Climate Change
Some have interpreted Obama’s picks for top environmental positions as a signal that he will be supporting climate change policies and tougher emissions standards (Zabarenko).
Feminism
Women’s groups, particularly the National Organization for Women, are complaining that Obama has not appointed enough women to cabinet-level positions (Yellin).
Nominations
Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Commerce, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, has withdrawn from consideration. Federal investigators are looking into state transportation contracts that were awarded to Richardson supporters (Pickler).
Apparently, Hillary Clinton is ineligible for appointment to Secretary of State because the position received a raise while she served in Congress (Judicial Watch announces). This does not seem to be putting the breaks on her appointment any more than her husband’s foreign connections through his charitable foundation. The group making this claim against Clinton also calls for an investigation of Obama’s connections to ACORN and Tony Rezko.
Other nominations include
Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—Jane Lubchenco of Oregon State University
Assitant to the President for Science and Technology, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Co-Chair of President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology—John Holdren, the Teresa and John Heinz Professor of Environmental Policy and Director of the Program on Science, Technology and Public Policy at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government
Co-Chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology—Harold Varmus was Director of the National Institutes of Health during the Clinton administration
Director of Central Intelligence—Leon Panetta, served as Chief of Staff to President Clinton and former congressman (McGrath; Miller & Parsons).
Sources
Judicial Watch announces list of Washington’s “10 Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians” for 2008. (2008 Dec. 31). MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28449789/, accessed 2009 Jan. 9.
McGrath, D. (2008 Dec. 22). Obama names science and technology team. EE Times. http://www.eetimes.com/news/design/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=212501677, accessed 2009 Jan. 9.
Miller, G., & Parsons, C. (2009 Jan. 5). Obama taps Leon Panetta to run CIA. Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-010508-obama-panetta-cia-jan06,0,7789770.story, accessed 2009 Jan. 9.
Pickler, N. (2009 Jan. 5). Richardson drops secretary bid. Associate Press on AOL. http://news.aol.com/article/bill-richardson-drops-secretary-bid/292771?icid=200100397x1215670284x1201083147, accessed 2009 Jan 5.
Yellin, J. (2008 Dec. 22). Why some women’s groups are miffed at Obama. CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/22/women.cabinet/, accessed 2009 Jan. 9.
Zabarenko, D. (2008 Dec. 22). Obama team primed to push climate change agenda. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/vcCandidateFeed2/idUSN22505340, accessed 2008 Jan. 9.
2009/01/09
2009/01/06
Putin Intelligencer 2009 January 6
Culture & Socialist Economy
Putin has announced he will personally oversee initiatives to develop Russia’s domestic film industry (Holdsworth).
Economic Bailout
Putin has promised government aid to 1,500 companies effected by the economic downturn (Putin says 1,500 firms to get aid).
Presidency
Legislation that would extend the Russian presidential term has taken another step toward approval. Speculation continues that this could open the door for Putin to return to the presidency, possibly for 12 years (Levy).
Sources
Holdsworth, N. (2008 Dec. 15). Putin takes charge of local film industry. Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117997388.html?categoryId=19&cs=1, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
Levy, C. (2008 Dec. 22). Is Putin getting an opening to return as president? International Herald-Tribune. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/22/europe/russia.php, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
Putin says 1,500 firms to get aid. (2008 Dec. 16). Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/1009/42/373182.htm, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
Putin has announced he will personally oversee initiatives to develop Russia’s domestic film industry (Holdsworth).
Economic Bailout
Putin has promised government aid to 1,500 companies effected by the economic downturn (Putin says 1,500 firms to get aid).
Presidency
Legislation that would extend the Russian presidential term has taken another step toward approval. Speculation continues that this could open the door for Putin to return to the presidency, possibly for 12 years (Levy).
