General | Democracy in New Mexico

American, India & China

There is an old proverb which states that whatever goes up has to come down. Perhaps the same logic is now being applied in the case of the USA There is an all around perception that the days of USA as a powerhouse of world economy is fast ending that in the next few years countries like China and India may catch up and eventually overtake this great country of ours.

Though this topics perhaps may make interesting and exciting reading for many people around the globe and particularly people from these countries, it might take a quite bit of time before this happens and who knows it may never happen in the next 60 to 75 years. On a rough estimate if the current growth scenario continues in all these three countries, China may overtake USA in the next 20 to 25 years, whereas for Indian it would take another 45 to 50 years. Remember the current situation has to continue, i.e. USA should still continue struggling and the new economic power houses, i.e. India and China should continue to grow at the current levels of high growth. This looks good and achievable on paper but in reality it might take much more than writing articles to actually achieve this. However, there are signs that USA is coming out from the worst slump since the great crisis of 2008 and things are slowly beginning to fall in place.

If we believe in ourselves as nation, and start working on the basic foundations of hard work, commitment and willpower, it is almost certain that USA will once again occupy the pride of place amongst the world nations and will once again be the undisputed superpower both economically and militarily. A economically and militarily powerful USA is very important for world peace, because if any country even today has the will and courage to taken on extremism, terrorism, religious intolerance in the world stage, it is without doubt our great country. We are sure the valiant efforts of our great grandfathers will not go in vain.

Filed Under: Democratic Party, General Tagged With: China, India, USA, World economy

U.S Foreign Policy

The American foreign policy for generations has been built around the game of flexing its muscles and establishing its hegemony. This is not done directly, but by entering into a strategic alliance with some not so powerful countries of various regions of the world. If one looks at history, you will find dozens of incidents, where in the name of establishing democracy and freedom of speech, they have supported and helped the growth of many dictatorial regimes and despots. If America is fighting a bloody battle in Afghanistan today, it the result of its skewed and short-sighted foreign policy during the cold war, when the then USSR and invaded this country and installed a puppet regime.

The best thing that America could have done if it was really keen on world peace and stability would have been to encourage the forces of democracy and the rule of the law. Instead of doing it, America instigated armed rebels and faction to take up arms and fight the puppet regime in Afghanistan. While USSR’s move of occupying Afghanistan cannot be justified, America should have realized that two wrongs do not make a right. The country not only instigated the rebels to fight against the government of the day, but also armed them to the teeth. In the process it created a Frankenstein which is now haunting not only the USA, but also poses a grave challenge and threat to world peace and stability.

Ironically, many of the arms and ammunitions supplied by the then American administrations are now being used by the Taliban and other terrorist groups against America’s own soldiers. It is high time America realized the importance of the harm it is doing to the cause of world peace by being a Kangaroo Court in trying to settle disputes between two nations or various groups within a nation. However, nothing much is likely to change as long as America believes that it is the unilateral power in the world to arbitrate world disputes. The sooner it realizes this fact, the better it would be for world peace.

Filed Under: General, United States Tagged With: Afghanistan, Taliban, United States, World peace

Holyday Spots in New Mexico

New Mexico is a state located in the southwest region of United States of America. It is one of the most culturally significant states of USA. New Mexico is home to Navajo and Apache people. Hundreds of Years old Spanish villas and American Pueblos are major tourist attractions. It is blessed with the beauty of wide range of landscape which includes Rose- coloured desserts to snow covered peaks and large areas of forests. The climate is generally continental and alpine. Tourist can explore cities, scenic byways, national parks and natural hot springs according to their wish. You can also see old mining, ranching and railroading towns.

Old Spanish is a historical trade route which connected Santa Fe with Los Angeles. Blue water Lake State Park has got numerous fishing areas. Travelers can enjoy hot bath in Battleship Rock and McCauley Hot Spring, Black Rock Hot Spring, Bubbles hot spring, Light feather Hot Spring ,Spence Hot Springs and Turkey Creek Hot Spring.

Those who are interested in Science and Technology also have choices. Apache Point Observatory which is a sunspot observatory. The National Atomic Museum is good for those who are interested in nuclear science and technology. Acapulco is a large resort town situated in the southwestern coast of Mexico. The nightlife is active here. Night Clubs are active here .It is not really suitable for a quiet family vacation. Some of the famous hotels in Carlsbad, New Mexico are US Travelers Inn, Carlsbad Koa, Days Inn Carlsbad, Windmill RV Park, Quality Inn Carlsbad and Motel 6 Carlsbad Nm.

Mexico unlike any other country enjoys the best atmosphere and is known for its spots all around the country filled with joy. Holy places at this country really speak for themselves and is a pleasant experience visiting. What are you planning then?

