http://inthesetimes.com/features/monsanto_dupont_migrant_labor_camp_abuses.html
A new investigative report shows that migrant labor camps have continued to be dangerous working environments for migrant farm workers. Big agricultural corporations such as Monsanto, and smaller scale farmers have used recruiters who provide housing that do not follow any safety or health regulations.
The report discusses violations such as bed bug infestations, no running water and other such violations. When the camps are inspected (which is not very often) there is usually a problem 60 percent of the time.
Such investigation shows little to no change to an investigative piece done by the CBS in the 80s. Unfortunately, I have personally seen these violations. However where does government come in to protect these vulnerable populations? Most of the farm workers are documented and therefore should be under the protection of the government. However, in regards to free market, the poor mainly Latino community that are the migrant farm workers are hardly ever talked about in the government. Under representation for the poor and heavy lobbying done by agricultural companies makes this a hard public policy question. How does government intervene? Should it?
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Germany orders Facebook to stop collecting WhatsApp user data
The German
data protection agency wants to prevent Facebook from forwarding data collected
on WhatsApp to Facebook for the purpose of targeted marketing. Their position
is that it should be the user’s choice to connect his or her WhatsApp account
to Facebook. Facebook’s European headquarters in Ireland have the consequence
that the privacy requirements have to be in accordance with the European law.
Only recently the European Commission discussed about tightening up regulations
concerning privacy and security.
The two
phone applications “Facebook and “WhatsApp” are widely used everywhere in
Europe. Taking advantage of the “monopoly position” in order to increase the
value of the firm, as more successfully targeted advertisement could be shown,
is in my eyes a misuse of data to the expense of the users. Not conducting exactly
this move has been a prerequisite to allow the merger in the first place. Maybe
some people value the personalized advertisement more that the protection of
their data. As this is not the case for everyone it is the least thing that
Facebook should allow the choice and also provide an option to revert an once
made choice.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
America: Clinton and Trump's First Presidential Debate
The two controversial nominees of this presidential run, Clinton and Trump, had ended their first debate on Monday night. Many news outlet around the world have chimed in their opinions about it, many major sources like CNN, CBS News, ABC News, The Economist, and BBC, wrote about how Clinton has won by being prepared for the night and checking facts about her opponent. In my opinion, Trump knew facts about her as well but he wasn't well prepared for a political debate and his answers to the moderator were unsubstantial and weak, including his bizarre long answer about what changed his mind on his questioning Obama's American citizenship. His continual personal attacks on Clinton and cutting her mid-sentence, combined with his comment about her "stamina" for a president did not help his case any better. Despite opportunities to do so, he never hit Clinton on the 2012 Benghazi attacks or Clinton Foundation donors' access to the State Department, and he only briefly mentioned her use of private email server. All of these are at the core of the GOP case that Clinton is untrustworthy. I also think the moderator, NBC journalist Lester Holt, could have been more firm in his questions and the way he stood between Clinton and Trump. I think Trump does not have the power to cut Clinton and Holt mid-sentence and Holt should have been the one guarding the debate in a more substantial direction as opposed to standing on the sidelines as two candidates attacked each other.
I look forward to the next two debates.
I look forward to the next two debates.
Monday, September 26, 2016
China faces policy dilemma as home prices jump in GDP boost
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/19/china-faces-policy-dilemma-as-home-prices-jump-in-gdp-boost.html
Policymakers in China were facing the dilemma of driving growth while preventing the property market from overheating, an economist said Monday as prices in the world's second largest economy jumped in August.
Earlier, the Chinese government introduced measures aimed at boosting home sales to reduce large inventories in an effort to limit an economic slowdown. While the moves have boosted prices in top-tier cities with some spillover in lower-tier cities, there were still concerns of uneven bubbles in the market.
As we know, China is on the way to have negative interest rate, which lead to Chinese residents became more passionately to purchase house property as investment. House property has been playing the most important role in economic growth over decades, the overall value of house property is near 200% of national GDP. And this is one of the reasons why Chinese government is way too conservative to suppress the house market.
