2008 US Presidential Candidates hot sauces
By adhocblogger | July 27, 2008
Its nice to see some nice 2008 US Presidential Candidate collectable items out on the net. One of them being are 2008 US Presidential Candidates hot sauces at Hot Sauce To Go. This hot sauce is located in the infamous and historic landmark in Los Angeles, California Farmers Market located on 3rd and Fairfax.
I wonder which of the presidential hot sauces are their hot sellers. I do realize that is June 2008 and that elections will be in November. So a few of the candidates are no longer running for the Republicans and or the Democrats. But they do have John McCain Hot Sauce for the Republcans and Barack Obama Hot Sauce for the Democrats. They have listed a few others such as a Ron Paul Hot Sauce. Which would be great if you were one of those who greatly supported him. Especially in his historic online fundraiser. And there is good ‘ole Hillary Clinton Hot Sauce.
Topics: 2008 US Presidential Candidates, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Ron Paul | 5 Comments »
Barack Obama Possible Prayer at Jerusalem’s Western Wall
By adhocblogger | July 26, 2008
Many people of many religious faiths and beliefs flock to Jerusalem’s Western Wall. One may write their prayers and slip the paper in between the cracks of the Holy Wall. In a recent visit to Jerusalem Barack Obama had visited the Wall in the Holy City of Jerusalem in which he did pray. The note he had or had not left in the wall was reportedly/allegedly had left was taken by a Jewish seminary student. According to Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitz who is in charge of the Western Wall says it is forbidden to read or take the prayers of others from the wall.
According to some reports the alleged prayer read;
“Lord — Protect my family and me. Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will,”.
Source for this blog post was Yahoo
Topics: Barack Obama, Jerusalem, Politics, United States, Western Wall | No Comments »
Vietnam And The United States
By adhocblogger | July 20, 2008
How many times should country be invaded by greedy, self serving and plundering countries with their own self interest at hand? No country should occupy another for greed or self interest no matter how it is said or drawn up on paper. Many times Vietnam has been conquered, however repeatedly threw out the colonial and imperialistic occupiers. Such countries as China, Japan, France and the United States at one time or another has succeeded and or tried to occupy Vietnam. Vietnam is rich in many resources such as rubber, cotton, rice, coffee, sugar cane, soybean and last but not the least major production is the offshore oil and gas deposits. In many ways the United States led war on Vietnam and the war in Iraq are similar in fashion in which one can say all in the name of democracy while siphoning off the oil rich fields. Aside from the oil in Vietnam there may be other things that the United States and Vietnam may have similar concerns in, such as neighboring boundary issues, AIDS and infant mortality as well as the labor force to economic issues.
Vietnam has experienced many civil wars after their height of feudalism in the 15th century. Eventually through many turnovers of power from my tribe to another, the Nguyen Anh and unified Viet Nam with the assistance of France. Later in the 1800’s Vietnam’s independence ended when France colonized Vietnam. France for the next one hundred years or so ignored many of the protests of the Vietnamese people for self rule and civil rights. But during World War II Japan took over Vietnam to help fund their campaign in the Pacific by exploiting their natural resources. With the defeat of Japan during World War II, France sent back the French Far East Expeditionary Corps, which was originally to fight against the Japanese occupation, attempted to restore French rule. The state of Vietnam was divided at the 17th parallel ending the French colonial rule. With the defeat of France in 1954, Vietnam was to hold elections in 1956 which never took place because of opposition from the Communist held Democratic Republic Vietnam against the United States support of the Republic of Vietnam. Again Vietnam was engaged in another war to keep colonialism and imperialism out of their country. The United States had said they feared a communist takeover in the South East Asian region. The US feared there would be a domino affect of Communism that was brought about from Russian in 1917 and China in 1949 Thus another war Vietnam was involved in against the United States between 1954 and 1975. The North Vietnamese forces unsuccessfully tried to overrun South Vietnam during the Tet offense of 1968. The Paris Peace Accords on January 23, 1973 recognized the sovereignty of the North and South, again dividing Vietnam. With the Accord in place the United States started to withdraw their military troops. South Vietnam eventually was integrated into the North in 1976.
