Nation Topics - Economy | The Nation

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 Ohio Representative Sherrod Brown's views on globalization and the policy's of the United States government. The conflict over the ratification of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) is discussed. The author reviews House Resolution 295, which calls for strong environmental and food-safety standards in trade agreements.

The article presents letters to the editor in response to articles published in previous editions of "The Nation." Included are responses to the articles "Before School," by David Kirp and "On the Wal-Mart Money Trail," by Liza Featherstone in the November 21, 2005 edition. Also includes are responses to the article "Arnold Show: Canceled," by Marc Cooper and "Cornbread and Roses," by Bob Moser in the November 28, 2005 edition.

The article discusses the indictment of United States Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, Lewis Libby, for allegedly lying to Federal Bureau of Investigation agents or grand jurors about his role in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) leak. Special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald has not focused on which Administration official outed CIA agent Valerie Plame. It is claimed that Cheney had a role in undermining Plame's husband, former ambassador Joseph Wilson, who had challenged the Administration's reasons for the Iraq War.

The article discusses the problems and scandals facing the administration of United States President George W. Bush. The public is losing its support for the U.S.-led Iraq War. Lewis Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, has been indicted. The article discusses whether the Bush Administration willfully misled the public in regards to former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's possession of weapons of mass destruction. Bush is criticized for his lack of planning prior to the Iraq War as well as for his lack of political planning in the United States on issues such as crisis management and Social Security.

The article focuses on the charitable giving and political influence of the Walton family, the heirs of Wal-Mart Stores founder Sam Walton. The retail company is facing various employee rights lawsuits. Public relations at Wal-Mart is facing a crisis. The U.S. National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy released a report titled "The Waltons and Wal-Mart: Self-Interested Philanthropy," regarding the relationship between the Wal-Mart and Walton philanthropy and the company's image problems. Wal-Mart and the Waltons have increased the funds they give to the Republican Party. The article points out that philanthropy provides an alternative to taxation. Wal-Mart plays a role in lobbying against estate tax and for tax giveaways to the rich. Wal-Mart supports education privatization.

The article reports that U.S. Democrats rose up as an opposition party in the Senate after the indictment of Lewis Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff. Democrats called for an investigation into the President George W. Bush Administration's misuse of intelligence before the Iraq War. Republicans in the Senate have not been used to facing a minority opposition leader. The Senate has established a committee to examine charges that Intelligence Committee chair Pat Roberts stalled the investigation.

Presents an editorial discussing the use of asbestos by Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp.. Dow Chemical Co., Pfizer Inc., and Viacom International Inc. Review of how the companies continue to use the toxin, exposing employees and consumers long after it was known to be harmful; Overview of claims filed by asbestos victims; Discussion and analysis of the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act (FAIR).

Presents an editorial discussing how Republican legislators and the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush have confronted the issue of poverty in the United States following Hurricane Katrina. Suggestion that some Republicans believe that federal aid makes poor people dependent; Review of how the storm effected the situation of impoverished people in areas damaged by the hurricane; Proposed cuts to Medicaid and food stamp programs.

Focuses on the support given to economist Jeffrey Sachs by rock star Bono. Role of both in educating others on the moral urgency of relieving poverty in Africa; Role of Sachs as an economic adviser to Bolivia; Claim that Sachs failed to help Poland and Russia transition economically to post-Communist societies; Praise for Bono's role in gaining assistance for Africans with AIDS; Role of Sachs as a lobbyist for debt relief for poor countries.