Monthly Archives: September 2010

Sep
30

Russia pump fakes

Part 2 in a series

Mikhail Khodorkovsky is escorted to his second trial on Oct. 22, 2009. Image credit: Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP/File

By Katie Kieffer

Today I will highlight the ongoing trial of Russia’s top businessman, Mikhail Khodorkovsky. I will outline key points surrounding his case so that you can be alert to warning signs from our own politicians. When U.S. politicians start acting like Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, traveling the world and posing for photo ops, it’s a sure sign that they are trying to distract voters and throw us a pump fake.

Learning about Russia is no different than watching film before the big game. Only this is the game of life and freedom is at stake. Continue reading →

Posted in Free Speech, Law, National Security | Comments Off

Sep
28

Putin’s seductive powers wilt

Part 1 in a series

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

By Katie Kieffer
“Come into my cabana,” says Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to the people.

Putin is famous for his sultry, emotionless gaze. For years, Putin has been more seductive than the Wet Republic Ultra Pool on a Sunday afternoon in Vegas. But, gradually, Russians are beginning to find him less charming. Continue reading →

Posted in Free Speech, National Security | Comments Off

Sep
24

Taxing rich could hurt you

By Katie Kieffer

One York Penthouse, New York. Image credit: Tribeca Citizen.

Wealth is a good thing. Even if you are homeless and reading this from a public library, wealth works in your favor. Yesterday, the Senate decided not to vote on extending the Bush-era tax cuts until after the Nov. 2 elections. A recent Gallup poll shows that 44 percent of Americans think that the tax cuts should only be extended for the “middle class” (those making under $250,000).

It might seem counter-intuitive, but it will ultimately hurt the middle class more to over-tax the wealthy. Here are two reasons why it would be a good idea to implement overall tax reform that benefits the rich, middle class and poor alike: Continue reading →

Posted in Economy | 2 Comments

Sep
21

Exploding White Russian

By Katie Kieffer

White Russian. Image credit: ReeseCLloyd via flickr.

Kremlin mixologists are stirring up a fancy new drink for Russians. But, unlike the sweet-tasting White Russian cocktail, this is a dangerously “explosive cocktail,” Guillaume Lovet, head of the threat response team at security company Fortinet, told Gaurdian. Continue reading →

Posted in Free Speech, National Security | Comments Off

Sep
16

Chasing profit overseas

By Katie Kieffer

The Moscow Kremlin. Image credit: The Guardian.

If you’re starving, is prostitution moral? If your government encumbers your company’s ability to profit at home, does that mean you can contribute to human rights violations abroad when foreign dignitaries promise lucrative deals?

North American governments should shoulder some blame when their corporations “sell out” abroad.

Thanks to government-induced recession, which I explained here, nearly all American companies are struggling to make a profit at home. Some are making their bread and butter overseas, despite moral dilemmas. Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Free Speech, National Security | Comments Off

Sep
07

New GPS law invades privacy

By Katie Kieffer

Ferrari 360 Modena , F50 , F40 and 550 Maranello in driveway. Image credit: Motorworld online.

You don’t need to own a GPS to have your privacy invaded by a GPS. You just need to be a resident of California or eight other Western states and live in a home without a gated driveway. Basically, unless you live in a sprawling Hugh Hefner-style L.A. fortress under 24-7 surveillance, you may want to take a quick peak under your car before you zoom off to work tomorrow morning. If you notice a small GPS tracking device beneath your vehicle, then you are being spied on.

No, this is not a joke. Although most laws that sound like jokes originate on the Golden Coast. Continue reading →

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