Policy Updates

Over the next year, updates to policies will include:

  1. A review of Presidents Bush's attempts to reform the Social Security (old age pension) system. In effect the administration plans to part privatise the system by encouraging people to take on investment accounts linked to the financial markets in place of guaranteed social security benefits linked to payroll taxes. The plan has already encountered opposition from Democrats and from some Senate Republicans.
  2. An assessment of the 2005 state and local elections. Although 2005 is an off year for federal elections, some important contests are being held at the state and local levels including the race for Mayor of New York being defended by Republican Michael Bloomberg.
  3. Continuing updates on the progress of the conflict in Iraq.
  4. Comments on US policy towards Iran, Syria and North Korea and in particular how policy relates to the ‘Bush Doctrine' of advancing freedom and democracy throughout the World.
  5. Review of the US relationship with the EU.
  6. An assessment of the administration's appointments to the judiciary including the Supreme Court. Most commentators believe that one or more of the sitting Supreme Court justices, including Chief Justice William Rehnquist will resign (or die) during the second Bush term. If this is so then the President will be given the opportunity to shape the Court according to his own conservative philosophy. At present opinion on the Court is finely balanced and should one of the liberal justices go the President would have the opportunity to shift the Court to the right.
  7. Statistical updates on the performance of the US economy.