- Virgin America taps app-based car rental service – Silvercar
Virgin America, the award-winning California-based airline, announces today that it has partnered with Silvercar, the company revolutionizing the car rental experience with its fleet of WiFi-enabled, premium Audi A4s, to offer Virgin America’s Elevate members a seamless and connected travel experience from air to ground. Beginning today, Elevate frequent flyer members can earn 2,500 Elevate points on their first and fourth Silvercar rentals – plus four points for every $1 spent with Silvercar. As the only airline headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Virgin America has built a loyal following of frequent flyers for its tech-forward amenities, including WiFi, power outlets and touch-screen personal entertainment at every seat – on every flight. Using Virgin America’s fleetwide WiFi, travelers can now reserve a Silvercar via the Silvercar app or at Silvercar.com, and upon arrival at the destination airport, simply scan a QR code located on the windshield of the Silvercar to unlock the vehicle – and drive to their final destination.
“Our discerning travelers expect access to the latest conveniences to fit their busy lifestyles,” said Luanne Calvert , Vice President of Marketing Communications at Virgin America. “Our new partnership with Silvercar allows us to provide our guests with a more high-tech, high-style and connected travel experience whether they’re on the ground or 35,000 feet in the air.”
The new partnership with Silvercar will provide Virgin America’s guests with more options for ground travel during their business trip or leisure getaway. Silvercar operates a rental fleet comprised of only the latest model premium Audis – 2013 A4s (in silver, of course). Through the use of Silvercar’s mobile app (iOS or Android), travelers can take control of their rental experience and bypass paper contracts and lines all together. All Silvercar rentals include free in-car WiFi, Sirius XM satellite radio and Bluetooth. Upon return of the Silvercar, travelers receive their receipt on their smartphone – before even boarding their Virgin America return flight home.
“We have a great affinity for Virgin America as they offer a tech-friendly experience for travelers that goes above and beyond the norm,” said Luke Schneider , CEO of Silvercar. “Silvercar was created to make car rental and travel not only easier, but an enjoyable experience. Virgin America does the same for air travel.”
Known for outstanding service, beautifully designed cabins and unrivalled in-flight entertainment,. The airline’s new fleet offers custom-designed mood-lit cabins and amenities like fleetwide WiFi, power outlets and personal entertainment at every seat. The Red platform offers guests their own seatback touch-screen TV, with 25 films, live TV, a custom-curated You Tube channel, Google Maps, video games, seat-to-seat chat, music videos, a 4000 song library and an on-demand menu – so flyers can order a cocktail or snack from their seatback any time during a flight.Virgin America and Silvercar share markets in Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin. Silvercar first launched on January 14, 2013, at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport with Austin as its second location following in March.
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Tags: virgin america, silvercar - Choice Hotels International appoints chief technology officer
Choice Hotels International, Inc, one of the world’s largest hotel companies, announces the appointment of Eben Hewitt to Chief Technology Officer based out of the company’s global technology hub in Phoenix, Arizona. In this role, Hewitt will report directly to the Choice Hotels Chief Information Officer, Todd Davis, and oversee Choice Hotels’ technical vision and lead all aspects of Choice’s technology development in applications, architecture, and data—a pivotal role given the company’s strong emphasis on technology and innovation.
Hewitt already possesses a firsthand understanding of the Choice Hotels technology and business strategies as well as the company culture as a former associate having risen in the ranks to Senior Director of System Architecture. While at Choice Hotels, Hewitt led the team that won the Oracle Corporation Middleware Innovation Award for Architecture, before a brief departure in 2012 to serve as Chief Information Officer for O’Reilly Media, a Silicon Valley innovator.
