Meghan+Gallagher

Meghan Gallagher
 * __June 20, 2011__**
 * National-** Peter Lattman reports that “Big Banks Lose Ruling on Research”, he reports that the federal court decided that banks do not have the authority to stop financial sites from reporting the research for stock analysis. This was described as a “blow to Wall street and a win for the investing public”. Internet companies that have the ability to comments and review others information were confirmed able to continue their jobs. Also, the court ruled a protection from other companies trying to steal information and claim it as their own original work. I think that it is better for the public eye to be able to have access to the changing investment market. Although it puts an inconvenience to the actual companies because their information is being published so fast, I still think that it’s better for the public to able to access the information as soon as it is published. This way investors and businessmen can assess what decision they need to make quickly and without as much difficulty.

Lattman, Peter. "Big Banks Lose Ruling on Research." //New York Times//. 20 June 2011. Web []


 * International**- In “Bombardier: Cheer at last for planemaking underdog” by Jorn Madslien, he discusses the disappointment felt by Canadian plane manufacturers when their ultimate passenget plane failed to be purchased. After creating this impressive new plane, the manufacturers kept it on the market for 12 months without any offers. However, recently after a plane show inParis, orders slowly began to accumulate. Early in the article Madslien mentions that there may be some unsolved and unidentified issues with the aircraft, but nonetheless it’s an outstanding plane. This would worry me before a purchase. I can see why they didn’t get any interest in the plane without guaranteeing that nothing would go wrong before the purchase was made. Hopefully, this plane will be a safe aircraft for all future passengers.

Madslien, Jorn. "Bombardier: Cheer at Last for Planemaking Underdog." //BBC News//. 21 June 2011. Web. []


 * Economic**- In Motoko Rich’s “Many Cities Face a Long Wait for Jobs to Return” immediately begins with the fact that unemployed Americans are accepting the fact that they will have to work extremely harder and need to recognize that it will take years to get back to the way it was before. This article talks about how these workers need to understand that after the recession the jobs they had before could be gone. In some cities such asDetroit, they may not see certain jobs reemerge until 2021. I think this is really shocking. The article gives these future dates such as 2021, and says that some cities won’t be back at their operating level until 2017, and it’s scary to think that for the next five to ten years, people will remain jobless and continue to look for work. The only way for the country to get out of this slump is if we can get our economy stronger so that jobs will be recreated. It’s also nerve racking to think that by the time my generation finished colleges, the economy is projected to just be getting stronger.

Rich, Motoko. "Many Cities Face a Long Wait for Jobs to Return". //New York Times//. 19 June 2011. Web []


 * __June 27, 2011__**
 * National**- In theNew York Time’s “Several States Forbid Abortion After 20 Weeks”, Erik Eckholm discusses the adjusted state laws when it comes to abortions. For example, women are now required to have an ultrasound when they want to have an abortion done. This sis new since the Roe V. Wade decision was made back in the seventies. In more and more states abortions are “banded after the twentieth week of conception”. They are “focusing on the humanity of the unborn child” (Balch). Those who oppose the new law will take their opinions to court at a later date. The article also included the story of a woman who was pregnant with a child she wanted. When he water broke around three months early, she wanted to induce labor. However this is seen as abortion and went against her states law because it was after the 20 week mark. Her child ended up passing away after being born. I think especially with this story, the public will understand that under no circumstances should any kind of special treatments happen. Granted her story is awful, aside from your feelings, if Nebraska (the state she lived in) had a job to do, to inform all state residents of the new practice, they couldn’t make exceptions for some. So I think the whole situation was handled the way it should have been. States representative’s needs to remain poised no matter how hard it is.

