Topic: Barack Obama

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Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes

Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents – or their zealous underlings – have directed the IRS to use its formidable police powers to harass or punish enemies, political rivals, and administration critics. Here are six infamous episodes.
Briefing
IRS 101: Seven questions about the tea party scandal

The Internal Revenue Service is under the microscope now, as revelations have emerged that the agency wrongly targeted conservative groups seeking nonprofit status. Here’s an accounting of what has happened, along with the ramifications.
3 priorities for Pakistan's new government

After 14 years, Nawaz Sharif is back at the helm in Pakistan. The nuclear-armed country faces a welter of problems, from terrorism to tensions with Afghanistan, India, and the United States. To move Pakistan forward, Mr. Sharif must focus on three priorities.
Five ways to improve Obama's pre-k plan

President Obama’s Preschool for All plan is well intentioned but includes features that are not justified by research and won’t help it pass in Congress. The plan must make the following five adjustments.
5 myths about amnesty for illegal immigrants in Senate bill

Under a bipartisan Senate immigration bill, immigrants who have come to the United States illegally are given a "path to citizenship." On close inspection, each of the following five claims about the requirements for illegal immigrants to earn amnesty are not what they seem.

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Barack Obama travels to Capitol Hill to sell his stimulus plan
Capitol Hill watchdogs are baring their teeth

President Obama would rather look to the future, but Democrats persist in probing the Bush administration’s alleged misdeeds.
After talks with Obama, GOP lawmakers still balk at stimulus bill

Republicans want more tax cuts, less spending in a package they warn could top $1 trillion.
White House email system implodes - people have to actually talk
More change! Joe Biden's house is clear on Google Earth
As property crimes increase, more neighbors are on patrol

Armed with cellphones, flashlights, and Twitter posts, they can make a positive difference.
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about how President Obama must evaluate the conflict in Gaza with clarity and honesty, and whether Jimmy Carter was really a failed US president.
Opinion: The stimulus America needs: trust

Public trust in businesses is rock bottom. Simplicity will win it back.
Opinion: Combat the terror of rape in Congo

The world must act to stop this weapon of war.
The Monitor's View: The stimulus engine that can't

Remember, it's just a down payment on transport. The US needs a long-term strategy.
Will stimulus work fast enough?

Major job cuts announced this week add urgency to the bill as it nears a House vote.
'Green' energy a tiny share of stimulus plan

Supporters see the plan's $24 billion on renewables as a first step toward a new energy economy.
For a spiffier electric grid: $11 billion
Inauguration day in dramatic detail, thanks to 1.4 gigapixel snapshot
In pummeled Gaza, Hamas recoups

Israeli and Palestinian officials met in Cairo Sunday in a bid to bolster the current cease-fire.
EU fails to agree on who will host Guantánamo prisoners
Obama breaks with Bush on the environment

In East Room ceremony, President Obama breaks with his predecessor and signals a move to tougher standards for auto emissions and fuel economy.
Logistics of a faster Iraq exit

Will Obama be able to get most US forces out in 16 months?
Letters to the Editor

Readers write about the lessons that can be learned from Kosovo, the systemic debt problem in US higher education, and another way President Obama may unite rivals.
Opinion: Obama can instill civic responsibility – through a mandatory Youth Corps

The times call for a regeneration, not just a feel-good tweak.
Opinion: How to warm US-Russia relations

The US should drop its schoolmarmish attitude and cooperate.
The Monitor's View: Obama's post-recovery move

By citing China as a currency manipulator, he may be heading off another credit bubble.
Retirement savings: It's your responsibility

As some employers shrink retirement offerings, consider these moves to help grow your nest egg.
Can Obama's family-planning policies help the economy?

Population soars toward 9 billion in 2050. Changes may slow that growth.
Economic downturn frays America's safety net

Advocates for nonprofit aid agencies hope they'll get some help in the economic stimulus package.