A Pledge to Iraq War Veteran Tomas Young | Common Dreams
"The least we can do for Tomas Young is to not let his inspirational voice and struggle against the Iraq war be for naught. It is important that people hear his profound story of both courage and suffering. He deserves a legacy that must not be forgotten. Whenever that fateful day arrives for Tomas to take his last breath, I hope that that breath breathes new life into an American citizenry compelled not to let history repeat itself."
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Where Does It Say the Supreme Court Has the Constitutional Power to Hike Medicine Prices to 5x Their Cost? | Alternet
Where Does It Say the Supreme Court Has the Constitutional Power to Hike Medicine Prices to 5x Their Cost? | Alternet
"How the industry uses the high court to allow bribery and evade the FDA."
"How the industry uses the high court to allow bribery and evade the FDA."
The Need for Public Banks - Truthdig
The Need for Public Banks - Truthdig
"Once upon a time American banks supported the economy by financing the growth and development of industry. For the last many decades they’ve had the opposite effect by plowing money into existing assets and loading the economy down with debt. The consequences have been disastrous"
"Once upon a time American banks supported the economy by financing the growth and development of industry. For the last many decades they’ve had the opposite effect by plowing money into existing assets and loading the economy down with debt. The consequences have been disastrous"
PERRspectives: As CBO Predicted, Higher Taxes Not Hurting Spending by the Rich
PERRspectives: As CBO Predicted, Higher Taxes Not Hurting Spending by the Rich
"according to a new survey, a majority of those earning over $500,000 a year report that the new higher rates on income and capital gains have not impacted their spending, charitable giving or investment strategies. As it turns out, the Chicken Little conservatives could have spared themselves this embarrassment had they just heeded the lessons of American history and the predictions of the Congressional Budget Office."
"according to a new survey, a majority of those earning over $500,000 a year report that the new higher rates on income and capital gains have not impacted their spending, charitable giving or investment strategies. As it turns out, the Chicken Little conservatives could have spared themselves this embarrassment had they just heeded the lessons of American history and the predictions of the Congressional Budget Office."
Republicans Try (And Fail) To Appeal To Latinos
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The Beginning of the End of Too-Big-to-Fail | Common Dreams
The Beginning of the End of Too-Big-to-Fail | Common Dreams
"Amidst an endless series of votes on amendments to a federal budget bill, the United States Senate voted 99-0 in favor of an amendment to end subsidies to too-big-to-fail financial institutions."
"Amidst an endless series of votes on amendments to a federal budget bill, the United States Senate voted 99-0 in favor of an amendment to end subsidies to too-big-to-fail financial institutions."
Iraq, Afghan Wars Will Cost US 4-6 Trillion Dollars: Report | Common Dreams
Iraq, Afghan Wars Will Cost US 4-6 Trillion Dollars: Report | Common Dreams
"Costs to U.S. taxpayers of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will run between four and six trillion dollars, making them the most expensive conflicts in U.S. history, according to a new report by a prominent Harvard University researcher."
"Costs to U.S. taxpayers of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will run between four and six trillion dollars, making them the most expensive conflicts in U.S. history, according to a new report by a prominent Harvard University researcher."
Profit Share Hits Post-War High and the Post Doesn't Notice | Common Dreams
Profit Share Hits Post-War High and the Post Doesn't Notice | Common Dreams
"The revised GDP data for the fourth quarter released yesterday showed the profit share of corporate income hitting 25.6 percent. This is the highest since it stood at 25.8 percent in 1951. However if we look at the after-tax share of 19.2 percent, we would have to go back to 20.8 percent share in 1930 to find a higher number, excepting of course the 19.3 percent number hit last year."
"The revised GDP data for the fourth quarter released yesterday showed the profit share of corporate income hitting 25.6 percent. This is the highest since it stood at 25.8 percent in 1951. However if we look at the after-tax share of 19.2 percent, we would have to go back to 20.8 percent share in 1930 to find a higher number, excepting of course the 19.3 percent number hit last year."
PERRspectives: Republicans Ask CBO to Rig Tax Cut Numbers
PERRspectives: Republicans Ask CBO to Rig Tax Cut Numbers
"Perhaps the greatest myth in the Republican pantheon is the claim that "tax cuts pay for themselves." Sadly, that article of supply-side faith--that tax cuts fuel economic growth so explosive that federal revenue exceeds what otherwise would have been collected--has been painfully debunked by decades of history. Unfortunately, as part of budget deal just completed by Congress Republicans quietly ensured that such "dynamic scoring" would become part of future analyses by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). If the GOP succeeds, voodoo economics will henceforth be a feature, not a bug."
"Perhaps the greatest myth in the Republican pantheon is the claim that "tax cuts pay for themselves." Sadly, that article of supply-side faith--that tax cuts fuel economic growth so explosive that federal revenue exceeds what otherwise would have been collected--has been painfully debunked by decades of history. Unfortunately, as part of budget deal just completed by Congress Republicans quietly ensured that such "dynamic scoring" would become part of future analyses by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). If the GOP succeeds, voodoo economics will henceforth be a feature, not a bug."
Meet the College Racists Trying to Get Armed to 'Defend' Whites from Blacks on Campus | Alternet
Meet the College Racists Trying to Get Armed to 'Defend' Whites from Blacks on Campus | Alternet
"Some seriously bigoted students at Towson University have formed a despicable ‘White Student Union’."
"Some seriously bigoted students at Towson University have formed a despicable ‘White Student Union’."
Friday, March 29, 2013
So Your Groundwater's Poison and Your Tap Water's On Fire. Not to Worry: Fracking Chemicals Are Trade Secrets You Don't Need To Know About | Common Dreams
So Your Groundwater's Poison and Your Tap Water's On Fire. Not to Worry: Fracking Chemicals Are Trade Secrets You Don't Need To Know About | Common Dreams
"A judge in Wyoming has denied a lawsuit by environmental groups against the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission demanding that the list of chemicals in fracking fluids be made public, ruling such lists are trade secrets that may be withheld under Wyoming’s open records law. Soooo: Never mind that fracking wastewater, shown to conain benzene, xylene, methane, radioactive materials and other deadly toxins, has already appeared in Wyoming water"
"A judge in Wyoming has denied a lawsuit by environmental groups against the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission demanding that the list of chemicals in fracking fluids be made public, ruling such lists are trade secrets that may be withheld under Wyoming’s open records law. Soooo: Never mind that fracking wastewater, shown to conain benzene, xylene, methane, radioactive materials and other deadly toxins, has already appeared in Wyoming water"
Kochs, Chamber of Commerce Bankroll Judges’ Seminars On Corporate Crime And Capitalism
Kochs, Chamber of Commerce Bankroll Judges’ Seminars On Corporate Crime And Capitalism: The Louisiana federal judge overseeing the civil trial over BP’s alleged gross negligence in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon incident attended a seminar in 2009 called “Criminalization of Corporate Conduct” sponsored by the American Petroleum Institute, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and 13 other funders. In 2011, that same judge dismissed a wrongful-death claim in a suit [...]/p
STUDY: CVS, Rite Aid, And Other Chain Pharmacies Mark Up Generic Drugs By Up To 18 Times Their Cost
STUDY: CVS, Rite Aid, And Other Chain Pharmacies Mark Up Generic Drugs By Up To 18 Times Their Cost: According to a new Consumer Reports investigative study published Thursday, there is rampant variation in the price of generic drugs as large U.S. pharmacy chains — including CVS, Rite Aid, and Target — marking up the prices of generic drug versions for common medications by as much as 18 times what wholesale chains like Costco [...]/p
Working as designed: high profits and stagnant wages | Economic Policy Institute
Working as designed: high profits and stagnant wages | Economic Policy Institute
"Newly released data on corporate profitability for 2012 show the continuation of historic levels of profitability despite excessive unemployment and stagnant wages for most workers."