Eckholm, Erik. "Several States Forbid Abortion After 20 Weeks". //New York Times.// 27 June 2011. Web. []


 * International**- Jonathan Beale reported in “No end in sight as RAF marks 100 days over Libya” that June 27, 2011 marked the 100th day of the bombing raids overLibya began. He continues to report that it will cost theUnited Kingdom at least £260m over the course of half a year. It’s even harder to pay for the costs of the bombing with the defense cuts that are happening in theUK. The article continues to talk about how the government is dealing with any controversy in saying that they have been “stretched” in what they’re currently doing. I think that the government should continue what they have started in order to keep their relations withLibya and other countries. To continue getting their fuel from Libyan oil refineries I think it’s in theUK’s best interest to continue to supply and aidLibya.

Beale, Jonathan. "No end in sight as RAF marks 100 days over Libya". //BBC News.// 27 June 2011. Web []


 * Economic-** According to Carl Hulse’s report, “Debt Divide Remains as President Steps In” in the New York Times, the white house and some republicans were split on whether or not a budget cut deal with a “debt limit increase” have more federal revenues. Hulse reports that the democrats believe that the republicans need to accept tax changes. Senator McConnell believes that increasing taxes will not be as effective as if spending was cut. There are many different ways McConnell has tried to tackle the problem within the administration and house. As the republicans become more isolated from the democrat ideals, they will be more prone to resist any of the new laws and ways of debt deduction will be ignored. I think that the democrats need to hear out the republicans what they want to say. I feel like Obama has the capacity to isolate the Republicans and it seems like it has been successful before. I would say that the best way for us to reduce our debt is to stop spending.

Hulse, Carl. "Debt Didive Remains as President Steps In". //New York Times.// 27 June 2011.. Web []


 * __July 4, 2011__**
 * National**- On July 8th NASA lifted off its final shuttle out of Atlantis in over thirty years. The article by Mark Memmott mentions that there were some people who arrived hours before liftoff to see the last shuttle being launched. Some people, the article goes on to say, “are naturally excited” about this. I think that that demonstrates the great unity of our country. Even though NASA was a huge program and was successful over the years with their many different excursions through space, the country continued to back up the program by witnessing the last launch from Atlantis. I think the people being there watching the shuttle doesn’t mean that American dream of space explorations is over, but accepting that finding the funding, time, and energy proved to be more arduous than expected.

Memmott, Mark. "Atlantis Blasts Off on Shuttle Program's Final Mission" //NPR.// 4 July 2011. Web []


 * International**- In the interview, “In Libya, Regional Divide Mirrors Disparities” done by Corey Flintoff, the Libyan situation and its division. In the interview Flintoff describes howLibya is divided into the rebels in the east and those working for Gadhafi in the west. The rebels stand with the objective that not all people have benefitted from the government where as others have. They are fighting to make sure that everyone gets the equal amount of support from the government. I think the rebels have a right to be angry that others are being treated with more support. However, I don’t think that a rebellion should occur because of it. I understand that people everywhere get defensive and in present day, a fight ends up being the result. I feel like the Libyan rebels that want more rights and support and acknowledgement from the government should approach it in a way that won’t harm innocent people in their country.

Flintoff, Cory. “In Libya, Regional Divide Mirrors Disparities". //NPR//. 4 July 2011. Web. []


 * Economic**- CNN reports the “Scariest risks to the economy” are the foreign debt defaults. Another fear factor is the oil industry. The economists usually blame the oil spike in correlation with the decreasing economic growth, businesses are billed more and consumer spending is cut. It also mentions that oil prices although temporarily down, have the potential to increase again. James Smith, the chief economist for Parsec Financial Management, stated, “Oil prices sustained above $125 a barrel for six months or longer would guarantee another recession in 2012.” The article continues to talk about the various oil prices and how they have fluctuated over the years and a concern is that they will continue to fluctuate with all the controversies that theMiddle East has had and will most likely continue to have. I think these risks are definitely concerns for the future and our economy. We get our oil from areas in theMiddle East that have difficultly working together. I think if they can keep the peace over there then our economy will regain its strength because it has access to not only the oil but the aid of those foreign countries.

