WEEKLY
BLOG COMMENTS No. 70
DATES:
2013/06/23– 2013/06/30
ANALYST:
Domingo Trassens
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Dear Friends:
The United States ended the first semester of the year
immersed in a complicated political environment: NSA, IRS, the decisions about
the Syrian civil war and an economy that cannot take off.
During the last week of the
month, President Obama announced a new climate change plan aimed at reducing
gas emissions, while the U.S. Supreme Court closed the term with decisions on
affirmative action, the Voting Rights Act and same-sex marriage.
President Obama began a tour
through three African countries: Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania with the intention to create new
commercial links with the Africans and learn directly about the health of
Nelson Mandela who is dying in a hospital due to serious breathe problems.
The IRS case continued in the
corner but without the virulence of the first days and Mr. Snowden – the NSA’s
leaker - arrived to Moscow from Hong
Kong without
a definitive road to the asylum.
In other news of the week the
Senate passed the immigration bill after a long debate about the cost of the
border control and the possible “pardon” at 11 million of illegal immigrants.
Now I would like to share with
you a series of comments posted by myself in the WSJ Journal Community and PBS
through Twitter during the last seven days about the top news of the week.
The comments are organized in
the following sections:
- United States
- Europe
- The World (Asia, Africa, Middle East…)
- Latin America
- Education
- Economy, Business, Technology.
DAT
June 30, 2013
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UNITED
STATES
PBS – REPORT AIR
DATE: June 28, 2013 - Obama Arrives in South Africa Amid Concerns Over Nelson Mandela's Health
Subject: On Saturday, President Obama landed in Johannesburg, South Africa with the concern about the health of former South
African President Nelson Mandela who remains hospitalized in very bad
condition.
My Comment: The landing of President Obama in Johannesburg,
South Africa, looks like the President was planning to say “Bye, bye” to former
South African President Nelson Mandela.
We cannot expect something different in this
presidential trip to South Africa, a country that is not running well now. (By
TWITTER) (2012/06/29)
Subject: U.S. envoy criticizes Hong Kong authorities over the Mr. Snowden’s departure, the
NSA’s leaker.
My Comment: Days ago we read that President Obama talking
about Mr. Snowden said: "I'm not going to have one case of a suspect who
we're trying to extradite suddenly being elevated to the point where I have got
to start wheeling and dealing and trading on a whole host of other issues
simply to get a guy extradited..."
However, this story shows the pressure of the U.S. government's top envoy in Hong Kong who slammed local authorities with anger when they didn't stop Mr. Snowden from leaving.
If this is true, in the moment that President Putin says: "That is enough!", the Russians will catch Mr. Snowden and put him on an airplane directly to Washington, while Ecuadorian President Correa will exclaim: "I feel sorry for this guy, but now I will have a good dinner in Washington with Mr. Obama!" (2013/06/29)
However, this story shows the pressure of the U.S. government's top envoy in Hong Kong who slammed local authorities with anger when they didn't stop Mr. Snowden from leaving.
If this is true, in the moment that President Putin says: "That is enough!", the Russians will catch Mr. Snowden and put him on an airplane directly to Washington, while Ecuadorian President Correa will exclaim: "I feel sorry for this guy, but now I will have a good dinner in Washington with Mr. Obama!" (2013/06/29)
Subject: Ecuadorean government is pondering the Snowden’s
asylum.
My Comment: Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa has two
options:
1) Receive Mr. Snowden in Quito and continue on the list of Washington’s enemies.
2) Be honored in Washington DC by Mr. Obama and be added to the list of Washington’s friends. (2013/06/28) 1 Recommendation
2) Be honored in Washington DC by Mr. Obama and be added to the list of Washington’s friends. (2013/06/28) 1 Recommendation
PBS
- REPORT AIR DATE: June 27, 2013 - Senate Passes Landmark Immigration Reform
Bill
Subject:
U.S. Senate passed the
immigration reform bill.
