President Obama definitely needs to spend more time, however, he has to be mindful of the fact that people ARE dying and terrorists ARE attacking countries in the Middle East. While he has to think carefully, he doesn’t actually have all the time in the world. I think that for the moment, the government will probably need to send more troops over to keep too many attacks from occurring. However, I don’t believe that this will be a long-term solution. If Obama and his advisers can’t find a way to stabilize the governments and get rid of the terrorist groups, there will always be problems in Afghanistan and surrounding countries. I personally have no idea as to how the government will solve the crisis. I think that they just need to start knocking off things one by one. This will be no easy task and will take probably another 5-7 years to see results if this is gone about the right way. Mr.Greene said that when Bush was in office, his surge did work, but it still has not put an end to the war yet. A few years ago, people were hoping that we were going to be able to pull out of Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan, but now, we are actually looking to send troops in to these countries. I don’t think that I’ve read enough to fully comprehend the implications of the war, but I know that it will not be solved just by sending more troops in.

On Wednesday, President Obama will present his plan on health care reform to Congress. This will be the President’s official plan and course of action on the health care. Obama wants to be able to provide all American citizens with quality, affordable health care. We will also find out if he will use the public option, an alternative in which the government provides health insurance. David Axelrod, Obama’s senior political adviser, said that Obama “believes the public option is a good tool”, but has other ideas for the health care reform. The White House has also been skeptical about drafting a bill. Instead, they have been trying to come up with other solutions to solve the problem. The President has been faced with the challenge to win back the American people. His national approval rating has gone from 68 percent to 58 percent since April 2009. Senate has been pushed into action, attempting to draft their own version of a health care bill before the Obama begins his official speech.

Opinion:

I think that Obama has a colossal task in front of him. Many citizens are angry about the way that the health care reform debate has developed. People are worried about how the government will provide health care for everybody if it cannot easily manage a system such as the CARS program. President Obama does not solely want to depend on the public option; instead, he wants to formulate his own plan. If he can create a legitimate plan that will also fit inside our budget, then I think it is worth a shot. It will be interesting to see how Obama allocates the money for health care. Our country is in an unbelievably large debt right now and we are still trying to pay it off. Because a lot of people have lost their jobs and are having financial problems, the government needs to get this done as soon as possible. Many citizens are having a hard time paying for health care and that is something that everybody should have. If Obama doesn’t get his health care reform plan across, it could be problematic. It has already taken some time and many members of the government are still unsure of what to do at the moment.

Officials from St. Vincent and the Grenadines have asked for the legislators to give the government the ability to monitor activity of suspected criminals. They want to be able to watch phone calls, e-mails, and transactions of the criminals. The government has been under pressure to reduce crimes. Caribbean islands are destined areas for cocaine shipment headed to the United States and Europe. Prime Minister Gonsalves supports a wiretapping legislation.

I would support this legislation ONLY if they had concrete evidence of serious criminal activity. I don’t think it’s right to monitor someone over a hunch. However, if authority was able to provide a real lead and evidence, then they should. It makes sense to track them. My view would probably be different from others because in America, we have the right to see a warrant before we are searched. It might be different in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. I would say that they would have to have concrete proof, but others might say it is all right to track them if the people are suspected criminals. I would definitely agree with trying to cut down on crime, however, I think it is fair for someone to have their own privacy unless it could be shown and proven that they are committing crimes, such as cocaine smuggling.

Summary: Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves has decided, along with other Caribbean governments, to ask for monetary support from the IMF (International Monetary Fund). Previously, Gonsalves has been critical of the IMF, scrutinizing the organization. Many countries in the Caribbean have already benefited from support from the IMF’s rapid response. It was a good offer for Gonsalves to take; if St. Vincent loses export earnings, then they would receive 45% of special drawing rights with no conditions. It would be at .5% interest with a five year grace period.

Opinion: To me, it makes sense for the prime minister to take the money. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a small and not as developed country. Because more countries are developing rapidly, it does create space for other countries to step up and take those places. Why wouldn’t Gonsalves jump on the chance? If it can get St. Vincent & the Grenadines on the map, as well as increase the economy, it would be a smart thing to do. If they can take advantage of the opportunity, why not? It’s a drastic statement to say that they would grow quickly into a powerhouse country, but it wouldn’t hurt to lower the poverty line and try to increase revenue.

Chief of State: Queen Elizabeth II

Governor General: Sir Fredrick Nathaniel Ballantyne

Prime Minister: Ralph E. Gonsalves

Deputy Prime Minister: Louis Straker

Attorney General: Judith Jones-Morgan

JUDICIAL BRANCH

High Court Judge: Honorable Frederick Victor Bruce-Lyle