Isidore, Chris. "The Scariest Risks to the Economy." //CNN Money//. CNN, 5 July 2011. Web []


 * __July 11, 2011__**
 * National**- In the Times Dispatch’s “U.S wants airlines to disclose all fees to public” The Associated Press claims that the Department of Transportation needs to tell the public and let everyone know what kind of profit they make off of hidden fees. The Transportation Secretary, Ray Lahood, said that passengers deserve to know what fees they will be charged with and where their money is going to. I think this is an excellent idea. I definitely think people have the right to know where exactly their money is going towards. With this new system, although a hassle for the airlines, it will be a great way for people to gauge what percentage of their money is used for various instances.

The Associated Press. "U.S.Wants Airlines to Disclose All Fees to Public." //TheRichmondTimes Dispatch// 16 July 2011: D1-D4. Print.


 * International**- In NPR’s “Expat Pair Among Libyan Rebels Fighting For Zawiya” by Lourdes Garcia-Navarro, many sub topics made up the article I read and listened to. Beginning with Libyan rebels, the article discusses how fighters are still engaged in battling Moammar Gadhafi’s forces. The rebels were fighting for the coastal city ofZawiya, which happens to be the site of a major oil refinery. The rebellion however was unsuccessful, because the city is so close to the Capital city ofTripoli and the forces there are very protective. After that, many of the rebels fled from the sight. Incidentally, a father and son fromPennsylvania fought in the battle as a part of the rebel forces. I think this is interesting that a people living inAmerica, American born or here with a green card would leave the country of peace to fight in a war in a foreign country.

Garcia-Navarro,"Expat Pair Among Libyan Rebels Fighting For Zawiya". //NPR//. 12 July 2011. Web. []


 * Economic-** in the Richmond Time’s Dispatch’s “Borrowers denied loan to receive free credit score” The Associated Press reports that all lenders will have to provide credit reports to any borrower that had been previously denied of their request for a loan. Because lenders have to give borrowers their reports now, they only have to give back to the borrower the credit score that was used to determine the decision. It also describes the difference between credit reports and credit scores. It goes on to say that lenders can give a letter that informs the borrower that they weren’t approved for their credit because they were a risk. I think this system is good because it gives a more organized systematic way of dealing with the credit system. If this can be managed properly, then people who don’t deserve loans won’t get them while the loans and reports will go out to those who will be proactive with them.

The Associated Press. "Borrowers Denied Loan to Receive Free Credit Score." //TheRichmondTimes Dispatch// 16 July 2011: D1. Print.


 * __July 18, 2011__**
 * National**- In the New York Times’ “Bipartisan Plan for Budget Deal Buoys President” by Jackie Calmes and Jennifer Steinhauer, this article discusses President Obama’s request to revisit a “big debt-reduction deal”. The proposal from both houses was distinguished and accepted by the both parties after the deadlock that was between Mr. Obama and the Congressional leaders. However, because Mr. Obama mentioned use of this plan so close to the original deadline of August 2, the Republicans could be “isolated on the issue”. Many of the senators are trying to have a positive outlook on the new idea; however they are in no way encouraging it. Eric Cantor, for example is one of those House leaders who is accepting, but not “endorsing”. The article continues to talk about the ideas both parties have for the debt reduction plan and what they believe was wrong with each opposing parties; including dollar for dollar returns for the Republicans and Democrats argue that there’s no way that the republicans idea can be done without destroying programs that we already have such as Medicare and Medicaid. The article ends with Obama slandering the Republicans even more. I personally think that was a very poor aspect of judgment especially for him being the president. He adds in his speech, “We have a Democratic president and administration that is prepared to sign a tough package that includes both spending cuts and modifications to Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare that would strengthen those systems…” Making direct slanders at the opposing party just shows that he’s more interested in portraying his political party as a certain way versus the Republican Party. What should be happening is focusing on the matter at hand, which is the reduction of our nation’s debt, not what party the president and administration is.

