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Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
The right name for the Gulf of Mexico
US president Donald Trump's executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America is an act of geographical chest-thumping. But imagine if he added a key word and called it the Gulf of North America. That simple tweak would trigger a meaningful shift in perspective. The gulf's current name dates to the mid-sixteenth century, coined by Spanish cartographers mapping the waters of New Spain, then a colony that encompassed much of present-day Mexico and parts of the southern US. It is, in other words, a legacy of European imperialism. True to his worldview, Trump envisions a new American imperialism, extending from Panama to Greenland. Geographically, the claim is a draw: depending on how you measure it, the US and Mexico have roughly the same amount of coastline along the gulf. What is clear is that the body of water is essentially enclosed by North America – an integral part of the Western hemisphere. Renaming it the Gulf of North America would serve as a reminder of that. It would also be a historic way for Trump to mark the first Fifa World Cup hosted by the three North American countries – Mexico, the US, and Canada – in 2026. To understand the Americas' strategic importance in the twenty-first century, we must begin with their people. By mid-century, nearly one in three US residents will trace their heritage to Latin America, just as many once traced theirs to Europe. Economically, culturally, and politically, Americans of Hispanic origin will be more oriented towards Latin America, rather than towards Europe or Asia. Nearly 60% of Latinos in the US are of Mexican descent, laying a foundation for greater cross-border integration. While Trump has issued an executive order designating English as the official language of the US, Spanish is certainly not going away. Hundreds of millions of people in countries with close ties to the US speak it – Miami, for example, is often described as Latin America's economic capital. In states like Texas, California, and Florida, Spanish-English bilingualism is often a practical necessity for business, education, and governance. Ironically, Trump has helped advance North American economic integration by accelerating the turn towards industrial policy that began with president Barack Obama's auto-industry bailout and US$90 billion investment in clean energy. To be sure, Trump's version relied on a different strategy: tariffs, tax cuts, and deregulation. His successor, Joe Biden, combined these approaches – retaining Trump's tariffs while rebuilding infrastructure and subsidising green and high-tech industries. Both Trump and Biden encouraged nearshoring in response to geopolitical rivalry with China and post-pandemic supply-chain shocks. Now, Trump is doubling down on his first-term trade and economic policies. Mexico has been a major beneficiary of this shift. In 2023, it overtook China to become the largest US trade partner, with its total goods trade reaching nearly US$800 billion. In 2024, Mexico received more than US$35 billion in foreign direct investment, part of a larger nearshoring trend in Latin America. US firms are increasingly investing in Mexico, as well as countries in Central and South America, not just due to their proximity, but also because they are young, digitally connected, and economically ambitious. Even with rising US protectionism, the region's geographic and cultural alignment makes it a better bet than Europe or Asia for companies producing goods and services for the US market. Politically, however, Trump often paints the region as a cesspool of criminality, focussing on gangs and drug trafficking. He is pressuring Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum to stop the flow of drugs and people over the border, using his 25% tariff on Mexican auto, steel, and aluminum exports as a powerful bargaining chip. Moreover, Trump frames problems in a way that allows him to step in with 'solutions' that suit his interests and, crucially, can be easily spun into political wins. For example, by emphasising the China-Mexico fentanyl pipeline – where China supplies precursor chemicals that Mexican cartels use to manufacture the drug – Trump justifies his trade war on both countries. Likewise, Trump has focussed his ire on the relatively small number of undocumented migrants in the US who have committed crimes – a problem that he can 'address' with dramatic mass deportations of alleged Latin American gang members. Once this performative phase ends, Trump will almost certainly revive and take credit for the package of immigration reforms contained in last year's bipartisan border-security bill, which the Republicans killed at Trump's behest, so that he could continue campaigning on illegal immigration. These reforms could lay the groundwork for a US-Mexico migration agreement that would create a more fluid visa system for provisional workers. But decreasing immigration in the long term requires strengthening the Mexican economy and improving the