In addition, in my opinion, one way to restrict the house bubbles is for government to publish and carry out property tax or housing restriction policy.
Policymakers in China were facing the dilemma of driving growth while preventing the property market from overheating, an economist said Monday as prices in the world's second largest economy jumped in August.
Earlier, the Chinese government introduced measures aimed at boosting home sales to reduce large inventories in an effort to limit an economic slowdown. While the moves have boosted prices in top-tier cities with some spillover in lower-tier cities, there were still concerns of uneven bubbles in the market.
As we know, China is on the way to have negative interest rate, which lead to Chinese residents became more passionately to purchase house property as investment. House property has been playing the most important role in economic growth over decades, the overall value of house property is near 200% of national GDP. And this is one of the reasons why Chinese government is way too conservative to suppress the house market.
In addition, in my opinion, one way to restrict the house bubbles is for government to publish and carry out property tax or housing restriction policy.
Congress Must Act Quickly To Avoid Shutdown
As the Congressional fiscal year comes to a close, Congress must act quickly in order to avoid a government shutdown. Many legislators, the majority being Democrats, are intent on passing a short-term funding bill to battle against the shutdown. This battle comes in the wake up of the debate concerning the allocation of government resources following the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. The current bill that is circulating in Congress provides no funding for the city.
The significance in this incident lies not only in the retributions for the city of Flint, but the federal ramifications as well. If Congress is unable to compromise, a government shutdown could be harmful not only for the city of Flint, but for the economic future of the country. However, the opposite could lead to a total shutdown in the city of Flint, a city desperate for government assistance. Furthermore, if Congress is unable to pass a compromise, this serves as a larger statement of the nature of the government. If the federal government is unable to come to agreement about the safety of a single town, they are not only leaving millions of people in a state of poverty, but giving up on the safety of an American city.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/27/us/politics/congress-shutdown.html?ref=business&_r=0
The significance in this incident lies not only in the retributions for the city of Flint, but the federal ramifications as well. If Congress is unable to compromise, a government shutdown could be harmful not only for the city of Flint, but for the economic future of the country. However, the opposite could lead to a total shutdown in the city of Flint, a city desperate for government assistance. Furthermore, if Congress is unable to pass a compromise, this serves as a larger statement of the nature of the government. If the federal government is unable to come to agreement about the safety of a single town, they are not only leaving millions of people in a state of poverty, but giving up on the safety of an American city.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/27/us/politics/congress-shutdown.html?ref=business&_r=0
Colombia and FARC sign historic pact ending 52-year war
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/colombia-farc-sign-historic-pact-52-year-war-160926211928052.html
The president of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos signed an agreement with Timochenko, a Marxist rebel leader. The rebel group, TARC, waged war against the main government, which killed a quarter million people and lasted for about half a century.
TARC (revolutionary armed forces of Colombia) was started as an uprising by peasants. They became a huge part of the cocaine trade and at its prime they had about 20 thousand fighters. Through the pact, they must had over all the weapons to the United Nations within 180 days.
Recently, Colombia has been doing better economically compared to the neighboring countries. The new and upcoming peace has allowed the country to open borders to mining and oil companies. However, at this unsure time, gangs may come in to fill in the space left by the rebels. Currently, rural poverty and land mines seem to be the most challenging part about the development in Colombia.
The president of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos signed an agreement with Timochenko, a Marxist rebel leader. The rebel group, TARC, waged war against the main government, which killed a quarter million people and lasted for about half a century.
TARC (revolutionary armed forces of Colombia) was started as an uprising by peasants. They became a huge part of the cocaine trade and at its prime they had about 20 thousand fighters. Through the pact, they must had over all the weapons to the United Nations within 180 days.
Recently, Colombia has been doing better economically compared to the neighboring countries. The new and upcoming peace has allowed the country to open borders to mining and oil companies. However, at this unsure time, gangs may come in to fill in the space left by the rebels. Currently, rural poverty and land mines seem to be the most challenging part about the development in Colombia.