My
Comment:
A pardon for 11 million undocumented residents is a "huge" slap in
the face of legal immigrants who have walked step by step on the right path to
achieve U.S. citizenship. (By TWITTER)
(2013/06/28) 1 Recommendation
PBS - REPORT AIR
DATE: June 27, 2013 - News Wrap: U.S. Suspends Bangladesh Trade Benefits
Subject: The White House announced the suspension of Bangladesh’s trade benefits due the catastrophes that killed
hundreds of workers in the garment factories.
My
Comment:
Probably, the poor workers of the Bangladesh’s factories never will know that
the Obama administration tries to punish the entrepreneurs and government
authorities who are responsible for their slave work. (By TWITTER) (2013/06/28)
PBS - REPORT AIR
DATE: June 26, 2013 - News Wrap: Border Security Amendment Gets Formal
Senate Approval
Subject: The Senate approved the border security amendment
of the new immigration reform.
My Comment: The formal approval of the border security
amendment to the immigration bill in the Senate is an important step to advance
in this conflictive issue.
After four years of continuous
disagreements, at least in the immigration bill, Republicans and Democrats are
finding common points. Of course, we cannot celebrate till the bill passes the
House.
The country needs a new immigration law to
fix the mistakes made in the past and to put in a clear way what will be the
rules now. (By TWITTER) (2013/06/27)
PBS - REPORT AIR
DATE: June 25, 2013 - Obama Moves to Limit Greenhouse Gases Emissions
Through Executive Order
Subject: In a speech at Georgetown University, President Obama announced a new climate change plan.
My Comment: We agree that it is necessary to take initiatives
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they have to be common sense
initiatives.
Energy and public transportation are two key
issues linked with the greenhouse gas emissions, but both require expensive
infrastructure changes that have to be planned with the head and a hand in the
pocket. (By TWITTER) (2013/06/26) 1 Recommendation
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EUROPE
Story: NSA Accused
of Spying on EU
Subject: The European Parliament made a big complaint
against the NSA because they say the United States is spying on Europe.
My Comment: Now everybody is against the National
Security Agency, but the European Parliament has more important problems on
their agenda than the possible cyber-espionage of the NSA.
During the last few years, Europe has been invaded by people from Islamic countries who walk on the street with the face covered like in the capitals of the Muslims countries and nobody knows who they are.
From the other side, on squares and public places, frequently it is possible to see individuals with a suspicious attitude and the police has been forced to control their identity, due to crimes and stealing are increasing in an alarming way. 2013/06/30)
During the last few years, Europe has been invaded by people from Islamic countries who walk on the street with the face covered like in the capitals of the Muslims countries and nobody knows who they are.
From the other side, on squares and public places, frequently it is possible to see individuals with a suspicious attitude and the police has been forced to control their identity, due to crimes and stealing are increasing in an alarming way. 2013/06/30)
8 Recommendations
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THE
WORLD (Asia, Middle East, Africa…)
Subject: Again the unrest is growing in Egypt and a lot of protesters go to the street asking
for President Morsi to resign.
My Comment: Now all the defenders of the Arab Spring are
learning how this revolution is destroying the country and creating division
among the population.
After a long period ruling the country, during the last few years, President Mubarak made a series of the mistakes that ended with his government, but President Mohammed Morsi from his "start" is acting with irrationality, violence and all the “tricks” of dictatorships.
Is this the paradise of the Islamic democracy or the “Inferno” of the religious extremist regimes? (2013/06/29)
After a long period ruling the country, during the last few years, President Mubarak made a series of the mistakes that ended with his government, but President Mohammed Morsi from his "start" is acting with irrationality, violence and all the “tricks” of dictatorships.
Is this the paradise of the Islamic democracy or the “Inferno” of the religious extremist regimes? (2013/06/29)
Subject: In the light of the last events, some
political analysts say the Turkish Prime Minister is not a democrat
leader despite he was elected by voting of the population.