government's ability to fight corruption and protect its citizens. Meanwhile, demographic forces will continue to do their work. American Latinos will build businesses that connect communities across the Western hemisphere. Cultural and educational exchanges will grow organically. Even as many governments implement stricter visa rules, US citizens can still travel, study, and retire in Mexico and other Latin American countries. When Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost became Pope Leo XIV, US newspapers trumpeted the first American pope. But the Vatican News heralded the arrival of the 'second Roman Pontiff – after Pope Francis – from the Americas'. The point was not that Prevost had spent decades in Peru and had become a naturalised Peruvian citizen. It was that Pope Francis was from South America, and Pope Leo 'is from the northern part of the continent'. Viewing the Americas as one continent is a useful way to see the world – an outlook that will probably gain ground this century. Trump is unlikely to accept my suggestion about the Gulf of North America. But his successor might. Regardless of the name, it is the geographic and economic reality. Anne-Marie Slaughter, a former director of policy planning in the US state department, is CEO of the think tank New America and professor emerita of politics and international affairs at Princeton University. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
Newsweek
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Donald Trump's Approval Rating Skyrockets With Hispanics
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump's approval rating has increased among Hispanic voters, a new poll has revealed. According to new polling, Trump's approval rating among this demographic has increased by 22 percent in a month. Why It Matters Despite frequently facing criticism for hard-line immigration policies that target migrants from countries in Latin America, Trump has recently made significant gains in favorability and approval among Hispanic Americans. Hispanic voters were one of the key groups who proved important in securing Trump's win in the November 2024 election. The demographic has generally leaned Democratic, but Trump increased his share of the Hispanic vote from 16 percent in 2016 to 42 percent in 2024. President Donald Trump speaks during the 157th National Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Arlington, Va. President Donald Trump speaks during the 157th National Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Arlington, Va. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin What To Know According to an InsiderAdvantage poll of 1,000 likely voters, 59.6 percent of Hispanics approve of Trump's job performance while 40.4 percent disapprove. The poll was conducted between May 17 and 19 and had a margin of error of 3.09 percent. This is roughly a 22-percentage point increase from an earlier poll—when 1,200 likely voters were surveyed on April 30 and May 1—that found that 38.4 percent of Hispanics approved of Trump and 42 percent disapproved. This poll had a margin of error of 2.83 percent. A Civiqs/Daily Kos poll, conducted between May 17 and 20 among 1,018 registered voters, showed Trump's approval rating increasing by 15 points among Hispanic voters to 57 percent from 42 in April. However, an April CNN poll found the proportion of Hispanic Americans who approve of Trump had dropped by 13 points since February, More general polls have been less favorable for the president. An RMG Research/Napolitan News poll, conducted between May 14-21 among 3,000 registered voters, showed Trump's approval rating at 48 percent, while 50 percent disapproved. The poll had a margin of error of +/- 1.8 percentage points. What People Are Saying Mark Shanahan, an American politics expert who teaches at the University of Surrey in the U.K, told Newsweek: "We're in a period of yo-yo polling, often among the same demographics, which pretty much reflects the president's current yo-yo policies, especially around trade. For Hispanic voters, the two policy areas that have moved the dial most for them are the economy and immigration and their positive/negative view of the president can change within a couple of news cycles." "On immigration, many established Hispanic-heritage citizens are supportive of Trump's fairly extreme policy towards undocumented immigrants and their families, while others, perhaps with more recent ties to Central and South America, are solidly against this administration's actions," he continued. He added: "On the economy, it has looked recently as if Trump has rolled back a little from his confrontational stance on tariffs, and markets have settled down. We've seen oil prices tumble, and even the price of eggs is dropping away. So, while these may not actually be concrete signs of an improved U.S. economy, some voters are seeing them that way. The Trump administration is still a roller-coaster ride, and it's far too early to claim on the evidence of one poll that he's succeeding in office." Clarissa Martinez De Castro, vice president of the Latino Vote Initiative at UnidosUS previously, told Newsweek that "partisan patterns seem to be holding." "In this early days of the administration, partisan patterns seem to be holding, with Latinos who voted for President Trump largely staying put," she said. In April, Trump told Fox News: "The Hispanic people have been supportive of me like no other candidate but certainly no other Republican candidate." "I love them, they love me." What Happens Next Trump's approval ratings will likely fluctuate throughout his presidency. The extent to which he commands public support will be tested in the November 2026 midterm elections.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Elon Musk's New Supercomputer Is Belching Smog Into A Black Neighborhood
