Global Social and Technological Advancement

Changes in technology and advancement in social services have tremendously impacted the delivery of public and private goods, negatively or positively, depending on geographic location. Some part of society may be attracted to technological innovation more than others. Technology has been friendlier to the youth and to the educated elite because of their lifestyles and love of modern tools and technology. Advances in technology have allowed humanity to enjoy the luxuries that come with public and private goods.

Technology is better placed in advanced democracies than in sluggish autocratic or authoritarian regimes where economic strangulation, economic retardation, political obscurantism, underdevelopment, human rights violations, and control of general societal development prevail. Nations that have advanced in the use of technological tools include those in North America, Western Europe, and in Australasia. Economic factors and freedom contribute to technological distribution and use.

Benefits from public goods can be shared unlike private goods that are consumed by individuals who purchase the private good based on their ability to purchase. A public good is like the national defense where its consumption is shared by all as every citizen has to be defended by the arsenals of weapons in use in case of aggression. Streetlights are another example of public goods. Others include clean air and light houses that equally benefit the general public without one person enjoying the significance of that public good more than the other person.

To avoid working in hazardous conditions and overcome the risk of purchasing products of concern, citizens look to their governments for information. It is a government prerogative to oversee economic stabilization and engage in monetary and fiscal policy implementations to deter unemployment and economic downfall.

Efficiency leads to confidence and an increase in purchasing power. Efficient distribution of products and resources elevates consumer confidence. A change in welfare distribution is trade-off that leads to improvement in efficiency. Efficiency is best attained in a perfectly competitive market system as everyone’s monetary income depends on the amount of production in resources owned and returns obtained. However, income distribution is dependent on individual willingness and ability to pay (Hyman, 2011).

Public goods may be categorized as non-rival or rival. Public goods are non-rival in consumption because they can be consumed by many in a given locality. An example of non-rival good is television and radio transmissions. Because of the non-exclusion characteristic, pure public goods are non-rival. Private goods are considered rival in consumption because of the competition among consumers.

The value and worth of public and private goods delivery and transfer of business transactions is best determined when there is efficiency and social equity. Life becomes up to standard and comfortable in nature when there is a streamlined delivery of public and private goods and equitable distribution of social services. Humans tend to decline services that are not worth and out-of-date. Citizens prefer to pay for public goods in accordance with the benefits they get from that public service (Mikesell, 2011). The same applies to private services or public goods.

Changes in income alter human consumption of goods. The introduction of the welfare system such as the food stamps program allows many to become free riders. Free rider is at times seen as having the same characteristics as the Tragedy of Commons. The fact that free riders do not contribute to the food stamps and other supplemental nutrition programs, advocates opposed to spending feel it causes financial strain on the laboring, tax paying citizen. 

According to Hyman (2011), there is no unanimously agreed upon and appropriate manner when it comes to distributing goods and services to consumers. Pure private goods cannot be supplied by the government and financing cannot be made through taxation.

Technology has tremendously altered the way humans consume goods and services. In recent times, technology has played a vital role in the delivery of healthcare and healthcare services. People are getting advanced medical attention and better treatment options. States, counties, and smaller jurisdictions have seen the proliferation of hospitals regardless of whether they are public or private. Technology has simplified how hospitals operate and patients’ waiting periods have been slashed to almost a half. Nowadays, patients can be operated on by specially trained doctors and nurses using advanced equipments and modern tools.

Many from the outside world, including Kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers, CEOs, and ordinary wealthy individuals come to the US to seek medical attention in hospitals such as John Hopkins Hospital, Mayo Clinic, and other reputedly advanced medical institutions treating such diseases as cancer and brain injuries and other serious diseases that cannot be treated anywhere else except the US. Majority of these hospitals, because of advancement in technology and resource distribution, are either publicly or privately owned.

In modern times, businesses have prospered significantly as a result of internet communication. Business transactions have become more widespread with the proliferation of internet technology. The United States leads the world when it comes to conducting business on the internet. Business is more robust and diversified especially during the holidays. Millions of Americans buy gifts over the internet and then send to friends and relatives without even seeing the product being shipped. Shipping companies and the post office have been experiencing increased traffic due to demand and supply.

Thus, this novel business transaction has emerged as the most valuable tool in the dissemination of products and information. Business over the internet is being conducted efficiently and equitably. Transfer of products and services have been increasing over time. Big ground transportation companies have taken the lead transferring tons of materials, gadgets, and other equipments ordered over the internet. The airline industry also plays a major role shipping public and private goods far and wide. The marine industry, though slower than road transportation and air travel, has also increased its business acumen. The tonnage of materials being shipped overseas has been increasing yearly as result of the production of advanced freighters that travel great distances.

Big corporations have transformed the way they do business. At times, it is not necessary to ship heavy or light equipments, books, toys, or other necessities abroad. Since many corporations have now branches in many parts of the world, delivery can be done by an overseas company that has the ordered product in its stores. Someone living in New York can order a laptop for a friend or a relative living in a slum in a developing country. Delivery of the item will be performed by a branch store located in the country of destination.

Income plays a great role in modern economics. Many destitute people get public goods provided by their governments while the affluent and wealthy rely heavily on private goods according to their financial capabilities. Welfare economics has undergone tremendous changes and these changes have been made possible by human advancement in the science of economics. The world has become a global village and no wonder the consumption or production of goods has been advancing with each passing day. As the world continues to change and goods and service increase, the manner of conducting transactions will also change for the better unless otherwise unnecessary restrictions emerge.

References

Hyman, D.N. (2011). Public finance: A contemporary application of theory to policy (10^th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western, Cengage Learning.

Mikesell, J.L. (2011). Fiscal administration: Analysis and applications for the public sector (8^th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadswoth, Cengage Learning.