Expected Viewership of Presidential Debate
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/record-viewership-expected-for-monday-s-presidential-debate/article_79ac407b-a151-5794-b8e0-4bad3d85445d.html
People are expected to tune into the first presidential debate tonight. In fact, that is an understatement. Record numbers are gearing up for one of the most anticipated presidential debates in recent memory, with 100 million people expected to watch. People are on the edge of their seats to be "Drumpf" and "Crooked Hillary"
It is not surprising to me that these two candidates are going to be pulling in unfathomable numbers in viewership. The truth is that these two candidates are some of the most unpopular candidates in the past 40 years, with people having difficulty comprehending which candidate they like (or hate) more. Although there has been slander on both sides, I think that a large portion of the American public does not really understand the differences in policies and values between Clinton and Trump. Thus, I find positive light in the fact that there is going to be high viewership. The American public will gain information about both candidates tonight and hopefully can be more knowledgable. I find it essential that the American public is informed, no matter where on the political spectrum someone lands.
People are expected to tune into the first presidential debate tonight. In fact, that is an understatement. Record numbers are gearing up for one of the most anticipated presidential debates in recent memory, with 100 million people expected to watch. People are on the edge of their seats to be "Drumpf" and "Crooked Hillary"
It is not surprising to me that these two candidates are going to be pulling in unfathomable numbers in viewership. The truth is that these two candidates are some of the most unpopular candidates in the past 40 years, with people having difficulty comprehending which candidate they like (or hate) more. Although there has been slander on both sides, I think that a large portion of the American public does not really understand the differences in policies and values between Clinton and Trump. Thus, I find positive light in the fact that there is going to be high viewership. The American public will gain information about both candidates tonight and hopefully can be more knowledgable. I find it essential that the American public is informed, no matter where on the political spectrum someone lands.
China's colossal radio telescope begins testing
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-37453933
China has completed construction and begun testing on it's new radio telescope; with a diameter of 500m, FAST (the name of the structure) is both the largest and most sensitive radio telescope ever constructed. This development has the potential to advance Chinese research and development, and prevent them from having to rely on outside sources for the data and information which they receive. However, one cannot be absolutely certain of the potential effects on the surrounding area in the Guizhou province where the structure is located.
Interestingly, my first thoughts upon reading this were not so much concerning China and its population as they were concerning the US and its place as a leader in science and technology. The completion of this project means that China has seen a return on its huge investment in innovation, science and technology. Not only will this positively impact their own research and development, but it may also mean that China poses more of a threat to the USA's comparative advantage for innovation and technology than they did before. With the current fears over the USA's potentially diminishing global leading role in this area, it will be interesting to see how this radio telescope will influence Chinese research and development, as well as the international community.
China has completed construction and begun testing on it's new radio telescope; with a diameter of 500m, FAST (the name of the structure) is both the largest and most sensitive radio telescope ever constructed. This development has the potential to advance Chinese research and development, and prevent them from having to rely on outside sources for the data and information which they receive. However, one cannot be absolutely certain of the potential effects on the surrounding area in the Guizhou province where the structure is located.
Interestingly, my first thoughts upon reading this were not so much concerning China and its population as they were concerning the US and its place as a leader in science and technology. The completion of this project means that China has seen a return on its huge investment in innovation, science and technology. Not only will this positively impact their own research and development, but it may also mean that China poses more of a threat to the USA's comparative advantage for innovation and technology than they did before. With the current fears over the USA's potentially diminishing global leading role in this area, it will be interesting to see how this radio telescope will influence Chinese research and development, as well as the international community.
A role of Education in the Presidential Election (about Presidential Debate)
This article, "Presidential Debate: New Polls Show Dead Heat Between Trump and Clinton", talks about the upcoming presidential debate. The article presents a significance because it slightly implies the impact of education in the Presidential Election. Jonathan Martin mentioned that "voters with college degrees overwhelmingly support Mrs. Clinton. Those with less education heavily favor Mr. Trump". This slight prompt implies how it is important to make public educations accessible, in terms of changing people's belief and philosophy.
