abuse Deaths (NCECAD) expressed concern that the current national media attention being paid to the Sandusky and Syracuse child abuse allegations would not create the needed additional pressure on Congress to deal with wider child death and abuse problems.

Such focused attention on specific abuse cases often obscures the need for wider attention to the problem, according to the NCECAD experts. Pointing to the need for multi-faced solutions, NCECAD members applauded the recently introduced Protect Our Kids Act, which would establish a commission to study and evaluate federal, state, and local public and private child welfare systems.

Protect Our Kids would also develop a national strategy and recommendations for preventing child abuse and reducing fatalities resulting from child abuse and neglect.  The full text of the legislation is available online at www.endchildabusedeaths.org.

Kimberly Day, spokesperson for the National Coalition to End Child Abuse Deaths, said:  ”It is important that the media is covering the most recent high profile and horrific child sexual abuse cases, but it is also important that the public understand that what they are hearing is only part of a larger problem of child abuse and neglect in the United States.

The proposed bill will provide a national strategy for improving our child protection system by recommending practices that protect children and prevent abuse and neglect”. ”This legislation in an important step that Congress and our nation need to take in order to better protect our children from abuse and neglect,” said Senator Collins.

“This is not a Democratic or Republican issue – this is an American issue – one that we can’t wish away, but that we must face head on and work to eradicate. Our legislation would establish a commission to develop a comprehensive national strategy for reducing child abuse fatalities.  An increased understanding and awareness of child abuse and neglect can lead to improvement in agency systems and practices and help prevent future child abuse fatalities.”

Rep. Doggett, ranking member of the Human Resources Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over this issue stated, ”Addressing this ongoing tragedy requires a better understanding of the causes of abuse and neglect and a determination of the most effective steps to prevent maltreatment. This bipartisan commission offers a way to develop a more coordinated, national response.”

“As a father to three young kids, it breaks my heart to hear the thousands of stories of children suffering from abuse or neglect every day. What’s worse is the alarming number of children who die each year from mistreatment. The simple fact is, even one child’s death from abuse, neglect or maltreatment is one too many,” said Rep. Crowley.

“This is an issue of grave concern and one that deserves a national focus. That’s why I’m proud to fight alongside tireless advocates like the National Coalition to End Child Abuse Deaths, and I am glad to have worked with them and my colleagues in creating legislation that will help determine how we as a nation can better protect our children.”

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As the holidays approach and most people look forward to taking time off from work to spend with their families, millions of older adults are asking for one important gift this year – a job.

New data from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) shows that older workers employed through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provide exceptional skills, productivity, and experience to employers looking to fill temporary and part-time positions. At the same time, SCSEP helps older workers gain critical skills that can lead to permanent employment.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Labor, NCOA’s SCSEP program matches eligible older Americans aged 55+ with training and part-time jobs for community service organizations through 27 offices in 11 states. In the 2010-11 program year, over 6,000 older adults were served by NCOA, providing over 4 million hours of community service. Upon completion of the training program, 62.4% of participants were placed into permanent employment.

On average, older adults employed through NCOA’s SCSEP program earned over $7,200, which, when combined with other benefits, served as a lifeline for these struggling older adults, many of whom are one step away from economic crisis.

According to a report released earlier this year by the Congressional Research Service, once they have lost a job, one out of eight (12%) older Americans are more likely than any other age group to remain out of work for 99 weeks or more. Many have spent almost two years looking for work, considerably higher than the 6% figure among unemployed workers under age 35.  Additional data comes from a recent AARP report on unemployment, found here.

“New data released December 15 by the U.S. Labor Department shows the unemployment rate dropping in the U.S. and while this is great new, it’s not necessarily true for older workers,” said Sandra Nathan, senior vice president for economic security at NCOA. “Thousands of older adults are still seeking employment today.

Their skills and experience can be a welcome addition to employers struggling to find qualified applicants, and we hope to connect thousands more mature workers with employers in 2012.”