Social Deliberation and Political Equilibrium

When society deliberates on issues pertaining to their needs, they follow established rules and political guidelines that make their actions legally acceptable. For the sake of bringing in changes that benefit everyone involved, citizens make public choices to advance their political agendas. People make their voices heard by contacting their representatives through the use of postal mail, social media, e-mail, and voting in select locations among other things. Bringing changes to the living conditions of constituents is one of the most burning issues that face elected representatives. In turn, elected representatives find means to ensuring their constituents remain satisfied by deliberating on significant issues that need to be addressed in political forums. This system of interaction is only possible in democratic systems.

Societies living under authoritarian or dictatorial regimes often suffer exclusion, marginalization, stratification, censorship, oppression, and coercion. In non-democratic systems, it is the government that makes decisions concerning the production of goods and services without consulting the mass. This system of administration contravenes human needs and expectations and society’s inalienable rights to freedom and opportunities. Import of goods and services becomes the prerogative of select individuals who have been shoved into office without public scrutiny and open electoral selection. The public benefits little from the export of goods and services in draconian governing institutions.

According to Hyman (2011), political processes are rules contained in a nation’s constitution. It is up to the citizen to cast vote or take part in an election and vote for the representative who will carry the issue of political contention forward for approval. The theory of public choice evolved as a means to ensuring people’s choices influences the democratic political process. In essence, it is a theory that has been formulated in such a manner that it studies how goods and services are supplied by governments through the observance of efficiency and equity. In a modern democracy, each individual citizen is allowed one vote to influence election processes.

Political equilibrium

Equilibrium is a situational change especially in markets when demand and supply are in par or are equal while equilibrium price is when there is a balance between quantity supplied and quantity demanded. Politics defines how a nation’s economy functions and it is the working relationships between the voter and the representative that help shape the effective delivery of a nation’s goods and services. Taxation is the major tool that advances the operation of the police and national defense. These two institutions are significant in the preservation of law and order and without them it is difficult to keep the law. While the police are responsible for internal security and fighting crime including corruption and other public malpractices, the national defense defends the nation from outside aggression. Nations that have weak police force and disorderly armies tend to collapse as a result of security lapse.

Interest groups have been gaining ground in modern times with the world seeing the proliferation of these groups in all aspects of society. Interest groups usually lobby for causes that serve their interests. When a government experiences the rise of an interest group, such that an administrative takeover evolves, society has to shoulder the maximum cost as distribution will be in favor of the most powerful. The negative administrators imposed by bureaucrats at times bring in deadweight loss and losses in political transaction costs.

 Taxes are compulsory deductions paid by citizens of a nation. Part of these taxes is what makes the existence of a police force and national defense possible. While ordinary citizens may abhor government action on their income, the benefits they get in return for protection is worth taking.

References

Hyman, D.D. (2011). Public finance: A contemporary application of theory to policy (10^th ed.).

Mason, OH: South-Western, Cengage Learning.

WAREYSI: MADAXA JAAMACADDA KISMAAYO

July 10, 2014

WardheerNews

Odhaahda Tifaftirk:Tan iyo intii ka dambeysay burburkii dawladdii dhexe ee Soomaaliya, waxaa isa soo tarayay kobaca waxbarashada sare ee Soomaaliya, waxaana waddanka laga hirgeliyay jaamacaddo tiro badan. Kuwaas oo ku kala baahsan gobollada dalka oo dhan. Jaamacaddahaas tirada badani, run ahaantii  dhibatooyin iyo durrufo kaleba ha iska jiraane haddana waxay dabooleen illaa xad baahiyihii dhanka tacliinta sare ee ka jiray dalka inkastoo ay ku jiraan kuw badan oo aan u qalmin magaca Jaamacad.

Jaamacaddaha dalka ka jira waxaa ka mid ah Jaamacadda Kismaayo (JK) oo iyada sanadihii labada kun badhtamahoodii laga hirgeliyay magaala madaxda gobolka Jubbada Hoose ee Kismaayo. Si aan haddaba wax uga ogaano marxaladihii kala duwanaa ee ay soo martay Jaamacadda Kismaayo iyo guud ahaanba heerka waxbrasho ee jaamacadda, waxaanu wareysi la yeelanay madaxa Jaamacadda Kismaanyo Dr Maxamed Weli. Wareysiga waxaa qaadday Adan Makina oo ka tirsan bahda WardheerNews.

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WardheerNews (WDN): Ugu horreyn kusoo dhowoow WardheerNews.

Dr Maxamed Weli

Dr. Maxamed wali Madaxa Jaammacadda Kismaayo (JK):  Marka hore waxaan salaamayaa bahda wardheernews.com iyo inta kutaxan oo idil waxaana leeyahay Asalaamu calaykum waraxmatullaahi wabarakaatuhu, waana dhawahay walaal.

WDN: Goormaa la billaabay Jaammacadda Kismaayo, Yaase billaabay oo iska lahaa fikradda aas-aaskeeda?

Dr. Maxamed Wali: Waxaa la  billaabay 1-9-2005, waxayna ahayd waqti ay bulshada ku nool Jubbooyinka ay aad ugu baahnaayeen waxbarashada  sare, waxaana xusid mudan in ay jaamacadda Kismaayo ay tahay Jaamacaddii ugu horraysay oo laga hirgaliyo magaalada Kismaayo  abidkeed taariikhda Soomaaliya.