Farmed fish could solve pending population crisis, food experts say
As we discussed in class on Tuesday, there are many reasons that farmed fish will both answer the rising population question as well as ways to be more sustainable. The article mentions that all of the world's usable agriculture land is used. Thus, we must look for new ways to feed the 2.4 billion people added to the world's population in the next 34 years. The authors argue that aquaculture is the solution. It provides a way to dispose of agricultural waste by feeding them to fisheries and may also prevent over fishing in the future. I think that this is a necessary step for us in the coming years. It will allow the economies to be more efficient as well as sustainable. We will be able to put what was waste from other products to good use. As the years go by, resources are becoming more scarce, so the implementation of waste as a resource for someone else is necessary.
The article can be found here
The article can be found here
The NFL is looking to expands its global reach and its bank account.
The NFL is looking to expand its football addiction to an even greater audience by have 4 games outside of the United States by the 2018 season. This season, there will be 2 games in the UK and 1 in Mexico. The entity that currently "owns a day of the week", those who have seen Concussion will understand that reference, wants to expand its revenue to $25 BILLION a year by 2027. The league, which was considered a "non-profit" just a couples seasons ago, is continually making more profit every single year. They are finally, supposedly, paying taxes they were once exempt from. It is only a matter of time before a permanent team is placed over in London, and who knows, maybe Australia after that, or Mexico? A league with this kind of money and power does not have any boundaries, especially with the ever improving world of travel and transportation. The research on concussions is continually becoming more alarming, and it is showing as players like Calvin Johnson and Marshawn Lynch went into early retirement just last season with a lot of tread still left on their tires. They understand the harm their bodies endure, but for everyone of those guys that retires, their are thousands more waiting to try and fill his place. Concussions and injuries will not limit this games outrageous growth.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2016/09/26/where-is-nfl-headed-next.html
http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2016/09/26/where-is-nfl-headed-next.html
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Declaring Pakistan as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/us-lawmakers-introduce-bill-to-designate-pakistan-a-terrorist-state/articleshow/54438988.cms
There is a bill in the US House of Representatives that is proposing that the US declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism. If this bill is passed, I am assuming there would be economic implications for Pakistan and its people. Such implications can only be a bad thing for the economy and the citizens of Pakistan, and will benefit no one. I really don't see how the US declaring a nation as a state sponsor of terrorism will fix the issue in any way (it would probably make things worse).
This wouldn't have been my biggest news for the week, because only Indian news outlets were reporting on the issue (and I don't trust majority of Indian news), but my cousin and I got into an argument about it today so I thought it would make for a good post. I was angrier about the fact that the only reason my cousin was pro this bill (if it is real), is because he carries around a false sense of patriotism and believes that India is somehow better than Pakistan. He also believes that Pakistan is the reason there is on-going tension on the India-Pakistan border, and that somehow the terrorism will stop if we manage to isolate and cripple Pakistan's economy. Out of respect of my cousin, I ignored the rest of his comments on the issue, but I hope that one day he will realize that isolating an economy (especially for a developing country) is probably the worst thing you can do to a country. Adversities and people's helplessness can be taken advantage of by people who are power hungry and only work in their self-interest, and such conditions have led to the rise of many unfortunate leaders in the past.
There is a bill in the US House of Representatives that is proposing that the US declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism. If this bill is passed, I am assuming there would be economic implications for Pakistan and its people. Such implications can only be a bad thing for the economy and the citizens of Pakistan, and will benefit no one. I really don't see how the US declaring a nation as a state sponsor of terrorism will fix the issue in any way (it would probably make things worse).
