Diana Furchgott-Roth served as chief economist at the Department of Labor under President George W. Bush. She says the March jobs report shows a good month on the jobs front, but the real unemployment rate is now almost 17 percent. So is this the start of a turnaround or just a good month in a long, difficult stretch for the job market? How much is the census inflating the job numbers? And why will the many tax provisions in the new health care laws stifle job creation?
Liberal Lawsuits to Kill Drilling
President Obama says he wants to expand offshore drilling in certain areas, so why is one of the chief proponents of drilling not celebrating? What does Rep. John Shadegg believe could derail new oil and gas exploration long before it ever starts? Does he have any proof this will happen? So why would his energy plan be any better?
Drilling Plan Masks Bad Agenda
Louisiana Sen. David Vitter is very skeptical about the president’s plan to allow more offshore drilling. Why does he think we will see little to no new drilling? What does he think the president is trying to accomplish through this? What can we expect from the Senate on energy legislation?
Campaign Won’t Help Obamacare
John Gizzi of Human Events reviews the week in politics. Why does he believe Obama’s effort to sell the health plan won’t dent the entrenched opposition to this massive plan? What major power does the government take away from states in the health plan? Are President Obama and French President Nicholas Sarkozy making any real progress on Iran? What has Obama really negotiated in the new START treaty with Russia? And who will win the rematch in this year’s Maryland governor’s race?
You Fill Out Your Census
The Capitol Steps examine the U.S. Census, which is dominated by questions about race.
Government: Get Out of the Way
Small business expert Kevin Hanville says Washington is doing nothing to help job creation or small business owners. Why? Because ‘government doesn’t understand how business works’. Hanville explains why targeted tax credits and other short-term measures do nothing to spur job growth. He also has some frank words for those thinking about starting their own business in this economic climate – all tips from his new book “Change or Go Broke”.
Obama Has ‘No Credibility’ on Iran
This week, President Obama and French President Nicholas Sarkozy emphasized their commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons through tough sanctions. But former Assistant Secretary of Defense Frank Gaffney says that is just wishful thinking. Why does Gaffney say the sanctions strategy only helps Iran to complete nuclear weapons? What should Obama be doing? Is there any realistic option remaining besides an Israeli strike?
The News
President Obama pushes offshore drilling as part of overall plan, Republicans wary of real reason for policy reversal, expert explains why Obama’s ‘expansion’ is really a contraction of offshore drilling and we get an Afghan war update from frequent embed reporter Bing West.
Congress vs. Business on Obamacare
Texas Rep. Michael Burgess is very critical of House Democrats, who plan to haul business executives before the Energy and Commerce Committee if they claim the new health care laws will cost them tens of millions of dollars due to the removal of certain tax exemptions. What is the real point of such hearings and what is the real impact on businesses from the legislation? Rep. Burgess also explains why he’s not overly impressed with President Obama’s plan to allow additional offshore oil and gas drilling.
Maryland Dems Protect Gansler
On Wednesday, Maryland Del. Don Dwyer introduced articles of impeachment against state attorney general Doug Gansler after Gansler unilaterally overturned the definition of marriage. Gansler also declared himself unimpeachable. So how did the Democratic majority in the legislature respond? What will happen to the impeachment effort now? How are the people of Maryland reacting to this whole debate? We ask Del. Dwyer.