Waxaa iska lahaa fikirka lagu aasaasay  Jaamacadda Kismaayo Hay’adda Tawfiq Welfare Society iyo khubaro ku xeel dheer waxbarashada sare oo iskaashaday, waxayna sameeyeen cilmi baaris la xiriirta aqoonta sare iyo baahida ay bulshadu u qabto, ujeeddaduna, waxaa kale oo ay jawaab u ahayd in Jamciyadda Tawfiiq ka jawaabto baahida la xiriirta ardayda ka qalin jabisay dugsiga Jubba oo ay gacanta ku haysay maamulkiisa iyo waliba arday kale oo ka qalin jabisay  labada dugsi oo kale oo markaa ka jiray magaalada Kismayo, si loo helo shabakad waxbarasho oo heerar kala duwan ah, iskuna xiran. Jamciyadda Tawfiiq waxay ku guulaysatay in ay dhisto nidaam waxbarasho oo ka bilowda heer hoose ilaa heer sarena gaarsiisan.

WDN: Yaa baxshey ama yaa iska kaashaday dhaqaalaha lagu dhisay jaamacadda?

Dr. Maxamed Wali: Jaamacadda Kismaayo waxay leedahay xarrun balaadhan oo dhacda waqooyiga magaalada Kismayo oo ka kooban qaybaha kala duwan ee ay jaamacaduhu u baahan yihiin, waxaana ka qaybqaatay dhisidda xarruntan Bangiga Horumarka Islaamka ee kuyaala Jidda, Sacuudi Carabiya iyo hay’ado kale oo kasoo jeedda waddamada Carabta, iyo ganacsato Soomaaliyeed oo ka soo jeedda goballada Jubbooyinka. Dhinaca hawl galinta jaamacadda waxaan ku wadnaa lagacta (fee) aan ka qaadno ardayda dhigata jaamacadda Kismayo iyo maalgelinta hay’adda Towfiiq.

WDN: Wax ma nooga sheegi kartaa dhismayaasha ay jaamacaddu ka koobantahay?

Dr. Maxamed Wali: Jaamacaddu waxay leedahay saddex xarrumood. Tan  ugu wayn waxay ku taallaa  Waqooyiga magaalada Kismaayo,,waxayna ka ka kooban tahay 5 dhismo sida qolalka waxbarshada, Maamulka, Maktabadda, Masaajidka iyo Kaafteeriyada.  Labada xarrumood ee kale  waxay dhacaan maagalada gudaheeda. Mid waa isbitaalka Jaamacadda Kismaayo wuxuuna raacsanyahay Kuliyadda caafimaadka, xarrunta kalena waxaa wax ku barta ardayda kuliyadaha kale.

WDN: Ma jirtaa wax kaalmo ah oo aad ka heshaan dawladda Soomaaliya, gaar ahaan Wasaaradda Waxbarashada?

Dr. Maxamed Wali: wax kaalmo ah oo naga soo gaartay Dawlada soomaaliya ee fadaraalka ah ma jirto ilaa iyo hadda , laakiin jaamacaddu waxay aqoonsi buuxa ka haysataa Wasaaradda Tacliinta Sare ee Fadaraalka.

Waxaa iyana xusid mudan in xarrunta wayn ee jaamacadda ay maamulka Jubbaland iyo ciiddamada AMISOM xoog ku qabsadeen bishii Oktober 2012, markay magaalada soo galeen, kuna qabsadeen shirkii maamulka Jubba lagu dhisay, markuu shirkii dhammaadayna ay ka dhigteen xarrun ciiddan oo malayshiyaad lagu tababaro ,run ahaana in badan baan  arrintaa kala hadalnay maamulka ilaa haddana  waxba kama qabsoomin, waxaanan leenahay saasi ma aha sidii loogu abaal gudi lahaa Jaamacada Kismaayo oo u taagan adeegga bulshada una soo dhabar adaygtay  dhibaatooyn badan .

WDN: Ma jiraan Jaamacado kale oo aad xiriir la leedihiin?

Dr. Maxamed Wali: Haa waxaa jira jaamacaddo aan xiriir iskaashiyadeed aan la leenahay gudaha Soomaaliya iyo dibaddiisaba, sida Jaamacadda Banaadir “ Muqdisho “, Jaamacadda Bariga Afrika “ Boosaaso”, Jaamacadda Nugaal “ Laascaanood’. Waxaa ka mid ah jaamacadaha dibadda ee aan iyana xiriirka la leenahay Jaamacadaha Kenya,Uganda, Suudaan, Sacuudiga, Masar iyo Maleesiya.

WDN: Bal wax nooga sheeg manaahijka jaamacaddu ay ku shaqeyso?

Dr. Maxamed Wali: Jaamacadda manhajka ay dhigto waa mid waafaqsan manaahijta jaamacadaha caalamka, waana nidaamka 4 sano, sanadkasta wuxuu ka kooban yahay 2 xilli (semester), saacaduhuna waxay ku xirantahay kuliyadaha jaamacadda ka jira, laakiin waa mid waaafqasan qaababka ugu wanaagsan ee laga aqoonsan yahay caalamka.

WDN: Imisaa ardey ayaa hadda dhigta jaamacadda?

Dr. Maxamed Wali: hadda waxaa dhigta 550 arday, waxaana xusid mudan in gobollada Jubbooyinka ay ka jireen dagaallo joogta ah laga soo bilaabo 1991, waxaana ka dhashay barakac baahsan, dadka deegankuna waxay u hayaameen xeryaha qaxootiga ee dhadhaab (Kenya),  sidaa darteed waxaa jirta in ardada tiradoodu ay ku xiran tahay kolba sida daganaansho loo helo.

WDN: Imisa macalimiin ayaa wax ka dhiga jaammacadda?

Dr. Maxamed Wali:  Jaamacadda macallimiinta wax ka dhigta waxay dhantahay ilaa 31 Macalin oo isugu jira kuwa haysta PHD iyo Master Decree, waana macallimiin khibrad aqooneed u leh waxbarshada sare iyo cilmibaarista la xiriirta.

WDN: Macallimiinta dhammaan ma wada Soomaali baa misa waxaa ku jiraa qaar ajaanib ah?

