Center for American Progress Center for American Progress
Issues 2008 03

03

July 9, 2008

Racial Profiling and Genetic Privacy

Report examines the question of how we reconcile our desire for excellent police work with maintaining criminal investigation protocols that respect the rights of citizens.
April 22, 2008

Record Gas Prices Add Pressure to Already Squeezed Consumers

As gas prices rise and the economy falls, consumers are running out of ways to save money and pay for extra expenses, writes Christian E. Weller.
April 2, 2008

How Does This End?

Report from Korb, Katulis, Duggan, and Juul shows why "staying the course" endangers our overall security and endangers our long-term goals in Iraq.
March 31, 2008

Johnson’s Latest Dodge

Despite a Court-issued directive to develop a plan for regulating greenhouse gas emissions, Johnson goes back to square one, writes Robert Sussman.
March 31, 2008

HUD Cannot Be Left Adrift in the Wake of Secretary Jackson’s Resignation

After Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson's resignation, we will need a stronger Federal Housing Administration.
March 31, 2008

This Week in Congress 3.31.08 - 4.4.08

CAP has the resources you need to stay on top of this week's big issues on the hill, from the budget to housing and Iraq.
March 31, 2008

Carbon Capture and Sequestration 101

Recent congressional hearings on carbon capture and storage require a look at why CCS is necessary and how to implement it.
March 31, 2008

Misplaced Priorities: Conservatives Spur Next Financial Crisis

Treasury’s Paulson shifts blame for current credit and housing crises, setting up the next one with new financial regulatory reform.
March 28, 2008

Public Opinion Snapshot: Fixing Housing Key to Better Economy

Opinion polls show that the public thinks the housing crisis is central to our economic woes, and it wants a solution fast.
March 27, 2008

Creating a Peace to Keep in Darfur

New report from ENOUGH and the Save Darfur Coalition details a process for ending the catastrophe in Darfur with a peace that will save lives.
March 27, 2008

Think Again: Iraq Disappears from View

The public needs reliable information about the Iraq war, but media coverage of the conflict has dropped off the map.
March 27, 2008

What’s Not Being Said About Sex—And Who It’s Hurting

Abstinence-only programs are contributing to higher-than-ever rates of sexually transmitted infections among teen girls, writes Julie F. Kay.
March 27, 2008

Assessing the Total Cost of War

CAP brings together experts to analyze the direct and indirect financial cost of the war in Iraq to the American people.
March 26, 2008

It’s Easy Being Green: Horse Power

The Healing Harvest Forest Foundation logs with animal power, trains biological woodsmen, and promotes human/forest relations.
March 26, 2008

Nothing to Brag About

The U.S. trade deficit requires policy targeting innovation and less oil dependence, write Christian E. Weller and Holly Wheeler.
March 26, 2008

The Lessons of War: Charles Ferguson Talks to Reel Progress

Director Charles Ferguson talks to Reel Progress about U.S. challenges in Iraq and his new book.
March 26, 2008

Out of Print: The death and life of the American newspaper

It no longer requires a dystopic imagination to wonder who will have the dubious distinction of publishing America’s last genuine newspaper.
March 26, 2008

Diagnosis: Poor Financial Health

The future of Medicare has become darker and bleaker since the Bush administration took office, writes Karen Davenport.
March 26, 2008

Subprime Mortgages by the Numbers

The housing crisis has worsened since first appearing on the national radar a year ago. Struggling homeowners still need help.
March 26, 2008

Resurging Iraqi Violence: Shi’a Civil War Only One of Many

Latest outbreak of fighting among Shi’a rivals is emblematic of multiple conflicts still raging across the country, writes Brian Katulis.
March 26, 2008

Subprime Policies: New Ideas to Tackle the Mortgage Mess

A new report by Scott Lilly examines possible alternate solutions to the housing crisis that go beyond $600 tax rebates.
March 25, 2008

Criminal Intent

The presidential candidates need to stop ignoring America's crime problem--and start considering innovative solutions.
March 25, 2008

Pioneering Renewable Energy The Rocky Mountain Way

Colorado's experience generating clean energy investment and use can serve as a model for other states, writes Alice Madden.
March 25, 2008

Just to Recap: Ridiculous War, Monumental Mistake

Five years ago, the United States invaded Iraq and set in motion a chain of events that most Americans wish had never been unleashed. While President Bush and Vice President Cheney have been making the rounds to convince a skeptical public that the war has been critical for America's national security interests, their words ring hollow. With 4,000 Americans killed, 30,000 wounded, and over half a trillion dollars spent so far, this unfortunate anniversary is the proper time to step back for a reality check.
March 24, 2008

