| Commentary: Washington's quest for allies in its battle against ...
The US, with limited success, is using its diplomatic channels to urge nations to which it has privileged access to take a firm stand against Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez. In the meantime, the European Union (EU) is fast allowing its presence on the map of Latin America to fade. On the Chavez issue, the EU clamorously remains neutral, and in doing so, might be losing out on what could be important benefits emerging from a sharpening divide separating the U.S. from a progressive bloc of Latin America states. Anti-American sentiments are on the rise in Latin America, which was demonstrated by the wave of unrest manifested during President Bush’s tour of the region in March. After six years of neglect as a result of its preoccupation with Iraq, the Bush administration’s interests in South America are only now being resurrected.
Obama health plan points to tax increases
Presidential candidate Barack Obamas plan for universal health care for all Americans require $50 billion to $65 billion in new revenue, according to estimates released this morning by his campaign.
The campaign suggested tax increases for the wealthiest Americans may be the way Obama would pay for his plan. The campaign released estimates from the Urban/Brookings Tax Policy Center saying the money could be raised by restoring the top two personal income tax brackets and rates on dividends and capital gains to Clinton-era levels.
Obama will officially unveil his plan at 10:30 a.m. today at the University of Iowa.
Other highlights:
Obama will tell the crowd his plan would reduce the typical familys health-insurance premiums by $2,500 a year.
EOG hikes credit line to $1 bln from $600 mln
HOUSTON, May 23 (Reuters) - Natural gas producer EOG Resources Inc. (EOG.N: Quote, Profile, Research has increased its 5-year unsecured credit agreement to $1 billion from $600 million, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday. EOG also asked its lenders for the option to request letters of credit totaling up to $1 billion, replacing the prior limit of $200 million, according to the filing. A spokeswoman with the Houston-based company was not available to comment on why the changes were made. Shares of EOG closed down 1 cent at $77.52 on the New York Stock Exchange. .
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