Sources
Holdsworth, N. (2008 Dec. 15). Putin takes charge of local film industry. Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117997388.html?categoryId=19&cs=1, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
Levy, C. (2008 Dec. 22). Is Putin getting an opening to return as president? International Herald-Tribune. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/22/europe/russia.php, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
Putin says 1,500 firms to get aid. (2008 Dec. 16). Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/1009/42/373182.htm, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
Russia Intelligencer 2009 January 6
Banking & Financial Crisis
State-controlled Sberbank will offer payment deferrals to individual borrowers who experience income disruption (Meeting with Putin).
Culture
Hundreds of items are missing from the Hermitage museum, apparently from theft, though the institution’s director says many of the artifacts were of little value or have been missing since World War II (100s items missing).
Military & Nuclear Weapons
Russian officials announced they will be commissioning 70 strategic nuclear missiles in addition to other military equipment (Russian to get 70 nuclear missiles).
Nationalism
Immigration into Russia has sparked activity by nationalist groups, with little opposition from the government, though members of a skinhead group were recently convicted of racially-motivated, violent crimes (Clark).
Opposition Parties, Trade and Censorship
Russian democratic parties met earlier this month in St. Petersburg. Loosely unified under the title of Solidarity, the organizations still differ in their opinions on participation in elections and opposition to nationalism (Chernov).
Though not a party, drivers in Primorye region took to the streets—in cars—to protest tariffs on foreign cars put in place by the Putin government. The protest did not sway the government. Riot police arrested over 100 people. In much of the world this would be news, but it wasn’t covered by the state-owned television stations (Abdullaev & Mereu; Malpas & Antonova).
Socialist Economy
Even though the government cleared mining company Uralkali in a mining accident that created a sinkhole, but caused now injuries, it may still levy heavy fines on the company and attempt to take it over (Levy).
Sources
100s items missing from Russia’s Hermitage. (2008 Dec. 8). Seattle Times. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2008482841_apeurussiamissingart.html, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
Abdullaev, N., & Mereu, F. (2008 Dec. 16). Far east drivers get leaders to listen. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/373168.htm, accessed 2008 Jan. 6.
Chernov, S. (2008 Dec. 9). Democrats meet to form joint program. St. Petersburg Times. http://www.times.spb.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=27788, accessed 2008 Dec. 11.
Clark, T. (2008 Dec. 15). Russian skinheads get up to 20 years in jail for 19 murders. Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=aAyge8hOY0PE&refer=europe, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
Levy, C. (2008 Dec. 8). Russia my use accident inquiry to take over mine. Austin American-Statesman. http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/world/12/08/1208russia.html, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
Malpas, A., & Antonova, M. (2008 Dec. 22). Primorye protests don’t sway putin. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/373322.htm, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
Meeting with Putin, CEO says Sberbank to give a break on loans. (2008 Dec. 22). PRIME-TASS. http://www.prime-tass.com/news/show.asp?topicid=60&id=449592, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
Russian to get 70 nuclear missiles in 3 years. (2008 Dec. 22). Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hE_-OiPRaNN8o4Pov7KcF87YZtgwD957TOS80, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
State-controlled Sberbank will offer payment deferrals to individual borrowers who experience income disruption (Meeting with Putin).
Culture
Hundreds of items are missing from the Hermitage museum, apparently from theft, though the institution’s director says many of the artifacts were of little value or have been missing since World War II (100s items missing).
Military & Nuclear Weapons
Russian officials announced they will be commissioning 70 strategic nuclear missiles in addition to other military equipment (Russian to get 70 nuclear missiles).
Nationalism
Immigration into Russia has sparked activity by nationalist groups, with little opposition from the government, though members of a skinhead group were recently convicted of racially-motivated, violent crimes (Clark).
Opposition Parties, Trade and Censorship
Russian democratic parties met earlier this month in St. Petersburg. Loosely unified under the title of Solidarity, the organizations still differ in their opinions on participation in elections and opposition to nationalism (Chernov).
Though not a party, drivers in Primorye region took to the streets—in cars—to protest tariffs on foreign cars put in place by the Putin government. The protest did not sway the government. Riot police arrested over 100 people. In much of the world this would be news, but it wasn’t covered by the state-owned television stations (Abdullaev & Mereu; Malpas & Antonova).