"Newly released data on corporate profitability for 2012 show the continuation of historic levels of profitability despite excessive unemployment and stagnant wages for most workers."
GOP Congressman Refuses To Apologize For Calling Latinos ‘Wetbacks’
GOP Congressman Refuses To Apologize For Calling Latinos ‘Wetbacks’: Rep. Don Young (R-AK) on Thursday night stood by his use of a racial slur to describe Latinos, saying that he “meant no disrespect” when he told an Alaska radio interviewer, “We used to hire 50 to 60 wetbacks to pick tomatoes”: “During a sit down interview with Ketchikan Public Radio this week, I used [...]/p
Why Is Socialism Doing So Darn Well in Deep-Red North Dakota? | Alternet
Why Is Socialism Doing So Darn Well in Deep-Red North Dakota? | Alternet
"North Dakota's thriving state bank makes a mockery of Wall Street's casino banking system -- and that's why financial elites want to crush it."
"North Dakota's thriving state bank makes a mockery of Wall Street's casino banking system -- and that's why financial elites want to crush it."
Thursday, March 28, 2013
How Big Corporations Are Unpatriotic | Common Dreams
How Big Corporations Are Unpatriotic | Common Dreams
"Many giant profitable U.S. corporations are increasingly abandoning America while draining it at the same time."
"Many giant profitable U.S. corporations are increasingly abandoning America while draining it at the same time."
David Cay Johnston: U.S. is Redistributing Income - Up
David Cay Johnston: U.S. is Redistributing Income - Up
"Between 1966 and 2011, the richest 1 percent of Americans saw their average income increase by more than $18 million. Meanwhile the bottom 90 percent have only seen average incomes increase by $59. Cenk asks, “Are we being robbed blind?” Johnston says, “Oh, unbelievably. This is not because American workers have suddenly gotten lazy. It’s because government policies have changed, and what they’re doing is the exact opposite of the myth we’re being sold"."
"Between 1966 and 2011, the richest 1 percent of Americans saw their average income increase by more than $18 million. Meanwhile the bottom 90 percent have only seen average incomes increase by $59. Cenk asks, “Are we being robbed blind?” Johnston says, “Oh, unbelievably. This is not because American workers have suddenly gotten lazy. It’s because government policies have changed, and what they’re doing is the exact opposite of the myth we’re being sold"."
A Cinderella Story? How The Koch Brothers Use Florida Gulf Coast University To Promote Their Agenda
A Cinderella Story? How The Koch Brothers Use Florida Gulf Coast University To Promote Their Agenda: It’s a great story: the virtually unknown, 15th seeded Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), has made it to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. But there’s something you might not know about FGCU: its economics department is, as a consequence of grants from Randian businessman John Allison and the Charles G. Koch Foundation, a haven [...]/p
Think Your Money is Safe? Think Again: The Confiscation Scheme Planned for US and UK Depositors | Alternet
Think Your Money is Safe? Think Again: The Confiscation Scheme Planned for US and UK Depositors | Alternet
"Although few depositors realize it, legally the bank owns the depositor’s funds as soon as they are put in the bank. Our money becomes the bank’s, and we become unsecured creditors holding IOUs or promises to pay. (See here andhere.) But until now the bank has been obligated to pay the money back on demand in the form of cash. Under the FDIC-BOE plan, our IOUs will be converted into “bank equity.” The bank will get the money and we will get stock in the bank. With any luck we may be able to sell the stock to someone else, but when and at what price? Most people keep a deposit account so they can have ready cash to pay the bills."
"Although few depositors realize it, legally the bank owns the depositor’s funds as soon as they are put in the bank. Our money becomes the bank’s, and we become unsecured creditors holding IOUs or promises to pay. (See here andhere.) But until now the bank has been obligated to pay the money back on demand in the form of cash. Under the FDIC-BOE plan, our IOUs will be converted into “bank equity.” The bank will get the money and we will get stock in the bank. With any luck we may be able to sell the stock to someone else, but when and at what price? Most people keep a deposit account so they can have ready cash to pay the bills."
Walmart Wants You To Deliver Their Packages -- For Free
Walmart Wants You To Deliver Their Packages -- For Free
"This is a company that has already "crowd sourced" their low wages by having the rest of us subsidize their food stamps. They also "crowd sourced" employee health insurance by holding workshops telling employees how to apply for Medicaid.
"This is a company that has already "crowd sourced" their low wages by having the rest of us subsidize their food stamps. They also "crowd sourced" employee health insurance by holding workshops telling employees how to apply for Medicaid.
This, from a company that's owned by the wealthiest family in America."
Report: Right-Wing Extremists Are ‘Highly Engaged’ With GOP On Twitter
Report: Right-Wing Extremists Are ‘Highly Engaged’ With GOP On Twitter: The authors of the study determined that the usage seemed to be “driven more by white nationalists feeling an affinity for conservatism than by conservatives feeling an affinity for white nationalism.”
Why Michigan’s ‘Right-To-Work’ Law Won’t Benefit The State’s Workers
Why Michigan’s ‘Right-To-Work’ Law Won’t Benefit The State’s Workers: Michigan’s so-called “right-to-work” measure officially went into effect today, just more than three months after Gov. Rick Snyder (R) signed the anti-union legislation into law. Snyder and Michigan Republicans have touted the law as a way to boost the state’s lagging economy, saying it would make it more competitive for businesses and a better place [...]/p
Slick, Paranoid Tea Party Video Aims for Violent Insurrection | Alternet
Slick, Paranoid Tea Party Video Aims for Violent Insurrection | Alternet
"The video, a thinly veiled advertisement for violent insurrection from the “Tea Party Patriots" group, boasts professional acting and Hollywood production values. But underneath its bright, professional sheen lurk dark overtones of End Times paranoia that will resonate with millions of American fundamentalists."