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“Progress in preventing HIV in the United States will be set back, while little will be done to provide additional care and treatment to people already living with HIV/AIDS in our country,” said Carl Schmid, Deputy Executive Director of The AIDS Institute, commenting on the final Fiscal Year 2012 spending bill to be voted on by Congress on December 16.

“This is especially disappointing in light of the optimism expressed by national and global leaders just two weeks ago on World AIDS Day,” he continued.

At the insistence of the House of Representatives, the bill would reinstate a federal funding ban of syringe exchange programs, a scientifically proven method to prevent HIV and other blood borne infections, while not increasing drug use. Additionally, the bill would resurrect failed abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, but only at a minimal level of $5 million.

Despite an estimated 50,000 new HIV infections each year and over 240,000 people unaware of their infection, funding for HIV prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would be cut by $10 million. Surprisingly, this cut would be to its school health HIV program. The CDC reports that young people aged 13–29 accounted for 39% of all new HIV infections in 2009.

The bill flat funds the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program except for a $15 million increase, originally proposed by the Senate, for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). The Ryan White Program provides care and treatment to over 550,000 low-income people with HIV/AIDS. According to NASTAD, there are currently 4,155 people in 12 states on ADAP waiting lists and over 445 people in six states who have been disenrolled from the program due to budget constraints and growing enrollment.

On World AIDS Day, President Obama, recognizing the need for additional funding for both care and treatment for low income people with HIV/AIDS in the U.S., announced $50 million in additional funds for the Ryan White Program. As part of that announcement, ADAP would receive an additional $35 million. While it is not known yet how the funds will be distributed, taken together, the $50 million in new ADAP money could eliminate the ADAP wait lists if it is distributed to the wait list states.

“We are extremely grateful to both President Obama and the Congress for continuing to recognize the importance of providing medications to people with HIV/AIDS and the serious funding gap for ADAP,” commented Michael Ruppal, Executive Director of The AIDS Institute. “While it is far from enough to meet the growing need, these increases are a very positive development.”

According to HRSA data, the number of ADAP clients served nationally has grown an astounding 40 percent from FY07-CY10. Under the bill, funding for medical research at the National Institutes of Health would increase by $299 million.

The final bill, which is a product of negotiation between the House and the Senate, is far better than the one introduced earlier this year by House Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Denny Rehberg.

That bill would have decimated the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program by cutting its budget from $105 million to $20 million, eliminate all Title X spending, and the entire Prevention and Public Health Fund. Additionally it would have prevented implementation of much of the Affordable Care Act. The bill also includes an across the board 0.189 percent cut, meaning all programs are subject to being cut even further

Jose Gil / Shutterstock.com

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A study published Thursday December 15 by the American Journal of Public Health provides some of the strongest evidence yet that tobacco prevention and cessation programs not only reduce smoking and save lives, but also save money by reducing tobacco-related health care costs.

The study found that from 2000 to 2009, Washington state’s tobacco prevention and cessation program saved more than $5 for every $1 spent by reducing hospitalizations for heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and cancer caused by tobacco use.  Over the 10-year period, the program prevented nearly 36,000 hospitalizations, saving $1.5 billion compared to $260 million spent on the program.  These are real savings in tobacco-related hospitalization costs from 2000 to 2009, not projected savings in future health care costs.

According to the study’s authors, the total savings are even greater when other tobacco-related health and productivity costs are included, in addition to the hospitalization costs. The study further found that Washington’s smoke-free workplace law and the state’s multiple cigarette tax increases also contributed to smoking declines and health care savings.

This study sends a powerful message to the nation’s elected officials that disease prevention initiatives, including programs that prevent kids from smoking and help smokers quit, are essential to improving health and reducing health care costs in the United States. It comes at a critical time as funding for such programs is under attack at both the federal and state levels.

The study shows why Congress should protect the Prevention and Public Health Fund created by the health care reform law rather than slash funding by as much as 68 percent, as some lawmakers have proposed. The prevention fund is a vital source of support for tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, including state and community grants, telephone quitlines to help smokers quit, and media campaigns to discourage kids from smoking and encourage smokers to quit.

