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Policy Reform

It’s no secret that there is a desperate need for policy reform. Whether it’s energy, economy, tax, education, or any other political arena, independent voters seek specific and effective political reform. Measures that increase transparency, enhance competition, inspire voter participation, and operate within the boundaries of strict, fiscal discipline are badly needed in a country that has become inefficient, ineffective, and paralyzed by partisan politics. This section discusses various political reform models that aim to encourage robust intellectual debate in the public forum.

Taliban Prisoners Quietly Being Released in Afghanistan via Negotiations

Taliban Prisoners Quietly Being Released in Afghanistan via Negotiations

By on 05/17/2012 in News, War and Foreign Policy with 0 Comments

The United States has been engaging in formal talks with the Taliban, negotiating the release of imprisoned insurgents for pledges of peace.

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The U.S. Has A Lot Of Shale Oil, So What?

The U.S. Has A Lot Of Shale Oil, So What?

By on 05/16/2012 in Arizona, California, Energy and Water, Nevada, Policy Reform, Utah with 0 Comments

Claims by the right that the US has huge reserves of recoverable shale oil are typically simplistic. If only it were that easy.

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A Concise History of the Growth in US National Debt and its Causes

A Concise History of the Growth in US National Debt and its Causes

By on 05/16/2012 in Budget, Economy, Legislation, Policy Reform, Taxes with 26 Comments

National debt increased in less time under Obama than Bush, but both parties have contributed substantially to our debt.

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Germany Returns to Coal Power as Nuclear Sits Idle

Germany Returns to Coal Power as Nuclear Sits Idle

By on 05/15/2012 in Energy and Water with 1 Comment

Coal power use will rise an estimated 13.5 percent in Germany this year, resulting in at least 14 million metric tons of additional CO2 emissions.

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Vargas’ Pet Grooming Bill Approved by Appropriations Committee

Vargas’ Pet Grooming Bill Approved by Appropriations Committee

By on 05/15/2012 in California, Legislation, Legislators, Policy Reform, States with 0 Comments

State Senator Juan Vargas’ SB 969, “Lucy’s Law”, which would create a voluntary certification program for the pet grooming industry, was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee (5-2) this afternoon. The bill, authored in an effort to prevent injuries and fatalities to pets resulting from visits to the pet groomer, now heads to the Senate Floor.

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American Drones Killing Civilians in Yemen

American Drones Killing Civilians in Yemen

By on 05/15/2012 in Breaking News, News, Policy Reform, War and Foreign Policy with 19 Comments

The last several months have seen a dramatic increase in drone strikes, lead by Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and the CIA, carried out against suspected militants.

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EPA Set to Regulate “Hydraulic Fracture” Mining on Federal Land

EPA Set to Regulate “Hydraulic Fracture” Mining on Federal Land

By on 05/15/2012 in Activism, Energy and Water, Legislation, Organizations, Policy Reform, Uncategorized with 1 Comment

Do you have running water in your home? Does your home have a heating system? Does it contain electrical wiring? Have you ever twirled spaghetti on a stainless steel fork? Did you brush your teeth with toothpaste from a tube?.

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US Foreign Policy Reform: Respect the Constitutional Separation of Powers

US Foreign Policy Reform: Respect the Constitutional Separation of Powers

By on 05/14/2012 in Legislators, Policy Reform, War and Foreign Policy with 26 Comments

The more unchecked power the president exercises over foreign policy, the more the US fights costly wars of preemption, intervention, and nation-building.

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Afghanistan & the Struggle with Central Governance

Afghanistan & the Struggle with Central Governance

By on 05/14/2012 in Policy Reform, War and Foreign Policy with 12 Comments

  Last October, the War in Afghanistan reached its 10-year anniversary. Our invasion of Afghanistan was launched as a direct result of the events of 9/11, with a goal to eradicate Osama bin Laden, al-Qaeda, and the various terrorist factions.

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$2 Billion Loss by JPMorgan Shows Weakness in Laws & Regulation

$2 Billion Loss by JPMorgan Shows Weakness in Laws & Regulation

By on 05/14/2012 in Economy, Legislation, Legislators, News, Policy Reform with 0 Comments

If you’re looking for an example of dysfunction in Washington, look no further than the lead story last Friday that JPMorganChase had lost $2 billion in a risky hedge-fund bet.

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