“Eben contains all the skills and proven track record as a technology leader and visionary – plus he knows and thrives in the Choice Hotels culture. We couldn’t be more pleased than to bring him back in this vital role,” said Todd Davis , chief information officer of Choice Hotels International. “The role of CTO is critical for our organization, in which technology plays such an essential role in our current and future direction. Eben’s broad experience in all aspects of information technology—including application development, architecture and infrastructure—along with knowing how to apply technology to business development and strategy, enables us to continue to use technology to advance our corporate goals and franchisee and guest experiences, especially as we progress as an industry leader in cloud-based systems and mobile technologies.”
In addition to leading the design and implementation of technology solutions, as CTO, Hewitt will lead Choice’s culture of creative problem solving. Further, Hewitt will actively evaluate the direction and growth of industry technologies and trends to ensure Choice Hotels is staying ahead of technology developments and leveraging these developments for any potential growth opportunities.
Hewitt will also be responsible for the oversight of the the company’s technical intellectual property, while leading all information systems planning, including all phases of systems architecture and design; programming; installation and ongoing operations; and maintenance. Further, he will oversee architecture and development standards, policies and procedures and ensure adherence to these standards.
Hewitt is the author of several books on software development and technology, including one of the earliest books on big data, Cassandra: The Definitive Guide and he was a contributor to 97 Things Every Software Architect Should Know. He has worked in technology as an architect, software developer, systems administrator, manager, and consultant across many industries including media, retail, government, ISPs, and software startups. He serves on the Advisory Board for Arizona State University’s Computer Information Systems department.
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- Jet2.com announces further route expansion at Glasgow Airport
Jet2.com has further grown its number of destinations available from Glasgow Airport with the launch of two new routes for summer 2014- the Greek Island of Zante and the Catalan city of Reus.
These two new additions, along with the launch of Fuerteventura last month, mean the leading leisure airline has nearly trebled its number of destinations since it started operating from Glasgow two years ago. Along with sister company, Jet2holidays, it now offers Scottish travellers an unrivalled choice of top destinations in Greece and Spain – 3 of the most popular Greek islands and 12 Spanish hotspots including the Canaries and Balearics.
Weekly flights to Zante start on 2nd July 2014 and are available from &ound;78 including taxes. Reus begins operating on 26th May 2014, with prices from &ound;43 including taxes. Jet2holidays customers will be able to take their pick from a host of stunning beach resorts including Tsilivi and Alikes in Zante and the Costa Doradan gems of Salou and Cambrils, close to Reus. Package holidays are available from &ound;319 per person for 7 nights on a self-catering basis, secured with just a &ound;60 deposit.
Steve Heapy, Chief Executive Officer of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Greece and Spain continue to be very popular with our Scottish customers, so we are committed to expanding our flights and holidays to these countries to give people the best possible choice. Zante and Reus are fantastic destinations which will appeal to all styles and budgets, whether you want a relaxing beach break, fun trip in the sun or cultural escape.
“The launch of three new routes in the past month alone show how committed we are to further expanding our operations at Glasgow Airport. It has grown to become a very significant base for us and we look forward to further building on our success to give our Scottish customers the best possible choice of great value flights and holidays.”
Francois Bourienne, Commercial Director of Glasgow Airport, said: “This is further good news from Jet2.com which has yet again demonstrated its commitment to Glasgow Airport. The airline has continually expanded its route network since its arrival over two years ago and the addition of Reus and Zante will provide customers with even greater choice this summer.”
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- 4 Tips for Negotiating an Apartment Lease
Finding the perfect apartment that fits your budget can be tough – especially in today’s economy, where rental rates have increased by around 9 percent since 2009, according to a recent report by Reis Inc., a real estate research firm. Nonetheless, in many markets, landlords need renters just as much as you need a place to live. Although you probably won’t end up chopping your rent in half, you may be able to get a better deal by following these strategies:
1. Do your research. Before you begin the negotiation process, arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible. Start by researching neighborhoods online to determine areas that you can afford, and identify any tradeoffs you may have to make. For example, you may have to opt for a smaller unit or a building with fewer amenities to secure an apartment in a safer or more convenient neighborhood. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, compare rental prices and availability to get an idea of what rates are reasonable in your neighborhoods of interest. (You don’t want to insult your potential landlord by asking for an extremely large discount on rent.) If there are comparable properties nearby that charge lower rent, consider using them as leverage.
