Economically minds
Eco-Imperialism
Last month, The Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) held a teach-in on eco-imperialism, the concept that western environmental forces are oppressing the developing world. National Review Online has an article on this issue, as does Tech Central Station. Particular concerns include opposition to hydroelectric dams, the DDT ban, and GM food restrictions.
CORE national spokesman Niger Innis had some strong words about eco-imperialism: "We intend to stop this callous eco-manslaughter. The green movement imposes the views of mostly wealthy, comfortable Americans and Europeans on mostly poor, desperate Africans, Asians and Latin Americans. It violates their most basic human rights."
US Trade Gap Increases
David reports: The US trade deficit widened sharply in December 2003, increasing by $4.1 billion above the deficit of November 2003. "The trade gap in 2003 totaled a record $489 billion compared with $418 in 2002."
The headline obscures some additional data, such as the fact that US exports grew 4.6% in 2003 to $1 trillion, the best growth rate since 2000.
Also the gap widened in December due mainly to a $1.5 billion drop in civillian aircraft export (a volatile sector), increase in petroleum product imports, and mad cow related export slowings.
December numbers show the trade grap with China declining. There are a lot of interesting things happening in China, such as a 49% rise in passenger cars sold there in 2003 over 2002.
Meanwhile, the US trade gap with Europe widened in December due to economic slowness and high unemployment there.