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Holyday Spots

Origin And Evolution Of Society

All of us are part of a society. We were born into a society, grew up in a society and are living in a society with a constant interaction with it. We are living in a developing society as it is subjected to periodical changes. Though it is not visible, it is a fact that society is always in a process of change. We cannot experience the process of change, but over a period of time, it will be clearly visible. So we can assume that the current society which we live is also a product of a series of changes. In order to understand this, let us have a look on the origin and evolution of society. In the primitive world, there were only individuals.

They were hunters and gatherers. Later they started cultivation. At this stage, to look after their crops, they started living in a fixed place. This led to the formation of small groups. Later for convenience, the concept of division of labor got introduced. Thus a primitive form of society evolved. In a primitive society, Mechanical solidarity was given importance forcing people to think and act for a collective conscience. Agriculture was the main occupation and this gave rise to a feudalist society. Introduction of industrial society put an end to the feudal society.

Capitalism evolved. In an industrial society, Organic solidarity was given importance. The process by which a society is modernized is called Modernization. Modern society can be classified in to three-Early Modernity (1453-1789), Classical modernity (1789-1900), Late Modernity (1900-1989). We are living in a Post Modern Society (1990-Present). The post modern society is characterized by Globalization, Pro-environmentalism, Self –conceptualization and Rationalization. It is also characterized by liberal morality. Morality is more personnel than social. Individual is given importance. All religions are treated with equal respect. The process of change is still continuing and will never end.

Filed Under: General, Society Tagged With: Modernity, Modernization, Rationalization, Society, Sociocultural evolution

No Debts in Online Casino Games

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There are four number two cards in the deck when you play deuces wild, which means you have a reasonable chance of getting a couple of them. This becomes even more true when you are dealing with a card “shoe,” or with a video poker machine. But it is a law of life that sometimes when you place a bet, you end up losing. Other laws also apply to gambling, of course, although these vary based on where you are. New Mexico has one law that relates directly to gambling, but that may end up biting the unwary gambler in a sensitive spot if it ends up applying in their particular situation.

For instance, if you were playing a game against someone in New Mexico, and you bet money that you did not happen to have, you could actually go into debt to carry on with your gambling. This can be a serious problem if the person you are betting against wants to actually get paid the amount that you owe them, since debt is no guarantee of being paid promptly. The bad news is, this is just a problem that happens in the real world.

However, there are some solutions to this problem. One of them is to never bet with money you do not already have to avoid debt-gambling laws. This is a solution which is extremely easy to employ, especially if your preferred method of placing bets is to use online casino games. After all, with an online casino, you have no capability of betting more than you have already deposited into your gaming account. The computers are smart like that — they can see the difference between a positive number, a zero, and a negative number. Of course, it is a little bit less exciting this way, but you can still end up winning without any issue at all.

Filed Under: General, Society Tagged With: Gambling, New Mexico, Online casino

The Politics of New Mexico’s Film Incentives

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Governor-elect Susana Martinez is walking a fine line between bowing to the public’s demand to reduce Hollywood’s access to New Mexico and a much needed income boost to the state despite huge incentives.

Until now, New Mexico has been very aggressive in luring Hollywood film and television makers by offering a staggering 25% refund on any in-state production expenses as well as loans up to $15 million, interest free.

Since first offering these incentives in 2002, New Mexico has drawn more than 150 television and film projects, and the film commission estimates that more than $2.1 billion has been generated for the state.

It is doubtful that Susana Martinez is going to completely eliminate the tax incentives; however, it is likely that she’ll consider putting a cap on the amounts handed out. This would bring New Mexico more in line with other states who have also dropped the amount of incentives to film makers. To end it completely would withdraw a much needed source of employment and economic stimulus.

Currently incentives have been radically scaled back in Wisconsin, suspended entirely in New Jersey, Kansas and Iowa, capped in Rhode Island and they are scheduled to expire soon in Arizona.

On the other side of the debate are the people of New Mexico. They love that their beautiful state is featured so often in shows and movies, but complaints pour in from townspeople and business owners who complain that when film crews move in, they take completely over. Entire towns can be engulfed by a single movie production crew who expect the locals and their businesses to be fully accommodating despite the noise, traffic, pollution and the strain on local resources.

Like Scott Kay jewelry, New Mexico is etched with majestic beauty that should be shared with the world via movies and television programs, but a balance between incentives and revenue and the people must be found.

Filed Under: Democratic Party, General, New Mexico Government Tagged With: Arizona, Hollywood, Iowa, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Susana Martinez, Wisconsin

Keeping Up With The White House First Ladies On The Internet

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Every four years the United States takes part in the race for President. It’s a long and expensive contest that ends with the pivotal decision of who will become the leader of the free world. At the same time we choose the President, we also decide who will become the nation’s First lady. Though not an elected official, The First Lady is a defacto leader who holds an important position on many levels. She represents the United States diplomatically and symbolically.