The new Washington study provides concrete evidence that investing in prevention can pay tremendous dividends by reducing the very diseases that cost the most to treat. Cutting the prevention fund would be a fiscally irresponsible step backward that would increase health care costs.

This study also underscores how penny-wise and pound-foolish the states have been in shortchanging tobacco prevention and cessation programs. In the current budget year (Fiscal Year 2012), the states will collect $25.6 billion in revenue from the 1998 state tobacco settlement and tobacco taxes, but will spend only 1.8 percent of it – $456.7 million – on programs to prevent kids from smoking and help smokers quit, according to a recent report by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and other public health organizations.

Despite the growing evidence that these programs save lives and save money, states have cut tobacco prevention funding by 36 percent over the past four years and now provide just 12 percent of the funding recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  It is incomprehensible given Washington’s success that the state has virtually eliminated funding for its tobacco prevention and cessation program this year.

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, killing more than 400,000 people and costing the nation $193 billion a year in health care bills and lost productivity. The new Washington study confirms that tobacco prevention works to save lives and money.  It makes no sense for elected officials to shortchange programs that are proven to reduce health care costs and save money for taxpayers.

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What do the U.S. Postal Service and Santa Claus have in common? Neither rain nor snow nor heat nor gloom of night will keep them from delivering dreams this holiday season. December 1 marked the start of the Postal Service’s annual “Letters to Santa” program, a campaign that’s helped fulfill the holiday wishes of children and their families for nearly a century.

“Letters to Santa” is an annual letter-writing program through which members of the public and charitable organizations respond to children’s letters addressed to Santa Claus, the North Pole and other seasonal characters. To announce that the letter adoption period has begun, a ceremony was held today at New York City’s Operation Santa command center at the iconic James A. Farley building with a special appearance by Santa Claus.

“We are delighted to once again kick off the holiday mailing season with the start of our annual ‘Letters to Santa program’,” said Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe. “The Postal Service is gearing up for a huge mail delivery to the North Pole to help Santa and his elves get ready for the big day.”

The Postal Service expects to deliver more than 16.5 billion cards, letters and packages between now andNew Years Eve. This year, a postmark of Santa in his sleigh being pulled by six reindeer will appear in the upper right-hand corner of holiday cards and letters.

“While Santa’s been making wishes come true a bit longer than the Postal Service, for more than two centuries he’s relied almost exclusively on postal employees to bring him letters from girls and boys around the country and to help him deliver their presents,” Donahoe said. “For nearly 100 years, the ‘Letters to Santa’ program has made dreams come true for those in need.

This is a time to celebrate how postal employees, charitable organizations, and businesses have made a difference in the lives of children coast to coast.” To learn more about the USPS “Letter to Santa” program or to view a list of participating Post Offices, visit usps.com/2011holidaynews

Visit USPS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usps to learn how USPS can help simplify your holiday shipping needs. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 150 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

With 32,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, usps.com, the Postal Service has annual revenue of more than $65 billion and delivers nearly 40 percent of the world’s mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 29th in the 2010 Fortune 500.

Black Enterprise and Hispanic Business magazines ranked the Postal Service as a leader in workforce diversity. The Postal Service has been named the Most Trusted Government Agency six consecutive years and the sixth Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute.

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The September 11 terrorist attacks brought more than the loss of American lives, they brought considerable impact on internal affairs of the United States. The CIA’s involvement with the NYPD is considered, by many, another stain on the Agency’s long history of scandals.

The CIA has been accused of infiltrating the police department and using its resources to conduct spying operations on a domestic level, mainly targeting the Muslim community in New York City. After a thorough investigation, the Associated Press has published an article revealing the relationship between the Agency and the NYPD in the past ten years.

Work have been done on two main levels. First, a veteran CIA officer was assigned to be in charge of training a police officer who would put into practice new espionage techniques inside the police units. This action allowed the CIA to influence and reorient NYPD towards serving intelligence instead of fulfilling its normal duty as a law enforcement institution.

