(2.15.2005) UN: Trade Protectionism in Rich Countries Hurts Poor Countries No kidding. And they also have this groundbreaking observation: Monoculture practices in those poor countries expose them to serious risks when prices for their agricultural commodities fall. This is basic Economics 101: Poor countries need trade, and lots of it. Furthermore, they need to develop human capital instead of relying on commodity exports. But the fools who say that all trade is exploitation will only shout louder into their bullhorns without ever learning. (2.15.2005) Irish Especially Skeptical About EU High probability it has something to do with Ireland's market-friendly economy and rapid growth, compared to the darkly socialistic EU Constitution (2.15.2005) UN: Al Qaeda Still a Threat Decentralized structure means terrorist group can continue operations even while under stress (2.15.2005) Kyoto Treaty Goes Into Effect US, Australia won't take part. India, China getting free rides. (2.15.2005) Russia to Have 16 Million Visa Cards By End of Year "Everywhere you want to be," they say (2.15.2005) Yushchenko Says He'll Review Sales of State-Owned Businesses New president of Ukraine says he'll review the privatization of 30 businesses, then will leave the rest alone. That, plus an anti-corruption drive, is expected to help economic development there. (2.15.2005) President Requests $74.9 Billion in Supplemental Funding for Defense Department (2.15.2005) Why Canada Should Join in the Ballistic Missile Defense Shield Sometimes the free-rider problem is so big, it goes international. Basic conclusions are that (a) the US will create some kind of system, (b) Canada is going to be influenced by the shield one way or another, and will probably be partially or wholly covered by it, so (c) they might as well get on board and have some influence from the inside. (2.15.2005) New Version of Internet Explorer Coming Early Was supposed to have been bundled with Windows Longhorn, but Firefox has Microsoft running scared. (2.15.2005) The Onion: "Bloodless Coup a Real Letdown" "And why bomb the mansion when the president has left the keys hanging in the door next to a note about the thermostat?" (2.15.2005) How to Get Rid of Spyware |