Irredentism is all that Vietnam wanted, to say they just wanted to be reunited as a whole and not to be separated. Twice Vietnam was divided by outsiders and twice it failed. The first attempt was made via French colonialism and the second via the United States imperialism. Vietnam has spent about $900 million in 1999 in military spending. Which does not appear like much compared to $288.8 billion that the United States spends on its military. Even with the amount Vietnam has spent on their military has faired well against bigger, stronger and more wealthier nations such as the US(1954 - 1975) and China\rquote s invasion into Vietnam in 1979. The war with China in 1979 put Vietnam in a position to rely more heavily on Soviet economic and military aid. The United States lost a lot of respect or prestige due the military loss in Vietnam because the loss of 58,000 lives and spending $200 billion on the war. In part the US did win in Vietnam for several reasons. The US would not and could not use a nuclear war on Vietnam due to Vietnams neighbors, China and Russia who had the nuclear capability. As well as the US lacked support domestically for the war.
Since the time of the war, Vietnam economic system has had its fluctuations. In 1986, the Communist Party of Vietnam implemented the free - market reforms. Vietnam unemployment in 2006 was at 2% whereas the United States was at 4.8%. And the population below poverty in Vietnam was estimated at 19.5% and the United States was at 12%.
Many agreements and lifting of embargos off of Vietnam from the United States started to occur in the on December 12, 1992 under then President George Bush. On April 25, 1993, Vatico - Vietnam Trade and Investment Consulting Company was the first office to open in Vietnam. Vatico has had such contracts with United States based companies such as Hughes Aircraft company. The US - Vietnam economic development ties have gone well from a two way trade turnover from $1.5 billion in 2001 to $7.8 billion in 2005.
Vietnam has many natural resources from rice, rubber and cotton as well as natural gas and offshore oil. There is a possibility that the US was after Vietnam\rquote s oil rich fields for many years. As early as the Vietnam War when the US claimed that Vietnam had shot at them first in order to get public sympathy to enter war against Vietnam. Why is it that an American based company can get so much oil from Vietnam versus those countries in the surrounding South Asian region? A United States company that has done business in Vietnam is ConocoPhillips. ConocoPhillips is the third largest energy company in the US. Vietnam is the third in oil production in Asia. And if at the current rate of development will be the 30th largest producing nation in the world. With most of its oil production coming from their offshore basement reserves, such as the Gulf of Tonkin. PetroVietnam gets 50% of the oil off of Vietnams oil production and ConocoPhillips gets 23.25% of the oil, 14.25% to Korean National Oil Co., 9% to South Korean Oil refinery and 3.5% to French Company Geopetrol respectfully
One would think with so much oil going to outside countries that Vietnams external debt would be lower than the 2006 estimate of $21.86 billion, but it is quite smaller than the external debt of the US, which is at $10.4 trillion in June 30, 2006. Vietnam for years had relied a lot on Russia for financial support until the fall of communism in Russia in 1991. Economic growth did not grow dramatically until between 1993 and 1997 which was at the rate of 9% or so per year. Vietnams focus was to raise the level of development and lower poverty. Than the Asian financial crisis hit in the region. Vietnam turned more towards a market-oriented economy and the growth numbers dropped to 6.8% from 1997 to 2004. Despite the Asian financial crisis, growth hit 8% in 2004 and 2.6% in 2005. Vietnam has estimated that between 2006 and 2010 they expect to continue to have a steady economic growth of 7.5 to 8% per year. In addition to the economic growth, Vietnam also had joined in ASEAN Free Trade Area(AFTA) and signed a Bi-lateral Trade Agreement with the United States in December 2001. Vietnam later joined the World Trade Organization in January 2007. Like Vietnam, the United States has endured war and economic issues in the last 30 years or so. Vietnam is considered a regional mid-rank powered country versus the United States being a Super Power. Both Vietnam and the US are in positions to find more jobs within their own countries. Vietnam is trying to create 1 million jobs per year, where as the US is having issues of having to fill technology jobs within the US. Both the US and Vietnam have immigration issues. The US is having issues of an influx of immigration from its southern neighbors such as Mexico. And Vietnam is dealing with an exodus of Vietnamese refugees to neighboring countries such as China, Cambodia and Laos. There are an estimated 300,000 refugees alone in China. Both Vietnam and the US are having issues with maritime boundary disputes. The US boundary issues with Canada at Dixon Entrance, Beaufort Sea and around the Machias Seal Island. And Vietnam\rquote s boundary issues are with China and Taiwan in which all three lay claim over the Paracel Island. Another boundary issue that Vietnam is having China, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Brunei over Spratly Island. Both Paracel and Spratly Islands are in the South China Sea. The South China Sea is in the middle of many of the countries that Vietnam has boundary disputes with.