My Comment: The question “What Mr. Erdogan is: democrat or
autocrat?” has only one clear answer. The current Turkish prime minister is an
autocrat.
Mr. Erdogan doesn’t accept dissent and he reacts with violence against the people of his country who complain about his attitude.
Mr. Erdogan doesn’t accept dissent and he reacts with violence against the people of his country who complain about his attitude.
Frequently, to make a judgment about a politician we have to research his biography. If we read a little about the political career of Mr. Erdogan from the moment that he was Istanbul major we can assert that he is not democratic. (2013/06/27) 1 Recommendation
Subject: While the former President Nelson Mandela is
very sick in the hospital, the media talks about his long fight against
discrimination in South Africa and his followers pray for his health.
My Comment: We can agree or not with the beliefs of Nelson
Mandela, but we have to honor him for his fight against discrimination and
injustice.
He is not only a hero of South Africa. He is a “champion” of the crowds of individuals
who battle for the dignity of human beings across the world. (2013/06/27) 4
Recommendations
Subject: After the last declarations of President Karzai
related to the possible peace conversations between Taliban and NATO, the
Taliban made a strong attack on the Afghan Presidential Palace.
My Comment: The Taliban’s coordinated attack on the Afghan
presidential palace is an important warning.
They showed President Hamid Karzai that they have the tactical capabilities to shake the core of his power when the Americans leave the country.
They showed President Hamid Karzai that they have the tactical capabilities to shake the core of his power when the Americans leave the country.
The Afghan President will have to think
twice before acting like the previous week. (2013/06/25) 1 Recommendation
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LATIN
AMERICA
Story: The
Middle-Class Revolution
Subject: The Brazilians continue claiming for the rights of
the middle-class and complaining about the corruption of government
institutions of this South American country.
My Comment: The failure of governments to meet the rising
expectations of the middle-class is the consequence of the high level of
corruption and demagoguery of the authorities.
The politicians appeal to emotion and prejudices, while they manipulate the population in the way they want according to their personal ambitions. Nobody (or nearly nobody) has patriotism. (2013/06/29) 11 Recommendations
The politicians appeal to emotion and prejudices, while they manipulate the population in the way they want according to their personal ambitions. Nobody (or nearly nobody) has patriotism. (2013/06/29) 11 Recommendations
Subject: Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff tries to calm
the protests with new laws and the support of lawmakers.
My Comment: Brazil like other Latin American countries will not solve
their problems with new legislation if they don’t cut the corruption from its
roots and manage the public function with efficiency.
But the problem is the politicians don’t want to cut the corruption from its roots because they lose their privileges and extras, and they have to work with decency.
But the problem is the politicians don’t want to cut the corruption from its roots because they lose their privileges and extras, and they have to work with decency.
Since President Dilma Rousseff assumed the
Brazilian presidency, we learned through the newspapers about a series of
corruptions linked with her cabinet and ministers. (2013/06/27)
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EDUCATION
PBS -
ANALYSIS AIR DATE: June 24, 2013 - Supreme Court Sends Texas Affirmative Action Case Back to Lower
Court
Subject:
The Supreme Court sends the Texas affirmative action case to the Lower Court for its resolution.
This case is about using race as
a factor in the admission of students in the University of Texas.
My
Comment: The decision of the Supreme
Court to send back the Texas Affirmative Action Case to the Lower Court opened the case.
According to the elements that
we see, if the University of Texas continues using race as a factor in
selecting some of its students, it is possible new discrimination claims that
have to be solved by the Lower Court.
In brief, the Supreme Court
doesn't want to change the previous legislation about affirmative action. (By
TWITTER) (2013/06/30)
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ECONOMY,
BUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY
Subject: Apple Inc is looking for a way to cut its
commercial relationships with Samsung Electronic because one of the most
important providers of components is also its worse rival.
