Daily Political Wire 5-2-2010

George Wenschhof


Yesterday, President Obama gave remarks at the graduation ceremonies at University of Michigan

It was a good speech for the seniors as it included a hope they would desire to give back to their communities in one manner or another. The President also addressed the current contentious political climate while also giving a detailed history lesson in regard to political behavior in the U.S. over the years.

He urged the graduates to listen to all sides of a political issue and to avoid using "over the top" rhetoric when referring to those who have opposing views. The NY Times has more here.

Overall,a good speech with suggestions our current elected officials in Congress would do well to adhere to.

Today, President Obama visits the Gulf region threatened by what promises to be the largest oil spill ever. You can read more here.

The coastlines of states from Louisiana to Florida are likely to be hit with oil in spite of the current containment efforts. As the memories of the devastation of Katrina are not too distant, hopefully state, local and federal government leaders along with BP officials work together to coordinate clean up efforts and avoid the time consuming and ineffective practice of pointing fingers as to who is to blame.

Now, is the time for action and later measures can be taken, after thorough review, to implement procedures to avoid this type of catastrophe in the future.

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Yesterday, Immigration activists protest in 100 marches across U.S. - as a result of the recent immigration legislation passed in Arizona. In D.C. Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) along with 40 activists were arrested outside the White House. TheHill.com has more here.

The desire of the activists is for Congress to take up and pass comprehensive immigration reform. It is way past time for Congress to act as this is a federal issue and not a state issue. Border security, the disposition of 11+ million undocumented workers currently inside the U.S. and a rewrite of the current immigration procedures all need to be included in a Immigration reform bill.

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Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announces "Proximity Talks" between Israel and Palestine are set to begin - Politico.com has more here.

U.S. Middle East Envoy George Mitchell has been working overtime to restart the talks which were derailed by the Israeli announcement of future building in the West Bank. The indirect talks are set to begin next week with George Mitchell acting as the mediator and having to literally travel back and forth between Israel and Palestine to deliver messages from each side.

It is great to see this discussion begin. However, until direct talks can take place between the leadership of both nations, lasting peace will be continue to be allusive in the region.

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