Energy Diversity Dividends: Biofuels Lower Oil Prices

New market analysis shows that global biofuels boom helped reduce the cost of oil, writes Jake Caldwell and Kit Batten.
March 24, 2008

The Housing Crisis Hits New Lows

Andrew Jakabovics answers questions about how to stabilize the housing market.
March 24, 2008

Share the Burden: Making Economic and Patriotic Sacrifices

President George W. Bush's recent budget request to Congress proposes that more than $2 trillion of tax cuts in 2001 and 2003 be made permanent - and it requests almost $200 billion in new funding for continuing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. When Congress considers these requests, it should also consider the sacrifices being asked of the men and women of our armed forces and their families, all of whom are carrying a disproportionate burden of waging a war with deficit spending.
March 21, 2008

Israel and India: New Allies

Bruce Riedel looks at the growing ties between Israel and India in today's Middle East Bulletin.
March 21, 2008

Breaking Free: The Politics of the Hip-Hop Generation

CAP event discusses Party Crashing, a new book that looks at the political disconnect between civil rights and hip hop generations.
March 21, 2008

U.S. must end support for new Sunni militias

One key, yet overlooked, factor behind recent declines in Iraq's violence is U.S. support for new Sunni militias made up of former insurgents and al-Qaeda sympathizers. Direct financial support provided by the U.S. military to these groups - known collectively as the sahwa movement - have helped make the movement the main authority in certain Baghdad neighborhoods and other parts of Iraq.
March 21, 2008

Public Opinion Snapshot: Pain at the Pump

Americans cite gas prices as top economic concern and want the government to take action on fuel efficiency and alternative energy.
March 21, 2008

What the Public Really Wants on Iraq

Last week was the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Ruy Teixeira asks: What does the public really want on Iraq?
March 21, 2008

Moving Beyond the Surge

CAP event assesses U.S. strategic goals after the drawdown of American forces in July and where U.S. policy should go from here.
March 20, 2008

Getting Serious About Ending Conflict and Sexual Violence in Congo

ENOUGH's Rebecca Feeley and Colin Thomas-Jensen lay out steps for policymakers to use to end sexual violence in Congo.
March 20, 2008

Buying American: Congress Should Keep Contracts Fair

Carter and Korb debate whether Congress should safeguard U.S. manufacturing by ensuring military contracts go to domestic firms, or leave it up to the military. Earlier this week, they discussed the legality of evidence gleaned from torture, asked to what extent Congress should intervene in military affairs, and wondered whether Adm. William J. Fallon was right to disagree publicly with his civilian commander. On Friday, they'll conclude their Dust-Up by discussing how the military should prepare itself for future war and conflict.
March 20, 2008

Think Again: Why We're Liberals: The Polls Speak

If Americans overwhelmingly support progressive policies, why are so many of them afraid to call themselves "liberal"? Eric Alterman has an answer.
March 20, 2008

Credit Check: Tax Policy’s Role in Health Reform

The bottom line is that tax credits should be carefully crafted so that they help, not undermine, efforts to cover the uninsured.
March 20, 2008

Pulse on Iraq: The Surge Still Isn't Working

Conservatives are still insisting the surge has worked. But a growing consensus among experts indicates otherwise.
March 19, 2008

Five Years Later

Brian Katulis answers questions about where we are in Iraq now.
March 19, 2008

It’s Easy Being Green: Get Your Hands Dirty

Growing your own fruits and vegetables can be a simple, cost effective way to help the planet and stay healthier.
March 19, 2008

Background Basics: Iraq's Groups and Regional Actors

Many groups influence the dynamics of the War in Iraq, both within and outside of the country. CAP has a primer for following the groups in the news.
March 19, 2008

What Could $432 Million Buy American Families?

On average, we spend $432 million a day in Iraq, while families at home feel the crunch of rising prices, declining employment, and soaring credit.
March 19, 2008

Diplomatic Surge Needed

Five years into the Iraq war, Sen. Casey writes that comprehensive regional diplomacy will best stabilize Iraq and help ensure its security.
March 19, 2008

An Easy Answer Muddled by this Administration

Phil is correct to say that torture in any way, shape or form by any agent of the U.S. government -- including private contractors -- is not only wrong but counterproductive and should not be admissible as evidence against a defendant. In theory, every political, military and diplomatic agent of the U.S. government would agree with that. The real issue is agreeing on what constitutes torture.
March 19, 2008

Subprime Mortgage Meltdown Renews Urban Blight

There is no shortage of regret over the failure of regulators and the Bush administration to heed the warning signs about the extent of the subprime housing crisis. A new regret is on the horizon: The failure to take action to prevent the descent into disrepair, economic distress and crime of revitalized urban neighborhoods across the nation.
March 19, 2008

How Could We Spend $600 Billion?