The US and Vietnam life expectancy are relatively close. Vietnams life expectancy by 2007 estimates for females is 74 years and males are at 68 years. Whereas the US 2007 life expectancy is at 81 for females and 75 for males. But the infancy mortality is drastically high compared to the US. About 24 deaths per 1000 births for Vietnam and the US is 6 deaths per 1000 births. The AIDS issue is on the rise in Vietnam. There were 9000 AIDS related deaths in 2004 which was 36.6% rise from 2003. Whereas there were approximately 17,000 US AIDS related deaths in 2005 and in 2004 there were about 14,000 deaths. There are about 220,000 people living with AIDS in Vietnam and about 960,000 in the US, these are 2007 estimates. Vietnam ranks 79th whereas the US ranks 68 out of 217 countries with a HIV/AIDS adult prevalence. And in June of 2004, President George W. Bush designates Vietnam as a recipent of $15 Billion to combat AIDS.
In conclusion Vietnam is still in the process of being a developing country despite much of its setbacks of being occupied by colonialist and imperialistic countries such as France and the US. Much of the country of Vietnam would be considered to be a underdeveloped country because of the reliance they had on other countries such as Russia, Japan, France and the United States. And with Russias fall of Communism, the United States has stepped up to be a major influence in Vietnam\rquote s economic development, hence the Bi-lateral Trade Agreement, WTO admittance and AFTA. As well as the US trade embargo being lifted in 1994. In addition, President Bill Clinton authorizes the International Monetary Fund(IMF) to refinance Vietnam’s debt of $140 million dollars to clear the way for Vietnam to receive international financial aid. Vietnam again is being placed in a dependent state from the US without the US actually having to go to war to get what they want. Which would be control in the South East Asian Region and oil.
Linda Tong
Political Science 2 - Comparitive Politics
Topics: United States, Vietnam | 23 Comments »
American World
By adhocblogger | July 13, 2008
Sometimes pictures say it all. I do love the United States but sometimes it just feels like what it says in the picture of the world.
Topics: Political Cartoons | No Comments »
Illegal Immigration - What benefits are there for them in the US?
By adhocblogger | July 7, 2008
One could claim that Los Angeles is a “melting pot”. Yet the racial strains the City of Angeles is readily apparent. One strain that politicians and citizens argue over is immigration. Illegal immigrants have no benefits of living a good life here in the United States, because of certain laws, policies and personal opinions of legal US citizens such as my own. There are many times that illegal immigrants are not fully protected under US laws but certain laws they are protected such as the right to health care. Many are unaware of their rights and are scared to find out or request their rights in fear of deportation. Some of these controversial issues include immigrants paying taxes, the right to drivers licenses and the right to work. Although many illegal immigrants pay taxes or work are refusing to agree there is a process everyone must go through. The rightful process should not be ignored to those who have gone through the lawful way of residing in the United States. It would hinder those who have done so lawfully and discriminate others and ignore any United States laws. I would recommend to stay within the country of origin, get as much as education as one could possible get and take the necessary steps in helping to improve their local and national governments. This can be done by challenging the current local and national laws.
In a recent article “Workers getting soaked at Southland carwashes.”, in the Los Angeles Times states that one third of workers who filed claims against business owners underpaying them won. But only one half of owners ever paid the settlements to the workers. In addition, that a fifth of employees at California carwashes have accused owners of underpaying them. Showing that many workers are standing up and letting business owners know they can not continue to underpay them. In the article, it states that Pico Car Wash was fined $17,000 last year in not paying its workers. I am quite familiar with Pico Car Wash due to the fact that it is one block north of where I live and I pass it every Sunday on my way to church. Oft times I see the workers flee the lot when LAPD survey the area or visit the taco stand on the carwash lot. Gabriel Chavez who is one of the soapers/joboneros as known as a carwashero at Pico Car Wash located at Pico Boulevard and Manhattan Street was quoted as being underpaid by the owners. And while working there a labor division investigator that he and other carwasheros were being paid $3.00 to $4.00 per hour and than was told by the investigator that the current minimum wage is $6.75. Pico Car Wash was charged with a fine but the money never went to the workers but went straight to the state. PEW Research center states in a survey that was done in March of 2006 states that 49% of the people surveyed say increasing penalties for employers that hire illegal’s should be more of an issue to politicians.
