Late July Musings

The paper was a quick read, but there were some thought provoking articles.

Is it really bad if a genetically modified orange has a resistance to a bad bacteria added through a spinach gene?  That would allow more organic fruit because pesticides would not have to be sprayed to protect the fruit from the bug that spreads the bacteria.

GMO Orange Article


We are in a War on Terror that was started by Osama bin Ladan and it is not a war on Islam, but it is a war on Jihadists; who seem to manufacture themselves as a result of not having an economic stake in the Western economy.  I don't know the answer to this, but I know the US must maintain a well funded military and intelligence effort and that requires revenues from US taxpayers.  Thus, what is happening in Syria is most unfortunate and I don't have sound policy recommendation for anyone on how to improve this situation.  That is for someone else who makes the big bucks to promote.

Syria attracts Western Jihadists


Nothing is more important to the American societal fabric than the belief that if you work hard you will get ahead.  Globalization has hurt that belief for those who did/do not work in the global economy.  However, this too will pass as wage costs rise in the places where manufacturing jobs have gone.  We just have to get through the transition without destroying the belief that hard work will improve your economic standing.  That requires fair taxation, an effective safety net (serious illness should not force you into bankruptcy and pre-existing conditions should not preclude you from getting health insurance; that requires affordable individual health insurance pricing:  ObamaCare!) and a focus on quality education.

Why both Parties need to focus on sound economic policy