My
Comment: In the current circumstances, the situation
of Apple buying components produced by Samsung is very risky.
Apple always was an innovative leader that
opens "roads" in the technology arena, while Samsung is an aggressive
company that learns by observing the initiatives from others.
If Apple has to share some of its secrets about the components that it is assembling in its devices because Samsung produces these components, of course the Korean supplies maker has a lot of elements to be a formidable rival of Apple.
On the other hand, it is not easy to cut
relationships with someone that every day is working for you. This kind of
divorce implies investing in the development of new suppliers. This is money,
time and other risks. (2013/06/29) 4 Recommendation
Subject: The father of BlackBerry posted losses in the first
quarter of its new fiscal year.
The negative figures came after Research In
Motion introduced BlackBerry 10, its new smart-phone with advanced features.
But according to the news, the Canadian
company complained because it had some financial problems related to its
business in Venezuela that put restrictions on the transactions of
foreign companies.
My Comment: After the series of delays in the delivery of the
new BlackBerry 10 in the American market, Research In Motion lost credibility.
Meanwhile, Galaxy from Samsung strengthened its position everywhere.
Now the figures show the results of the mismanagement of the BlackBerry’s father. (2013/06/28) 3 Recommendations
Now the figures show the results of the mismanagement of the BlackBerry’s father. (2013/06/28) 3 Recommendations
Subject: Google is planning to enter into a new business.
The Internet leader is building game consoles based on its Android operating
systems.
My Comment: Google is like God. It is everywhere.
But sometimes, after it attracts more people
to its worship, it forgets about them. (2013/06/28)
Subject: Different companies began the development of
underwater drones for multiple operations due to the recent success in the use
of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for scientific, commercial and surveillance
missions.
My Comment: Probably, the underwater drones could be a weapon
to fight against pirates who capture ships on the oceans. (2013/06/26)
Subject: During the first quarter of the current year, the
GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the United States grew lower than previous expectations.
My Comment: The gross domestic product of the first quarter
2013 is a “mirror” of the poor financial reports posted by the companies for
the period January thru March.
Last April and May when the majority of the companies published their revenues and net incomes for the Wall Street’s investors we saw disappointed figures in the majority of the cases.
Also one of the key players of recent times
- Apple - reflected a decline in the sales of smart-phones and digital devices
on the domestic market. (2013/06/26)
Subject: Barnes & Noble is again in trouble because its
classic business of bookstores is flat and the Nook’s sales don’t work well.
The Nook division produces e-books and
digital tablets.
According to some information sources,
B&N will stop the production of color tablets.
My Comment: Barnes & Noble continues losing time. It must
redefine its business looking for its own relocation in the new digital era.
B&N never managed the Nook business in the way to produce revenues through the sales of electronic books and contents. This was their mistake.
B&N never managed the Nook business in the way to produce revenues through the sales of electronic books and contents. This was their mistake.
Probably, in less than 5 years the sales of
paper books will collapse completely because of the new generation of readers
who like to read stories and other contents on a digital screen (or monitor),
and the smart-phones, digital tablets and notebooks are giving them the right
framework to change from paper to e-paper (electronic paper).
When you begin to read a digital screen, you realize that is easy and on a small device you can carry the content of very heavy paper books without any problem. It is more flexible and you have additional benefits.
When you begin to read a digital screen, you realize that is easy and on a small device you can carry the content of very heavy paper books without any problem. It is more flexible and you have additional benefits.
Despite the financial problems that Barnes & Noble had lived in the last few years, its Chairman, Leonard Riggio hasn't learned the lesson of the digital world. (2013/06/25) 1 Recommendation
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SOURCES:
1)
External Sources: Wall
Street Journal, The New York Times and PBS NewsHour
2) Own
Sources: My own research for previous
publishing projects: TTT of Comlab Corp, Spanish English Club online.
Website: http://world-rethink.blogspot.de/