"The video, a thinly veiled advertisement for violent insurrection from the “Tea Party Patriots" group, boasts professional acting and Hollywood production values. But underneath its bright, professional sheen lurk dark overtones of End Times paranoia that will resonate with millions of American fundamentalists."
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
New Sanders Bill Would Break Up Big Banks | Common Dreams
New Sanders Bill Would Break Up Big Banks | Common Dreams
"U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said today he will introduce legislation to break up banks that have grown so big that the Justice Department has not pursued prosecutions for fear an indictment would harm the financial system."
"U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said today he will introduce legislation to break up banks that have grown so big that the Justice Department has not pursued prosecutions for fear an indictment would harm the financial system."
Chicago Is Ground Zero for Disastrous "Free Market" Reforms of Education | Common Dreams
Chicago Is Ground Zero for Disastrous "Free Market" Reforms of Education | Common Dreams
"If you want a glimpse of what slash-and-burn free market education reform does in cities throughout the US, look no further than Chicago."
"If you want a glimpse of what slash-and-burn free market education reform does in cities throughout the US, look no further than Chicago."
Rewriting 21st Century McCarthyism
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Sequestration Cuts Hit The National Parks Hard
Sequestration Cuts Hit The National Parks Hard: The effects of massive government budget cuts that took effect on March 1 are being felt across the country already, from the closure of air traffic control towers to cancellation of White House tours to hundreds of thousands of furloughs. Another agency that is beginning to make cuts — just as the spring and summer tourism [...]/p
Corporations Pay Lower Tax Rates Than Ever While Lobbying For Even Bigger Tax Breaks
Corporations Pay Lower Tax Rates Than Ever While Lobbying For Even Bigger Tax Breaks: As large American companies continue to lobby Congress for tax reform that would lower their tax rates, a study of historical corporate tax rates found that they are in fact paying at rates roughly half of those they paid decades ago. The Washington Post analyzed 30 large companies listed on the Dow Jones Industrial Average [...]/p
Corporate Kangaroo Courts Supplant Our Seventh Amendment Rights | Common Dreams
Corporate Kangaroo Courts Supplant Our Seventh Amendment Rights | Common Dreams
"Most Americans don't realize it, but our Seventh Amendment right to a fair jury trial against corporate wrongdoers has quietly been stripped from us."
"Most Americans don't realize it, but our Seventh Amendment right to a fair jury trial against corporate wrongdoers has quietly been stripped from us."
Conservative Morality: Free Pass for Criminal Bankers, Restrictions for Women and Gay Citizens | Alternet
Conservative Morality: Free Pass for Criminal Bankers, Restrictions for Women and Gay Citizens | Alternet
"We're still legislating and regulating private morality, while at the same time ignoring the much larger crisis of public morality in America."
"We're still legislating and regulating private morality, while at the same time ignoring the much larger crisis of public morality in America."
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
STUDY: States Refusing To Expand Medicaid Will Leave Over 200,000 Low-Income Veterans Uninsured
STUDY: States Refusing To Expand Medicaid Will Leave Over 200,000 Low-Income Veterans Uninsured: Adding to the extensive body of evidence that participating in Obamacare’s optional Medicaid expansion is both smart fiscal policy and the right move for securing poor Americans’ health care, a new Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Urban Institute study concludes that states refusing to expand Medicaid will leave over 200,000 low-income, uninsured veterans and two-thirds [...]/p
Republican Congressman Finally Realizes Budget Cuts Hurt The Economy
Republican Congressman Finally Realizes Budget Cuts Hurt The Economy: The Federal Aviation Administration last week announced that it was closing 149 air traffic control towers at small regional airports across the country due to automatic budget cuts that went into effect on March 1. The FAA took the brunt of 60 percent of the cuts from the Dept. of Transportation, and though it originally [...]/p
Richard Wolff Gives Bill O'Reilly a Lesson in Economics 101
Richard Wolff Gives Bill O'Reilly a Lesson in Economics 101
"From this Monday's Democracy Now, economist Richard Wolff is asked about Bill O'Reilly's remarks last week where he told his audience on Fox that Cyprus and other European countries are facing economic hardships because they’re so-called "nanny states." Wolff responded with a lesson in economics 101 for Bill-O"
"From this Monday's Democracy Now, economist Richard Wolff is asked about Bill O'Reilly's remarks last week where he told his audience on Fox that Cyprus and other European countries are facing economic hardships because they’re so-called "nanny states." Wolff responded with a lesson in economics 101 for Bill-O"
California Investigation Might Break the Koch Machine
California Investigation Might Break the Koch Machine
"The flow of money was traced as it passed through several non-profit organizations, ultimately going all the way back to a known dark money conduit known as Americans for Job Security."
"The flow of money was traced as it passed through several non-profit organizations, ultimately going all the way back to a known dark money conduit known as Americans for Job Security."
Dear Right-Wingers, Here's How to NOT Seem Racist | Alternet
Dear Right-Wingers, Here's How to NOT Seem Racist | Alternet
"A tip for right-wingers angry about charges of racial bias: Try treating the Obama daughters with decency."
"A tip for right-wingers angry about charges of racial bias: Try treating the Obama daughters with decency."
Breitbart News Compromises First Daughters' Security - Again
Breitbart News Compromises First Daughters' Security - Again
"there is a generally understood rule that journalists do not disclose the location of the children of presidents when they're not with their parents, because their security should not be placed at risk."
"there is a generally understood rule that journalists do not disclose the location of the children of presidents when they're not with their parents, because their security should not be placed at risk."
More Proof That America Doesn’t Have A Spending Problem
More Proof That America Doesn’t Have A Spending Problem: The idea that the United States has an out of control spending problem has gripped Washington D.C. for most of the economic recovery, and nowhere is that more evident than in recent budget negotiations, where the conversation has been almost solely about when budgets will balance and by how much they will reduce the debt. [...]/p
As Safety Net Faces Cuts, One-In-Six American Children Are Affected By Unemployment
As Safety Net Faces Cuts, One-In-Six American Children Are Affected By Unemployment: One of every six American children has a parent that is either unemployed or underemployed, according to a new study from First Focus and the Urban Institute. Overall, 6.2 million children live in homes where at least one parent is unemployed; the total rises to 12.1 million when underemployment is included too. While that number [...]/p
Limited-Government Idaho Conservatives Don't Want You To See Pre-Marital Sex on TV
Limited-Government Idaho Conservatives Don't Want You To See Pre-Marital Sex on TV
"It's amazing how little their stated beliefs actually align with their actual actions. Conservatives purport to be against big government; they sneer at the nanny state they claim liberals want. But when all is said and done, it seems like conservatives have no problem expanding government when it comes to your bedroom"
"It's amazing how little their stated beliefs actually align with their actual actions. Conservatives purport to be against big government; they sneer at the nanny state they claim liberals want. But when all is said and done, it seems like conservatives have no problem expanding government when it comes to your bedroom"
Follow the Money: How Former Anti-Drug Officials Ridiculously Still Say Pot Is Dangerous in Order to Make a Lot of Cash | Alternet
Follow the Money: How Former Anti-Drug Officials Ridiculously Still Say Pot Is Dangerous in Order to Make a Lot of Cash | Alternet
"Former DEA agents and cops are lobbying for tougher drug laws that make them rich."
