In Other News…10.05.11
The Professor tackles a news story that did not make any major headlines in the US…but has profound consequences for the world…and he wants you to be hip to it!
Today…it’s all about Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s proposal to create some sort of ‘‘Eurasian union’’ between former Soviet republics that may become an alternative to the EU. Seem trivial? Perhaps, but it certainly speaks to the direction that Putin intends to take Russia in for the foreseeable next decades…a decade that he will be overseeing as the next President of Russia!
Keywords: Russia, Putin, Eurasian union, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, EU, SCO
No New Nukes?
Synopsis:
Wowsers!!! Huge big nuke deal just went down in Germany, and I ain’t talkin’ meltdown here! Prime Minister Angela Merkel of Germany just announced that her state has totally renounced nuclear energy use, and will have all reactors off-line by 2022…which is a stunning 180 degree turn from her administration’s position just 9 months ago! Of course, a lot of this stems from fears of the Japanese nuclear disaster earlier this year, but the move by the 4th largest economy and a world superpower in its own right is sending shockwaves thru the nuclear industry and the world. This could very well be a “JFK:we-will-put-a-man-on-the-moon” moment in history that shapes the future of the planet as Germany may spur a true movement towards alternative energies that other countries embrace. BUT, don’t count out nuke energy just yet, as there are many other states still going forward in the future with the fission fun!
Related Stories:
The Future of Nuclear Power
Solar stocks surge on Germany's anti-nuke vow
Merkel: German Nuclear Shutdown Could Set Example
Keywords: Germany, nuclear energy, nuke, Switzerland
Arab Elation = Italian Immigration Frustration
Synopsis: Watch out! The floodgates for Middle Eastern migration to Europe may have possibly just been opened up by the instability and chaotic nature caused by the Arab revolutionary spirit being unleashed in multiple Mediterranean countries! Say what? What do revolutions in the Middle East have to do with immigration policy in Europe? Just everything, my friends! In this episode, the Plaid Avenger explains the repercussions of the Arab revolutions on the already fractured and frayed immigration policies of the EU, and how this sudden inflow of folks to Europe is causing a serious re-evaluation of how European nations will be running their affairs in the near future. Is the era of multiculturalism dead? Only the Avenger knows!
Related Plaidcasts:
Swedish Socialist Shift Signifies Serious Shit
Burka Ban Signifies Shift in Europe
Related Stories:
Tunisia Shuns Italian Offer on Border Aid
Italy seeks EU cash over Lampedusa
Europe?s melting pot cracks
Sarkozy: Multiculturalism is 'a failure' in France
Keywords: multiculturalism, center-right, Europe, immigration, EU, Tunisia, Italy, Arab revolutions
Swedish Socialist Shift Signifies Serious Shit
Sufferin Swedish succotash! European government after European government has been shifting to center-right conservative leadership, and the Swedes are the latest to go! Most stories coming out of Europe high-lite the social components of this conservative swing?like anti-immigration (possible anti-Islamic) attitudes that are prevailing. The Avenger wants you to consider the more important economic aspects of this swing, which will have much more lasting implications. Bottom line: The economic shift to center-right across Europe?and now even in socialist Sweden? is indicative of a major move across all the western world towards smaller government and conservative economic/fiscal policy. A shift that even the mighty Americans are likely to embrace very soon?.
Related Plaidcasts:
3 Strikes And You’re Out Sarkozy!
Burka Ban Signifies Shift in Europe
Related Stories:
The Swedish election: Moderate and happy
Economy trumps welfare worries in tight Swedish election
Sweden Anti-Immigrants Gain After Becoming `Martyrs'
Keywords: Sweden, socialism, anti-immigration, UK, France, Germany, Cameron, Sarkozy, Merkel
3 Strikes And You’re Out Sarkozy!
French President Nicolas Sarkozy is facing adamant opposition to his plans to raise the retirement age in his country from 60 to 62?and the Frenchies are furious and taking to the streets! However, this move is symptomatic of a much larger trend going on all across Europe (and perhaps all of the ?rich? Western counties): that trend is towards austerity! With record budget deficits, bloated bureaucracies, and over-extended social benefit programs, there is a seismic shift towards changing the size and role of government in the western capitalist democracies of France, Germany, the UK aa well as the PIGS?.and this shift will even be affecting future politics and policies in the good ol? U S of A! Get awakened to the age of austerity my plaid friends!
Related Plaidcasts:
Germany’s Shady Solution for Greek Shenanigans
Related Stories:
French strike over austerity plans
French strike over plan to raise retirement age
Europe's new austerity measures
Merkel Is in Europe's Driving Seat
Cameron Warns Britons of Austerity
The unlikely revolutionary
Keywords: Austerity, PIGS, France, strike, Sarkozy, Germany, Merkel, UK, Cameron
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Issue 2: Battle For Burma
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