Hillary or Bust

Despite current events, I am an undying Hillary fan and supporter. Why? I cannot put it into words as eloquently as others. Listen to this for my view as well: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90447578

And, I remain outraged over the overt sexism that has plagued this campaign, with NO ONE in the leadership of the Democratic party expressing, or even mentioning, any outrage at all. Again, others say it better: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/14/AR2008051403090.html?hpid=opinionsbox1.

I will support Hillary to the bitter end, or as one of her supporters has stated: it is not over until the lady in the pantsuit says it is.

Funny Funny Funny

This piece is one of the funniest things I have read recently. Everyone should check it out. I was crying I was laughing so hard. I love new media.

http://www.newyorker.com/humor/2008/04/28/080428sh_shouts_borowitz

Art

I consider myself a patron of the arts. I had season tickets to Long Wharf theater in New Haven, CT. throughout high school. I have season tickets to Signature Theatre in Arlington. I see other performances, of all mediums, when I can. I try to donate money to arts organizations when I can. I am helping some friends form a chamber music group called IBIS. http://www.ibischambermusic.org/.

But it turns out that my sister-in-law and her husband (does anyone know the relationship there - between me and my sister-in-law's husband? Is there a name for it? But I digress...) are the true patrons. They have opened a photography gallery in Bloomington Indiana. Big name photographers are exhibiting work there. David is a spectacular photographer himself, and now he is sharing his love and knowledge of the medium with others. Check it out, whenever you find yourself in Bloomington, Indiana. http://www.picturagallery.com/

Trade and Agriculture

I cannot believe I have not blogged in such a long time. No excuse, just life got in the way. Having just taught a class on trade and agriculture last night, let me bring your attention to two items. First, the Washington Post is running an incredible series on the global food crisis. The series began last Sunday, and is tackling a new topic each day. However, the series also links the topics, discusses global links in agriculture, and looks at how different countries are handling the issues. I highly recommend reading each and every article. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/world/globalfoodcrisis/

Second, Women in International Trade is having a program related to agriculture next week (May 7). Check it out and attend. http://www.wiit.org/events/2008/International%20Food%20Fight.htm.

And so I am back in action!!

Trade and Politics and IP

With the primaries of Texas and Ohio looming ever closer, trade is actually becoming a big issue in the presidential contest! But, unfortunately, not in a good way. Both Dems are choosing to demogague the issue to get votes. Obama has flip flopped from his previously sound position stating that he would at least attempt to change the longstanding, failed U.S. "policy" (and I use the word policy lightly) on Cuba. He is also saying he will ban all toy imports from China. What is he? The Burger Meister Meister Burger?

Hillary, on the other hand, is vowing to take a "break" on free trade, and to "renegotiate" NAFTA.

I think it is safe to say that both candidates are simply trying to win votes, and neither will stick to any of their trade positions once in office, because of course those positions make no sense, and even clash with the more sound policies they have posted on their websites. Plus, candidates have a long history of changing positions on trade once in office. Remember Bill Clinton? He was going to ban all trade with China, in response to the "Butchers of Beijing." Turns out he was the most free-trade oriented president we have seen in a long time.

President Bush campaigned on free trade. But his first major trade initiative was to impose a section 201 action on steel imports for purely political reasons. Not free trade at all. So you can't always judge a candidate's trade position from what is being said on the campaign trail.

The NYT has a great article today on presidential politics and trade: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/27/business/27leonhardt.html?ref=politics

And since we are discussing intellectual property rights tonight in class, you may enjoy reading about our own problems in the US on this issue at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/27/nyregion/27chinatown.html?ref=nyregion

My Big Bro

My big brother is amazing. I have, of course, as the little sis, always thought he was incredibly cool. When he wanted to listen to Peter Frampton on his 8-track tape, so did I. When he wanted to learn how to "disco dance," so did I. When he wanted to play hockey, so did I. When he wanted to jump his banana seat bike over a home-made jump after careening down the hill in our back yard...well, I drew the line there!

Anyhow, his coolness knows no bounds. He is now a professional fisherman in Florida, and he has just developed an extremely cool website that highlights his accomplishments, knowledge and all around skill. http://www.saltwaterprofessionalconsulting.com/index.html

Anyone interested in fishing, in learning about sustainability in fishing or in simply enjoying the outdoors should get in touch with Tony whenever you are in Florida (or before you go!) http://www.saltwaterprofessionalconsulting.com/index.html

He is just too cool. And professional. And awesome. I am so proud of my big bro!

Student Suggestions

My students are quite and engaged and interesting. They are looking and thinking about trade is there daily lives, and are sending me interesting articles that they are coming across. Here are a few links:
Exports Help Narrow Trade Gap (NYT) http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/business/14cnd-trade.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

WTO Ruling Against China on Car Parts
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080213/ap_on_bi_ge/wto_china_auto_parts

Creative Capitalism
http://www.nextbillion.net/blogs/2008/01/31/panelists-take-on-creative-capitalism

Education Issues in Trade
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_06/b4070032762393.htm?chan=magazine+channel_news&campaign_id=rss_daily

Read on friends!