ElonMusk's'Colossus,' a $6 billion supercomputer utilized to power the tech mogul's various AI projects, has fully materialized at a formerly abandoned facility in southwest Memphis, Tennessee. Preservationists and Memphis residents are protesting its existence, claiming that the pollutants it emits are poisoning the environment and harming citizens who live in it. One resident told NBC News that she started smelling the factory's fumes from her residence two miles away soon after the system was built. Anything named Colossus probably requires an enormous amount of energy to function — and this beast is no different. The supercomputer is powered, in great part, by gas turbines that emit nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde, among other air ozone-depleting pollutants. Musk's company has promised not to exceed the allowed limit of contaminants, but that's hard to believe. The Tennessee Valley Authority has been criticized over the past year or so, according to several sources, by climate groups for struggling to match xAI's energy demands at the expense of taxpayers to fund almost $1 million worth of power upgrades. Another thing residents are rightfully pissed about is being seemingly kept in the dark during the building of Colossus. It appears the secret may have been much easier to keep quiet, considering the AI computer is housed in the predominantly Black, working-class community of Boxtown. Shelby County, where Boxtown is located in South Memphis, has already received an 'F' grade for its poor air quality, according to the American Lung Association. Musk is apparently skirting environmental protections in an already vulnerable community. While I go on and on about our current administration's disregard for environmental protections and Musk's uncanny greed, let's take a second to zoom in on historical patterns of the environmental racism that rages on. Air pollution can trigger a myriad of health issues, ranging from asthma to lung cancer, that disproportionately affect Black Americans in the U.S. Our communities are, and always have been, the most likely to be exposed to higher concentrations of harmful particulate matter in the air, which pose major respiratory health risks. A recent study by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), found that Black and and Hispanic Americans, 'on average, bear a 'pollution burden' of 56% and 63% excess exposure, respectively, relative to the exposure caused by their consumption.' Historically redlined neighborhoods — starting in the 1930s when the federal government enforced discriminatory housing practices, such as Boxtown, have always experienced higher levels of air pollution. For decades, Black, brown, and immigrant populations were denied access to resources such as mortgage loans and insurance. They were also often kept out of new suburban areas and forced to enter urban housing projects designed to contain and oppress them. The fact that the residuals of redlining still plague us does not shock me. As a young Black woman who grew up in a working-class neighborhood in New Orleans, I saw the lack of resources my community experienced firsthand. There was limited access to diverse and fresh food options, but an abundance of fast food, liquor stores and loan shops. Loads of trash overtake drained canals and empty lots in New Orleans East. Tires and junk lay at a nearby condominium site after Hurricane Katrina, where tire companies and other residents left their waste. The site remains a public dumpster. And I'd be remiss not to mention that my beautiful home city lies at the end of an 85-mile stretch of land alongside the Mississippi River dubbed 'Cancer Alley' because of its adjacency to literally hundreds of fossil fuel and petrochemical plants. 'Black residents in southeastern Louisiana bear a disproportionate cancer risk from industrial air pollution,' as reported by the EPA and ProPublica, 'with children at one predominantly Black elementary school having been exposed to a dangerous carcinogen at levels 11 times what the EPA considers acceptable.' We did not chase these air pollutants. They are in our neighborhoods because our lives are deemed less valuable. Still, we find a way to persevere and make the most of the cards we've been dealt. And as another harmful pollutant-spewing institution fights its way into one of our neighborhoods, Black residents' voices must be heard.