2. Be flexible. If you are asking a prospective landlord to lower the monthly rent, consider offering to sign a lease that extends past the typical 12-month term. A longer lease benefits the landlord, as it reduces the amount of time and money spent on filling vacancies. If the landlord won’t budge on the rental price, the negotiations don’t have to stop there. Ask for other perks, such as free parking or improvements to the unit, like fresh paint. You never know what options are available until you ask.
3. Sell yourself. Landlords want renters who are reliable and trustworthy. Showing up in a dirty car and a pair of sweatpants could give the impression you wouldn’t keep the place clean or be able to make your rent payments on time. Cleaning your car and dressing nicely are easy ways to convince a potential landlord that you would be an ideal renter.
Come prepared with recent paystubs that prove you have a stable job, with an income of two to three times the rental rate. Many landlords will also run a credit check. If you are unemployed or have poor credit, getting a co-signer or guarantor can make you seem like a less risky tenant in the eyes of the landlord. You can also ask your current landlord to write a short letter that explains you have a history of paying rent on time and taking good care of your living space.
4. Don’t get confrontational. Never underestimate the power of being kind and respectful. Remember your potential landlord is a person and wants to be treated like one. Bluffing, strong-arming or arguing won’t get you a better deal on rent – and, even if it does, that’s no way to start a relationship with your landlord. After all, this is the person who will be in control of your home, so keep in mind being polite and professional can go a long way.
Most importantly, effective negotiating tactics have to lead to a win for both sides. Think through what you want, what sacrifices you are willing to make and why the deal makes sense for both you and the landlord.
Niccole Schreck is the rental experience expert for Rent.com, the only free rental site that helps you find an affordable apartment, gives you tips on how to move and then says, “thank you” with a prepaid $100 reward card.
- Ousted IRS Director Miller: 'I Never Said I Didn't Do Anything Wrong'
Steven Miller, the ousted chief of the Internal Revenue Service, answers questions from the House Ways and Means Committee as it holds a hearing on the extra scrutiny the IRS gave Tea Party and other conservative groups.
Outgoing IRS Commissioner Steven Miller stonewalled a series of congressional questions Friday in the first public hearing held to get to the bottom of why tea party and patriot groups who sought tax-exempt status received elevated scrutiny.
[BROWSE: Political Cartoons on the IRS Scandal]
“You’re not going to cooperate with me. You have been uncooperative during this hearing,” Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., said pointedly after a spirited back and forth with Miller.
Miller, who announced his resignation Wednesday, in light of the controversy, did accept some responsibility.
“I never said I didn’t do anything wrong,” Miller said “I resigned because as the acting commissioner…I should be held accountable for what happens.”
But as details surrounding the scandal slowly come out, Republicans and Democrats used their time in the hearing room to shape their respective political narratives and tip public opinion in their favor.
Democrats chided the IRS for sloppy practices and ” horrible customer service” but disputed the assumption the targeting of select groups was politically motivated.
Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., argued there was a growing number of tax-exempt applications coming from tea party organizations and the IRS was just trying to more efficiently do its work.
[READ: White House Names New Acting IRS Chief]
“The IRS is an easy target and everyone wants to get a pitchfork when the tax man comes,” McDermott said.
Other Democrats repeatedly emphasized the leader of the IRS during the scandal was a George W. Bush appointee and asked the Inspector General for Tax Administration J. Russell George to reiterate that he had not yet found any evidence that the IRS targeted patriot groups because they sought political retribution.
“This outrage is not Democratic and Republican. It involved the credibility of government as it relates to American citizens,” said Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y.
Republicans, however, had a different take.