Socialist Economy
Even though the government cleared mining company Uralkali in a mining accident that created a sinkhole, but caused now injuries, it may still levy heavy fines on the company and attempt to take it over (Levy).
Sources
100s items missing from Russia’s Hermitage. (2008 Dec. 8). Seattle Times. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2008482841_apeurussiamissingart.html, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
Abdullaev, N., & Mereu, F. (2008 Dec. 16). Far east drivers get leaders to listen. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/373168.htm, accessed 2008 Jan. 6.
Chernov, S. (2008 Dec. 9). Democrats meet to form joint program. St. Petersburg Times. http://www.times.spb.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=27788, accessed 2008 Dec. 11.
Clark, T. (2008 Dec. 15). Russian skinheads get up to 20 years in jail for 19 murders. Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=aAyge8hOY0PE&refer=europe, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
Levy, C. (2008 Dec. 8). Russia my use accident inquiry to take over mine. Austin American-Statesman. http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/world/12/08/1208russia.html, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
Malpas, A., & Antonova, M. (2008 Dec. 22). Primorye protests don’t sway putin. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/373322.htm, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
Meeting with Putin, CEO says Sberbank to give a break on loans. (2008 Dec. 22). PRIME-TASS. http://www.prime-tass.com/news/show.asp?topicid=60&id=449592, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
Russian to get 70 nuclear missiles in 3 years. (2008 Dec. 22). Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hE_-OiPRaNN8o4Pov7KcF87YZtgwD957TOS80, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.
2009/01/05
Palin Intelligencer 2008 January 5
2012?
Some Palin fans look forward to supporting her for a presidential run in 2012 (Altimari).
Popularity
A poll taken in December found Palin to be the second most admired woman in America (Palin second among most-admired women).
Sources
Altimari, D. (2008 Dec. 22). Sarah Palin fans in Connecticut hold on to hope. Hartford Courant. http://www.courant.com/news/nationworld/hc-teamsarah1222.artdec22,0,6015743.story, accessed 2009 Jan. 5.
Palin second among most-admired women. (2008 Dec. 29). Juneau Empire. http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/122908/reg_372018135.shtml, accessed 2009 Jan. 5.
Some Palin fans look forward to supporting her for a presidential run in 2012 (Altimari).
Popularity
A poll taken in December found Palin to be the second most admired woman in America (Palin second among most-admired women).
Sources
Altimari, D. (2008 Dec. 22). Sarah Palin fans in Connecticut hold on to hope. Hartford Courant. http://www.courant.com/news/nationworld/hc-teamsarah1222.artdec22,0,6015743.story, accessed 2009 Jan. 5.
Palin second among most-admired women. (2008 Dec. 29). Juneau Empire. http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/122908/reg_372018135.shtml, accessed 2009 Jan. 5.
Vice President-Elect Intelligencer 2008 January 5
Economy & Staff
Biden has selected economist and author Jared Bernstein to serve in the newly created position of Chief Economist and Economic Policy Director to the Vice President.
Foreign Affairs
It’s anticipated that Sen. John Kerry will take the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations committed that is being vacated by Biden (Cirmaldi).
Sources
Crimaldi, L. (2008 Nov. 20). John Kerry to replace Joe Biden on board. Boston Herald. http://news.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/view/2008_11_20_John_Kerry_to_replace_Joe_Biden_on_board/srvc=home&position=recent, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.
Biden has selected economist and author Jared Bernstein to serve in the newly created position of Chief Economist and Economic Policy Director to the Vice President.
Foreign Affairs
It’s anticipated that Sen. John Kerry will take the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations committed that is being vacated by Biden (Cirmaldi).
Sources
Crimaldi, L. (2008 Nov. 20). John Kerry to replace Joe Biden on board. Boston Herald. http://news.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/view/2008_11_20_John_Kerry_to_replace_Joe_Biden_on_board/srvc=home&position=recent, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.
