Friday, February 20, 2009

Non-Paper Daily, 2.20.09

*Ray LaHood, the Secretary of Transportation, floated the idea of taxing miles driven rather than gas. The result is that people drive less, but it does not encourage the use of efficient vehicles. A similar idea was floated in Oregon that received very negative reviews from many, myself included. Today, Obama nipped that idea in the bud. Thank you, sir.

*The United States military base in Kyrgyzstan is set to close in six months. Yesterday, that country served our military an eviction notice, asking us to leave. Apparently there is wiggle room for a compromise, but our military leaders are already looking for an alternative entry point into Afghanistan.

*Speaking of Afghanistan, earlier this week Barack Obama announced he will be sending an additional 17,000 troops to that country, thus raising our commitment by about 50%. Perhaps some additional troops will make a difference, but we have been there for seven years, it's about time they come home too.

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