Beyond Labels

A 360° Discussion of Foreign, National and Local Policy Issues

Two Views of ISIS

Here’s a thoughtful analysis of ISIS from the Atlantic.

And here’s an irreverent  rant about some reactions to ISIS, by Gary Brecht, The War Nerd. He’s over-the top, but has got some useful perspective on what’s going on with ISIS.

Together they give a 360 degree view of the thing called ISIS.

 

For February 2: Cuba

If tomorrow’s winter storm doesn’t get you thinking about warmer climes, perhaps this will…

We’ll discuss the Obama Administration’s steps toward normalization of relations with Cuba.

  • Is now the time to normalize relations?
  • Should there be any preconditions?
  • How rapidly should it take place?
  • What happened to the principles governing our policy for the last 50+ years? What changed?
  • To what degree should the views of Cuban emigres to the US help to shape our national policy vis-a-vis Cuba?
  • What similarities/differences are there from the Nixon Administration’s steps to normalize relations with China?

See you tomorrow.

For January 26: Minimum Wage–Pro and Con

The President renewed his call for an increased minimum wage, observing that the current federal level does not represent a “living wage.” The NY Times argued in it’s Editorial Staff blog that even $10.10 an hour is not enough. Republicans have expressed concern that raising the minimum wage will eliminate some jobs that “aren’t worth” $7 per hour.

Who’s right? How should this be decided? To be discussed on Monday.

If you’d like to read some more…

Start with Wikipedia…

Minimum Wage

Right-leaning

Cato Institute

Left-leaning

Center for Economic and Policy Research

News Coverage

Forbes (I think reasonably balanced), but you’ll judge for yourself

Congressional Budget Office

The February 2014 CBO Study (it’s not too long)

ABC News “Cliff Notes” Version

Feel free to comment if you think there’s a better source we should consider for Monday.

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