Food shortages and high prices threaten world's stability

Political commentary ---
Food shortages and high prices threaten world's stability

January 27, 2011
From June to December 2010, the U.N. food price index rose 32 percent. Prices rose across the board: cooking oils, grains, sugar and meat.

Prices are approaching the crisis levels that provoked shortages and deadly riots three years ago in several countries, including Egypt, Haiti, Somalia and Cameroon.
Jan 27/2011
By ALEX VEIGA

LOS ANGELES — The foreclosure crisis is getting worse as high unemployment and lackluster job prospects force homeowners in an increasing number of U.S. metropolitan areas into dire financial straits.
In Seattle, Houston and Chicago, cities that were relatively insulated from foreclosures early on in the housing bust, a growing number of homeowners are falling behind on mortgage payments and finding themselves on the receiving end of foreclosure warnings. Others have already seen their homes repossessed by lenders.

Canada never had a recession, our economy was the strongest of the G8, Banks have done well, real estate is going up in value and jobs have been created by the Economics Action Plan. I know the later because of all the government signs posted by every project. (I wish I had the contract for that job)

Thing couldn't be any better in Canada, not like our suffering neighbour to the south. They have a poor confused president who likes college basketball more than keeping abreast of global economic conditions. Why it doesn't even seem as if he knows what's going on in his own country

Banks repossessed 1 million homes last year — and 2011 will be worse
About 5 million borrowers are at least two months behind on their mortgages and more will miss payments as they struggle with job losses and loans worth more than their home's value, industry analysts forecast.
1.2 million homes will be repossessed this year by lenders.
One in 45 U.S. households received a foreclosure filing last year, or a record high of 2.9 million homes. That's up 1.67 percent from 2009.

States and cities are facing bankruptcy, more than 9 % unemployment and now the Republicans are nipping at his heels.

Back in Canada with an election looming, the government plans to reward businesses with more tax cuts and looks to blame Canada's lack of competitiveness on the workers who pay the taxes. Got to love the system. Now we were told to save for retirement because pensions won't be around and with austerity measures we will also work longer and have less, now that's something to look forward to. I fully understand and support people in Europe and other parts of the world like Tunisia and Egypt with their struggles.
Published On Wed Jan 19 2011

The economy is in good shape, but the high dollar and sagging productivity are becoming a drag on growth, the Bank of Canada warned in its latest global and domestic outlook.

"Canada's lack of competitiveness is acting as a bit of a brake on the recovery at this point and that's become a real concern to the Bank of Canada."

Productivity is an issue that has dogged the Canadian economy for decades, for a variety of reasons. "It comes and goes as a concern," Porter said. "It's been a concern again the last year or so."

Canadian firms have been outpaced by rivals when it comes to improving productivity, the bank said.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Canada
• US
• election
• Obama
• Harper
• taxes
• tax
• cut
• business
• Wall
• Street
• GM
• banks
• economy
• Tsunami
• food
• production
• foreclosure
• Australia
• Pakistan
• Egypt
• Tunisia
• Europe
• Liberal
• Conservative
• Republican
• democrat

[MrCowtowner]

So enjoy your holiday, thrill us all with your videos, but really, leave the political comments to the pundits. Unless you want to come back and run for office, I would more than happy to vote for you - so you can change all the things you are complaining about.

For me - I've seen the States,Mexico, Jamacia,Bahamas - I'm really happy I get to call Canada home. At least I know I won't be robbed and my woman raped if I should ever get held by the police. Or worse. How about commenting on that ?

[JCVdude]

@MrCowtowner Ottawa lock up, police assault woman being held and cut of her top, Kelowna RCMP kick non resisting suspect in face, Lower Mainland police severely assault man answering door, he was not the suspect.

We are all have to be pundits. What the government does effects us all, no more the silent majority. I will attend political rallies of all parties with camera and ask questions, and voice concerns.

[MrCowtowner]

It's great that you got to share a beer with Evan while on holidays. But his crystal ball is no better than ours. New equipment doesn't necessarily job loss,anymore than having a new forklift means 2 labourers are going to be let go.

So I will refrain from calling you simplistic, confused, it's not the Cdn way - unless you are a politican. But the leaps between your suppositions. Just like Kevin. O'Leary invests in emerging markets because of the return. He's still intentionally obnoxious.

[JCVdude]

@MrCowtowner we might not agree on everything but I respect your conviction an knowledge, I would love to see more people become politically aware. Canada is a great country, and we are well looked after, but it's not perfect. No place is, but we can strive to improve our country and political system through dialog.

I feel that there is great trouble on the horizon and that we are in the west and developed, will not make us immune in a world so connected..

[MrCowtowner]

With 500 characters - how complicated a view can one give ? Did you just catch Evan - the 'corporate taxcuts' are already legislation, voted in by Tories and Grits alike.

There is corruption in all systems - it only varies by level and degrees and consequences. If we have to vote soon ..do you think your vote won't be honestly tabulated and counted ? Have you ever witnessed ballot box stuffing in Kelowna ? Anyone try to buy your vote or threaten you ?  Anyone die ? And Haiti ..??

[JCVdude]

@MrCowtowner Quebec will vote with the Canadian Republicans for 5 billion in aid...

[bluehorse888]

This is the third video of yours I've watched. Great stuff man, Canada needs more people like you. We relied to much on foriegn investment capitol to build our economy, and didn't reinvest hardly anything into building a rock solid manufacturing base. Greasy palms all the way upto the Prime-d Minister..

[captkirkconnell]

when they talk about education cost- a lot of that money is for counseling, drugs, barrs, law suits. Todays education is full of lies- they teach a lot to keep themselves in power, spyciatry, sphycology , wefare state economics, I can go on

Teach them about Political Power, Public relations in mass media, scientific methodology  but no going teach them about anti depresants - Nice video, thansk for the news and viewpoints

[FrekeOne]

The have always been many things to fix in human history. At least there is no war around here. For that I'm pleased. The dept level, job outsourcing etc. is worrying no doubt, if only the politicians (-> voters) would do something about it.

[MrCowtowner]

'Quebec will vote with CR's ( fair comment) for 5 billion in aid.' Do I smell a bet here ? Joe, I wager a 24 of Kokanee it won't happen

Politicians are politicians- their job is to get re-elected and often respect means nothing . I am still taken back by Iggys crying about Taxcuts ..when he voted them in.

But we are Canucks and we can disagreee ....without dissin our moms, our IQ's . our part of the country. Besides, how can you diss someone who can get 26 million hits on a SPIDER ??

[NeverMind368]

There is corruption in the political system and in many cases what's in our best interest isn't being addressed.. I agree that all facets and jobs contributing to our economy need to be respected as they all serve a function. What annoys me is when politicians fail to see the larger picture or choose to turn a blind eye...Whether it be regarding the economy or other issues such as education, health care or marijuana legalization.