Business and Marketing

New Greek premier to unveil policy platform

23.02.12

Papademos was sworn in last week to head a 15-week coalition government supported by the outgoing Socialists and rival conservatives. ATHENS, Greece (AP) — New Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos said Monday he is determined to keep the country in the eurozone, but acknowledged it is set to miss its deficit reduction target this year. "I think it is obvious for those who support this government to undertake the commitment and ensure that our country's euro membership is not endangered. Presenting an outline of his policies, Papademos told lawmakers that for his government, Greece's euro membership is "our only choice. A vote of confidence in Papademos' new government will take place in parliament Wednesday. The country can be saved — it's up to us," Papademos said. He spoke hours after conservative leader Antonis Samaras defied a European Union demand to provide a written commitment to the new debt agreement — or else see rescue loans frozen.

Source: The Associated Press

Few Felons Should Have Guns

23.02.12

Given the prior data on the enormous social costs of gun violence in the U. S. ($100 billion a year, by one estimate ), criminal recidivism, and public opinion, people convicted of nonviolent felonies should be eligible for review of their fitness... Although there is a division of opinion in the U. S. about guns generally, polls show overwhelming support for policies designed to keep guns from people with a history of criminality. And public opinion is consistent with the data on ex-convicts and crime. Restoring felons’ right to legally possess firearms comes at a cost: more gun violence and innocent lives lost. In contrast, there is a clear public interest in restricting the ability of felons to possess firearms. Individuals convicted of crimes, even nonviolent misdemeanors, are on average many times more likely than law-abiding citizens to subsequently commit acts of violence.

Source: New York Times