| America’s Shame
I have met many an American in America, who have completely transformed their view of their country after having lived for some time in S. America, Asia or Africa. Indeed, the contrast between the "inside" and "outside" views of America used to be far pronounced, and even looked like antipodes when I initially came to America a quarter century ago. But now with this new found love of xenophobia, the new penchant for a surveillance society to keep the Americans safe from "evil doers", and the imposition of the oppressive USA Patriot Act -1 (with Patriot Act-2 already circulated in Congress though not yet introduced as a Bill), the America of today appears distinctly unfriendly and inhospitable to immigrants. It is becoming a burgeoning police state not too dissimilar from other dictatorships and police states in the rest of the world – except just more high-tech and more sophisticated: give people as many choices for TV channels, underwear, and shopping malls, but none to speak their mind on any subject that conflicts with the state's view of it.
For a real mayor's race, just look at Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA -- When Democratic Councilman Bill Peduto dropped his mayoral challenge to incumbent Luke Ravenstahl, it ensured a snooze-fest for the May 15 Pittsburgh primary. But in the City of Brotherly Love and Cheese Steaks five -- count 'em FIVE -- heavyweight Democratic candidates are battling it out to see who will be mayor. The contenders are sitting U.S. Reps. Chaka Fattah and Bob Brady, longtime state Rep. Dwight Evans, former City Councilman Michel Nutter, and wealthy businessman Tom Knox. Mr. Brady, 62, has been in Congress since 1998 and has been chairman of the Philadelphia Democratic Party since 1986. He has strong ties to organized labor and is close to many Democratic officials in the region. Mr. Evans, 53, has been a state legislator since 1980 and currently chairs the powerful House Appropriations Committee.
Fitch Affirms Allergan's IDR at 'A-'
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 2007--Fitch Ratings has affirmed Allergan, Inc.'s (Allergan) 'A-' Issuer Default Rating and bank loan and senior unsecured debt ratings. In addition, Fitch affirms Allergan's 'F2' commercial paper rating. The Rating Outlook is Stable. The ratings apply to approximately $1.71 billion of outstanding debt. Allergan's acquisition of Inamed Corp. (Inamed) for approximately $3.3 billion in March 2006 resulted in an increase of total debt and leverage (total debt-to-EBITDA) to record high levels of $1.71 billion and 2.3 times (x), respectively. The current leverage is weak for Allergan's rating category. Fitch will monitor near-term leverage for steady improvement, which is anticipated to be achieved by operational improvement as there are no plans for significant debt reduction since the next material debt maturity occurs in 2016.
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