"Former DEA agents and cops are lobbying for tougher drug laws that make them rich."
Textbook Right-Wing Economics Can Ruin The Economy
Textbook Right-Wing Economics Can Ruin The Economy: Daron Acemoglu, an economist at MIT, and James Robinson, a political scientist and economist at Harvard, provide an interesting academic analysis of how mainstream (i.e., mainly conservative) economic policies centered on privatization, deregulation, and free trade lead to unwanted social outcomes. Echoing warnings from progressives about the consequences of right-wing policies, Acemoglu and Robinson (authors [...]/p
Monday, March 25, 2013
That Giant Sucking Sound...it's the Oligarchs
That Giant Sucking Sound...it's the Oligarchs
"The oligarchs are sucking dry America's middle and working class, while the rest of us are being left to feed off of their crumbs."
"The oligarchs are sucking dry America's middle and working class, while the rest of us are being left to feed off of their crumbs."
New Jersey Governor Christie Paves Way for Privatizing Camden Schools | Common Dreams
New Jersey Governor Christie Paves Way for Privatizing Camden Schools | Common Dreams
"The wave of school privatizations couched under the banner of "reform" may be headed to Camden, New Jersey."
"The wave of school privatizations couched under the banner of "reform" may be headed to Camden, New Jersey."
Senate Unanimously Votes Against Cuts to Social Security: Media Don’t Notice
Senate Unanimously Votes Against Cuts to Social Security: Media Don’t Notice
"There are few areas where the corruption of the national media is more apparent than in its treatment of Social Security. Most of the elite media have made it clear in both their opinion and news pages that they want to see benefits cut."
"There are few areas where the corruption of the national media is more apparent than in its treatment of Social Security. Most of the elite media have made it clear in both their opinion and news pages that they want to see benefits cut."
Meet the CEO Who Cut Worker Pay in Half While Pulling in $21 Million Last Year | Alternet
Meet the CEO Who Cut Worker Pay in Half While Pulling in $21 Million Last Year | Alternet
"CEOs these days aren’t just slashing worker jobs to add on to their own rewards. They’re slashing worker pay as well."
"CEOs these days aren’t just slashing worker jobs to add on to their own rewards. They’re slashing worker pay as well."
‘The Health Care Reform Case Of 2013′ Heads To The Supreme Court Today
‘The Health Care Reform Case Of 2013′ Heads To The Supreme Court Today: In addition to the high-profile cases on marriage equality that are slated for consideration this week, another crucial legal battle that begins on Monday could have huge implications for the future of the health care industry. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) v. Actavis could save consumers and the government hundreds of billions of dollars in health [...]/p
Hidden Victim of Austerity: State Universities That Educate Our Children | Alternet
Hidden Victim of Austerity: State Universities That Educate Our Children | Alternet
"Foolish policies are speeding America’s decline and placing terrible burdens on the next generation."
"Foolish policies are speeding America’s decline and placing terrible burdens on the next generation."
Fun Facts About Rich People: Walmart Heirs Own More Wealth Than Bottom 40% of Americans; the Wealthy Give Less to Charity Than the Poor | Alternet
Fun Facts About Rich People: Walmart Heirs Own More Wealth Than Bottom 40% of Americans; the Wealthy Give Less to Charity Than the Poor | Alternet
"And let's not forget that their fortune was originally made by accelerating the American worker's race to the bottom. If you haven't watched it in a while, Robert Greenwald's "The High Cost of Low Prices" will remind you of just what a crock the entire political deabte in Washington DC really is"
"And let's not forget that their fortune was originally made by accelerating the American worker's race to the bottom. If you haven't watched it in a while, Robert Greenwald's "The High Cost of Low Prices" will remind you of just what a crock the entire political deabte in Washington DC really is"
Five Ugly Extremes of Inequality in America-- The Contrasts Will Drop Your Chin to the Floor | Alternet
Five Ugly Extremes of Inequality in America-- The Contrasts Will Drop Your Chin to the Floor | Alternet
"The first step is to learn the facts, and then to get angry and to ask ourselves, as progressives and caring human beings, what we can do about the relentless transfer of wealth to a small group of well-positioned Americans."
"The first step is to learn the facts, and then to get angry and to ask ourselves, as progressives and caring human beings, what we can do about the relentless transfer of wealth to a small group of well-positioned Americans."
Government Job Losses Still Plaguing Economic Recovery As More Furloughs, Cuts Loom
Government Job Losses Still Plaguing Economic Recovery As More Furloughs, Cuts Loom: For all the talk among conservatives about the “bloated” size of government, public sector job losses have plagued America’s economic recovery from the Great Recession. And with the automatic budget cuts that took effect on March 1 beginning to take effect, those losses are only going to make efforts to fully escape the throes of [...]/p
Financial Firms Double Lobbying Efforts Against Proposals To Curb Risky Trading
Financial Firms Double Lobbying Efforts Against Proposals To Curb Risky Trading: Financial firms that specialize in risky high-speed trading are boosting their lobbying efforts against proposals to rein in the practice, a Wall Street Journal analysis of lobbying records found. Three Democratic lawmakers introduced legislation that would institute a small tax, known as a financial transactions tax, on high-frequency trades, which reap major profits for firms [...]/p
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Cyprus Fallout: Is Your Money Safer in a Mattress? | Alternet
Cyprus Fallout: Is Your Money Safer in a Mattress? | Alternet
"As long as banking activities are allowed to run against the public good, deposits will always be at risk."
"As long as banking activities are allowed to run against the public good, deposits will always be at risk."
Seattle boom an inconvenient truth for Republicans | Local News | The Seattle Times
Seattle boom an inconvenient truth for Republicans | Local News | The Seattle Times
"GOP leaders confessed that their mantra that business is stifled by high taxes and big government is so confounded by the jobs boom in high-tax, big-government Seattle that it’s only prudent they now re-examine those beliefs."
"GOP leaders confessed that their mantra that business is stifled by high taxes and big government is so confounded by the jobs boom in high-tax, big-government Seattle that it’s only prudent they now re-examine those beliefs."
