Politics Archives

The IRS $80 Billion Overhaul: Analyzing Its Pros and Cons

Is the IRS $80 billion funding plan a good or bad idea? Who will the overhaul help or hurt? In a bid to revitalize its operations and tackle long-standing challenges, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced a bold $80 billion, 10-year strategic plan for an extensive overhaul. The plan aims to address issues stemming from years of underfunding, staff shortages, and outdated technology. Read on to learn experts’ varied viewpoints on the pros and cons of the IRS $80 billion overhaul.

Fracking Natural Gas: What It Means & How It’s Done

What does it mean to frack natural gas? How is it possible to drill horizontally? What are the benefits of fracking? Fracking is a method used to extract natural gas from the earth. Rachel Maddows, the author of Blowout, discusses the process in detail and how it may lead to energy independence in certain countries. Continue reading to learn about the history and evolution of fracking.

The Natural Resource Curse—A Paradox of Wealth & Poverty

How can a country rich in resources be so poor? Why is the energy industry a bad investment for developing countries? You would think that a country rich in natural gas and oil would also be rich in money, but you’d be wrong. The natural resource curse refers to the idea that countries rich in natural resources tend to suffer the most because the money often goes to authoritarian governments, rather than the people. Read below to learn about the natural resource curse and how it came about.

Will the US Raise the Debt Ceiling? What You Need to Know

What is the debt ceiling? Why is defaulting on the country’s debt so bad? Will Congress and the White House reach a deal to raise the debt ceiling by June? Analysts say that Congress and the White House must reach a deal to raise the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling by June to prevent the US government from defaulting on its debt. With the clock ticking and Democrats and Republicans both refusing to budge on their positions, there’s no deal in sight. Keep reading to learn why the debt ceiling is so important and why Congress and the White House are

Examples of How the Oil Curse Can Destroy a Nation

What is the oil curse? Why is having an abundance of oil a detriment to a country rather than a money-maker? In her book Burnout, Rachel Maddow explains why countries rich in oil are usually stricken with poverty. She discusses Equatorial Guinea, the United States, and Russia. Continue reading to learn how the oil curse can afflict a nation.

Why Global Climate Goals Are Impossible to Reach

How accurate are climate predictions? How likely are we to meet our global climate goals? Vaclav Smil claims that it’s difficult, if not impossible, to make accurate predictions about global warming. That’s true even for those with extensive experience and knowledge on the topic. It’s also difficult, if not impossible, to meet current IPCC limits on warming. Read more to learn why global climate goals are so difficult to reach.

Is There a Climate Crisis? A Rational Look at Climate Alarmism

Is there a climate crisis? Is climate alarmism called for? Who and what is to be believed? Even though it’s becoming more widely accepted that climate change is real, questions remain. We’re struggling to find answers, much less consensus, on what steps we should take, whether they’ll be enough, and how drastic the environmental situation really is. Keep reading for an assessment of the climate situation from award-winning science writer Michael Shellenberger.

How Russian Oil and Gas Gave Putin More Power

How have Russia’s oil and gas industries made the country a superpower? In what ways has Putin taken advantage of them? In her book Blowout, Rachel Maddow claims President Vladimir Putin used Russia’s energy companies to manipulate other countries. She argues that he’s created a monopoly that relies on illegal and corrupt practices. Keep reading to learn about Putin’s control of Russia’s energy resources.

The Benefits of Nuclear Power: A Safe, Clean, & Reliable Choice

How costly are nuclear power plants? Can they keep up with growing energy demands? How safe are they? We can’t get away from our dependence on energy. Michael Shellenberger argues that nuclear is the way to go. He explains the benefits of nuclear power and addresses the reservations and misconceptions many people have about it. Read on to understand Shellenberger’s argument for nuclear power, and see whether you’re convinced.

Increasing Taxes on Energy Companies: The Answer to Corruption?

Is it possible to stop corruption in the energy industry? Is there a way for energy companies to improve the countries they’re in, rather than destroy them? In Blowout, journalist and MSNBC commentator Rachel Maddow exposes the corruption and exploitation in the oil and gas industry. At the end of her book, Maddow suggests a few solutions to the problem, including increasing taxes on energy companies. Keep reading to learn how the world can fix the energy industry.