2008/12/18
President-Elect Intelligencer 2008 December 18
Economic Stimulus
Earlier this month, at a meeting of the National Governors Association, governors solicited Obama’s support for over $136 billion in projects. The governors’ proposal includes a lot of infrastructure improvements, which they say they can get started quickly and will create jobs (Obama pledges to work with governors on economy). The announcement of Obama’s support for the program sparked a rally in the price of some commodities (Shenk).
Foreign Affairs: Bolivia, Cuba
The advent of new administration is spurring many to push for a new approach to Cuba. Many are seeking to normalize relations with America’s Caribbean neighbor and see a potential for change under Obama (Chang, Richter).
Bolivian’s are also hoping Obama and their own new chief executive may be able to strike a friendlier pose. Bolivia is a source of coca (from which we get cocaine), a traditional crop of native Bolivians that has been a source of tension with the U.S. (Keane).
Nominations
Ambassador to the United Nations—Susan Rice
“Climate Czar”—Carol Browner, former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator
Council of Environmental Quality Head—Nancy Sutley, deputy mayor of Los Angeles
EPA Administrator—Lisa Jackson, chief of staff for New Jersey Governor John Corzine
Secretary of Defence—Robert Gates, currently serving in this role
Secretary of Energy—Steven Chu, head of Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory
Secretary of Health and Human Services—Tom Daschle, former Senate majority leader (Beale; Muskal; Obama names environmental team; Obama names national security team; Raffaele).
War in Afghanistan
Obama is continuing his plan to refocus military efforts on Afghanistan, and reducing the American presence in Iraq, by adding 10,000 troops in the nation where the counterinsurgency effort has carried on for seven years. This addition is not expected to be as effective as the surge Iraq because Afghanistan has a less developed infrastructure, more rugged landscape, and insurgents receive support for groups in neighboring Pakistan (Gordon).
Sources
Beale, J. (2008 Dec. 7). US health reform gains momentum. BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7768608.stm, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Chang, J. (2008 Dec. 14). Shift in Cuba policy anticipated under Obama. Miami Herald. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/812398.html, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Gordon, M. (2008 Dec. 1). Afghan strategy poses stiff challenge for Obama. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/world/asia/02strategy.html?_r=1&ref=us, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Keane, D. (2008 Dec. 15). Bolivians hope Obama, an outsider, heals US rift. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hK5_rh7E38XaUgK-_mwkeYCxyIrQD952M6LG0, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Muskal, M. (2008 Dec. 15). Obama announces choices for key environmental and energy posts. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-obama16-2008dec16,0,2027165.story, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Obama names environmental team. (2008 Dec. 16). E-Mainstream. http://www.awwa.org/publications/MainStreamArticle.cfm?itemnumber=43696, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Obama names national security team including Clinton, Gates (2008 Dec. 2). Dallas Morning News. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/nation/stories/DN-cabinet_02nat.ART.State.Edition2.298e736.html, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Obama pledges to work with governors on economy. (2008 Dec. 2). CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/02/transition.wrap/, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Raffaele, R. (2008 Dec. 8). Obama taps Susan Rice for UN ambassador position. Voice of America. http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-12-08-voa20.cfm, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Richter, P. (2008 Dec. 13). Obama presidency could change the rules on Cuba. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-fg-uscuba13-2008dec13,0,5895951.story, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Shenk, M. (2008 Dec. 8). Oil, copper rise for first time in seven days on Obama stimulus. Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=axxZdToCmBQU&refer=australia, accessed 2008 Dec. 19.
Earlier this month, at a meeting of the National Governors Association, governors solicited Obama’s support for over $136 billion in projects. The governors’ proposal includes a lot of infrastructure improvements, which they say they can get started quickly and will create jobs (Obama pledges to work with governors on economy). The announcement of Obama’s support for the program sparked a rally in the price of some commodities (Shenk).
Foreign Affairs: Bolivia, Cuba
The advent of new administration is spurring many to push for a new approach to Cuba. Many are seeking to normalize relations with America’s Caribbean neighbor and see a potential for change under Obama (Chang, Richter).