Calmes, Jackie and Jennifer Steinhauer. "Bipartisan Plan for Budget Deal Buoys President". //New York Times.// 20 July 2011. Web []


 * International**- BBC News reported that “Cairn Energy wins Greenpeace court order”. In the article it states that the court ruled that Greenspace cannot publish any “material recorded by protestors” and they ruled that no one can “attempt to disrupt” the business itself in Cairn Energy. The article went on to give a little background about how Cairn Energy was trying to find oil in the Artic. Greenspace is trying to encourage Cairn Energy to not drill more oil, while Cairn Energy continues to draw oil from the coast ofGreenland. I think this situation is much divided. Obviously, the more drilling that is done the less oil we have in the world. But also, the drilling takes up the habitats of those animals living in the ecosystem. I think it’s important to cut back and seriously reduce what is being done unnaturally to the environment (i.e. oil drilling) because some of these resources will never be replaced after they’re all gone. But at the same time, we need oil for both domestic and economic reasons. I think the easiest way is to reduce of the amount of resources we use.

"Cairn Energy wins Greenspace court order". //BBC News//. 19 July 2011. Web.


 * Economy**- In Friday’s Richmond Times Dispatch Business section, The Associated Press reports “Economists predict slump could last through summer”. This article discussed the many different ways the economy took a hit in the spring and how it is projected to remain during the summer, for example, job layoffs were on the rise. The article mentions that in the fall the numbers could rise, however economists feel that no rise will come before then. They do however; feel that because of the slight rise in June, the economy won’t develop into full recession. I feel like it is important that the congress choose a solution for the debt problem and cap off the spending. With a limit in place, then the nation can redevelop strength behind its currency, which will make the economy stronger. With a stronger economy, there will be less unemployment and a stronger nation.

The Associated Press. "Economists Predict Slump Could Last through Summer." //TheRichmondTimes Dispatch// 22 July 2011: D3. Print.


 * __July 25, 2011__**
 * National**- In Albert Hunt’s “Letter From Washington: High Unemployment Could Put Obama Out of Work As Well”, he explains the projection of Obama’s future in the white house based on the ideals of the people. The letter explains that half of the voting population will side with the fact that the economy is stagnant and something new needs to be done. The other side, however is that Obama has started making progress in the mess that he made and they want to give him the opportunity to “clean it up”. They also say that Obama has a clear method that will work better than what any of the republicans have devised. I think that there is a serious need for a new direction. If Obama had the means to take the country and decrease the debt toll and can improve the economy, then I think he would have started on this process more than six months before the 2012 elections. I think that those agreeing with the fact that Republicans don’t have any ideas that are substantial enough is just pointing the finger and playing the “anything you can do I can do better” card. The policies that are in place now aren’t doing anything and now more than ever, change is needed.

Hunt, Albert. "Letter from Washington: High Umemployment Could put Obama Out of Work as Well". //New York Times.// 25 July 2011. Web. []


 * International**- In Japan, the nuclear power point located inFukushima was intended to help decrease global warming. However, after the earthquake that shook the country earlier this spring, many parts of the country were destroyed including this power plant. Without the plant, nuclear energy is not being created and the global warming reduction is a faint idea. I think that without this nuclear power plant, not only japan will suffer but also USA. Seeing asJapan has no hard feelings towards America the nuclear power could be beneficial to both countries. However without the plant, both countries suffer and global warming is left unaffected.

"Yukiya Amano: Japan Crisis Will Not End Nuclear Age." //BBC News//. 26 July 2011. Web. []


 * Economic**- According to “On All Levels of the Economy, Concern About the Impasse” by Julie Cresweel and Louise Stor, economists are trying to estimate the costs of the economy and its consumers if theunited states were to decrease in credit rating. The article analyzes the pros and cons to decreasing the debt and how credit ratings would have a part in that. The decrease in debt would lead to a downgrade and according to Mr. Mohamed El-Erian, an economist at the firm Pimco, “A downgrade would mean a weaker dollar, somewhat higher interest rates and a further blow to the already fragile national economic confidence. This translates into weaker growth and even greater headwinds when it comes to job creation, which is absolutely critical at this stage.” I personally agree with Mr. ElErian. When it comes down to decreasing the debt and making the economy stronger, the value of the dollar needs to be weakened. If the debt is lead to a downgrade then the dollar becomes weaker and thus not stimulating the economy.

