Ten years ago a “coalition of the willing” took on the responsibility of deposing Saddam Hussein from Iraq and trying to steer the country toward Democracy. The success or failure of the effort is still undetermined. In an op-ed piece in yesterday’s NY Post, Amir Tahiri, who always looks on the bright side of Middle East issues, said there is hope. There are more than 100 newspapers debating the fate of the nation. The many factions argue openly. This is what free societies do, and these signs are encouraging. On the other, the citizens continue to suffer the bombings of troglodytes. 56 were killed in the most recent attack. Ralph Peters, a retired Colonel also syndicated in the Post, believes Iraq is now a puppet of Iran. Which of these views is correct? Stay tuned. History is constantly evolving.
The Cyprian government has retreated from its plan of confiscating a percentage of the savings of those who have accounts in the country’s banks. The citizenry howled in protest. The people want universal health care and generous pensions, and want others to pay for it. Even an island nation of only 1.1 million has trouble financing Socialism. In his column in yesterday’s Post, John Crudele argued that confiscation of savings is already occurring in America. He explained that Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke’s strategy of keeping interests rates low to spur the economy is hurting those who prefer the safety of a savings account, most of which are earning about one-percent these days, and forcing people to put their money where it might garner the greatest return, the stock market. When a government eagerly distributes money to 47% of its citizens, it must find creative ways to gain revenue. If a tax on savings accounts is ever enacted here, don’t expect it to be done fairly, across the board, the same percentage for everyone. This is the great battle being waged in America today, and the left has been gaining since Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society programs went into effect. It’s doubtful the tide will ever be reversed. Can it be managed at a reasonable level that won’t bankrupt the country? Stay tuned. Politicians are always devolving.
My thanks to Old Simon, who made a large donation of books today, including three Bibles, one in Spanish. Unfortunately, for the second consecutive day no one bought anything.
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3
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