Dr. Maxamed Wali:  dhammaantood waa macallimiin Soomaali ah, laakiin qaarkood waxay haystaan Baasaboorro waddamo kale sida Kenya iyo UK.

WDN: Macallimiintiina immisa ayaa haaysta shahaadada Master’s ama PhD?

Dr. Maxamed Wali: Waxaa shahaadada PHD haysta  9 macalin inta kalana waxay haystaan Shahaadada Master, waxaa kale oo jira macallimin khibrad leh oo sanado badan ka soo shaqaynayay waxbarashada

WDN: Weli wax arday ah oo ka qalinjebiyay jaamacadda ma jiraan?

Dr. Maxamed Wali: Haa waxaa jaamacadda Kismaayo ka qalin jabiyay 5 lood  oo isku xigta taas oo ka bilaabanaysa 2010 ilaa sanadkan 2014 oo lodkii 5 naad qalin jabiyay bishii Juun 26-2014.

WDN: Maxaa idiin qorshaysan in aad ku tallaabsataan sanadaha soo socda?

Dr. Maxamed Wali: Waxaan rabnaa in aan ku biirinno jaamacadda kuliyado cusub anaga oo tixgalinayna istaraatiijiyada u dagan jaamacada iyo baahida ka jirta gobalka, sida Kuliyadda beeraha, Kuliyadda cilmiga badda, kulliyadda Xannaanada xoolaha, kuliyadda cilmiga computers-ka iyo kuliyadda injineeriyada

WDN: Ugu dambeyntii maxaa farriin ah oo aad halkan ka gaadhsiin lahayd shacabweynaha Soomaaliyeed ee kunool dalka iyo debedda?

Dr. Maxamed wali: waxaan u diraynaa in ay waxbarashadu tahay furaha horumarka shacabka Soomaaliya, mustaqbalka waddankana wuxuu ku xiran yahay badbaadinta iyo waxbaridda ubadka soo koraya. Midda kale haddaan nahay bahda Jaamacadda Kismaayo waxaan geed dheer iyo mid gaaban u kornay in waxbarashada sare aan ka hirgalino goballada Jubbooyinka oo dayacnaa laga soo bilaabo 1960kii. Waxaa sharaf iyo qiimo noo ah in goballada Jubbooyinka albaab cusub in aan u furno, taariikh cusub in aan u bilowno, waxaan halkan mahad balaadhan uga soo jeedinaynaa cidkasta oo ka qayb qaadatay taageerida jaamacadda Kismaayo, inta aan ka qaybqaadanina ay hadda hiil hooba lagarab istaagaan jaamacadda.

WDN: Aad ayaad ugu mahadsantahay wareysiga aan kula yeelanay, waxaana idiin rajeyneynaa guul.

Dr. Maxamed Wali: waad ku mahadsantihiin fursaddan qaaliga ah eed isiiseen si aad u baahisaan horumarka baaxadda wayn ee la xiriira waxbarshada sare ee ka curatay  gobollada Jubbooyinka, taas oo ay hoggaaminayso Jaamacadda Kismayo.

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INTERVIEW WITH DR. ALI SAID FAQI: SOMALI AMBASSADOR TO THE BENELUX AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

June 27, 2014

Editor’s Note: Besides the array of news and analysis covered on a daily basis by WardheerNews, getting to know the views and ideas of Somali diplomats, distinguished figures, erudite scholars and academicians, political doyens, and individuals and organizations having the desire to make effective changes to the beleaguered, impoverished, and war-ravaged Horn of Africa nation of Somalia has been WardheerNews’ burning desire for close to a decade. The following is an exclusive interview conducted by  our own Adan Makina covering wide-ranging and fascinating topics with Ambassador Dr. Ali Said Faqi, Somalia’s Ambassador to the Benelux and the European Union.
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WardheerNews (WDN): Ambassador Ali Said Faqi, Somalia’s new Ambassador to the EU and Belgium, first welcome to WardheerNews. You hold one of the biggest ambassadorial responsibilities for the Somali nation. Did your appointment to these two positions come to you as a surprise?

Amb. Ali Faqi, Somalia’s ambassador to Belgium and EU

Amb. Ali Said Faqi: Yes, indeed it was a complete surprise, unexpected and out of nowhere.   However, I should admit that I had interest to join politics one day in my life time, but I have never dreamed of becoming a diplomat; it was something that never crossed my mind.  Having said that, I am honored to be the Ambassador of Somalia to the Benelux and the European Union.

WDN: Could you share with us your background? 

Amb. Ali: I have a PhD in Toxicology and my research interest is on preclinical drug development with specialty on reproduction and birth defects.  Here are some of my highlights:

I am a Senior Director at a private research institute. I also hold an adjunct associate professor at Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

I am a Diplomate of American Board of Toxicology (DABT) and a Fellow of the Academy Toxicological Sciences (ATS).  Currently I am an Associate Editor of Reproductive Toxicology Journal and a member of Editorial Board of Open Access Journal of Science and Technology and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI).  Moreover, I served on the Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) Computational Toxicology at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) from September 2009 to September 2010.

I am an ad hoc scientific reviewer for several scientific journals including Regulatory Pharmacology and Toxicology, Toxicology Journal, System Biology in Reproductive Medicine, Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, PLoS ONE and Birth Defects Research Part B: Developmental & Reproductive Toxicology, and Drug and Chemical Toxicology. Other positions held include a past president of Michigan Society of Toxicology and a past president of Toxicologists of African origin.

I have published over 100 scientific papers and reports. I am an editor of a text book “A Comprehensive Guide to Toxicology in Preclinical Drug Development”, a book published by Elsevier in December 2012 and an author/co-author of 10 book chapters. 

WDN: What led you to be involved in politics since you have a science academic background? 

