International Politics: September 2007 Archives

Demands for a tariff begin in the U.S. By Patrick J. Buchanan

"After 34 years with LTV Steel, I was forced to retire because of a disability. Two years later, LTV filed bankruptcy. I lost a third of my pension, and my family lost their health care. Every day of my life, I sit at the kitchen table across from the woman who devoted 36 years of her life to my family, and I can't afford to pay for her health care. What's wrong with America, and what will you do to change it?"

It was the most compelling moment of the Democratic [Party] debate.... The speaker was retired steelworker Steve Skvara. He stood on crutches, voice breaking, as he spoke.

There are millions of Steve Skvaras out there, and what they do not know, in their anger and frustration, is that their government did this to them. They are the victims of an ideology that gripped both parties and is destroying the middle-class country they grew up in.

Before World War II, the United State sheltered, nurtured and aided U.S. industry-until, by 1928, we produced 40 percent of the world's manufactures. The companies we created, U.S. Steel and Jones and Laughlin, GM, Chrysler and Ford, Boeing, McDonnell and Lockheed, IBM and GE, were marvels of the modern age.

We were the most self-sufficient nation in history, and American industrial workers the best-paid on earth. The companies they worked for had begun to guarantee lifetime job security, generous pensions for retirees and health insurance for all workers.

Came then the free-trade fanatics with their Faustian bargain. ... Full story

Editor's note: Though Taiwan has struggled to maintain its independence from mainland China, support for its recognition as a sovereign nation is limited. The reunion of Taiwan and China should not occur, however, until communism on the mainland has been eliminated. "Reunification yes, communism no" would be an appropriate slogan.

By Raul Gutierrez

SAN SALVADOR (IPS) - The president of Taiwan, Chen Shui-bian, is visiting Central America, fearful of losing more allies in the region, as occurred with Costa Rica which broke off diplomatic relations with Taiwan in order to reestablish them with China.

Chen's visit, which brought him to El Salvador this Friday, reflects Taiwan's interest in reinforcing the ties it has had for decades with this region, which are now beginning to fray as trade with China increases, analysts say.

"Their diplomatic moves show the anxiety (of the Taiwanese) after Costa Rica's volte-face" on Jun. 6, political scientist and expert on international politics Napoleón Campos told IPS.

Central American and many Caribbean countries are, in fact, almost the last international backers that Taiwan, regarded by China as a renegade province, has had over the past two decades, he said. ... Full story

"Other reforms would create new types of property to be managed by cooperatives, give neighborhood-based "communal councils" administrative responsibilities usually reserved for elected officials and create "a popular militia" that would form part of the military. The workday would also be reduced to six hours."

By CHRISTOPHER TOOTHAKER, Associated Press Writer CARACAS, Venezuela - Venezuela's National Assembly, dominated by allies of President Hugo Chavez, gave unanimous initial approval Tuesday to constitutional reforms that would allow him to run for re-election and possibly govern for decades to come.

Assembly President Cilia Flores said Chavez's proposed changes to the constitution, including the lifting of presidential term limits, were approved by all 167 lawmakers after about six hours of debate.

Final approval is expected within two or three months, and voters will then decide whether to approve the changes in a referendum.....Full story