[ALSO: House Tea Party Blossoms Over IRS Scandal]
“This revelation goes against the very principles of free speech and liberty upon which this country was founded,” said Rep.Dave Camp, R-Mich., the committee chairman. “The blatant disregard with which the agency has treated Congress and the American taxpayer raises serious concerns about leadership at the IRS.”
Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., accused Miller of misleading the committee and covering up the scandal when Congress had asked about it during the last year.
“How was that not misleading the committee?” Ryan asked.
Miller said he had been forthright in his previous testimony and dismissed the notion that the behavior of his subordinates was in any way politically motivated.
“I do not believe partisanship motivated the people,” Miller said.
More News:
- Ousted IRS Director Miller: 'I Never Said I Didn't Do Anything Wrong'
Steven Miller, the ousted chief of the Internal Revenue Service, answers questions from the House Ways and Means Committee as it holds a hearing on the extra scrutiny the IRS gave Tea Party and other conservative groups.
Outgoing IRS Commissioner Steven Miller stonewalled a series of congressional questions Friday in the first public hearing held to get to the bottom of why tea party and patriot groups who sought tax-exempt status received elevated scrutiny.
[BROWSE: Political Cartoons on the IRS Scandal]
“You’re not going to cooperate with me. You have been uncooperative during this hearing,” Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., said pointedly after a spirited back and forth with Miller.
Miller, who announced his resignation Wednesday, in light of the controversy, did accept some responsibility.
“I never said I didn’t do anything wrong,” Miller said “I resigned because as the acting commissioner…I should be held accountable for what happens.”
But as details surrounding the scandal slowly come out, Republicans and Democrats used their time in the hearing room to shape their respective political narratives and tip public opinion in their favor.
Democrats chided the IRS for sloppy practices and ” horrible customer service” but disputed the assumption the targeting of select groups was politically motivated.
Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., argued there was a growing number of tax-exempt applications coming from tea party organizations and the IRS was just trying to more efficiently do its work.
[READ: White House Names New Acting IRS Chief]
“The IRS is an easy target and everyone wants to get a pitchfork when the tax man comes,” McDermott said.
Other Democrats repeatedly emphasized the leader of the IRS during the scandal was a George W. Bush appointee and asked the Inspector General for Tax Administration J. Russell George to reiterate that he had not yet found any evidence that the IRS targeted patriot groups because they sought political retribution.
“This outrage is not Democratic and Republican. It involved the credibility of government as it relates to American citizens,” said Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y.
Republicans, however, had a different take.
[ALSO: House Tea Party Blossoms Over IRS Scandal]
“This revelation goes against the very principles of free speech and liberty upon which this country was founded,” said Rep.Dave Camp, R-Mich., the committee chairman. “The blatant disregard with which the agency has treated Congress and the American taxpayer raises serious concerns about leadership at the IRS.”
Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., accused Miller of misleading the committee and covering up the scandal when Congress had asked about it during the last year.
“How was that not misleading the committee?” Ryan asked.
Miller said he had been forthright in his previous testimony and dismissed the notion that the behavior of his subordinates was in any way politically motivated.
“I do not believe partisanship motivated the people,” Miller said.
More News:
- Obama 'Going Bulworth' Wouldn't Give Him Power Over Republicans
President Obama has fantasies of “going Bulworth” on Congress and Washington, letting loose with everything he really thinks and trying to do what he really wants, despite the political repercussions, The New York Times reports. And congressional Republicans see Obama not so much like the fictional politician in the old Warren Betty movie, but as Richard Nixon, forced to resign in disgrace because of the Watergate scandal and reviled for his overuse of executive power.
The disconnect here is not just the fundamental one – that Obama thinks he has the right to make policy pursuant to being duly elected (twice!) by voters in a democracy, while the GOP won’t be satisfied until Obama’s presidency is declared to be invalid. It’s that both Congress and presidents have vastly overestimated how much power a president really has.
Candidates make this mistake most commonly and innocently. They run for office promising all sorts of change, all kinds of innovation and job-creating policies. Then they get into the Oval Office and realize how little authority they actually have to achieve those ends.
