When the G8 major economies convened at Camp David last weekend, the continuing crisis of the euro, common currency of 17 European Union (EU) members, dominated the economic discussions. The agonies of Greece, badly divided in recent parliamentary elections, and forced to vote again on 17 June, were at the forefront.

Attempts at austerity and deleveraging in Europe have converted an economic problem into a political dilemma, with leftist governments rising against Germany's austerity-laced rescue packages. Germany now faces a tough economic decision that will involve choosing between a breakup of the current euro system and a movement toward a common fiscal policy in Europe.

We will be discussing something that is on everyone’s mind at the moment: the steps we are taking on both sides of the Atlantic to carry out essential economic reforms.

Linda Basch is certainly correct that the entry of so many women into the labour force has been good for the economy, good for society and good for women themselves (I would add that it has been good for men as well). But she is wrong when she implies that full-time mothers have made an unworthy choice.

“Americans spend too much on health care.” “We have worse health outcomes than our European counterparts.” Talking points such as these helped drive President Obama’s controversial and sweeping health care reform into law two years ago. But are they accurate?

While difficult to achieve, fundamental disability reform is possible.

The costs of disability programs are rising at an unsustainable pace. In all likelihood this will produce calls for program reforms. More systematic solutions should be considered, like experience rating SSDI payroll taxes.

The West is in a war of ideas against political Islam, and if free speech is not protected in Europe, we are already losing.