Brian Gongol
![Business and Finance](http://gongol.com/assets/icons/2005icons/biz.png)
More than 50 US schools have more than a billion dollars in the bank
![News](http://gongol.com/assets/icons/2005icons/news.png)
Good news, but as with previous cease-fires, it certainly won't be permanent -- not until the economic quality of life improves in the Palestinian territories. Persistent poverty is a deal-breaker for peace, no matter how good the intentions of the diplomats and public leaders involved.
![The American Way](http://gongol.com/assets/icons/2005icons/$.png)
60 million people are expected to buy online on the first work day after Thanksgiving. Despite the hype, MasterCard says that day isn't even one of the top-five shopping days of the year. Americans probably do a better job of expressing "thanks" by going shopping than by eating turkey; after all, buying stuff is a good exercise in the pursuit of happiness. The chance for a materially better life -- especially for one's children and grandchildren -- is still an essential element attracting immigrants to the United States.
![The United States of America](http://gongol.com/assets/icons/2005icons/usa.png)
A research paper says that the VA is already running a large deficit (in the billions), with expenses rising.
![Agriculture](http://gongol.com/assets/icons/2005icons/ag.png)
Even despite the reminders of abundance on Thanksgiving, it's easy for Americans to forget that abundant, safe food supplies aren't universal
![Socialism Doesn't Work](http://gongol.com/assets/icons/2005icons/commies.png)
Red-light cameras are about non-tax governmental revenues, not safety. Once communities become addicted to the revenue stream, why would they give them up?