Gas price debate dominates Senate talk of relief plans
Editorial argues both parties chase quick fixes over real impact. Republicans push a $100 rebate for many filers and probe price gouging while Democrats back a 60 day federal tax holiday. both fail to curb demand or boost supply, risking misdirection and costly administration.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Emocrats
U.S. Senate
Trustees warn Social Security and Medicare face earlier insolvency
The trustees say Social Security funds will be exhausted by 2040 and real benefit payments may end by 2017, while Medicare runs out by 2020. They urge reform now, noting delays worsen pain for workers and retirees. Some politicians dismiss the crisis despite rising urgency.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Social Security Trust Fund
Congress
Trustees
California
Chuck Grassley
Alowa
Grassley
Bush
Nussle tied to tobacco money in Iowa campaign dispute
Readers allege Iowa gubernatorial candidate Jim Nussle benefited from tobacco company contributions since 1999. They contrast him with Ed Fallon who refuses PAC and lobbyist funds and supports clean elections as the writer urges voters to choose a people funded candidate amid criticism of U S policy in the Middle East.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jim Nussle
Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund
Nussle
Joe Camel
Ed Fallon
Fallon
Jason Hsu
Cedar Rapids
Letters spark debate on war religion and Iowa politics
Readers criticize U S policy in Iraq and defend religious expression while praising ethics and civic values. The letter highlights how memorials provoke controversy and argues for broader religious tolerance. It also endorses Howard Leonard in Iowa agriculture secretary race, praising his problem solving and farm-support focus.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Howard Stern
Bob and Tom
Bruce Titus
Angel
John Gorman Winthrop
Mark Leonard
Iowa
Leonard
Congress
Ida County
Halls of
Exxon Mobil profits and oil politics prompt stock gamble
Steve Maravetz of Mount Vernon criticizes perceived oil industry influence in the Bush Cheney era. He notes Exxon Mobil CEO Lee Raymond's $400 million pay and the company's 36.13 billion profit, arguing for investing in Mattel if the next president hails from the toy industry.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bush
Dick Cheney
Cheney
White House
Iraq
Iran
Congress
Exxon Mobil
Lee Raymond
World Bank
Mattel
Steve Maravetz
Mount Vernon
New Iraqi leader Maliki seen as potential unifier amid turmoil
Nouri Kamal al Maliki, a Shiite hard liner and former Jaafari aide, becomes prime minister designate. Analysts warn unity may form with Sunnis but insurgent violence could surge. success hinges on inclusive reform, oil sharing, and restraining militias, shaping possible U.S. troop withdrawal timelines.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Raq
Nouri
Kamal al-Maliki
Saddam Hussein
Iran
Syria
U.S
Maliki
Ibrahim al-Jaafari
Jaafari
Iraq
Muqtada al-Sadr
Tehran
Ayatollah
Ali al-Sistani
Sistani
Dawa Party
Abu
Musab al-Zarqawi
al-Qaida
Tariq al-Hashimi
Zarqawi
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U.S. Marine Corps
Donald Rumsfeld
Middle East
Condoleezza Rice
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Agriculture
Ohie
Trudy Rubin
Philadelphia Inquirer