Creeswel, Julie, and Louise Stor. "On All Levels of the Economy, Concern About the Impasse." //New York Times//. 27 July 2011. Web. []


 * __August 8, 2011__**
 * National**- In John Sununu’s “One Nation, on the Dole”, he discusses the shift that is seen in the way Americans live their lives. Currently, approximately 47% of Americans receive some form of aid from the government whether it is Medicaid, retirement savings, or housing subsidies. The important element of this article is the fact that in the early twentieth century, it was a special exception to be on the dole, our forbearers made their way through with little help, whereas now when the United States has so much more to offer, more Americans than ever have been relying on the dole for financial help. I find this to be very interesting and concerning. Sununu mentions that this ideal of giving to those in need dates back toRoosevelt’s New Deal and his interest in providing care for those dependent mothers and children. In those days, people who truly needed it where helped and I think that today people who don’t necessarily need what they are given are taking what the government offers without thinking about the consequences in it for the country.

Sununu, John. "One Nation, on the Dole." //TIME// 8 Aug. 2011: 27. Print.


 * International**- Sam Loewenberg investigates the harsh conditions taking place inSomalia in the article “Haven and Hell”. In this article, Loewenberg discusses how even the largest refugee camp in the world is too crowded and even has tens of thousands of more people living outside of the camp just trying to get the help they need. Somalia faces one of the worst droughts and famines they have ever faced and many families have made long laborious treks to get to this “haven”, yet once they arrive many members of their journey have already passed or gotten too sick to be cured. I think that these people are in serious trouble and they need not only the help of the refugee camps in their areas, but also they need help from stronger countries. I personally think that it is a responsibility of countries with the means to help to actually help those in need. Hopefully, with the segment that was on CBS’s evening news will show Americans the conditions that these people are living in and will encourage Americans to help in any way possible.

Loewenberg, Sam. "Haven or Hell." //TIME// 8 Aug. 2011: 34-35. Print.


 * Economic**- In “Investing Frontier Markets” by Roya Wolverson she notes that global markets are becoming more and more popular. Besides the fact that they are more expensive, the global markets have expanded in size which makes them appealing to investors. Investing in global markets has its benefits such as a more profitable return, but it also has its risks, Wolverson says. She says that getting into and out of the global market is much more difficult than frontier markets. I think that the increase in purchasing stocks from the global market is the same as purchasing goods from the global market. IfAmerica wants to get out of the debt crisis then I think that people should be buying domestic stocks. Granted I know that the global market isn’t a direct effect on the debt crisis in terms of stocks, but investors should recognize that if we as Americans continue to purchase foreign goods and stocks, we lose sight of becoming the debt free self-reliant values that this country was built on.

Wolverson, Roya. "Investing Frontier Markets." //TIME// 8 Aug. 2011: 17. Print.


 * __August 16, 2011__**
 * National**- David Chen and Marjorie Connelly report that the “Poll Finds Bloomberg’s Approval Rating the Lowest in 6 Years”. New York Mayor, Michael Bloomberg’s approval rating ofNew York residents has hit a low point in his third term as mayor. One respondent to the polls, Martin Lacewell thinks that Bloomberg doesn’t have the ability to recognize the need for a new technique in handling the always changing times. This theory along with others is the reasoning behind the lower approval rating for Bloomberg. Personally, I think that people are beginning to pay closer attention to the matters at hand now. Often times in the past people have allowed many issued to just go by, however now I feel like Americans are putting more pressure on politicians to pull our country through this time and approve and disapprove based on what they have to offer and what is needed and I think that Bloomberg needs to catch up with present times in order to gain back his approval rating.

