On December 14, 1972, the voice of astronaut Gene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon, came through the loudspeaker at NASA Houston: “I take man’s last step from the surface, back home for some time to come…God-willing we will return.” The Apollo missions, of which Apollo 17 was the last, were by … Read more
Ten years ago, the nation’s future fiscal health seemed assured: an economic boom and the lack of significant external threats created budget surpluses. In 2001 the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) even projected that over the next decade the nation would enjoy a $5.6 trillion surplus. Politicians gleefully debated how to best utilize the windfall, ultimately … Read more
If there’s one thing that the New York Times and Sarah Palin can agree on, it’s that Congress is full of money-grubbing crooks. The New York Times ran a column in September by Anand Giridharadas warmly praising a speech that Palin gave at a Tea Party Rally in Iowa. Palin, Giridharadas told Times readers, presented … Read more
The world’s largest capitalist society is expanding, dominating industry and innovation and inspiring awe for its economic prowess. Capitalist America’s journey into 21st century business is accompanied by an expansion of the scope of business itself—into international markets and politics. American business money, as much as federal money, floods international markets and thereby guides the … Read more
In the midst of regional turmoil and overwhelming pressure for change, Morocco’s monarchy has seemed to be a model for the Arab world of preemptive and proactive government action to preserve stability. In the face of popular protests driven by the February 20th youth movement, King Mohammed VI was able to defuse tensions rapidly and effectively. In his historic … Read more
Here’s a quick quiz for you: What percentage of the fiscal year 2010 United States federal budget was spent on foreign aid? Remember, expenditures in the 2010 U.S. federal budget totaled a whopping $3.456 trillion. Also remember that foreign aid encapsulates a wide range of activities and programs: counter-terrorism, development, reconstruction, humanitarian assistance, global health, … Read more
Three years ago George W. Bush left office with the lowest exit approval rating in American presidential history. In January 2009, the United States was in the midst of the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, engaged in two wars with no end in sight, and suffering a crisis of confidence. Americans, tired of … Read more
Eight writers for the Harvard Political Review discuss their views on the future of Israel in the wake of the protests and upheavals throughout the Middle East. Read the full article at the Harvard Political Review.
Most Harvard students know that Memorial Hall is dedicated to Harvard students who died for the Union during the Civil War. But what of those students who fought for the South? Samuel Coffin explores the interesting history of the Confederacy at Harvard. Read the full article at the Harvard Political Review.
The much criticized No Child Left Behind Act may be on its way out. Ross Svenson analyzes a new education bill that could fix the problems of NCLB and gain the support of both parties. Read the full article at the Harvard Political Review.