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Don't cut Medicaid. The Florida economy relies on it, and so do families
When considering the pillars of a strong economy, several factors come to mind: a skilled and educated workforce, a focus on innovation and technology and the emergence of booming new industries. These are all important indicators of economic strength. However, one often-overlooked factor is the crucial role public health programs like Medicaid play in building and sustaining a healthy economy. By providing health insurance for low- and middle-income families, seniors and individuals with disabilities across the nation, Medicaid supports millions of jobs, reduces healthcare costs and helps sustain a healthy workforce. It also helps us give back to our seniors — those who have contributed to Florida's workforce and economy throughout their lives — by ensuring they receive the care they need in their golden years. Medicaid cuts Unfortunately, there is growing pressure in Congress to pull back Medicaid funding, despite President Donald Trump's repeated commitments to protecting the program. But if those proposed changes move forward, Florida's Medicaid program could receive less federal funding — and lose as much as $4 billion, jeopardizing not only the well-being of the 3.9 million vulnerable Floridians who rely on it but also the strength of Florida's overall economy, especially in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Medicaid plays an especially vital role for Hispanic families. In Florida, more than 35% of Medicaid recipients are of Hispanic descent. Nationally, over half of all Hispanic children rely on Medicaid for healthcare. The reality is that Hispanic Americans are more likely to work in jobs that don't offer health insurance. Medicaid is a critical lifeline for low-income and working-class families across the state. Seniors and services In a state with one of the country's largest senior populations, Medicaid's importance cannot be overstated. It is the backbone of long-term care in Florida, helping seniors and people with disabilities access round-the-clock care while supporting families who are often stretched thin. Four in seven nursing home residents in Florida rely on Medicaid to afford the care they need. The program also covers essential services — such as assistance with eating, bathing, and mobility — that Medicare and private insurance often do not. Florida's population is aging rapidly and demand for long-term care is increasing. If Medicaid is weakened now, care facilities will struggle to meet today's needs — let alone tomorrow's — and Florida's economy will bear the burden. Even under current conditions, Medicaid does not cover the full cost of care. On average, providers are reimbursed just 82 cents for every dollar spent caring for a resident. This chronic underfunding makes it difficult for nursing homes to hire and retain skilled caregivers and leaves little room for investing in upgrades, modern equipment, or expanded services. Long-term care facilities contribute nearly $30 billion annually to Florida's economy. Beyond the jobs and revenue they generate, these facilities enable family members to work full-time or pursue education, knowing their loved ones are receiving the care they need. The ripple effect of Medicaid funding reductions would extend well beyond nursing homes. Seniors without access to long-term care would remain in hospitals longer, backlogging admissions and placing additional strain on an already stressed healthcare system. Congress and Medicaid In Florida — where nursing homes are major employers and community anchors — these impacts would be deeply felt. Now is not the time to withdraw resources from Medicaid. I urge lawmakers to protect this essential program — not only for seniors in nursing homes but also for the caregivers who make that care possible and for the Hispanic community. Medicaid is more than a line item in a budget. It's a promise to the people who need help the most. Liliam M. Lopez is the founder, president and CEO of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Miami Herald
15-05-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
One racial group in US is more religious than others, poll finds. Which is it?
In the United States, where religion is 'very' or 'somewhat' important according to nearly two-thirds of adults, one racial group stands out when it comes to practicing their faith, a new poll found. The Public Religion Research Institute American Values Atlas poll based religious activity on three categories: how often people pray, how often they read the Bible or another sacred text, and how often they attend religious services. The poll surveyed 22,260 U.S. adults between March 13 and Dec. 2, 2024, and has a margin of error of 0.84 percentage points. Black Americans ranked more devout in each category than white Americans and Hispanic Americans, according to the poll. The group also had higher rankings in each category than Americans overall, the poll found. This may help explain why, according to survey results, Black Americans are also more likely to hold Christian nationalist beliefs, researchers said, adding that these views are more heavily present among those who attend religious services often. 'Such a finding is initially counterintuitive, given that the most outspoken Christian nationalist leaders are far less likely to be racially diverse and that Black Americans identify as Democratic, and vote for Democratic candidates, at much higher levels than other Americans,' researchers said. Black Americans also ranked higher when it came to holding charismatic beliefs and worship practices, like 'speaking in tongues, believing in divine healing, or having experienced the 'Spirit' empowering them or someone else to do a specific task,' the poll found. These theological beliefs are correlated to Christian nationalist views among Americans, researchers said. According to the poll, 62% of Black Americans said they personally pray one or more times a week — the only racial group to have a majority that said this. They ranked 14 percentage points higher than Americans overall for praying, per the poll. Forty-seven percent of white Americans and 48% of Hispanic Americans said they pray weekly or more, the poll found. Thirty-nine percent of Black Americans said they read the Bible or another sacred text weekly or more, about 15 percentage points higher than how white and Hispanic Americans responded, which was 23% and 24%, respectively, per the poll. When it came to how often each group attended religious services, Black Americans again ranked higher, with 32% who said they attended weekly or more, according to the poll. Twenty-four percent of white Americans and 22% of Hispanic Americans said they went to religious services once a week or more, per the poll. According to researchers, Christian nationalist beliefs hold different historical meanings among Black Americans. 'The call for a more inclusive democracy that fought for racial and economic justice was rooted in Black theology and demanded a more active role for government to assert those goals,' researchers said.
