The Plaid Avenger

Plaidcast  |  European Eurasia

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

Russian Rage at Black Widow Bombing

Synopsis: Holy Russian rage! Not only did two female suicide bombers (Black Widows) bomb the Moscow Metro on Monday March 29, but now there have been 5 separate terrorist attacks in the 5 days since…the rest occurring in ethnic provinces in Russia’s North Caucuses region.  In this plaid-cast, the Avenger describes the likely Russian response of fury, but more importantly tackles the thorny issue of why these attacks are occurring, and are likely to continue: The volatile region in question is home to a bunch of non-Russian ethnic groups who don’t wan to be part of Russia (mostly Chechan and Dagestani), alongside a growing Islamic insurgency movement which is trying to make this so! Its getting raucous in the Caucus, and after watching this, you will know why!

Related Stories:
String of bombings hits Russia's Caucasus: first Dagestan, now Ingushetia attack
Moscow Metro bombing masterminds 'will be destroyed'
Moscow metro bombing: the backlash begins
Notorious Chechen Rebel Says He Ordered Moscow Subway Bombing

Keywords: Russian, Medvedev, Putin, North Caucuses, Caucuses Mountains, Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Moscow Metro bombing, Islamic insurgency, First Chechen War, Second Chechen War, Beslan School Siege, Moscow Theater Hostage Crisis

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Issue 2: Battle For Burma

Well, the battle for the heart and soul of this country is on, but no one outside Burma seems to be able to do a damn thing about it! Why not?

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