Elections and Exams

I was lucky to have met both presidential candidates in person. I met Obama as a Senator for Illinois when I attended an educational trip to Washington D.C. for the purpose of learning how the legislative process works in the U.S. I always thought Obama was superficial, mostly focused on his own popularity and not really caring about voters' needs. I met Romney here in California at a Republican Convention in Sacramento. These conferences are referred to as "kingmakers". Candidates are getting support based on how much money they are able to raise. Romney has no problem with money. Also, and more importantly, he has a vision, a program, and charisma. Unfortunately, the elections just confirmed that we're going to go on with a weak president.

Elections are over and students are returning from campaign staff offices where they volunteered with getting voters. In some states, local referenda were held to various issues. In California, voters turned down a proposition to ban the death penalty and in New Hampshire, voters have set a ceiling on state income taxes.

For me it is now most important to finish up midterm exams in all subjects. One of the most important exams for me is International Economics. I am working on it very hard. It is an interesting subject, which gives an insight into what happened in various countries at critical times. This week I attended a presentation by Professor Harberger, a distinguished colleague of Milton Friedman, who was personally involved in formation of economic policy in Chile after transition from Communist regime towards its current prosperity. It is quite fascinating and it is obvious what needs to be done, but the political courage is frequently missing.

All that leaves me no time for entertainment, and, frankly, money is anything but abundant. So at least, to take some time off, I went to see the transport of the retired space shuttle Endeavor from Los Angles International Airport to a museum along one of the coastal boulevards. Even though these machines are almost half a century old, one can’t help, but to admire them.