No matter what your attitude towards American taxpayer dollars going to fund political parties in foreign countries — something I think often backfires — you have to wonder why the U.S. has been putting money into Pakistan’s government-established Election Commission. (more…)

Louis Uchitelle of the New York Times examines the role of private money in improving cities that are facing smaller budgets for rebuilding infrastructure.  Local and state government officials cooperate with large private universities and other corporations involved in revitalizing downtowns block by block.  But many officials acknowledge that even the most public-spirited corporate spending can’t make up for crumbling transport infrastructure or outdated housing stock.  Read Louis Uchitelle here.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission, after years of being underfunded and underequipped, is now slated for a budget increase by Congress.  Last year was a tough one for the CPSC, particularly for the employees who tried, in spite of antiquated facilities and inadequate budgets, to protect American consumers, especially children.  Annys Shin of the Washington Post profiles one of them here.  Read Annys Shin here.