The $600 billion given to operations in Iraq could buy thousands of schools, fund hundreds of thousands of salaries, and send millions to college.
March 19, 2008

War Without End

During the last six months, Americans have witnessed a steady decline in news coverage of the Iraq war, with the presidential campaign, economic troubles at home and scandals like the resignation of former New York governor Eliot Spitzer crowding out the war, according to data collected by the Project for Excellence in Journalism. US troops are at war in Iraq and many still come home in body bags or grievously wounded - but one might not easily realise this by looking at the front page of today's major US newspapers.
March 18, 2008

Facing Extremism

Too depressingly familiar: eight young people killed, along with the gunman who ended their lives. Many more injured. As is the intent of such extremists, he took aim not only at innocent civilians, but also at the heart of future security and hope for Israelis and Palestinians: a negotiated two-state resolution to their conflict. Ensuring that he does not achieve this broader objective will require a renewed commitment by all involved, including the United States.
March 18, 2008

Incomplete Study Still Shows Affordable Results

The EPA's analysis of global warming bill may not account for innovation or benefits, but it still shows that reductions are affordable, says Daniel Weiss.
March 18, 2008

Strategic Redeployment and Reset: A New Policy for Iraq

The best Iraq policy for the next administration is strategic redeployment as part of an overall strategic reset of U.S. national security.
March 17, 2008

EPA Leadership: Too Many Questions, Too Few Answers

Environmental Protection Agency head Johnson makes decisions that point to heavy politicization of the EPA, writes Robert M. Sussman.
March 17, 2008

Iraq Invasion Anniversary Countdown: Conservatives Jump the Gun, Again

Conservative lawmakers drop into Baghdad to claim “progress” in Iraq. Once again, they’re jumping the gun, writes Brian Katulis.
March 17, 2008

Selective Bailouts: Help for Wall Street, Not Your Street

Bush administration chastises home buyers for bad decisions, then funnels bailout financing to Wall Street, writes David Abromowitz.
March 17, 2008

The Great State v. Federal Health Care Reform Debate

Health care reform should start with the federal government, show these resources.
March 14, 2008

Endgame

Mark Agrast writes that House leaders have proposed a responsible compromise on intelligence surveillance. Again.
March 14, 2008

Time to Clean House

On issue after issue, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ignored its own science advisers and ruled in favour of polluters.
March 14, 2008

Bull and Bear: Bush Economy Speech Misses the Mark

Amid rising foreclosures and Bear Stearns' rescue, Bush's speech today shows he lacks solutions to the housing crisis, writes Andrew Jakabovics.
March 14, 2008

Public Opinion Snapshot: The United States Needs a New Image

Contrary to conservative commentators’ opinions, America’s image is declining rapidly around the world.
March 14, 2008

Petraeus Shouldn't Be a Solo Act

On April 8 and 9, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus will present his assessment of the security situation in Iraq to Congress. But if Petraeus is again allowed to testify without his superior officers, as he did last September, neither Congress nor the American people will be receiving the complete picture.
March 13, 2008

Green-Collar Jobs in America's Cities

Report outlines how to green jobs can make American cities more sustainable, efficient, and livable while spurring economic growth, innovation, and job creation.
March 13, 2008

A Green Banner Event: Uniting Around Green Jobs

Good Jobs, Green Jobs conference in Pittsburgh highlights synergy between environment, jobs, and progressive economic growth.
March 13, 2008

What’s in Your Wallet? Congress Investigates Credit Card Terms

A hearing in Congress this week calls for a reality check on convoluted cardholder agreements, writes Tim Westrich.
March 13, 2008

Bush Out of Touch: Housing Comments Are Inane

The president thinks helping neighborhoods would only help lenders. How about helping homeowners with negative equity in their homes?
March 13, 2008

Think Again: Catch-22 Revisited: The Bush Administration and the Public’s “Right to Know”

While primaries and scandals distract the media, the Bush administration's defense of torture doesn't get the attention it deserves.
March 13, 2008

