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Hurricane Sandy dealt a devastating blow to transit systems in the New York metro area and revealed, once again, just how fragile and antiquated many of these systems are. Sandy also pointed up the need for New York and other coastal cities to retrofit energy systems for an era of higher seas and fiercer storms, moving power stations to higher ground.
One positive outcome of the storm would be if it focused new attention on infrastructure needs -- and generated new political will to address them in ways that help stimulate the economy.
As the East Coast starts to recover from Hurricane Sandy, one begins to wonder whether this is the new norm? Going forward, will stronger, more intense storms continually batter the East Coast? Unfortunately, that seems likely to be the case without meaningful comprehensive action to combat climate change. Days of blackouts, massive economic losses, and increased fatalities could become business as usual as seas rise and hurricanes gain in intensity.
It’s a pleasure to drive the roads of Vermont. This mountainous state, which still enjoys a strong agricultural sector, outlaws billboards. So do Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine. Drive into neighboring New Hampshire to experience the difference.
The economic analysis of the impact of Hurricane Sandy is a perfect example of the flaws of GDP and our over-reliance on it as a metric of progress. Just like with Hurricane Irene, there will be some GDP growth from Sandy-- spikes in consumption as people stock up on batteries, food supplies, water, etc., and spikes in construction work after the hurricane. This growth will be countered by the loss in productivity and output.
It's a sign of our shadowy times that the latest regulatory "reform" bill hasn't been laughed out of Washington. Same goes for the latest bankers' complaint, this time about being asked to cover their own bets. And if you think it's bad now, wait and see what happens if Romney takes over.
Think "global catastrophe."
While bank-friendly politicians offer insipid legislation, the world economy is still at risk. And it could get worse.
With millions of Americans struggling to recover from Sandy, few people question that government has a central role to play in rebuilding battered communities in New Jersey and other states.
In a surprise move for a right to work state On October 23, the Broward County Commission in Florida passed the Wage Recovery Ordinance, a victory for workers and workers rights advocates in Florida, and an encouraging sign for similar groups around the country including Michigan and Illinois. Opponents maintain that there are already sufficient laws in place to protect workers against losing owed pay, and that the new procedures are merely extra, unwelcome bureaucracy. Supporters believe this law makes it even easier, and helps avoid court appearances.
5. Will old-school voter intimidation and suppression come into play?
This refers to all the steps that have been taken by the GOP in recent years to complicate the voting process, discourage participation and scare off new voters.