Chen, David and Marjarie Connelly. "Poll Finds Bloomberg’s Approval Rating the Lowest in 6 Years”. //New York Times//. 17 August 2011. Web. []


 * International**- According to Jeffrey Gettleman’s “Contractors Are Accused in Large-Scale Theft of Food Aid in Somalia” businessmen in Somalia have responded to the famine by taking the food that is intended for the starving children. The United Nation’s World Food program has taken notice to rumors and observation that grains and other goods have been stolen and then traded on the open market for personal profit for the thieves themselves. The article also mentions that this is not a new problem but rather and ongoing issue that is “deeply rooted”. I personally think that this is awful and assistance is needed in this type of situation. Especially in the situation at hand, the famine in Somalia, there should be protection for the food that is in the Food program to assist those who truly need it. The fact that businessmen are taking and selling for their own gain is a direct reflection on the security over the food. Somalia will have even more issues if they can’t even control what they have.

Gettleman, Jeffrey. "Contractors Are Accused in Large-Scale Theft of Food Aid in Somalia". //New York Times.// 17 August 2011. Web. []


 * Economic**- Jack Ewing reports that “Europe’s Debt Crisis Weakens Quarterly Growth”. In this article, Ewing states that the value of the euro decreased to its lowest worth in two years and that the “powerhouse” Germany almost went stagnant. Representatives of Europe’s market, especially in France and Germany said that they currently are trying to reduce debts and cut spending dramatically. Ewing also goes on to explain that the slowdown of the economy is due to the lack of fulfilling the high expectations that analyst’s had. With many new countries losing the value behind their currencies and increasing their debts, I fear that those countries that are in debt will become subject to the countries not in debt. Also, the article mentions that Greece is in a recession. If many other countries’ debt creates recessions or depressions then I am concerned about which countries we can rely on for help.

Ewing, Jack.“Europe’s Debt Crisis Weakens Quarterly Growth”. //New York Times.// 17 August 2011. Web. []


 * __August 22, 2011__**
 * National**- In Kim Sevenson’s “Weighing Race and Hate in a Mississippi Killing”, the horrible homicide is observed through the racial lens. After reviewing the killing of a black man in Mississippi by a group of white teenagers, some people think that a racial hatred is present. Dr. Timothy Summers, of Mississippi, believes that there has been and always will be racial tension in Mississippi and that it is because the people do not like change. I found this interesting because it reminding me of United States history when the South didn’t want to accept change or adjust their way of life. It seems like even today, the south has roots that are firmly planted and although some people feel strongly about their “superiority” they should recognize that the world will constantly be changing.

Sevenson, Kim. "Weighing Race and Hate in a Missippi Killing". //New York Times//. 23 August 2011. Web. []


 * International**- In Rick Gladstone’s “Qaddafi’s Whereabouts Still a Mystery as Rumors Swirl”, the issue discussed is the location of Qaddafi. Many speculations have rumored as to where he is located but no definite place was established. The International Criminal Court published a warrant for his arrest earlier this year and hasn’t seen him in public in over two months. It’s important that they find Qaddafi because he has done multiple harmful things to the people of his country. I think that with the rebel forces are looking for him even more now, that the pressure is on for Qaddafi to find a more isolated hiding spot.

Gladstone, Rick. "Qaddafi's Whereabouts Still a Mystery as Rumors Swirl". //New York Times//. 23 August 2011. Web. []


 * Economic**- In and Article by Nancy Folbre, “A Sales Tax on Wall Street Transactions” she discusses the interest that some representatives have in terms of creating a sales tax on Wall Street transactions. Some economists feel that the tax will provide revenue and others feel that it will encourage short term traders to lose interest in investments. The short term traders are a key part to the “financial ecosystem” according toGeorgetown’s Professor Angel and the tax on transactions will turn them away. Personally, I don’t think that there should be a sales tax on transactions made on Wall Street. I think that too many important transactions take place and if they were taxed, then interest would be lost by some of the traders, especially the short term traders. Although it appears to have intentions to help the economy, I just don’t see this as being beneficial to the overall economic situation in theUnited States today.

Folbre, Nancy. "A Sales Tax on Wall Street Transactions". //New York Times//. 22 August 2011. Web. []