This wouldn't have been my biggest news for the week, because only Indian news outlets were reporting on the issue (and I don't trust majority of Indian news), but my cousin and I got into an argument about it today so I thought it would make for a good post. I was angrier about the fact that the only reason my cousin was pro this bill (if it is real), is because he carries around a false sense of patriotism and believes that India is somehow better than Pakistan. He also believes that Pakistan is the reason there is on-going tension on the India-Pakistan border, and that somehow the terrorism will stop if we manage to isolate and cripple Pakistan's economy. Out of respect of my cousin, I ignored the rest of his comments on the issue, but I hope that one day he will realize that isolating an economy (especially for a developing country) is probably the worst thing you can do to a country. Adversities and people's helplessness can be taken advantage of by people who are power hungry and only work in their self-interest, and such conditions have led to the rise of many unfortunate leaders in the past.
China's liquor industry sees better profitability: report
link: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-09/12/c_135682756.htm
According to a report published by the World Alcoholic Beverage Alliance recently, Chinese White Liquor industry has witnessed an increase of profit for the first time in the past three years since 2014. Since 2012 a national frugality campaign ( to justify the working styles) undertook by the government intending to restrict government spending on banquets, the White Liquor also known as Chinese national liquor experienced a fall in the past four years.
In order to boost the net profit of this industry, producers adopted the popular selling skills in Chinese market- e-commerce as well as diversified products. E-commerce recently has become the most popular concept in Chinese trading, convenient, fast and easy way to do. E-commerce also boomed both the private and public mailing service in China. Right now Chinese mailing service has good reputation among customers, the service is very fast and also cheap. We can see the e-commerce becomes a good paradigm of Chinese business and so far widely accepted by Chinese people.
According to a report published by the World Alcoholic Beverage Alliance recently, Chinese White Liquor industry has witnessed an increase of profit for the first time in the past three years since 2014. Since 2012 a national frugality campaign ( to justify the working styles) undertook by the government intending to restrict government spending on banquets, the White Liquor also known as Chinese national liquor experienced a fall in the past four years.
In order to boost the net profit of this industry, producers adopted the popular selling skills in Chinese market- e-commerce as well as diversified products. E-commerce recently has become the most popular concept in Chinese trading, convenient, fast and easy way to do. E-commerce also boomed both the private and public mailing service in China. Right now Chinese mailing service has good reputation among customers, the service is very fast and also cheap. We can see the e-commerce becomes a good paradigm of Chinese business and so far widely accepted by Chinese people.
As Their Numbers Grow, Home Care Aides Are Stuck at $10.11
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/27/health/home-care-aides-wages.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fhealth&action=click&contentCollection=health®ion=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0
The national median of the home care workers’, disabled and older adults, wages is $10.21 an hour in 2005, adjusted for inflation. However, a decade later, the home care aides earn even less, which is $10.11 an hour. At $10 an hour, those people can’t afford a place to live. Home care aides are mostly for women and color. The subsidy has been increased from 700,000 to more than 1.4 million over the past decades. The numbers stand for a nation’s fastest-growing occupations. However, because wages have stagnated and most people prefer full-time, these caregivers frequently sink into poverty. Many groups have proposed solutions, such as “States have established registries where consumers can locate caregivers, eliminating rice middlemen.”. Even we have lots of solutions; the nation needs a long-term strategy to deal with the home care.
WILL DRIVERLESS-CAR MAKERS LEARN TO SHARE?
Link: http://www.newyorker.com/business/currency/will-driverless-car-makers-learn-to-share
Driverless cars are becoming a reality, and with new territory comes the need for policy. The Obama Administration just released over a 100 pages of policies, stressing that companies should share their crash data. This is an important call by the federal government to require private companies to share data for the greater good of the public. The outcome of this will hopefully lead to fewer crashes with autonomous vehicles, which will not only lead to fewer injuries but will result in lower medical costs on society. I believe that this is an important step forward as society faces yet another technological innovation.
