Republicans making gains against Democrats ahead of midterm elections
In today’s sign of the apocalypse… just kidding. The G.O.P, however, is making big strides against Democrats ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. According to a Washington Post-ABC News poll, Republicans are about even with Democrats in voters’ minds when it comes to who they think is best equipped to solve the country’s problems.
In general, voters prefer Republicans (52 percent) to Democrats (40 percent). Just 46 percent of Americans approve of President Obama, while 52 percent view him negatively. 45 percent of Americans says his positions are “too liberal,” and more than half say he has failed to bring the needed changes to Washington. Independents generally support Republicans over Democrats.
So, we Americans are disappointed in another president. Surprise, surprise.
Obama seeks massive tax break for business
While he’s losing popularity, that’s not stopping President Obama from calling for even more spending. Rather than looking to make cuts, the President wants to unveil a plan to improve the country’s roadways, runways, and railways. It starts with an initial $50 billion investment, designed to create jobs and stimulate the economy.
The president’s new economic plan also initiates a tax cut for businesses that will allow them to write off 100 percent of new capital investments through 2011. If passed, it would be the largest temporary tax cut for investment spending in the country’s history. But with the midterm elections fast approaching, it’s unlikely to survive. I have a better chance of playing in the NBA than this plan has of being approved by Congress.
In Russia, a Shortage Triggers Soviet Habits
Could the U.S.S.R. be making a comeback? A summer-long drought and a lack of available buckwheat has led some citizens to revert back to the practice of hoarding, last seen under the hammer and sickle. They use the product for everything from breakfast to dinner.
A panic has set in, and the price of buckwheat has doubled. There are concerns about store owners hiding their supplies and charging extra, and President Medvedev has banned buckwheat exports in hopes of quelling any notions of unrest. Could we send them some copies of the Little Rascals just to tide them over?
Londoners take to buses, boats and bikes as tube strikes bite
London Underground workers are staging a massive strike in response to recent job cuts. The exact number of striking employees is unclear, but government officials say that only 40 percent of the city’s subway system is functioning. Three million Londoners rely on the Tube for their morning commutes, but not today. Even Boris Johnson, the city’s wonderfully named mayor, rode his bike to work this morning.
The striking workers say that government has cut important ticketing jobs, which could lead to increased security breaches on the rail system. Future strikes are scheduled for October 3rd, November 2nd, and November 28th. Scheduled strikes? That was considerate of the workers. They might be making your commute a nightmare, but at least they’re letting you know.
London’s protests, coupled with the strike in France, confirmed something we already knew: Europeans don’t work.