Is the Dollar Entering a Freefall?
Mon Nov 08, 2004 at 01:35:01 AM PDT
I will admit that I know very little of the currency markets. However, a
cursory search of Google News reveals that the dollar has hit record lows against the euro and the yen recently, and may continue to weaken due to concern about both the trade deficit and the budget deficit.
This disturbing article seems to indicate that foreign governments are moving to divest themselves of US assets.
For Kossacks better-versed in these things, I have a few questions:
- What effect would a serious weakening of the dollar have on our economy?
- What are other indicators to watch for to determine if the deficits are starting to have major effects on our economy?
- What can I, as an individual (small) investor in a 401(k), do to minimize the possible negative effects of Bush's policies on my investments?
On another note, everyone seems to think it's a fait accompli that we'll be attacking Iran (if only limited missile strikes against nuclear facilities) in the near future. Do we have any concrete information on this, or is it still in the realm of rumor?
Howard Stern v. Michael Powell on Ronn Owens show
Tue Oct 26, 2004 at 02:39:06 PM PDT
Ronn Owens, a veteran radio host in the Bay Area, had FCC Chairman Michael Powell on his show for an interview. The normal format of the show has Owens interviewing the guest for the first half of the show, and a listener call-in segment for the second half. Originally, Powell (or his handlers) had requested not to take phone calls, but Owens convinced him to do so. Approximately half an hour into the show, things took a decidedly odd turn when noted radio personality
Howard Stern called in, and began a heated, though civil discussion with the chairman on issues raised by recent FCC fines and crackdowns. It was an interesting example of the sort of spontaneous political event that has become ever rarer in this age of prepackaged soundbites. I actually encountered this while channel-surfing on my way to work this morning, but it appears that it's going to start filtering out into the mainstream media (via Drudge) soon.
If you're interested in a break from obsessive poll-watching, see KGO Radio for a streaming broadcast of the program.
Schwarzenegger endorses Stem Cell initiative
Mon Oct 18, 2004 at 07:03:39 PM PDT
See article here.
This is an interesting step for him; I'd assumed that he wasn't planning to make an endorsement either way on this issue. It would seem to present a problem for him in a Republican primary if the naturalized-citizens-can-run-for-President amendment ever gets off the ground. Any thoughts on why he'd make this move? Perhaps the initiative was polling well, and he thought it was smart to get behind a winner?
Bush's "Health Savings Accounts" - an opening for Kerry
Sun Oct 10, 2004 at 11:28:28 AM PDT
As announced at the GOP convention, the notion of an "ownership society" is central to the Bush agenda for a possible second term. One of his central proposals along this theme is the "personal health savings account", which allows individuals to save tax-free money to be used for health care. This plan has some major flaws (as should be evident to anyone who isn't Grover Norquist), and I think Kerry could succinctly address them in debate #3. In the extended entry are my thoughts on what form this attack might take, and I'd appreciate any comments on how to refine the message.
Iraq security situation deteriorates
Wed Oct 06, 2004 at 03:06:24 PM PDT
Andrew Sullivan received an email, originally sent from the US Embassy in Baghdad, discussing security precautions that Americans ought to take in the Green Zone.
- Limit non-essential movement within the International Zone, especially at night.
- Travel in groups of two or more.
- Carry several means of communication.
- Avoid the Green Zone Café, the Chinese Restaurants, the Lone Star restaurant and Vendor Alley.
- Conduct physical fitness training within a compound perimeter.
- Notify office personnel or friends of your travel plans in the International Zone.
- Conduct a thorough search of your vehicle prior to entering it.
Interactive California Voter Guide
Tue Sep 21, 2004 at 11:45:55 AM PDT
Greetings to all California Kossacks and other interested parties. As you may know, California statewide elections tend to feature a broad range of initiatives and referenda, many of which can be confusing or misleading. I thought it might be worthwhile to draw on the strengths of this community and see what kind of information we can come up with regarding any or all of these ballot measures, and perhaps come to a consensus on certain votes. If this works well enough, it might be worth replicating for other states that have a similar system.
In the Extended Entry, I've provided a list of all the initiatives that will appear on the 2004 ballot, with links to the invaluable California Voter Foundation for more information (If you think it would be helpful to include more of that data in the diary, please let me know, and I'll edit it in). I invite anyone and everyone to leave comments regarding the positives and negatives of each of these ballot measures, as well as any helpful tips on formatting for ease of use.