Historically, the First lady wasn’t always necessarily the wife of the President; she was sometimes a close relative who stepped in to represent the President if he wasn’t married. In recent times, however, the First Lady has always been the presidential wife as well.

Several of the First Ladies have been greatly admired for their achievements, intelligence, interests, and for their personal style. Lady Bird Johnson was known for her national beautification project, which put a focus on landscaping the nation’s roadways. Jackie Kennedy used her knowledge of antiques and art history to head up a major restoration project at the White House. Dolly Madison was known for her heroism. Thinking quickly, she saved a portrait of President George Washington when the White House was threatened by British troops during the War of 1812.

The Internet has several sites devoted to our nation’s First Ladies, offering a wealth of information about the various women who have held the role and their part in history.

The National Library has a very detailed site at: http://www.firstladies.org. It offers biographies, film clips, information on events and exhibits about the First Ladies, and a special section on the First Ladies’ style choices.

The White House has its own Internet website at http://www.whitehouse.gov. The site focuses on the biography and special achievements of our current First Lady, Michelle Obama.

There’s even a site devoted to the work of former First Lady Hillary Clinton, who is now Secretary of State. Go to: http://www.state.gov/secretary/ to find out what Secretary of State Clinton (and President Clinton’s First Lady) is doing today.

Filed Under: General, Politics, United States Tagged With: First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, United States, White House

America’s Public Healthcare Option — What’s the Answer?

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With so much recent debate from both sides surrounding President Obama’s healthcare bill featuring the polarizing public option, it’s easy to get confused – or lost in jargon. Among the mess, one thing’s certain — liberals and conservatives can agree that our country’s current healthcare policies need reform – and quickly. Health insurance is becoming unreasonably costly – even for America’s super rich –- and more employers are opting out of providing healthcare packages for workers. Something needs to change, for sure, but is President Obama’s current plan the right answer?

The pros to “Obamacare” – as it’s been dubbed – are clear. Every American would be required to have health insurance by a government-granted date. On the surface this seems to be a huge step in the right direction. If every American was somehow insured, strain on charity care and Medicaid greatly decrease. No longer would uninsured patients get slapped with astronomical hospital and prescription drug bills, which then ultimately are passed to taxpayers. Great.

That is, until you take a closer look and realize what Obamacare has plenty of holes. How exactly would every citizen get covered? What about preexisting conditions? Would disgruntled insurance companies provide sub par coverage – or worse – would healthcare providers provide sub par patient care? As a country, we hope not – but our new healthcare reform plan is so freshly minted, no one has a concrete idea of how it will ultimately unfold and work for Americans. A public healthcare option has been successful in other countries – and here’s hoping it will take hold and be successful here. Something needs to change for the better.

The bottom line is that this new public healthcare option poses so many varied positive and negative arguments, it’s impossible to tell what’s right. Unfortunately for the American public, only time, implementation and evaluation will give us the facts we all wish we had right now.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Barack Obama, Health care, United States

It’s Back to School Time! But What’s For Lunch?

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If Michelle Obama and her newest proposed legislation have any say, the answer might surprise you. With her June 2010 “Let’s Read. Let’s Move” campaign aimed squarely at our nation’s childhood obesity epidemic – and her massive White House vegetable and fruit garden in full bloom, you might think government-funded school districts may be forced serve up wheat germ and mineral water, with a heaping side of grassy sprouts as students across the country all let out a simultaneous, “Yuck, gross!” come September.

However, luckily for school children – and ultimately, for parents who are responsible for feeding them – Michelle Obama’s bill, which was approved by a whopping 32-13 vote in July, and will take effect this September if all goes according to plan, will have schools serving traditional cafeteria fare like pizza and cheeseburgers – in an untraditional way. The bill dictates new ways of preparing and serving school meals, geared toward eventually eliminating overly processed, overly salted, overly sugary and heavily fattening foods. In other words, pizza in its truest form – that is, made from whole wheat flour, antioxidant-rich tomato sauce and calcium-rich, low-fat mozzerella cheese – on site, is not the enemy in schools. It’s the processed, frozen pizza packed with preservatives and salt, which gets freeze-dried and shipped across the world before a child enjoys it that is ultimately to blame. And those are the foods Mrs. Obama targets in her new bill.

The House of Labor and Education Committee voted on the bill with surprising support from House Republicans. Even packaged food and beverage companies are supporting the movement, agreeing to stock school vending machines with nutrient-packed munchies like granola and whole wheat crackers in lieu of potato chips and candy. Perhaps we are finally putting partisan politics to rest, at least for this tiny issue – and can agree that steering our nation’s children down the right nutritional path today will ultimately save millions of dollars in healthcare costs years down the road. For sure, everyone can support that – including the kids, as long as they can still eat pizza.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Michelle Obama, Potato chip, Tomato sauce