Week of June 21 Economic

In 2007, the Bush Administration conducted and completed agreements with South Korea, Colombian and Panama and are now being upheld by the new administration. The Obama Administration plans to ask Congress to ratify a free-trade agreement with South Korea after the midterm elections in November. However, this may anger labor unions who claim unfair treatment of union workers and their Congressional supporters. Obama will discuss these issues with the South Korean President Lee Myung-bak in Seoul prior to the November elections and present the deal to Congress shortly afterwards. Issues to be discussed during this talk include the restrictions by Korea on automobile and beef imports from America. Obama hopes to increase job creation and encourage growth through economic recovery.
I completely support this plan for international trade and truly hope that it will aid our failing economy. The more barriers torn down between countries, the easier it may be for the economy to recover through the creation of jobs and exchange of goods.

Article Referenced:
Chan, Sewell. "The White House to Push Free Trade Deal with South Korea." NYTimes. New York Times. 26 June 2010. Web. June 2010.

Week of June 21 National

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continues to devastate communities, such as the town of Bayou La Batre in Alabama. While BP has started a program called "Vessels of Opportunity" to hire out boats from local fisherman, recreational boats appear to have stolen the chances away from commercial fisherman. Director of Vessels of Opportunity, Andrew Cassels, stated that the number of recreational boats hired from Alabama has been cut from "13 to 23 percent". However locals claim that nothing of the like has happened. The residents live in constant fear of a claim to bankruptcy by BP or an end of the Vessels of Opportunity program, the little amout of income it allowes into Bayou La Batre sustaining the painicing citizens. Previously, even after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the locals had never feared starvation because of the sea, now that "security" is gone due to the oil spill and panic has set in.
The "compensation" that BP claims to be giving out clearly is not enough and not fast enough to keep cities like Bayou La Batre alive. I think commercial fishermen should be allowed first hand at employment oppertunities offered by BP, rather than people who have enough money to buy a recreational boat. While every effort is appreciated, recreational fishermen should be volunteering rather than preventing those who depend entirely on their trade for income and sustenance.

Article Referenced:
Leland, John. "Cleanup Hiring Feeds Frustration in Fishing Town." NYTimes. New York Times. 26 June 2010. Web. June 2010

Week of June 21 International

Guinea hopes to soon hold free elections for the first time in the nation's history. Since the the country gained independence in 1958, a series of military dictatorships have repressed the people and prevented choice by the people of national leaders. However, General Sekouba Konate, leader of the transitional government, has surrendered his own power and agreed to guide the country through a democratic election process. He has ordered the military into their barracks during the vote, preventing any interference or intimidation. The situation for the voters, however, has been described as something of a "democratic free-for-all" due to the 24 candidates running for office. Without the fear of the military, it appears that the aftermath of the elections may be more dangerous than voting itself if the official is unable to make hoped-for changes in the near future.
While Guinea is indeed making an essential step towards unity by granting the people a choice through the vote, I agree with the concern about the aftermath of the elections. If the nation does not see radical improvement within the towns and villages running without electricity and water and still depending on sustenance farming, their may not be a completely peaceful new era beginning in the country.

Article Referenced:
Nossier, Adam. "Guineans Revel in Prospect of First Free Vote." NYTimes. New York Times.
26 June 2010. Web. June 2010