Amb Ali: Let us not forget that since early 2000 shortly after I came to the USA, I was an active member of the Somali Diaspora. I joined Pan-Somali Council for Peace and Democracy(Israaca). Here I met several brilliant Somali intellectuals who still remain as my true fiends.  In principle Israaca was a great political organization aimed at defending the noble cause of Somalia. Unfortunately, our deeply rooted mistrust and lack of experience has led to the demise of Israaca. Afterwards it is not a secret that I became a strong advocate of the plight of the people in Benadir, Lower Shebelle and Jubba. It is in my blood that I detest human right abuses. My activism has helped shape my political views and I strongly believe Somali unity is the only way forward. Therefore, politics was something I always had in my heart.

Nevertheless, I am much concerned about the current state of the Somali affairs because it is almost impossible to reverse the trend.  Besides political wrestling that has constantly paralyzed our nation, there is completely lack of capacity in all institutions. It is not that we don’t have educated people in these institutions; it is the mentality of the people that is devoid of accountability and work ethics.

WDN: WardheerNews has learned that the Somali diplomatic mission residency located in Brussels was in such a great mess since the main administrative building was in a dilapidated condition.  Were you able to reverse the ramshackle state of the said building in Brussels, Belgium? 

Amb. Ali: First and foremost please allow me to deeply thank the military regime of Somalia for acquiring these two buildings (the Chancery and the Ambassador’s residence) in Brussels, Belgium.  These two properties have not been taken care of for the past 23 years. This has resulted in structural damage of large proportion.  We initiated renovating the Chancery with loan money and in a few months the Embassy will have few office spaces and a meeting room.  The residence is still occupied by a Belgian family, but I expect them to move out before the end of this month. It looks like, however, the damage of the residence building is so deep that it would require demolishing the entire building and replacing it with a newer one. It is in my priority list to rehabilitate these buildings before my tenure time expires.

WDN: As the Somali ambassador to the EU, what are your main responsibilities? And do you oversee other Somali missions within the EU? 

Amb. Ali: My responsibility as an ambassador is to represent the government of Somalia in all meetings at EU, ACP, African Union, Arab league, IGAD, and in one-on-one government settings; involve in diplomacy, oversee all of the other diplomats and local staff, enhance the exposure of Somalia, defend the interest of Somalia, and help Somali citizens in need.

No, I don’t oversee other Somali missions in EU besides the ones that I am accredited to. 

WDN: The Somali nation is experiencing turbulent times. How do you see European involvement in resuscitating Somalia politically, socially, and economically?  

Amb. Ali: Europe Union is pretty much determined in helping Somalia. It is actively involved in all projects aimed at reviving Somalia, whether it is in the security sector, fighting piracy, justice reform, constitutional revision, building federal states institutions, reconciliation, economic development, food security, etc. The European taxpayers are demanding concrete results; they want to see their money well spent for the wellbeing of the people of Somalia. We need to grasp this opportunity and benefit from it.

Unfortunately, any political, social and economical progress made in Somalia is always deterred by the pandemic political crisis that has afflicted our country for almost a quarter of century. In the history of every nation that went to civil war, it’s the political will of its citizens that revived those nations; Somalia will not be an exception. No matter how much money the world donates to Somalia, nothing can be attained until we strongly stand together and collectively rehabilitate our nation.

WDN: EU and other countries pledged 2.4 B Euro for the reconstruction of Somalia through the agreement of the New Deal on Sept 16, 2013. This fund has been suspended due to allegations of corruption and lack of transparency. What can you tell us about the status of the New Deal Funds? 

Amb. Ali: The pledges have not been suspended but delayed due to lack of transparent public financial system in our country. The Somali government has committed itself to working with the World Bank to create a system of banking and financial institutions that have checks and balances. This is expected to be completed soon.

WDN: Many people believed members of the delegation from the Somali Federal government for the New Deal, led by President Hassan, were selected through corruption and nepotism and that many had no experience in government affairs. Since you were among those present at the meeting, what can you tell us about such allegations? 

Amb. Ali: I disagree with this allegation. The delegation was composed of the President’s Staff, ministers, parliamentarians, regional leaders and members of the civil society.  However, I am not surprised as negative rumors run Somalia and polarize our society and unfortunately there is nothing that can be done to contest it mainly because there is no effective journalism that can take the story and seek the real truth.  I like to share a personal experience that I witnessed with the Somali media. During the New Deal summit one of the Somali websites ran a commentary accusing me of being a traitor simply because I happened to be an Ambassador of Somalia at the time while the commentator (he/she) was opposed to the New Deal. Do I take this serious? Absolutely no, but I wish to see any accusations against public figures thoroughly investigated; sadly I don’t expect this to happen anytime soon. 

WDN: The current Somali administration is said to be run by incompetent people with AID dependency mentality. Do you believe those who are in position of power are capable of moving Somalia forward? 

Amb. Ali: Moving Somalia forward is not an easy mission, although many in the public may pretend so.  Leadership is a daunting task particularly for countries like Somalia where anarchy and impunity have dominated the lives of the people for over two decades. There is a deep mistrust in our society which then feeds to a negative perception for any leadership.  We need to understand that leaders come and go consequently the public does not need to waste time with individuals in the leadership, but they need to push pressure on the government in building strong institutions. Without strong institutions in place a president or a prime minister will not have any power to fulfill their public and political duties. As a result they will be seen as weak and incompetent.  Regrettably, this is the scenario that is currently prevailing in Somalia. I am confident that President Hassan and his PM are good people; let us give them time and space to lead the country.  

WDN: Al-Shabab still controls large parts of Southern Somalia such as the coastal town of Brava which serves as their main strategic base and headquarters. Why can’t the government with the support of AMISOM re-take such an important city?   

Amb. Ali: Experience has shown that military solution is not always the right remedy because securing peace and delivering public services is not the task of the military.  That is why I believe in the liberation plan of the Al-shabab controlled territories the government should include the immediate installation of a strong civil administration with a strong police force that should tackle the vacuum left by the defeat of Al-shabab. The government should also seek public support and funding to aid the transition to peace prior to launching a military campaign.