7 Deadly Amendments That Would’ve Protected Dirty Energy And Trashed The Climate
7 Deadly Amendments That Would’ve Protected Dirty Energy And Trashed The Climate: This weekend, Senate Democrats passed a federal budget for Fiscal Year 2014. In order to do so, Senate rules allow for consideration of any amendment that is brought to the floor. Senators introduced hundreds of amendments, which resulted in a “vote-o-rama.” Many conservatives offered amendments to undermine existing and potential public health safeguards, particularly those [...]/p
Pro-Democracy Movement Rises Against 'Disaster Capitalism' in Detroit | Common Dreams
Pro-Democracy Movement Rises Against 'Disaster Capitalism' in Detroit | Common Dreams
"pro-democracy activists in Detroit have no intention of rolling over and playing dead for Kevyn Orr, the city's new 'emergency manager' appointed by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, who will begin his contract to run the city as a one-person government on Monday.
"pro-democracy activists in Detroit have no intention of rolling over and playing dead for Kevyn Orr, the city's new 'emergency manager' appointed by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, who will begin his contract to run the city as a one-person government on Monday.
Called a "bloodless coup" by some, the appointment of an 'emergency financial manager' (EFM) will allow Orr to take full control over the city's resources now that the city council and school board have been stripped of their governing powers."
Alexander Reed Kelly: Truthdigger of the Week: Tomas Young - Truthdigger of the Week - Truthdig
Alexander Reed Kelly: Truthdigger of the Week: Tomas Young - Truthdigger of the Week - Truthdig
"For struggling for as long as he has, for publicly shaming a class of people who make a holiday of the deaths and suffering of the powerless, and for forcing us again to consider the terrible consequences of America’s unnecessary, ongoing and disgraceful wars, we honor Tomas Young as our Truthdigger of the Week."
"For struggling for as long as he has, for publicly shaming a class of people who make a holiday of the deaths and suffering of the powerless, and for forcing us again to consider the terrible consequences of America’s unnecessary, ongoing and disgraceful wars, we honor Tomas Young as our Truthdigger of the Week."
Congress Has a Constitutional Duty to Preserve and Promote the Post Office | The Nation
Congress Has a Constitutional Duty to Preserve and Promote the Post Office | The Nation
"No member of Congress who takes seriously their oath sworn to uphold the Constitution can neglect the duty to preserve the United States Postal Service."
"No member of Congress who takes seriously their oath sworn to uphold the Constitution can neglect the duty to preserve the United States Postal Service."
Thinking for Ourselves: On Disaster Capitalism in Detroit | Common Dreams
Thinking for Ourselves: On Disaster Capitalism in Detroit | Common Dreams
"The appointment of Kevyn Orr as the Emergency Manager of Detroit is a sad day for democracy. There is a growing understanding that the financial crisis justifying this move was manufactured by the withholding of state funds, the drive to protect the $474 millions paid to banks, and the desire to wrest control of the city away from its people and put it into the hands of the corporate elite."
"The appointment of Kevyn Orr as the Emergency Manager of Detroit is a sad day for democracy. There is a growing understanding that the financial crisis justifying this move was manufactured by the withholding of state funds, the drive to protect the $474 millions paid to banks, and the desire to wrest control of the city away from its people and put it into the hands of the corporate elite."
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Aggressively targeting a full recovery is the least risky thing you can do: Back to Work Budget edition | Economic Policy Institute
Aggressively targeting a full recovery is the least risky thing you can do: Back to Work Budget edition | Economic Policy Institute
"research indicates that for the U.S., the rates of return on public investment are almost certainly above those for private investment."
"research indicates that for the U.S., the rates of return on public investment are almost certainly above those for private investment."
Single-Payer Health Care Is Still Right Way To Go | Common Dreams
Single-Payer Health Care Is Still Right Way To Go | Common Dreams
"Obamacare is surely better than anything we’ve had up until now and once it is fully implemented will remove millions of Americans from the roles of the uninsured.
But a single-payer plan is still the way the nation ought to go."
"Obamacare is surely better than anything we’ve had up until now and once it is fully implemented will remove millions of Americans from the roles of the uninsured.
But a single-payer plan is still the way the nation ought to go."
On Obamacare’s Third Anniversary, Here Are Three Ways The Reform Law Has Helped Real Americans
On Obamacare’s Third Anniversary, Here Are Three Ways The Reform Law Has Helped Real Americans: Saturday marks the three year anniversary of President Obama signing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the most sweeping overhaul of the U.S. health care system since the enactment of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. While some the law’s most significant provisions won’t go into full effect until next year, many of its important [...]/p
Friday, March 22, 2013
The Alternate Reality of Fox News
The Alternate Reality of Fox News
"At the very moment Obama was receiving the highest honor Israel can bestow, Fox News was quite literally declaring him an enemy of the state."
"At the very moment Obama was receiving the highest honor Israel can bestow, Fox News was quite literally declaring him an enemy of the state."
Beware the New Corporate Tax-Cut Scam: LIFT Is a Big Lie
Beware the New Corporate Tax-Cut Scam: LIFT Is a Big Lie
"First it was Fix the Debt, with tax-dodging corporations “leading the charge for massive new corporate tax cuts paid for with cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.” Now there’s a new “LIFT America coalition,” pushing for massive, massive corporate tax cuts, without bothering about cutting benefits. LIFT stands for “Let’s Invest for Tomorrow,” but as Citizens For Tax Justice (CTJ) points out, it really ought to be called LIE, for “Let’s Invest Elsewhere"."
"First it was Fix the Debt, with tax-dodging corporations “leading the charge for massive new corporate tax cuts paid for with cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.” Now there’s a new “LIFT America coalition,” pushing for massive, massive corporate tax cuts, without bothering about cutting benefits. LIFT stands for “Let’s Invest for Tomorrow,” but as Citizens For Tax Justice (CTJ) points out, it really ought to be called LIE, for “Let’s Invest Elsewhere"."
Does Irrationality Doom America? | Alternet
Does Irrationality Doom America? | Alternet
"The United States is on the verge of committing suicide. Slow suicide, perhaps, which may take decades to fully play out, but suicide nonetheless. The proximate event is the sequester - deep across-the-board cuts to military and discretionary domestic spending, originally conceived as a Sword of Damocles, but which Tea Party-dominated Republicans now see as just the perfect budget axe. And that's just one of several successive and mostly recurring crisis points at which Republicans are obstinantly demanding deep budget cuts that will inevitably slow, if not cripple the already weak economy - as well as debilitating or destroying vital government functions in the long run."
"The United States is on the verge of committing suicide. Slow suicide, perhaps, which may take decades to fully play out, but suicide nonetheless. The proximate event is the sequester - deep across-the-board cuts to military and discretionary domestic spending, originally conceived as a Sword of Damocles, but which Tea Party-dominated Republicans now see as just the perfect budget axe. And that's just one of several successive and mostly recurring crisis points at which Republicans are obstinantly demanding deep budget cuts that will inevitably slow, if not cripple the already weak economy - as well as debilitating or destroying vital government functions in the long run."
