Shorthand Politics :: Wessex Scene Online

Shorthand Politics

25th February 2007

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Indonesia has been struck by flooding that has forced nearly 400,000 people to flee from their homes and killed dozens more. This comes after an outbreak of dengue fever and bird flu.

George Bush has submitted his budget to Congress. The document requests almost three trillion dollars for military purposes and cuts spending on health care. The budget forecasts reduced federal deficits that may result in a surplus in 2012.

Also in the States, a furious debate rages in the Senate over how to best consider Bush’s policy on Iraq due to a range of resolutions being put forward.

In Iraq the violence continued with over 100 deaths in a suicide bombing. This comes after the promise of an extra push by American troops to bring an end to the violence.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has published it’s fourth report. It states that the world is indeed becoming hotter and that mankind’s activities are to blame. The report was worded in far stronger terms than previous reports and it is expected that further finidngs are to be published this year.

In Mexico, gunfire killed seven people when over a dozen gunmen attacked two government offices in Acapulco. President Calderon had sent 8000 troops to the area last month in an attempt to crack down on the drugs and organised crime that are rife.

In Southampton preperations are underway for the SUSU Elections. A record number of candidates have stepped forward and a high voter turnout is expected.

While organisers do not expect violence, or vote fraud, the full military might of the Union is on standby just in case.