WDN: How do you perceive Somali political participation, acculturation or assimilation into European culture? 

Amb. Ali: Somalia and Europe have different history, social and political culture; however, there is a lot to learn from Europe. The European Union is an economic and political union of 28 European countries. The EU has enhanced the social, cultural, economical and political integration of European countries.  Europeans may share borders, but have different languages, cultures and traditions. Somalia with a homogenous population share the same language and religion and yet the acceptance and tolerance among its citizens is not something to be desired. In that regard Somalia can learn a lot from the European integration process.  

WDN: Do you have any estimate figure of the number of Somalis in the EU and Belgium in particular?

Amb. Ali: I don’t have an estimate number of Somali migrants in EU, but they may exceed or equal a quarter of a million. In Belgium the estimate is about 2,000 people.

WDN: What were you able to accomplish for the duration you have been Somali ambassador to the EU and Belgium respectively?

Amb. Ali: I don’t know if I can say I have accomplished a lot during my short time in the office, but I have a clear objective which I would like to push hard. As someone who is representing Somalia at this critical period of its history, I have no space for failure. I am committed to changing the Somali image and perception by exhibiting integrity, accountability and strong work ethics. 

WDN: How is your relationship with the Somali Diaspora in the EU? 

Amb. Ali: I am towards building a good relationship with the Somali Diaspora in Belgium and the Netherlands. I have an open policy and my door is open to all, and I have nothing to hide. I like my fellow countrymen and women to conduct themselves kindly and be law abiding citizens in the countries they reside as they need to understand the consequences bad behavior will have for the image of Somalia.  

WDN: Thanks for taking the time to share your views and ideas. 

Amb. Ali: My pleasure.

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Analytical Paper

Introduction

In recent times, states in modern democracies have been having hard times grappling with the loss of revenues mainly because of limitations placed on them by the federal government or because of the loss of sales taxes as a result of the proliferation of internet business.  Since the last two decades, business over the internet has been skyrocketing such that it has become easier for buyers to conduct business at the convenience of their homes while saving millions of dollars of sales tax. This modern business venture has had adverse repercussions on the smooth running of state administrations whose revenues have been dwindling slowly over the years. Besides property taxes, sales taxes play an important role in the administration of state governments.

Ideal State Taxing System

Finding an ideal economic system for a state confounded by loss of revenue resulting from dwindling internet sales and federal government limitations can be a daunting task for a novice economist struggling with economic terminologies and financial understanding. Beginning with the era of Adam Smith, the man regarded by many economics as the father of capitalism and modern economics, economists have been struggling to find ideal government or state taxation system. The manner of taxation applied by states in the United States reveal differing economic foundations.

Human search for material affluence and political independence is what has been accelerating states’ pursuance of economic stability and encompassing tranquility since the foundations of economics first evolved and democracy became a global phenomenon worthy of embracing. While many would come with convincing and differing ideal state taxing system, in essence, there is no ideal state tax system that is currently unanimously agreed upon by global economists. The best a state can do is to have a grasp of taxes that obstruct growth and investment. Taxes on consumption, value-added taxes, and property taxes such those on immovable property have been found to be the least harmful to growth and investment while taxation on franchise and corporate taxation, taxes on business transactions, taxes on personal income and gross receipts have the hallmarks of having tremendous positive impact on growth and investment.

There are four principles that are tied to taxation. The first one is neutrality which entails avoiding penalizing individuals and businesses on the basis of their income such that the taxpayer is deprived of the right to luxury. The second one is visibility which denotes to mean government transparency so that taxpayers have the visibility of government operations in terms of how taxation is administered. Obscuring the nature of tax deductions by the government would be unconstitutional as the citizen has the right to know government tax management and operations. The third one is fairness which means people should pay taxes with fairness with the poor and rich each paying according to their means. The fourth principle is simplicity which simply means an accurate measurement of income which should be easy to administer.

The City of New York generates revenue from four sources: Personal income tax, property tax, corporate tax, and general sales tax (Edgerton, Haughwout, & Rosen, 2004). When states find it impossible to handle dwindling resources and economic downturn, the best its administrators can do is to devise plans and techniques such as imposing austerity measures on expenditure and other revenue generating procedures such as raising taxes on properties, elevating general tax, and income tax to overcome the downward economic slide. Because it will be futile for a state to embark on taxing loyal citizens without making formal arrangements with the public through consultations, navigating other avenues would produce significant results.

Attracting business conglomerations and charging reasonable fees would be an important step in securing the necessary revenue needed for the upkeep of city operations. Cutting state expenditure through budgetary cuts could save states struggling with withering economies. The misuse of funds by state officials and mushrooming of shadowy programs often lead to financial discrepancies that may be harmful to state financial resources. Raising other taxes other than sales tax could be beneficial for any state since revenue generated from taxes can be applied to social programs and other public goods and services that demand immediate resuscitation.

A thorough auditing of all state income from taxation will have to be thoroughly scrutinized and document in government ledgers. Having a means and ways committee and employing an appropriation committee could be an added advantage since it will be helpful for the state to overcome the horrors of misappropriation of funds. The execution of a state’s budget can be positively maintained if preventive controls are enforced, when therapeutic or diagnostic process is executed, and feedback controls such as making corrections to the budget through the performance of constant budget preparations and reviews (Mikesell, 2011). Executing a dynamic tax collection system and employing well experienced taxmen to manage the tax system will undoubtedly enhance economic growth and help deter embezzlement.