Congress Is Strong-Arming The Postal Service Into Bankruptcy Even Faster
Congress Is Strong-Arming The Postal Service Into Bankruptcy Even Faster: On Thursday, Congress voted against allowing the U.S. Postal Service to cut its delivery down to five days a week, forcing the organization to keep delivering mail on Saturdays. This will drive the USPS into looming bankruptcy — already foisted upon the USPS by Congress itself — even faster. In 2006, Congress passed the Postal [...]/p
Economists Disagree With Paul Ryan’s Claim That ‘Debt Is Crushing Our Economy’
Economists Disagree With Paul Ryan’s Claim That ‘Debt Is Crushing Our Economy’: Over the past three years, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) has repeatedly introduced budget resolutions that contain draconian spending cuts in an effort to stave off the debt crisis he says is right around the corner if it isn’t addressed immediately. Ryan’s plans, all three of which have passed the House of Representatives, [...]/p
Glenn Greenwald: Meet the Journalist Rotting in Prison for Crossing the FBI | Alternet
Glenn Greenwald: Meet the Journalist Rotting in Prison for Crossing the FBI | Alternet
"Prosecutorial abuse is becoming the preeminent weapon used by the US government to destroy online activism and journalism."
"Prosecutorial abuse is becoming the preeminent weapon used by the US government to destroy online activism and journalism."
Misstated Positions Betray Republican Lack Of Seriousness On Policy
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Thursday, March 21, 2013
America's Problem: Private Sector Parasites | Alternet
America's Problem: Private Sector Parasites | Alternet
"You don’t have to be a Tea Party conservative to believe that the economy is threatened when there are too many “takers” and not enough “makers.” The “takers” who threaten the dynamism and fairness of industrial capitalism the most in the 21st century are not the welfare-dependent poor — the villains of Tea Party propaganda — but the rent-extracting, unproductive rich."
"You don’t have to be a Tea Party conservative to believe that the economy is threatened when there are too many “takers” and not enough “makers.” The “takers” who threaten the dynamism and fairness of industrial capitalism the most in the 21st century are not the welfare-dependent poor — the villains of Tea Party propaganda — but the rent-extracting, unproductive rich."
The Myth Of ‘Dependency’: Almost All Households On Food Stamps Will Be Employed Within A Year
The Myth Of ‘Dependency’: Almost All Households On Food Stamps Will Be Employed Within A Year: One of House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) favorite ways of defending the House Republicans’ budget is to claim the social safety net represents a moral threat to Americans’ character, as well as a fiscal threat to their country’s budget. He’s incessantly warned of luring “able-bodied people into lives of dependency and complacency” and [...]/p
PERRspectives: Boehner, Ryan Undermine GOP's Next Debt Ceiling Extortion
PERRspectives: Boehner, Ryan Undermine GOP's Next Debt Ceiling Extortion
"Yet, House Republicans are preparing to do it all again. Even though, they tell us, there's no debt crisis now."
"Yet, House Republicans are preparing to do it all again. Even though, they tell us, there's no debt crisis now."
How Student Loans Are Keeping You Out Of The Middle Class | Alternet
How Student Loans Are Keeping You Out Of The Middle Class | Alternet
"The problems that have led to today’s middle-class crisis for borrowers aren't unknown. Cuts to public funding for higher education have gradually shifted the costs of a college education on to individual students. With scholarship and grant funding limited, students have turned to loans. Escalating tuition combined withstagnating middle-class incomes have made it harder for borrowers to meet their obligations."
"The problems that have led to today’s middle-class crisis for borrowers aren't unknown. Cuts to public funding for higher education have gradually shifted the costs of a college education on to individual students. With scholarship and grant funding limited, students have turned to loans. Escalating tuition combined withstagnating middle-class incomes have made it harder for borrowers to meet their obligations."
Boehner Pledges To Keep Country In Perpetual Crisis: Intends To Take Debt Ceiling Hostage emAgain/em
Boehner Pledges To Keep Country In Perpetual Crisis: Intends To Take Debt Ceiling Hostage emAgain/em: Right after the House of Representatives approved a Senate bill to avert a government shutdown, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) set the stage for another down-to-the-wire crisis that will threaten the nation’s economic growth. At his weekly press conference, Boehner indicated that Republicans would again demand spending cuts in exchange for raising the nation’s debt [...]/p
Thom Hartmann: How the Media Fueled the War in Iraq
Thom Hartmann: How the Media Fueled the War in Iraq
"The media failed us leading up to the Iraq War, and its cost hundreds of thousands of human beings their lives and the United States has lost both trillions of dollars and our standing in the world as a moral force.
"The media failed us leading up to the Iraq War, and its cost hundreds of thousands of human beings their lives and the United States has lost both trillions of dollars and our standing in the world as a moral force.
It's time for our media to offer us – and the people of Iraq – an apology. And make sure this sort of thing never happens again."
Chris Christie Undecided on Pseudo-'Therapy' Practices that Electrocute Gay Children | Alternet
Chris Christie Undecided on Pseudo-'Therapy' Practices that Electrocute Gay Children | Alternet
"New Jersey Governor Chris Christie says he’s undecided on legislation that would ban the pseudo-science known as “gay conversion therapy” in his state."
"New Jersey Governor Chris Christie says he’s undecided on legislation that would ban the pseudo-science known as “gay conversion therapy” in his state."
Starbucks CEO Comes Out In Favor Of A Minimum Wage Increase
Starbucks CEO Comes Out In Favor Of A Minimum Wage Increase: Howard Schultz, the Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks, has added another pro-worker notch to his belt: support for increasing the minimum wage. Schultz already has a relatively good reputation on workers’ issues; his company offers health care to all of its employees, and doesn’t mind spending more on health care than on coffee. Starbucks also [...]/p
Dying Iraq War Veteran Tomas Young Reads "Last Letter" to President Bush and Dick Cheney | Common Dreams
Dying Iraq War Veteran Tomas Young Reads "Last Letter" to President Bush and Dick Cheney | Common Dreams
"Iraq War veteran Tomas Young was left paralyzed in a 2004 attack in Iraq. Released from medical care three months later, Young returned home to become an active member in Iraq Veterans Against the War. He recently announced that he will stop his medicine and nourishment, which comes in the form of liquid through a feeding tube — a decision which will hasten his death."
"Iraq War veteran Tomas Young was left paralyzed in a 2004 attack in Iraq. Released from medical care three months later, Young returned home to become an active member in Iraq Veterans Against the War. He recently announced that he will stop his medicine and nourishment, which comes in the form of liquid through a feeding tube — a decision which will hasten his death."
The 21st-Century Version of Slavery Is Widespread In America | Alternet
The 21st-Century Version of Slavery Is Widespread In America | Alternet
"A 21st-century version of slavery—captive labor—is rampant at the bottom of the U.S. economy, and Washington politicians and business lobbies want to keep it that way, or even expand it as part of the immigration reform talks now in Congress."