Secondly, a senior CIA officer was sent to work as a clandestine operative inside the police headquarters, with the main goal of supervising and watching the progression of the project. Bookstores, cafes, bars and nightclubs are some of the public places targeted by the program which consisted of citizens’ surveillance, also referred to in the AP report as “human mapping.”

The same reports said that the NYPD has sent “rakers” into minority neighborhoods to spy and gather data. Police have also used informants, referred to as “mosque crawlers,” to report on religious sermons or gatherings in mosques, even in the absence of suspicious activity.

In his comments on the issue, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, admitted that NYPD is working with the CIA, but defended its practices saying, “If there are threats or leads to follow, then the NYPD’s job is to do it. The law is pretty clear about what’s the requirement and I think they follow the law. We don’t stop to think about the religion. We stop to think about the threats and focus our efforts there.”

In a response to the report, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Muslim civil rights organization, asked the Justice Department for an investigation into the case. CAIR attorney, Gadeir Abbas, believes that “the first amendment protects our right to associate freely with one another.”

“An investigation of a community [rather than of a crime or a particular person] unlawfully chills the rights of persons within that community. Furthermore, the Establishment Clause requires NYPD to maintain neutrality between all religions. Their intelligence unit appears to be failing to maintain that neutrality by institutionalizing suspicion of all things Islamic,” Abbas said.

Police involvement in CIA activities has blurred the lines of domestic and foreign affairs as well as the limits between local and federal jurisdiction.

Some say that the CIA’s dependence on the help of the NYPD is because of the the agency’s inexperience dealing with a domestic environment. The lack of diversity among the CIA’s personnel may also play into its inability to conduct operations independent of the police department. The NYPD has both features; a direct contact with citizens, as well as a culturally and linguistically diverse staff that more easily blends into the community.

Others are questioning why the CIA doesn’t try collaborating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) instead of NYPD. Whatever the reason, the issues surrounding privacy and freedom is not only found in the U.S. Many Arabs are currently fighting against regimes, where spying on citizens is routine. Meanwhile, many New Yorkers are unaware of the spying efforts of the CIA and police department.

Glynnis Jones / Shutterstock.com

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A new study shows that nearly 9% of the American population use illegal drugs, including abuse of prescription drugs and regular use of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens or inhalants. According to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, marijuana was the most popular drug.

There are 17.4 million regular users — amounting to 6.9 percent of the population compared to 5.8 percent in 2007. USNews.com reported that nearly half of kids between 12 and 17 claimed it would be “fairly easy” or “very easy” to acquire marijuana, according to the survey.

In a statement, the US director of national drug control policy, Gil Kerlikowske, called the survey result a sign of “unacceptable levels” in the US. Around 7 million people abused psychotherapeutic drugs (including painkillers and sedatives) last year while 1.2 million used hallucinogens. These levels have been steady in the last few years.

The study was not all bad news. As in previous years, 1.5 million use cocaine but it’s a drop of nearly a million since 2006. Other hard drugs such as Methamphetamine have also  seen a drop in regular users.

What is worrying researcher is the growth in young users — the number of 18 to 25-year-olds who use drug have risen from 19.6% in 2008 to 21.5% in the 2010 survey. The hike is considered to be linked to increased marijuana use and Kerlikowske says to CNN that states who allow medical marijuana could be fueling this development.

“Emerging research reveals potential links between state laws permitting access to smoked medical marijuana and higher rates of marijuana use,” reports CNN. Kerlikowske continues: “I urge every family – but particularly those in states targeted by pro-drug political campaigns – to redouble their efforts to shield young people from serious harm by educating them about the real health and safety consequences caused by illegal drug use.”

Parental control could however prove difficult, as USNews.com reveals how surveyed parents fared pretty bad when it came to guessing their children’s use of drugs or alcohol. In the anonymous survey, 9.5% of parents said their teenagers smoked marijuana while 17% of the teens admitted to their use.

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