Bolivian’s are also hoping Obama and their own new chief executive may be able to strike a friendlier pose. Bolivia is a source of coca (from which we get cocaine), a traditional crop of native Bolivians that has been a source of tension with the U.S. (Keane).
Nominations
Ambassador to the United Nations—Susan Rice
“Climate Czar”—Carol Browner, former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator
Council of Environmental Quality Head—Nancy Sutley, deputy mayor of Los Angeles
EPA Administrator—Lisa Jackson, chief of staff for New Jersey Governor John Corzine
Secretary of Defence—Robert Gates, currently serving in this role
Secretary of Energy—Steven Chu, head of Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory
Secretary of Health and Human Services—Tom Daschle, former Senate majority leader (Beale; Muskal; Obama names environmental team; Obama names national security team; Raffaele).
War in Afghanistan
Obama is continuing his plan to refocus military efforts on Afghanistan, and reducing the American presence in Iraq, by adding 10,000 troops in the nation where the counterinsurgency effort has carried on for seven years. This addition is not expected to be as effective as the surge Iraq because Afghanistan has a less developed infrastructure, more rugged landscape, and insurgents receive support for groups in neighboring Pakistan (Gordon).
Sources
Beale, J. (2008 Dec. 7). US health reform gains momentum. BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7768608.stm, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Chang, J. (2008 Dec. 14). Shift in Cuba policy anticipated under Obama. Miami Herald. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/812398.html, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Gordon, M. (2008 Dec. 1). Afghan strategy poses stiff challenge for Obama. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/world/asia/02strategy.html?_r=1&ref=us, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Keane, D. (2008 Dec. 15). Bolivians hope Obama, an outsider, heals US rift. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hK5_rh7E38XaUgK-_mwkeYCxyIrQD952M6LG0, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Muskal, M. (2008 Dec. 15). Obama announces choices for key environmental and energy posts. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-obama16-2008dec16,0,2027165.story, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Obama names environmental team. (2008 Dec. 16). E-Mainstream. http://www.awwa.org/publications/MainStreamArticle.cfm?itemnumber=43696, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Obama names national security team including Clinton, Gates (2008 Dec. 2). Dallas Morning News. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/nation/stories/DN-cabinet_02nat.ART.State.Edition2.298e736.html, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Obama pledges to work with governors on economy. (2008 Dec. 2). CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/02/transition.wrap/, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Raffaele, R. (2008 Dec. 8). Obama taps Susan Rice for UN ambassador position. Voice of America. http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-12-08-voa20.cfm, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Richter, P. (2008 Dec. 13). Obama presidency could change the rules on Cuba. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-fg-uscuba13-2008dec13,0,5895951.story, accessed 2008 Dec. 18.
Shenk, M. (2008 Dec. 8). Oil, copper rise for first time in seven days on Obama stimulus. Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=axxZdToCmBQU&refer=australia, accessed 2008 Dec. 19.
Blogspeak 2008 December 18
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojavich
Obama: Review Finds No ‘Inappropriate’ Contacts With Blagojevich (Zeleny, J., The Caucus, New York Times, 2008 Dec. 15)
Infrastructure & Environment
Economic Stimulus Package Would Increase Energy Funding (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Dec. 8)
Economic Stimulus Package Would Increase Environmental Funding (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Dec. 8)
Economic Stimulus Package Would Increase Transportation Funding (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Dec. 8)
Emanuel States Support for Infrastructure Spending (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Dec. 11)
Governors Call for Federal Infrastructure Investment (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Dec. 8)
Obama: Review Finds No ‘Inappropriate’ Contacts With Blagojevich (Zeleny, J., The Caucus, New York Times, 2008 Dec. 15)
Infrastructure & Environment
Economic Stimulus Package Would Increase Energy Funding (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Dec. 8)
Economic Stimulus Package Would Increase Environmental Funding (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Dec. 8)
Economic Stimulus Package Would Increase Transportation Funding (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Dec. 8)
Emanuel States Support for Infrastructure Spending (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Dec. 11)
Governors Call for Federal Infrastructure Investment (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Dec. 8)
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