There is a great deal to remember this week, the one year anniversary of the devastating Tohoku earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis. Few events in recent history have combined to such an intense degree natural disaster, technological failure, humanitarian relief, and government scrutiny. 

In some important ways we are safer, but in many others we are not. We have taken significant steps to become safer, but not enough. To be equally honest and realistic looking ahead, we must admit that the United States unquestionably faces a dangerous and uncertain future.

Venezuelans may have to wait to sift through the rubble of the Chavez regime before they get a clear explanation for Mr. Chavez's recent reckless decisions. In the meantime, regardless of whether Mr. Chavez knows he is dying sooner or hopes he is dying later, it is apparent that he doesn't give a damn about the harm he is doing to the Venezuelan people or the mess he will leave behind.

With Thursday marking the fortieth celebration of Earth Day, many Americans are more concerned about the economy than the environment.

US government foreign assistance health programs are currently focused on combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, which account for several million deaths each year across Africa. The United States should prioritize sustaining the hard-won gains in disease control, which requires focusing on programs with proven track records of success and addressing failures within those programs.

Government attempts at decreasing American dependence on foreign oil have been largely unsuccessful. However, a new energy alternative from the private sector has increased energy supply and reduced the need to look abroad for energy sources.

It is time policymakers recognize that despite the claims of renewable energy and efficiency hucksters, we do not have the technologies needed to significantly curb greenhouse gas emissions without causing massive economic disruption.

Arid countries should adopt Australia's water trading policies.