Penalizing tax evaders sends a clear signal to the rest of society that may be tempted to swindle the state of its hard-earned revenues. According to Hyman (2011), when people appear to change behavior with the intention of avoiding tax liability they are engaging in tax avoidance while tax evasion is mainly not complying with existing tax laws and failing to pay due taxes. Internet sales have been skyrocketing in recent years and with the death of Marketplace Fairness Act followed by other bipartisan support may bring in new regulatory measures to boost internet sales tax collection by states.

The Market Fairness Act which is expected to be resuscitated as soon as legislation is passed will allow states to collect internet sales tax from web-based business transactions. Fear of impeding interstate commerce has been the cause of the 1967 and 1992 U.S. Supreme Court Decisions that shielded state sales tax collection (Klein, 2013). What has become known as e-commerce in the U.S. has transformed into a gigantic business a force to reckon with and a venture that has the power to penetrate any region. The consumer should be responsible for the payment internet sales to the state. Many U.S. states are reporting billions of dollars loss of sales tax to the internet and there is little chance these lost monies will be recovered from consumers and internet businesses as long the Supreme Court ruling remains defunct. Despite being dead for over a decade, internet sales tax legislation is expected to be revived soon.

States have many ways of garnering alternative taxes. One example is the lottery tax which could be helpful for states to cover unconventional expenses in the absence of the sales tax. Lottery taxation, according to Oana (2006), is gaining ground in countries such as Romania where there is a plan to tax lottery companies a 10% levy for financing social assistance programs. Even Casino owners are also not exempt from this venture imposed by the government of Romania. Alternative state taxation, according to Mikesell (2011), in case of economic strangulation, include state lotteries and liquor stores that are government-owned utilities and often fall under fiscal monopoly.

Another way for government to generate revenue is through user charges that benefit specific individuals as they are voluntarily purchased from the state. Also, user fees through the sale of licenses help states generate revenue. States can generate revenue from charging the public for the multifarious services it provides or allows to operate. This includes fees charged for operating massage parlors, motor vehicle operation, and hunting licenses. Such licenses have expiration dates thereafter making business operations illegal until the license is renewed and fees paid fully. There are restrictions often placed on local governments by states depending on how much revenue they can generate on their own. State corporate licenses generated a staggering $10 billion in 2008 (Mikesell, 2011). States enjoy significant financial incentives generated from the sale of vehicle. In that same year, according to Mikesell (2011), states generated $49 billion from the sale of general sale of licenses.

User charges, according to Mikesell (2011), have four advantages that include allowing users to demand or register for public service, dramatically improving financing equity for select services, improvement of operating efficiency, and finally, user charges can make dramatic improvement cost-and-price signals for the private market. User charges allow consumers to demand efficiency and equity. However, there are limitations to user charges since non-payers are excludable for the services provided through the user charge. Beneficiaries are not allowed to pay for user charges if the service provided has welfare elements in it. The revenue collected from user charges may be questionable if the charges are substantially beyond the reach of the disadvantaged. Public resentment of exorbitant charges may be cause for alarm and lead to political involvement.

The operation of liquor stores is somehow a different method of monopoly and is evident in seventeen states. It is a distinct monopoly because the liquor sold by these states is distilled in state owned stores. Many states benefit from the proliferation of gambling enterprises. According to Mikesell (2011), as of 2007, total gross revenue from gambling had a gross total of $92.2 billion. Despite the possible moral and social concerns the industry may have on society and despite being a politically vulnerable enterprise, states generation of revenue to the tune of billions of dollars from gambling enterprises must not be taken lightly.

With state collection of casino revenue retarded by private management decision making, in general, casinos businesses are the cause of market downfalls such as the famous horse and greyhound racetracks that have been running empty in modern times. Government-operated off-track betting have been generous to state coffers in the past though there have been substantial drop in universal revenue collection in recent times due to the failure of the enterprise to spread to all corners of the nation. Currently, this formal betting enterprise is restricted to the northeast quadrant only and there is the need to have it spread all over and make it encompassing in the future (Mikesell, 2011).

States have the power to lease large tracts of land for many years and generate income from the holding of a property through leases. Leasing property to the public brings a sense of interdependence and mutual relationships that last for long periods of time as longs as the lessee and the leaser agree on certain formalities. In some instances, leases could last as long as ninety-nine years. Leasing has been a significant business venture and a form of contacting where the follow of revenue is continuous for certain duration. Leases come in various forms as they could be developed properties, warehouses, hangars, cultivable farms, and among other things, industrial machinery and permanent structures that the lessee could use for a business of choice.

Conclusion

States continue to loss unconfirmed billions of dollars through internet sales and taking away sales tax would place a heavy burden on the operation of state administrations. Because there is no agreed upon ideal system of taxation, the best opinion would be to devise ways to keep the current sales tax formality in place and further introduce legislation that would allow states to collect internet taxation. Placing further burden on states would jeopardize their efficient delivery of public goods and services.

References

Edgerton, J., Haughwout, A.F. & Rosen, R. (2004). Revenue implications of New York City’s tax system. Current Issues in Economics and Finance, 10(4). Retrieved from http://www.newyorkfed.org/research/current_issues/

Hyman, DN. (2011). Public finance: A contemporary application of theory to policy (10^th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western, Cengage Learning.

Klein, K.E. (2013). Internet retailer vs. retailer in internet sales tax push. Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-01-10/its-retailer-vs-dot-retailer-in-internet-sales-tax-push

Mikesell, J.L. (2011). Fiscal administration: Analysis and applications for the public sector (8^th ed). Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Oana, D. (2006). Lottery again must pay 10 percent social assistance tax. Knight Ridder Tribune Business News, Retrieved from http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/docview/465493733?accountid=14872

Nomination of American Justices

Nomination of American justices, as recounted by history, has been shrouded in political obscurantisms for over 200 hundred years stretching back to the creation of the great American nation. The American judicial system has become a victim of political exploitation depending on who is holding the reins of power in a nation divided along members having differing ideological thoughts and processes. Whenever there is a vacancy, the nomination of a justice to a bench depends on the political leaning of the prospective judge-applicant, his or her uprightness, professionalism, judicial disposition, philosophical thoughts, and level of expertise in constitutional law (Gerhardt, 1992). The most contentious judicial nomination in American judicial history was when Justice Clarence Thomas was nominated by President Bush and confirmed by the Senate as an associate judge of the Supreme Court of the United States resulting in widespread outcry that almost led to paralysis of judicial discussions. The president was empowered by the ‘Appointments Clause’ that allowed him to make the right choice in selecting Justice Thomas with the recommendation and approval of the Senate.