Credit Card Crash-Test

Every day, average American families' financial health is challenged on all fronts: fewer job opportunities, declining home values, and rising prices for necessities like health care, education and child care. With the prospect that gas could approach $4 per gallon this summer, many Americans' budgets will reach a breaking point. Too many families are only a layoff or medical emergency away from financial ruin.
March 13, 2008

Finally Real Answers: Congress Moves on Housing Crisis

Sen. Dodd and Rep. Frank introduce sweeping proposals to U.S. housing crisis, taking steps beyond Bush rhetoric, writes Andrew Jakabovics
March 13, 2008

The “R” Word: Issue Pulse on the Recession

Bush won’t say it, but consensus is the economy is either in a recession or soon will soon be. Conservatives have a lot to answer for.
March 13, 2008

Unanswered Questions in Iraq

Brian Katulis talks with Charles Ferguson about his new book, No End in Sight, Bush administration mistakes, and the war's future.
March 13, 2008

Wrong Again: Business Attacks Climate Security Act

Manufacturers are trying to scare Americans about costs of combating global warming, says Daniel Weiss. Once again, they are wrong.
March 12, 2008

It’s Easy Being Green: ReUsing Buildings in Buffalo

Buffalo ReUse puts young people to work while recycling demolished building materials back into the community.
March 12, 2008

Economic Snapshot for March 2008

American families, burdened by debt, job loss, and the housing market bust, are feeling the pressure of a tightening economy from all sides.
March 12, 2008

NATO: Expansion and Division

Putting countries on a path toward membership is good for security interests write Spencer Boyer and James Lamond; ambassador refutes claims.
March 12, 2008

Bringing a Goal to Life: House Considers Anti-Poverty Funding

Alternative budget proposed by the Progressive Caucus would provide funding for key steps toward the goal of cutting poverty in half.
March 12, 2008

Principals Matter: Strong Leadership is Key for Struggling Schools

Experts gather at CAP to discuss a new report from New Leaders for New Schools on the benefits of good principals in struggling schools.
March 11, 2008

The Iraqi Refugee Crisis by the Numbers

The United States is offering minimal help to the 4 million refugees displaced by fighting in Iraq. It’s time to ramp up our efforts.
March 11, 2008

BBC Poll Offers Odd Frame to the Issue of Iran Nukes

The headline from the press release of a new BBC World Service poll reads Declining Support for Tough Measures against Iran’s Nuclear Program: Global Poll. This poll is flawed and should be interpreted with caution.
March 11, 2008

Tame the Global Liquidity Crisis: Congress Needs to Help Central Banks

Global credit crisis cannot be solved by central banks alone, says Andrew Jakobovics. Congress needs to help them and U.S. homeowners, too.
March 11, 2008

Are We Losing Our Competitive Edge?

Hearing sparks debate on how to restore our scientific and technological leadership; CAP offers solutions.
March 11, 2008

Listen to the Top Brass in the Middle East: Don’t Make Them Quit Early

The abrupt retirement of top U.S. commander in the Middle East speaks volumes about wrong-headed White House policy, writes Lawrence Korb.
March 11, 2008

Russia's False Choice

Russia's choice between full democracy and stability is a false one, writes Spencer Boyer on The Root.
March 10, 2008

Housing Crisis Basics

SAFE and GARDNS proposals are key components of an agenda to break the vicious downward spiral of home prices and restore confidence and liquidity to America’s financial markets.
March 10, 2008

Our Nation's Surprising Technology Trade Deficit

Report from Christian E. Weller and Holly Wheeler shows that U.S. economic competitiveness in innovation may be slipping away.
March 10, 2008

This Week in Congress 3.10.08 - 3.14.08

CAP has the resources you need to stay on top of this week's big issues on the hill, from the budget to FISA and Iraq.
March 7, 2008

Labor Market Dives: Latest Employment Numbers Are Alarming

Almost across the jobs spectrum, the fallout from the housing crisis is gaining speed where it hurts Americans the most, writes Christian E. Weller.
March 7, 2008

Blocking State Leadership on Global Warming

EPA Administrator ignores precedent and EPA staff by denying California waiver request, writes Robert Sussman.
March 7, 2008

Advancing the NAFTA Debate: Global Living Standards Are Key

The next president must look beyond neighbors to build a global virtuous circle of rising living standards, writes Jonathan Jacoby.
March 7, 2008