"A 21st-century version of slavery—captive labor—is rampant at the bottom of the U.S. economy, and Washington politicians and business lobbies want to keep it that way, or even expand it as part of the immigration reform talks now in Congress."
10 Years Later: The Voices Of The Iraq War Debate
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House GOP Approves Budget That Cuts Taxes For Millionaires, Slashes The Social Safety Net
House GOP Approves Budget That Cuts Taxes For Millionaires, Slashes The Social Safety Net: The House of Representatives this afternoon approved the Republican budget plan authored by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) by a vote of 221-207, with 197 Democrats and 10 Republicans voting against it. Three Democrats and one Republican did not vote. For the third consecutive year, the House GOP has approved a budget that ends the traditional [...]/p
Obamacare Has Helped Seniors Save Over $6 Million On Their Prescription Drugs
Obamacare Has Helped Seniors Save Over $6 Million On Their Prescription Drugs: As the health reform law approaches its third birthday, Obama Administration officials are noting that one of its provisions has already helped seniors on Medicare save $6.1 billion on their prescription drug costs. Obamacare ensures that more prescription drugs are covered under Medicare by closing the “donut hole” coverage gap, one of its most popular [...]/p
Bad Reviews For Republican Rebranding
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As Obamacare Turns Three Years Old, Americans Still Have Big Misperceptions About What It Does
As Obamacare Turns Three Years Old, Americans Still Have Big Misperceptions About What It Does: Thursday marks the three-year anniversary of Congress’ passage of the health care reform law. And although Obamacare has had a high profile throughout the past several years of political fights over health reform, that hasn’t ensured that Americans understand what the law actually does. Even after three years, many Americans are still confused about Obamacare’s [...]/p
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Elizabeth Warren Asks: Why Isn't The Minimum Wage $22/Hour?
Elizabeth Warren Asks: Why Isn't The Minimum Wage $22/Hour?
"What would the US Senate be without Elizabeth Warren? She's a national treasure."
"What would the US Senate be without Elizabeth Warren? She's a national treasure."
The Grand Bargain Could be Grand Sellout | Common Dreams
The Grand Bargain Could be Grand Sellout | Common Dreams
"We need a budget that keeps the promises we have made to our seniors, veterans and the most vulnerable by protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits."
"We need a budget that keeps the promises we have made to our seniors, veterans and the most vulnerable by protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits."
Inequality Is Hurting Us All | Common Dreams
Inequality Is Hurting Us All | Common Dreams
"Consider this: If the levels of greater income equality of 1968 still prevailed today, that same poorest fifth of Marylanders would be earning twice what they take home now. Imagine the differences. They’d be able to purchase more goods and services, which would generate more jobs and income throughout the state."
"Consider this: If the levels of greater income equality of 1968 still prevailed today, that same poorest fifth of Marylanders would be earning twice what they take home now. Imagine the differences. They’d be able to purchase more goods and services, which would generate more jobs and income throughout the state."
Report: State Education Cuts Causing 'Surge' in University Tuition Prices | Common Dreams
Report: State Education Cuts Causing 'Surge' in University Tuition Prices | Common Dreams
"The gross slashing of funds for public universities has caused a "surge" in tuition prices, disproportionately impacting low-income students says a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP)."
"The gross slashing of funds for public universities has caused a "surge" in tuition prices, disproportionately impacting low-income students says a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP)."
Statutes of Limitations Are Expiring on Some Bush Crimes | The Nation
Statutes of Limitations Are Expiring on Some Bush Crimes | The Nation
"Statutes of limitations applicable to possible crimes committed by former President George W. Bush and his top aides, with respect to wiretapping of Americans without court approval and to fraud in launching and continuing the Iraq War, may expire in early 2014, less than a year from now."
"Statutes of limitations applicable to possible crimes committed by former President George W. Bush and his top aides, with respect to wiretapping of Americans without court approval and to fraud in launching and continuing the Iraq War, may expire in early 2014, less than a year from now."
Four Former Pennsylvania Governors Want To End Judicial Elections
Four Former Pennsylvania Governors Want To End Judicial Elections: The corrosive influence of increased spending and politicking surrounding judicial elections has manifested itself around the country, most recently in the conviction of a Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice for corruption linked to her own judicial campaign. But moves to change the process for selecting judges face an uphill battle. This month, four former Pennsylvania governors – two [...]/p
Utah Schoolchildren Asked To Celebrate Fossil Fuels And Mining On Earth Day
Utah Schoolchildren Asked To Celebrate Fossil Fuels And Mining On Earth Day: Earth Day is April 22, and today is the last day children in Utah can send in their submissions for the state-sponsored Earth Day poster contest lauding fossil fuel production. This year’s theme is “Where Would WE Be Without Oil, Gas & Mining?” Last year’s theme was “How Do YOU Use Oil, Gas, and Mining?” [...]/p
The Iraq War: Ten Years Later
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Access to Health Care, Basic Necessities a Matter of Life or Debt
Access to Health Care, Basic Necessities a Matter of Life or Debt
"The US has used a market-based health system for so long that most people probably feel that it is normal, but in truth, the US health system is an aberration. Most industrialized nations have publicly-funded universal health care systems paid for through taxes that cover virtually 100 percent of necessary care. Their systems have been in existence for many decades, and while no system is perfect, other countries spend half what the United States does per person on health care, cover everyone and have better health outcomes."
"The US has used a market-based health system for so long that most people probably feel that it is normal, but in truth, the US health system is an aberration. Most industrialized nations have publicly-funded universal health care systems paid for through taxes that cover virtually 100 percent of necessary care. Their systems have been in existence for many decades, and while no system is perfect, other countries spend half what the United States does per person on health care, cover everyone and have better health outcomes."
House Democratic Budget Focuses On Infrastructure And Job Creation, Reduces Deficit By $1.7 Trillion
House Democratic Budget Focuses On Infrastructure And Job Creation, Reduces Deficit By $1.7 Trillion: 20 days after automatic sequestration cuts went into effect, Congress is still trying to reconcile House Republicans’ and Senate Democrats’ budget proposals. On Wednesday, House Democrats introduced their own vision for the federal budget, promising to balance the budget by 2040 without the draconian spending cuts proposed by the GOP, while offering double the stimulus [...]/p
New RNC 'Outreach' Easier Said Than Done
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One Day After RNC Calls For Minority Outreach, Arkansas GOP Passes Bill To Suppress Minority Vote
One Day After RNC Calls For Minority Outreach, Arkansas GOP Passes Bill To Suppress Minority Vote: Monday morning, the Republican National Committee released a lengthy “autopsy” of their 2012 electoral loss, much of which was devoted to the GOP’s weak standing among people of color. “It is imperative that the RNC changes how it engages with Hispanic communities to welcome in new members of our Party” the autopsy proclaims, and “the [...]/p
10 Best Replies to Rumsfeld's Disgusting Tweet About "Liberating Iraqis" | Alternet
10 Best Replies to Rumsfeld's Disgusting Tweet About "Liberating Iraqis" | Alternet
"On Tuesday, ten years after the United States invaded Iraq, George W. Bush's Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld created a firestorm on Twitter after he said in a Tweet that our country has been working this past decade "liberating 25 mil Iraqis." It is quite terrifying that Rumsfeld believes the war brought freedom to a Iraq — a country that has been torn apart by our occupation."