[Check out our editorial cartoons on President Obama.]
Congress can – and recently, has – stop pretty much anything the president wants to do, and the courts have the authority to undo things as well (though hopefully not on political or partisan grounds, as is the case with the legislative branch no matter who is in control of it). The only way a president can just declare something done is to issue an executive order, and even there, he is limited. The other way is to do something illegal or of questionable legal basis (Nixon may be more infamous for Watergate, but it was the secret bombings of Cambodia that really go to the issue of abuse of executive power).
Congress is meant to be a check and balance on the executive branch, and has exercised that power to its legal limit during the Obama presidency. They have threatened filibusters on even inconsequential bills and nominations, making even more laughable the idea that Obama should have been able to get his agenda through Congress in the early part of his administration because his party “controlled” the Senate. Neither party controls the Senate, and if you had to pick one, it is probably the minority party which has more power.
Even when Obama has managed to get a law passed, the Senate has acted to keep it from being implemented, such as by holding up the nomination of eminent health care policy leader Dr. Donald Berwick to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Obama ultimately put him in the job as a “recess appointment” – arguably not what the founders meant when they created the concept of a recess appointment. But the Senate was clearly not going to allow a vote on his nomination. Berwick finally resigned as it became clear he would not get a permanent confirmation.
[See a collection of political cartoons on Congress.]
And what about the so-called “bully pulpit?” This is a term commonly used by the media, which, in its glee to cover the federal government as a sporting event rather than focus on policy details, assumes that Obama or any president can simply stand up in the Rose Garden and demand that Congress do something. And if he can’t do it, he is termed “weak” or without “juice.”
The reality is that few presidents had such ability, and even then, special circumstances existed that gave them that authority. Lyndon B. Johnson, for example, had the political tool of playing Southern Democrats and Republicans against each other. Obama faces a country that is not only politically polarized, but regionally divided. He doesn’t even have the weapon of last resort – denying funds for local project, or insisting that certain items be attached to so-called “must-pass” legislation like the debt limit. There is no “must pass” legislation anymore, and there are members who either don’t care about sending the country or world back into recession by refusing to pay the U.S. government’s bill, or just don’t understand it. And Obama can’t make them.
This country created a democracy because the founding fathers wanted to get away from a tyrannical monarchy. Why is it that so many people still believe the president has the power of a king?
- 10 Easy Ways to Save for a Down Payment
Robert Berger
The down payment is often the toughest hurdle to clear when buying a home. Whether you’re opting for a Federal Housing Administration mortgage loan with just 3.5 percent down, or shooting for a conventional loan with 20 percent down, saving for a down payment on your first home can take years. It’s even more difficult to save when you’re juggling rent, living expenses, insurance payments and debt.
Whether your goal is $5,000 or $50,000, consider these 10 simple ways to save for your down payment:
1. Negotiate your rent. With rent likely near the top of your list of expenses, cutting its cost can help you sock away serious savings. If you’re a good tenant, approach your landlord about lowering your rent. If that doesn’t work, consider downsizing to a smaller, cheaper apartment, and put the money you save on rent directly into savings.
2. Shop around to reduce major monthly expenses. If it’s been a while since you checked rates for your car insurance, renter’s insurance, health insurance, cable, Internet or cell phone plan, now is the time to look into those costs. You may be able to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by making alterations to some of these contracts.
3. Check out your IRA. First-time homebuyers can cash out up to $10,000 from an IRA without having to pay the standard 10 percent early withdrawal fee. If you’ve been saving in an IRA, check your balance, and consider cashing out part of the money to put toward your down payment. You can find out more about the rules for this type of withdrawal at IRs.gov.
4. Look into state and local home-buying programs. Check to see if your state, county or local government operates any programs for first-time homebuyers. Some programs offer housing discounts, while others provide down payment loans or grants.
