In the realm of international relations, a recent interview with Professor Jeffrey Sachs shed light on the US foreign policy’s impact on Ukraine and Gaza. Sachs criticized the US’s role in prolonging the Ukraine conflict, arguing that the insistence on Ukraine’s inclusion in the US NATO military alliance has led to immense suffering and financial challenges for the country. The conversation also touched on the situation in Gaza, where Sachs condemned the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians by Israeli forces and criticized the US for its support of these actions. Sachs concluded by questioning the benefits of US investment in Ukraine, as claimed by Secretary Blinken, and criticized the revolving door between the defense industry and the government.
Turning to domestic issues, the healthcare system’s profit-driven nature has come under scrutiny. Reports highlight how insurance-based models prioritize profits over patient outcomes, with insurance companies controlling the coverage of care and the pricing of drugs. Pharmacy benefit managers have also been criticized for negotiating rebates for themselves rather than providing discounts to patients. The need for a shift towards a system that prioritizes patient outcomes over profit was emphasized, along with the importance of clinicians’ awareness of these issues.
In Canada, the expansion of the “Medical Assistance in Dying” (MAiD) program to include those with a grievous and irremediable condition has raised ethical concerns. The United Nations has expressed concern that assisting people with non-terminal conditions goes against the rights of persons with disabilities. The increasing number of assisted deaths in Canada, accounting for 4.1% of all deaths in 2022, has also raised eyebrows. Concerns about potential regulatory capture have been voiced, as the MAiD program is being run by the same activists who pushed for its legalization.
In the financial sector, David Webb’s book, “The Great Taking,” explores how laws have been changed to allow banks and brokerage houses to legally take ownership of people’s assets in times of crisis. The book highlights the role of derivatives in the collateralization of the entire financial system and warns of a potential crisis. It also emphasizes the need for individuals to educate themselves, prepare, and consider alternative assets such as gold.
In political news, some states, including Colorado and Maine, are attempting to prevent former President Trump from running for president again. Critics argue that these actions are an assault on democracy and an attempt to disenfranchise Republican voters. The situation underscores the increasing polarization and potential chaos surrounding future presidential elections.
Lastly, in public health news, infectious diseases that were once conquered in the United States, such as polio and leprosy, are reemerging. Health officials are unsure why this is happening, but one possibility is that the influx of migrants could be bringing these diseases with them. The Biden administration, which previously promoted mandatory vaccinations, is now silent on the connection between disease and illegal immigration. The increase in illegal immigrants could be a clue to the sources of many infectious disease outbreaks in the US, but more research is needed to understand the full extent of the problem.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/us-foreign-policy-sparks-fire-in-ukraine-and-gaza/