As I reported on the crisis of Education in California, I have also been assessing the status of one of the most powerful organizations in the State: The Peace Officers' Union. It has helped to elect two Republican and one Democratic Governor and has been behind the election of State Legislators. The legacy of the Union, though, is an overcrowded violence infested system that is under Federal Conservatorship.
What the current Govenor, Mr. Schwarzenegger, wants to do is to privatize a whole chunk of it to break the back of a Union that enjoys unprecendented power. Whether he succeeds remains to be seen. What does need to happen is for a profound change of priorities. I wrote about the concern expressed by Justice Anthony Kennedy of the US Supreme Court about the money the State of California spent on prisoners. I also commend Justice Kennedy for noting how "sick" it was that the Prison Officers' Union ha sponsored the three strikes law that has caused so much grief in California today.
I don't want to celebrate the demise of the Prison Officer Union just yet. The job of Prison Officers is unpleasant, dangerous and hazardous. But, I am sure that all Prison Officers agree that there needs to be policies put in place so that their services is not needed. This is among the many challenges facing the incoming Governor as the election season gets under way in California.
For those who doubted China's power, today's annoucement should dispel any notion. China just came out with an annoucement that it has overtaken Germany as the World's greatest exporter. Shanghai opened up 3%. There was a 17% increase in exports. On top of that, there were record car sales in China. I wonder how our little planet is going to be able to handle over 800 million cars!!!
As I tried to come to terms with China's continued march towards world economic domination, I remember an old friend telling me about not to worry about China and how China was going to choke on its' own development. China has some profound challenges. But, China is marching mightly towards its rightful place in the world. Anyone who ignores it does so at their own peril.
As we all bid farewell to 2009, I wanted to simply say thanks. I will be taking a few days off my regular write-ups to finish gearing up for 2010. I will be "back" in 2010 with a renewed vigour and focus on the key themes that I have focused on throughout the past year and a half and to hopefully continue my focus to hopefully help make a difference in our world. It is a world that is worth fighting for for the sake of our children and grandchildren everywhere.
Happy New Year!!!!
Mike Pouraryan
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