5. Throw a garage sale. You may be surprised how much money you can make through a garage sale. It probably won’t be enough to fund your whole down payment, but garage sale profits can get you started. However, you may be able get better deals on your big-ticket items by selling them on eBay or Craigslist.
6. Monitor your spending online. Do you frequently wonder where your earnings have gone at the end of every month? If this is the case, you can save a lot by tracking your finances and cutting down on discretionary spending. Online tools such as Mint.com, SpringCoin.com and PearBudget.com can help you manage your spending to save more on everyday expenses.
7. Pick up part-time work. Getting a side job is a great way to generate extra income that you can save exclusively for your down payment. Consider freelancing in your field outside of work; you may be surprised how much you can boost your earnings with a few hours of part-time work each week.
8. Refinance debts. Refinancing doesn’t just apply to mortgage loans. In fact, you can refinance just about any debt, from credit cards by using balance transfers, to car loans by taking out a lower interest auto loan through a new lender.
9. Cut back on student loan payments. If you’re drowning in student loan debt, you may be able to scale back on your student loan payments – especially if you have government-backed loans. Talk to your lender(s) about repayment options, including income-based repayment plans. Adjusting a repayment plan could substantially slash your monthly student loan payments, giving you more room to save for a down payment.
10. Keep track of your progress. It’s important to follow your progress toward being able to afford the down payment. Consider posting a savings graph on your fridge. Keeping your progress in front of you can help boost your motivation to keep on keeping on, even when it’s tough to save extra money.
Rob Berger is the founder of the personal finance blog the Dough Roller, which covers personal finance and investing topics, including tracking current mortgage rates.
- CDC: Fecal Matter Found in Many Public Pools
Fifty-Eight Percent of Sample Filters from Metro-Atlanta Public Pools Contain E. Coli
It’s as you may have feared about public swimming pools: Those hoards of children, carefree and a bit saggy in the trunks, may be making that water a little poopy. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s most recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report includes research of the microbes found in pool filters. During the summer 2012 swimming season, researchers collected 161 filter samples from metro-Atlanta public pools. In 93 of the samples, researchers detected fecal indicator, E. coli, which they believe came from swimmers when it was either washed off their bodies, or via solid bowel movements and diarrhea. E. coli in pools is not only gross, but a little dangerous, too. “The risk of pathogen transmission increases if swimmers introduce diarrheal feces,” the report says. So how do we keep fecal matter out of swimming pools? The report suggests that swimmers bathe before swimming and sit out the pool trip if they’re sick with diarrhea. The report also indicates the need for “[A]quatics staff to maintain disinfectant level and pH according to public health standards to inactivate pathogens, and state and local environmental health specialists to enforce such standards.”
How to Manage Type 1 Diabetes As You Age
Growing up, Mary Elizabeth Renner Saalfeld was allowed desserts on only a few occasions: A piece of cake for her birthday and her father’s birthday, pie for Thanksgiving and fruitcake for Christmas.
She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 68 years ago. Now 77 and retired in Springfield, Va., Saalfeld, who goes by Liz, is an avid quilter, loves watching sports on TV, arranges flowers for her church and has traveled the world – from China to Italy and Hawaii.
“It’s my life,” she concludes about having diabetes. “I think I’ve had a very successful life. A very full life.” She worked as a medical technologist and stay-at-home mom and ran a career center for a secondary school for 22 years. Though she has undergone a triple bypass as a result of her diabetes, she says no other part of her health is affected. [Read more: How to Manage Type 1 Diabetes As You Age]
Potatoes: An Important White Vegetable
We’ve been told that the more color a fruit or vegetable displays, the more nutrients you’ll find within, writes U.S. News blogger Bonnie Taub-Dix. Although this may be true for some produce, “White Vegetables: A Forgotten Source of Nutrients” – published this month in the American Society for Nutrition’s journal Advances in Nutrition – reminds us that when it comes to veggies, we ought to pay attention to white.