Tenants Suing Landlord Over Repairs Rally to Demand Safe Conditions
https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160922/lower-east-side/135-elridge-street-rally-lower-east-side-ra-cohen-landlord
On Thursday, September 22nd, 247 Broome and 135 Eldridge Street residents, who have been subject to ongoing eviction threats and alleged harassment from R.A. Cohen Properties, will hold a press conference and rally at 135 Eldridge Street to declare their right to safe homes. Tenants, who are predominantly low-income and Chinese, united to fight back against R.A. Cohen, who they believe is trying to push them out of their homes. The tenants will tell their stories about the serious repair and construction issues they face.
On Thursday, September 22nd, 247 Broome and 135 Eldridge Street residents, who have been subject to ongoing eviction threats and alleged harassment from R.A. Cohen Properties, will hold a press conference and rally at 135 Eldridge Street to declare their right to safe homes. Tenants, who are predominantly low-income and Chinese, united to fight back against R.A. Cohen, who they believe is trying to push them out of their homes. The tenants will tell their stories about the serious repair and construction issues they face.
Taking Trump Seriously, Not Literally
Sunday, September 25, 2016
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/09/trump-makes-his-case-in-pittsburgh/501335/
Donald Trump will be running against Hillary in the primaries this presidential election. It was fun in games during the Republican debates. Now the potential candidates that pledged to do everything in their power to stop him from taking the nominee have started endorsing him. We have to open our eyes and face the possibility that he will be our next president. In doing so, we have to take him seriously (let's hope to god we never have to take him literally). While this is not exactly the "biggest news of the week", this article shows a refreshing side of Donald Trump, and makes me a little less scared of him winning the race (I hate Hillary nearly as much as Trump, so I am trying to be as optimistic as possible here).
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/09/trump-makes-his-case-in-pittsburgh/501335/
Donald Trump will be running against Hillary in the primaries this presidential election. It was fun in games during the Republican debates. Now the potential candidates that pledged to do everything in their power to stop him from taking the nominee have started endorsing him. We have to open our eyes and face the possibility that he will be our next president. In doing so, we have to take him seriously (let's hope to god we never have to take him literally). While this is not exactly the "biggest news of the week", this article shows a refreshing side of Donald Trump, and makes me a little less scared of him winning the race (I hate Hillary nearly as much as Trump, so I am trying to be as optimistic as possible here).
Friday, September 23, 2016
Ban Ki-moon is Confident About Enforcing the 2015 Paris Climate Deal till the End of the Year
Wednesday
21 September 2016
UN
secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, has gained the approval of enough countries to
finally make the 2015 Paris climate accord into binding law.
Though huge international agreements like the results from the 2015 Paris climate change normally take several years to become binding law, it has been of special interest to Ban Ki-moon to enforce the law prior to the next American presidential election. This would ensure that the next American president, no matter if Trump or Clinton, has to accept that law and take the resulting actions to reach the set goals. As one of the biggest economies having America on board would be a good and important step into the right direction to prevent climate change, whose effects would be felt all around the world. Especially, as Trump is an admitted denier of climate change this law could prevent him from making the consequences even worse on an international scale.
Neighboring countries take in 89% of displaced refugees
Thursday 15
September 2016
The UN
Refugee Agency published a report announcing that the number of people forced
to flee from conflicts on civilians equals the number of the UK’s population
(65 million).
In contrast
to most Western country’s assumption it’s not only them who are seriously
challenged by the huge number of incoming refugees. In fact, it is the
neighboring developing countries that carry the biggest part of the burden.
Developed countries should show much more recognition to what those countries
accomplish and take on more responsibility to support those countries. We don’t
want it to be our responsibility that the lifes of so many people have been “waisted”
for several years because we are unable to provide them with health and
education services. Expecting the developing countries to solve a problem the
rest of the world can’t cope with it is asking a lot. Nevertheless, as the
neighboring countries are closer to the problems, culture and language of the
refugees it is a very reasonable coping strategy to support them in what they
are doing and ensure they their measures are successful instead of leaving them
on their own.
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