It Is My Opinion

George Bush tonight announced his intention to send more troops to Iraq, against the clear wishes of the majority of the American people, the Congress, and even his own generals.

Bush intends to send an additional 21,500 troops to Iraq at the costs of billions. However, at this time, according to a recent Gallop poll, 61% of the public oppose the planned “surge”.

It is not clear what, if anything, Congress can do to stop the escalation. Congress controls the budget, but to eliminate funding might just result in reduction of equipment and protection for the men and women in Iraq. He might also reduce necessary expenses in the US, such as support for military families.

A showdown between Congress and the President is not likely. We will see what happens over the coming weeks.

The US House of Representatives today (Wed. 1/10/07) passed and sent to the Senate a bill to increase the minimum wage from the current $5.15/hr to $7.25/hr by a vote of 315-116. All Democrats and some Republicans voted in favor of the bill; the majority of Republicans voted against it.

Earlier the House defeated a Republican motion to send the bill back to committee for the purpose of amending it to exempt small businesses that provide health insurance to employees. This provision could have allowed the exemption even if minimal cost high deductible insurance was provided.

Admittedly this increase in minimum wage will cause some businesses, particularly restaurants and hotels, to pass along the increase to their customers. However, because only a few employees would be affected and only part of the cost of business is wage related, the increase should be small. And what is wrong with those who can afford to eat in restaurants and travel to hotels paying a small amount more so that the working poor will be able to have a significantly higher income?

See Robert Reich’s comments here.