The new research shows that there is not as strong a relationship between color and the vegetable’s nutrient and polyphenol composition as previously believed. Even colorless or white veggies, like potatoes, onions, turnips, parsnips, cauliflower and mushrooms, make a generous contribution to the many essential nutrients we lack in our diets – particularly fiber, potassium and magnesium. These also help improve overall veggie intake among children, teens and adults.
The potassium content of a potato is especially attractive, since 97 percent of Americans don’t get enough of this important nutrient, which plays a key role in managing blood pressure. We often rely on the banana’s reputation as the potassium king, but actually, a small, plain baked potato with skin (138 grams) provides 738 milligrams of potassium and only 128 calories. A large banana (136 grams) provides a similar number of calories, but considerably less potassium: 487 milligrams. [Read more: Potatoes: An Important White Vegetable]
Follow U.S. News Health on Twitter and find us on Facebook.
- Bureaucracy Keeps Adopted Children Stuck in International Limbo
According to reliable estimates, there are nearly 10 million children around the world who, if global bureaucrats would merely get out of the way, could be adopted into loving, permanent families.
Unfortunately for those involved, the process to complete an international adoption is often time-consuming, paperwork laden and expensive. Some estimates put the total cost involved in adopting a child from an overseas orphanage at close to $30,000. And it can takes years between the time a match is made between prospective parents and an adoptable child before they can live together as a family.
There are many villains in this tragic story. One is UNICEF, the United National International Children’s Fund, which will show up in a developing country and offer the government large quantities of cash if it will only establish a regularized social welfare system to care for abandoned and orphaned children. Too often, UNICEF’s intervention leads to a cessation of international adoptions until all of its recommendations are in place.
[See Photos: Obama Pays Visit to Preschool Children.]
Another is the United States Department of State, which is not doing what it needs to do to protect the interests of children, and instead is all too deferential to the international adoption bureaucracy born out of The Hague convention on the issue.
It is a tragedy that so many children of so many races, creeds and ages are waiting in sub-standard conditions without anyone to hold them or care for them or love them. It is equally tragic that so many American families who would welcome these children, who would take them in as their own, are not getting the support they need from the U.S. government.
A new documentary film, Stuck, executive produced by Craig Juntunen and the group Both Ends Burning, shows just how the system isn’t working. It shows how, time and again, children who have already been matched to a family and who have met their prospective parents have their adoptions blocked by faulty paperwork, bureaucratic requirements and, worst of all, plain, ordinary indifference by U.S. officials.
The problem has come to the attention of some in Congress and they are getting ready to propose a way to deal with it. Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Roy Blunt, R-Mo., and Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., are preparing legislation, Children in Families First, to establish and fund an inter-governmental agency that is intended to get a handle on the problem. It will be modeled on what was done in the apparently successful effort under George W. Bush to finally get serious about combating international trafficking in women and children.
[Read Peter Roff: How the U.S. Could Do More to Aid Kidnapped Children]
It’s a well-intentioned effort that should streamline, simplify and consolidate the processing of international adoption cases. It will establish additional and improved post-placement follow-up services for international adoptions, which many believe will help the United States work better with other countries and support the needs of adoptive families here in the U.S.
The problem, and there is always a problem when making changes of this magnitude, is that there will almost certainly be bureaucratic resistance from within the State Department itself, which values stability and the status quo above all else. A new agency to push international adoptions through will likely be viewed as a hindrance to the normal course of business in which the diplomats and foreign services officers that make up the department’s career employees are so busily engaged.
In order to really address the problem, Congress does not need to propose or even pass legislation; it simply must get serious about communicating to the State Department bureaucracy that children – whether they are part of an international adoption, are being trafficked into the sex trade or have been abducted from the United States by non-custodial parents or guardians and need to be brought back home – are now a priority. Congress needs to turn up the heat at Foggy Bottom and make sure everyone is clear that business as usual is no longer an option, not while so many children around the world are suffering and so many Americans are willing to take them in.
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