Nation Topics - Social Issues | The Nation

The article reflects on protests in Islamabad, Pakistan over cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad that were published in several European newspapers. The article suggests that the demonstrations are also a challenge to Pakistani President-General Pervez Musharraf. His main challenger is the Muttahidda Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), a parliamentary coalition of Pakistan's main Islamist parties. It insists that the large-scale protests were instigated by the Jamaat Islami, the dominant faction of the MMA, which has forged an alliance with its middle-class cadre and alienated youth.

This article reflects on illegal immigration to the United States. In December of 2005, the House passed the Sensenbrenner bill, which the article suggests is one of the most draconian pieces of anti-immigrant legislation in a generation. Vigilante Minutemen, no longer content to patrol the borders looking for illegal immigrants to arrest, have taken to chasing day laborers at pickup sites. Two-thirds of the American population think that illegal immigration is a serious problem.

This article discusses the raising and hunting of bobwhite quails and United States Vice President Dick Cheney's accidental shooting of his friend and fellow hunter Harry Whittington while hunting the birds. Quality-of-life indicators for the little bird have been on a steady downward tangent ever since the late nineteenth century. Quail habitat in Texas is minimally improving, as ranch managers try to adapt the terrain from the needs of cattle to quail and other hunting targets.

This article reflects on the 2006 annual budget laid out by the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush. It argues that Bush's spending priorities in his budget proposal distort what matters to United States citizens. It questions why the Pentagon needs so much money if the Iraq War is allegedly winding down. It offers information on funds to domestic programs in the areas of education, healthcare, food assistance, and Medicare that are being cut from the budget.

The author comments on the State of the Union address delivered by U.S. President George W. Bush. Bush did not mention the government's defense pact with the Shiite leaders who will dominate Iraq. While Bush paid tribute to civil right leader Coretta Scott King, antiwar activist Cindy Sheehan was tossed out. Bush addressed issues like healthcare, education and gas prices. He thinks we have too much insurance, so he offered to privatize healthcare. Bush didn't mention that he has not funded his own education programs and is cutting education spending. He remains in denial about global warming.

The article presents the author's views on the global fight against AIDS. The author is Jim McDermott, chair of the Congressional Task Force of International HIV/AIDS. It is the author's view that the war against disease is a war that can be won. Statistics related to the amount of annual disease-related deaths are reviewed. According to the author, basic policy changes need to be undertaken in order for AIDS to be defeated.

The article looks at the issue of employees' rights in the United States. The author reviews how increased healthcare, housing, and gasoline costs are negatively impacting American families. The concept of employee unionization is discussed. It is the author's view that unions can help preserve middle class jobs while making the economy more competitive.

The article comments on current events and world politics. Socialist Party leader Michelle Bachelet, Chile's first woman president, is not expected to bring economic reform to the country. A quote from Al Gore focused on warrantless wiretapping in the United States. The Maryland legislature passed a bill that requires Wal-Mart to provide health insurance to their employees who have relied on Medicaid programs. Two economic studies, by Scott Wallsten of the Brookings Institution, and economist Joseph Stiglitz with Linda Bilmes of Harvard, indicate the costs of the Iraq War will be more than $1 trillion. An essay contest sponsored by "Nation" is mentioned.

The article presents the author's views on healthcare in the United States. According to the author, healthcare providers and drug companies have manipulated the medical care system beyond comprehension in order to maximize profits and shareholder confidence. It is suggested that the existing Medicare program is capable of fixing the healthcare system in the U.S. The author introduce two proposals aimed at fixing Medicare.

The article presents Representative Bob Filner's views on improving veterans healthcare in the United States. Statistics related to the number of veteran patients in the U.S. are reviewed. Various policy changes implemented at the Department of Veterans Affairs are reviewed. The Assured Funding for Veterans' Healthcare Act of 2005 is discussed.