Many will contend that illegal immigrants should be granted certain rights and privileges here in the United States such as a drivers license and the right to work. I had to go through a series of classes such as drivers education that was provided in high school and than off to the Department of Motor Vehicles to show proof that I legally resided in the United States, paid a fee and than took a test. I personally feel that passing a law will make anything better as far as drivers license for illegal immigrants considering the International Drivers License (IDL). In 1943 the United Nations held the Convention on the Regulation of Inter American Automobile Traffic in which Mexico was one of the Attendees and signors of the Treaties on Roads and Transport that passed an agreement of assigning IDL‘s. Because of the convention in 1943 and another in 1949 there are more than 180 nations that are signed on and in agreement with issuance of the IDL’s. There citizens pay a nominal fee for a permit after showing proof that they have a current drivers license in the country they reside. They may also purchase automobile insurance from American Automobile Association(AAA). Therefore giving no rhyme or reason of ever issuing drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. Even Senator Barack Obama has said to the effect of why illegal immigrants should not be issued drivers licenses, “And - but I have to make sure that people understand. The problem we have here is not driver’s licenses. Undocumented workers do not come here to drive.,,,they’re not coming here to go to the In-N-Out Burger. That’s not the reason they’re here,” he said.”
Although illegal immigrants pay taxes it is a smaller amount than the total amount they cost the federal government for being here. In a report put out by the Center for Immigration Studies state that illegal immigrants cost the federal government in the 2002, $26.3 billion dollars. While only paying $16 billion in taxes, therefore creating a deficit of $10.4 billion dollars. The report also states that granting the immigrants status would make amount go from $26 billion to $29 billion, increasing the deficient to $13 billion dollars. The report stated stated the possible rise to $29 billion would be that the immigrants how are unskilled would be request government funded programs while paying little taxes. In March 2000 the median household income for Latinos was $14, 500. While others groups made a median household income of $21,000 or more.
For those who feel they have a right to work here I would say no. Everyone must follow through and abide by any local or national laws in obtaining work. Including the proper and legal paperwork to retain the job in addition to the proper skills and education to maintaining that job as well.
With many US states who are coming down hard on illegal immigration such as Arizona, is making it hard for both illegal and legal immigrants. Because of current legislation certain legal immigrants are having a hard time maintaining their jobs because of profiling of the law enforcement. In the Los Angeles times article, “Arizona‘s slamming door.” shows how illegal immigration affects those who are legal citizens whether born here illegally, legally or being a naturalized citizen. Jorge Hernandez who is an illegal immigrant worked a tire business for eleven years was let go because of current Arizona legislation fining business on their first offense and closing the doors on the second offense. Juan Carlos Ochoa who became a legal US citizen in 2000 was laid off at car dealership he was recently hired at. Ochoa was laid off because of an error in the E-verify database the government classified him possible illegal immigrant. And Pauline Munoz who is a US native born in Phoenix, Arizona was also targeted as a possible illegal immigrant as well. Munoz was pulled over for a minor auto infraction and sat in jail for 15 hours Both Munoz and Ochoa had to endure a lot proving who they really are because of illegal immigration giving them a bad name.
I feel much of the worries and woes of illegal immigration can be solved by staying in their country of origin. That there maybe a few benefits of living and working in the United States. But not enough to sustain a life of quality. If they take steps to educate themselves and participate in their local and national governments in making changes in current legislation, can have a better lives for themselves in their country of origin. In the Los Angeles Times article, “Refusing to take men for an answer.”, Eufrosina Cruz, who is 27 years old and is college educate. Cruz came back after college where she was born and raised in the Oaxaca State of Mexico. She helped change the laws to giving the woman the right to vote and run for local offices. She even had the support of the governor of her state as well as the Mexican President Felipe Calderon. If many immigrants have the same vision and took the initiative such as Eufrosina Cruz did. Life would be much better for them in aspects in their finances, families and their way of life. There can be many benefits for immigrants if they stay home and find ways to improve life for themselves and family by taking the steps to change themselves than their local and national governments.
Linda Tong
Engilsh 101 Essay
Topics: Politics | 1 Comment »
Hello world!
By adhocblogger | July 6, 2008
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!
Topics: Welcome | 1 Comment »