Parrots and Tax Cuts

No Republicans in the House supported Obama's stimulus package. None. Instead, Republicans choose to stick to the same old lines like parrots.

Let it be said. Tax breaks does not, generally, act as a stimulant for the economy. The level of taxation does indeed affect growth negatively in the long term. Specific taxes may cause adverse effects in particular segments of the economy and an overall high level of taxation has a negative effect on the economy at large. But, those effects are slow moving and forms over time.

It's not like tax cuts haven't been tested. We have basically have had eight years of what the Republicans currently argue for. And, it didn't work to stimulate the economy. Instead, it created an incredible budget deficit.

It's too bad the Republicans still in office have such a short memory or lack of imagination that they cannot come up with something new. It's extraordinary that they are so still hanging on to the policies of a failed President that have driven the economy into the ground together with a number of other issues, including the Republican party.

Closing Gitmo

Closing the detention facility in Guantanamo is probably one of the most predictable early orders of the Obama Administration. It's a no-brainer but it still appears to make many people nervous.

Closing the camp doesn't mean that the prisoners will be released at will. The point of closing the facility is to firmly end the Bush policy and provide a fresh start for America and the world. It's, in part, a symbolic move but it's important. It's also what Obama pledge to do in the campaign.

By the way, this is just another Bush failure - the whole point of holding these prisoners in Gitmo was based a legal maneuver but the effectiveness of this policy has been chipped away slowly by different courts.

As part of the process to close the detention facility will the cases of the prisoners be reviewed. This means that we will either continue to hold a prisoner on clear legal grounds, charge them in a court of law, or release the individual. This how a system of laws work - the US legal system has worked through history and it will easily stand the test of anything Al-Qaeda can come up with.

The bottom line is that it's a failed policy but, more importantly, a policy Obama intents to change. This is change.

Yes to Partisan Politics

We are a partisan country and it's not fundamentally a bad thing. After all - the checks and balances are a crucial aspect of our system of government, instituted by the founding fathers. The specific checks and balances in partisan politics is surely not set in stone and the two current parties are only vehicles. Like in the past, political parties may disappear but we need two or more political parties involved in the political process.

It's understandable why partisan politics got a bad name. Too much focus on the game of politics, procedural maneuvering, and developing policy based on an adversarial perspective is obviously detrimental. Begone. Of course, it will pop-up here and there in the future. It's inevitable but I hope it will not be a driving force down the road. In any case, we need the other aspect of partisan politics to ensure accountability.

So, While I rejoice in the recent gains by the Democratic party and enjoy the departure of the Bush people (in particular the neo-cons) I also think about the GOP. It's important that the Republicans get back on their feet again. The GOP brand is seriously damaged and there is not much of ideological direction but this is a great opportunity to lay the foundations for the future. The next year will be crucial in order to have the process produce some traction in the mid-term elections.

Russia Unreliable Business Partner

It looks like Russia is finally resuming deliveries of gas to Europe through pipeline running through Ukraine. This left parts of Europe short on gas during a cold winter. It seems like Russia was using negotiation on a gas price as means to punish Ukraine. That is something Europe may want to contemplate. Of course, Russia also appears be an unreliable business partner by its inability to deliver gas to Europe.

So, Europe may want to start thinking about how to handle its energy dependence on an unreliable Russia prone to politically motivated economical blackmail.

Caroline Kennedy

No, Caroline Kennedy is not ready for a seat in the Senate. The Kennedy family has served America with distinction and it's a part of the history of the United States. But pedigree is not enough, not even close.

Teddy Kennedy may not have far to go but his service should not be honored by giving a Senate seat to Caroline. It's just wrong and she will not be able to fill his shoes, at this time, as a leader of the clan nor as a Senator.

I am not sure if she is as ignorant as she comes across but the very fact that her public image has been so damaged should be a clue - this is not her time. She has to invest some time and effort if she is interested in public service and build a positive public image. You know.

Israel's Assult on Hamas in Gaza

Israel is, without any question, justified to strike at Hamas after a long period of rocket attacks from Gaza. Israel has conducted the assult with care for civilians including warnings of forthcoming bombings per cellphones and flyers. Nevertheless, the civilan death-toll is mounting as the fighting takes place in an densly populated area and Hamas is no stranger of hiding behind civilians.

The attacks will certainly degrade Hamas military capability. How much it will be degraded is too early to tell but the really crucial question is what will happen to the support of Hamas in the population of Gaza.

Many Sunni-Arab countries are not happy with the connection Hamas maintains to Iran so the political situation is complicated and some parties may, in a way, welcome Israel fighting Iran's influence.

The people of Gaza are paying the price in this situation and they are paying a high price. The frustation with a corrupt and inefficient PLO is understandable but I just wish they didn't vote for Hamas.

The fundamental problem is that there is no possibility of a political solution as long as Hamas wants to destroy Israel. That makes all negotiations just another tactial play whereas Hamas is just trying to position itself for the future attacks on Israel. This is a fundamental circumstance European media seems to overlook.

What's next? Let's hope Israel don't get too entagled in Gaza this time around. That would not be good for anybody. The key in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict remains with the Palestinians - that is where focus should be when the fighting is over.