"On Tuesday, ten years after the United States invaded Iraq, George W. Bush's Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld created a firestorm on Twitter after he said in a Tweet that our country has been working this past decade "liberating 25 mil Iraqis." It is quite terrifying that Rumsfeld believes the war brought freedom to a Iraq — a country that has been torn apart by our occupation."
Faith Leaders Across America Protest Budget Cuts To Programs That Help The Poor
Faith Leaders Across America Protest Budget Cuts To Programs That Help The Poor: A collection of faith groups will today hold protest actions across the country calling on Congress to pass a budget that invests in programs to help low-income Americans instead of giving tax breaks to the wealthy and corporations. The coalition will hold 21 events in 13 states, according to a release from Faith in Public [...]/p
Scahill Calls for Accountability on Our Invasion of Iraq
Scahill Calls for Accountability on Our Invasion of Iraq
"On the ten year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, there has been an awful lot of naval gazing by our media, sadly with most of it being revisionist history on what happened during the run up to that invasion and occupation, with a lot of glossing over just how complicit the media was in helping the neocons beat the war drums."
"On the ten year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, there has been an awful lot of naval gazing by our media, sadly with most of it being revisionist history on what happened during the run up to that invasion and occupation, with a lot of glossing over just how complicit the media was in helping the neocons beat the war drums."
Two Reasons Climate Change Is Not Like Other Environmental Problems | Common Dreams
Two Reasons Climate Change Is Not Like Other Environmental Problems | Common Dreams
"The damage we’re doing now is something the next 40 to 50 generations will have to cope with, even if we stop emitting CO2 tomorrow. And the CO2 we’ve already released has locked in another 50 or 100 years of damage (because of the slow draining). There is no “reversing” climate change. There is only reducing the amount we change the climate."
"The damage we’re doing now is something the next 40 to 50 generations will have to cope with, even if we stop emitting CO2 tomorrow. And the CO2 we’ve already released has locked in another 50 or 100 years of damage (because of the slow draining). There is no “reversing” climate change. There is only reducing the amount we change the climate."
Top Iraq War Advocate Says It’s Unreasonable To Ask Whether War Was Worth It
Top Iraq War Advocate Says It’s Unreasonable To Ask Whether War Was Worth It: One of the most outspoken advocates for the war in Iraq said on NPR on Wednesday that asking whether the war was worth fighting is an “unreasonable question.” During an interview with Richard Perle — who was chairman of the Pentagon’s Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee during the run-up to the war — NPR host [...]/p
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Arizona versus the Right to Vote
Arizona versus the Right to Vote
"Supporters of the law claim we need it prevent voter fraud, but Proposition 200's true goal? Disenfranchising minorities."
"Supporters of the law claim we need it prevent voter fraud, but Proposition 200's true goal? Disenfranchising minorities."
The Last Letter From Iraq Veteran to George W Bush and Dick Cheney
The Last Letter From Iraq Veteran to George W Bush and Dick Cheney
"Young speaks for every one of us who knew at the beginning that there was no reason to be in Iraq, other than oil lust. All of those lives lost, those young men and women injured and forever changed, all of it to serve the never-ending thirst for blood, oil and money."
"Young speaks for every one of us who knew at the beginning that there was no reason to be in Iraq, other than oil lust. All of those lives lost, those young men and women injured and forever changed, all of it to serve the never-ending thirst for blood, oil and money."
'Simply Unacceptable': US Gets D for Infrastructure | Common Dreams
'Simply Unacceptable': US Gets D for Infrastructure | Common Dreams
"Curious how your state scored? The report includes an interactive map to see what grade each state received across the 16 categories."
"Curious how your state scored? The report includes an interactive map to see what grade each state received across the 16 categories."
CEOs To Begin Lobbying Campaign For Corporate Tax Cuts, Reforms To Make It Easier To Offshore Profits
CEOs To Begin Lobbying Campaign For Corporate Tax Cuts, Reforms To Make It Easier To Offshore Profits: A top lobbying group for major chief executives is set to begin a campaign calling on Congress to achieve corporate tax reform that lowers tax rates, shields offshore profits from taxation, and does not raise any new revenue. Business Roundtable, a collection of CEOs from top business groups, will spend at least hundreds of thousands [...]/p
PERRspectives: Nothing Succeeds Like Failure for Iraq War Architects
PERRspectives: Nothing Succeeds Like Failure for Iraq War Architects
"Ten years later, there is little question that the Iraq war was a disaster for the United States and its people. Over 4,400 Americans died and another 30,000 were wounded in the conflict. While U.S. forces were left to "muddle through" in Afghanistan, America's Mesopotamia misadventure significantly strengthened Iran's influence in the region. All told, the greatest foreign policy fiasco in modern American history mayultimately cost taxpayers $4 trillion."
"Ten years later, there is little question that the Iraq war was a disaster for the United States and its people. Over 4,400 Americans died and another 30,000 were wounded in the conflict. While U.S. forces were left to "muddle through" in Afghanistan, America's Mesopotamia misadventure significantly strengthened Iran's influence in the region. All told, the greatest foreign policy fiasco in modern American history mayultimately cost taxpayers $4 trillion."
No Regrets: Three Iraq War Architects Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary
No Regrets: Three Iraq War Architects Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary: “I’m waiting for the architects of those policies to get up and say it didn’t work, but it’s tough to expect that because they never articulated what the hell they were doing.” This is what conservative activist Grover Norquist told the Huffington Post in a piece published today on what the anniversary of the Iraq [...]/p
The Lies: No Doubt, No Question, Mountain of Evidence, We Know He Has Them, No Doubt | Common Dreams
The Lies: No Doubt, No Question, Mountain of Evidence, We Know He Has Them, No Doubt | Common Dreams
"Marking ten years of the unprecedented, ongoing debacle that was the Iraq War, acompilation by William Pitt of the flood of lies, told over and over, by an Adminstration that has yet to receive its just rewards. Chilling."
"Marking ten years of the unprecedented, ongoing debacle that was the Iraq War, acompilation by William Pitt of the flood of lies, told over and over, by an Adminstration that has yet to receive its just rewards. Chilling."
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