Public Opinion Snapshot: Economic Concern Hits New High

New polls find that Americans are more worried about maintaining their standard of living now than they were during the 1991-92 recession.
March 6, 2008

Think Again: FCC vs. The Public

Looking for evidence of the Bush administration's distaste for oversight and responsible government? Look no further than the FCC.
March 6, 2008

Human Rights in the Congo: Testimony of ENOUGH's Colin Thomas-Jensen

ENOUGH Policy Advisor Colin Thomas-Jensen testifies before the Congressional Human Rights Caucus Briefing on the Congo.
March 5, 2008

Low-Income Households Deserve Full Funding from LIHEAP

Congress should act to fully fund the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help families pay for rising energy costs.
March 5, 2008

Access to Health Care

Health care costs are increasing, access is decreasing, and 47 million Americans are uninsured. This is a crisis we must address.
March 5, 2008

Forward from Gaza: How the U.S. Can Lead

Middle East Bulletin interviews former U.S. Ambassador to Israel and Egypt Daniel C. Kurtzer about the U.S. role in the Middle East.
March 5, 2008

Five Years Later, Are We Safe at Home?

Tomorrow President Bush will commemorate the Department of Homeland Security, but many security challenges remain, writes P.J. Crowley.
March 5, 2008

Bringing Everyone to the Table: Climate Change, Developing Countries and Global Trade

Developed and developing nations can create a global trading system that delivers prosperity and a cleaner planet, says Jake Caldwell.
March 5, 2008

It’s Easy Being A Green Business: Clif Bar

Clif Bar’s efforts to become a sustainable business include a variety of sustainability projects and eco-friendly production.
March 5, 2008

Leaders for Every Sector

Report shares anecdotes, discussions, and data to further the discussion about how national service can help prepare us for the future.
March 5, 2008

Nationalize the Schools (...A Little)!

Education experts meet at CAP to discuss what the federal government’s role should be in education reform.
March 5, 2008

Slowing Productivity Growth Requires Boosting Business Investment

Slowing productivity growth means businesses aren’t investing wisely, write Christian E. Weller and Amanda Logan.
March 4, 2008

Regaining America’s Competitive Edge: Energy Research and Development by the Numbers

CAP's by the numbers look at why the energy research-and-development budget must be doubled to transition to a low-carbon economy.
March 4, 2008

Declaration of Principles: Future United States Commitment to Iraq

CAP's Lawrence Korb testifies before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on the U.S.-Iraq Declaration of Principles agreement.
March 4, 2008

HOPE NOW Needs Help: Housing Crisis Requires Federal Action

CAP’s Andrew Jakabovics eyes the performance of the voluntary HOPE NOW Alliance and finds that more concerted federal action is urgent.
March 4, 2008

The Perils of Mortgage Fraud: Why Cities Should Care

Mortgage scams artificially raise home values and then leave abandoned properties in their wake, explains Henry Fernandez
March 4, 2008

Unbearable Cost of Oil: Record Prices Require Senate Action

We can't count on OPEC or Big Oil to give up their record profits, so we must urgently diversify our energy sources, writes Daniel J. Weiss.
March 4, 2008

Pakistani Voters Are Not Yet on the Same Page with U.S. Policymakers

Pakistani voters are not on the same page with the U.S. in the war against terrorist networks, warn Caroline Wadhams and Colin Cookman
March 4, 2008

Renewable Energy Subterfuge: Bush’s Sleight of Hand

President’s speech will extol virtues of renewable energy technologies while opposing efforts to support them.
March 3, 2008

R2P, The ICC, and Stopping Atrocities in the Real World

The U.N. “Responsibility to Protect” doctrine has the capacity to protect, but it can only work with significant political will.
March 3, 2008

This Week in Congress 3.03.08 - 3.07.08

CAP has everything you need to stay current on what's happening in Congress this week, from health care to national service, FISA, and more.
March 3, 2008

Carbon Offsets 101

What are carbon offsets? How do they reduce greenhouse gas emissions? And what would a successful carbon offsets program look like?
February 28, 2008

Getting Credit for Going Green

New report explains how to establish an effective carbon offsets program and build toward an international carbon market.
February 27, 2008

Ask the Expert: A More Flexible Approach

Should U.S. policy toward Cuba change? And what steps can the United States take to show Cuba that it is interested in a new relationship?
February 26, 2008

Nationalize the Schools (...A Little)!

New report details how transcending traditional local control in schools can create genuine autonomy and meet modern challenges.