President Eisenhower who was a Republican nominated the highly influential William Brennan of New Jersey as an Associate Judge of the Supreme Court (Gerhardt, 1992) despite Brennan being a Democrat. Also nominated by Eisenhower were Justices Potter Stewart and John Harlan who were both strong supporters of the Republican Party. Eisenhower did so with the blessings of a Senate controlled by majority Democrats (Gerhardt, 1992). Partisan politics can be dangerous especially when it comes to the nomination and confirmation of Justices. Often, there evolve ideological divergences, political differences, and racial divisions when selecting justices.

Hudson (2010) opines that Congress is more knowledgeable than the selected members of the judiciary when it comes to obligating commerce power. Some justices have been known to pursue their own self-fulfilling agendas leading them to evade judicial conscientiousness (Dimino, 2005). I would suggest that the tenure of judges be limited to certain duration. Justices should not be allowed to sit on the bench until retirement or until incapacitation. There has to be a limitation on the number of years justices serve in the judiciary. Also, selection of justices should be representative of society since America is now a multicultural nation populated by people of walks of life. One other aspect regarding changes to the judicial system would require justices to be free from any political affiliation or alliance. I don’t see anything wrong if election of justices is left to the public to decide on an electoral basis.

References

Dimino, M.R. (2005). The worst way of selecting judges-except all the others that have been tried. Northern Kentucky Law Review, Vol. 32:2.

Hudson, W. (2010). American democracy in peril: Eight challenges to America's future (6th ed.), Washington, DC: CQ Press.

Gerhardt, M.J. (1992). Divided justice: A commentary on the nomination and confirmation of Justice Thomas. Faculty Publications, Paper 979.

             http://scholarship.law.wm.edu/facpubs/979

Voter Motivation

Voter motivation which is an act of pulling electors to a cause from a micro to a macro level so they can cast their votes still remains an essential factor in contemporary democratic elections. Understanding the philosophy of voter motivation to garner victory can be a vital tool and a way of triumphing over political opponents. In present-day American elections, parties compete to attract as many voters as they can by using all sorts of tactics at their disposal. Cases of voters turned away for failing to furnish birth certificates, identity cards, and other documents demanded by officials manning election stations in various parts of the U.S, pop up in the media now and then to arouse public opinion. Turning away eligible voters challenges the concept of direct democratic participation. Election irregularities are common in almost every democracy mainly due to humankind’s irrationality and hostile responses become part of the ordinary citizens’ ways of voicing political discontent. Some form of racial prejudice surfaced among black and white voters in the presidential election of 2008 when the Republican Party fielded political heavyweight John McCain against the youthful politician and challenger Barack Obama of the Democratic Party such that former president Jimmy Carter, in the glare of the media, came in support of Obama (Paine et al, 2010).

One tactical measure to enhance voter turnout would be encouraging voters to come to the polling stations to cast their ballots. Libertarian paternalism is famous for its self-conscious influencing application that is known as “Nudge” where attempts are made to move people to a certain direction that elevates their living standards without promises of economic incentives attached. In such cases, what is essential for the voter is not concern for party arrangements but concern for policy results (Kedar, 2005). Another important means would be boosting voter education so that people can have understanding of how the electoral systems work. Broad experimental literature is available that document how the ordinary American citizen is ignorant of the policies and the politicians that shape the nation. According to Kaplan (2008), though not an aberration, the number of Americans having significant knowledge of politics is alarmingly low and below the level required for an advanced democracy such as the U.S.

Political science scholars, borrowing a leaf from the application of bargaining theory, often cite the need for the allocation of distributable goods and resources and the examination of institutional designs as factors that alter voter behavior (Kedar, 2005). To the contrary, other political scientists reference proximity theory which is voter endorsement of the candidate sharing similar political views. Regardless of which theory is right, one major aspect that voters put into consideration when voting for a particular candidate, is the state of the economy. According to Hudson (2010), creating better voting procedures has been shown to increase voter turnout. People often vote according to their social and economic statuses. Improved voter turnout can be realized through civic engagement and through empowering citizens to have a say in political discourses. A reduction in adherence to class prejudice and lessening all sorts of barriers that restrict voter involvement should be top priorities for congressional leaders if they are to receive the trust and support of their constituents. Advancing mobile and internet democracy could also be used to eliminate political misconceptions and allow for the retention of diminishing party loyalty.

References

Hudson, W.E. (2010). American democracy in peril: Eight challenges to America’s future (6^th. ed).  Washington, D.C: CQ Press.

Caplan, B. (2008). Majorities against utility: Implications of the failure of the Miracle of Aggregation. Department of Economics, Center for Study of Public Choice, and Mercatus Center: Fairfax, VA: George Mason University.

Kedar, O. (2005). How voters work around institutions: Policy balancing in staggered elections. Electoral Studies, Ann Arbor: University of Michigan. Retrieved from http://pluto.mscc.huji.ac.il/~okedar/files/ES-06.pdf

                                              

Payne, B.K., Krosnick, J.S., Pasek, J., Lelkes, Akhtar, O. & Tompson, T. (2010). Implicit and explicit prejudice in the 2008 American presidential election. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 46, 367–374.