Aaron Swartz's Loved Ones Slam 'Whitewash' MIT Report | Common Dreams
"An internal MIT investigation into the university's role in the prosecution of Aaron Swartz, and culpability in his tragic suicide, has been slammed by loved ones of the deceased internet activist and programmer as a fluffy PR maneuver that falsely absolves the institution."
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
5 Million Could Be Kicked Off Food Stamps Under Republican Cuts
5 Million Could Be Kicked Off Food Stamps Under Republican Cuts: Food stamp cuts proposed by Republicans could boot over 5 million people off of the program and create health problems that would cost the country more than the cuts save, according to a new analysis by the Health Impact Project.
Impeach Justice Clarence Thomas
Impeach Justice Clarence Thomas
"Let's just get this out of the way right now. When a sitting Supreme Court justice is married to a woman who received nearly a million dollars from a wealthy Texas billionaire to oppose the Affordable Care Act in a high-profile fashion, the answer shouldn't be that spouses are entitled to do whatever they want.
"Let's just get this out of the way right now. When a sitting Supreme Court justice is married to a woman who received nearly a million dollars from a wealthy Texas billionaire to oppose the Affordable Care Act in a high-profile fashion, the answer shouldn't be that spouses are entitled to do whatever they want.
There are circumstances where they can't do what they want, and one clear one is a situation where their spouse is going to rule on a related case. No other federal judge would be permitted to hear or issue opinions about cases where his or her spouse is publicly acting as advocate for one side or the other."
Bombshell: Plutocrats Brazenly Collude to Hurt State Economies and Screw Working People | Alternet
Bombshell: Plutocrats Brazenly Collude to Hurt State Economies and Screw Working People | Alternet
"Illinois fatcats discuss plan to sabotage state bond ratings in scheme to destroy pensions."
"Illinois fatcats discuss plan to sabotage state bond ratings in scheme to destroy pensions."
President Obama's New Offer To Republicans
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The Case To Raise The Minimum Wage
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The “Free Market” Takes Its Pound Of Flesh, But Never From The Failed CEO | Alternet
The “Free Market” Takes Its Pound Of Flesh, But Never From The Failed CEO | Alternet
"Let’s consider the price regular workers pay when something goes bad, versus the price CEOs never pay when something goes askew."
"Let’s consider the price regular workers pay when something goes bad, versus the price CEOs never pay when something goes askew."
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Fox's Charles Payne: Raising The Minimum Wage Rewards Mediocrity
Fox's Charles Payne: Raising The Minimum Wage Rewards Mediocrity
"It was a twofer for Neil Cavuto and his regular guest and fill-in, Charles Payne, who, when he's not attacking the working class, apparently spends his time hawking worthless stocks to anyone foolish enough to take his investment advice seriously."
"It was a twofer for Neil Cavuto and his regular guest and fill-in, Charles Payne, who, when he's not attacking the working class, apparently spends his time hawking worthless stocks to anyone foolish enough to take his investment advice seriously."
BP Earned $2.7 Billion In Q2 Profits But Still Thinks It’s Paying Too Much In Taxes
BP Earned $2.7 Billion In Q2 Profits But Still Thinks It’s Paying Too Much In Taxes: It also bought back $2.4 billion worth of their own stock to enrich board members, executives and shareholders.
Manning 'Guilty' on Most Counts, Faces 100 Years in Prison | Common Dreams
Manning 'Guilty' on Most Counts, Faces 100 Years in Prison | Common Dreams
"Pfc. Bradley Manning, the army whistleblower who exposed egregious U.S. war crimes after revealing military documents to the website WikiLeaks, has been found guilty of almost all of his charges in a military court in Fort Meade, Maryland and could face a maximum of more than 100 years in jail."
"Pfc. Bradley Manning, the army whistleblower who exposed egregious U.S. war crimes after revealing military documents to the website WikiLeaks, has been found guilty of almost all of his charges in a military court in Fort Meade, Maryland and could face a maximum of more than 100 years in jail."
Big Banks Targeted For Rigging Electricity Markets
Big Banks Targeted For Rigging Electricity Markets: Industry deregulation in the 1990s allowed banks to become direct participants in physical commodity markets, rather than just dealing in financial products that are based on commodity prices.
Billionaire Gets New Sports Arena in Bankrupt Detroit
Billionaire Gets New Sports Arena in Bankrupt Detroit
"the Tea Party governor gave a big thumbs-up to a plan for a new $650 million Detroit Red Wings hockey arena. Almost half of that $650 million will be paid with public funds."
"the Tea Party governor gave a big thumbs-up to a plan for a new $650 million Detroit Red Wings hockey arena. Almost half of that $650 million will be paid with public funds."
Your Big Mac Would Only Cost $.68 More If McDonalds Doubled Its Pay
Your Big Mac Would Only Cost $.68 More If McDonalds Doubled Its Pay: The price rise would be negligible if McDonalds were to double the pay of all of its employees, from the CEO down to minimum wage cashiers.
Republicans To Spend August Recess Promoting Poverty Creating Policies
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/30/house-republicans-spend-august-recess-promoting-poverty-creating-policies.html
"There is a reason Republicans, conservative belief-tanks, and ALEC state legislators are cutting education and condemn critical thinking, because keeping their supporters stupid, suspicious of minorities, and devoted to superstition pays electoral dividends. There are Americans who say the Republican devotees deserve what they get,” but effects of Republican policies are not confined to their supporters. Because although Republican voters make up less than half the population, they have created economic demise for nearly 80% of the people to the point there are few Americans who know anyone who is not suffering."
"There is a reason Republicans, conservative belief-tanks, and ALEC state legislators are cutting education and condemn critical thinking, because keeping their supporters stupid, suspicious of minorities, and devoted to superstition pays electoral dividends. There are Americans who say the Republican devotees deserve what they get,” but effects of Republican policies are not confined to their supporters. Because although Republican voters make up less than half the population, they have created economic demise for nearly 80% of the people to the point there are few Americans who know anyone who is not suffering."
America Fails Middle Class To Detriment Of Economy
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Mock The Poor -- The Conservative Media Solution To Poverty
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2013/07/30/mock-the-poor-the-conservative-media-solution-t/195125
"While 4 in 5 Americans will "struggle with joblessness, near poverty or reliance on welfare for at least parts of their lives," the right believes the solution to all of their problems is scorn."
"While 4 in 5 Americans will "struggle with joblessness, near poverty or reliance on welfare for at least parts of their lives," the right believes the solution to all of their problems is scorn."
McDonald's Employee: 'It's Time To Take A Stand'
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Fast Food Strikes Spread Across The Nation
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Monday, July 29, 2013
'Do the Right Thing': World Rallies Behind Bradley Manning | Common Dreams
'Do the Right Thing': World Rallies Behind Bradley Manning | Common Dreams
"Army private Bradley Manning received an outpouring of support over the weekend as people around the world launched rallies, vigils, and civil disobedience actions demanding the release of the whistleblower."
"Army private Bradley Manning received an outpouring of support over the weekend as people around the world launched rallies, vigils, and civil disobedience actions demanding the release of the whistleblower."
Largest Fast Food Workers Strike Hits Seven Cities Across US | Common Dreams
Largest Fast Food Workers Strike Hits Seven Cities Across US | Common Dreams
"Thousands of fast food workers went on strike in branches across seven U.S. cities on Monday in what could be the largest strike of its kind in U.S. history."
"Thousands of fast food workers went on strike in branches across seven U.S. cities on Monday in what could be the largest strike of its kind in U.S. history."
Bank Profits Have Bounced Back From Post-Recession Lows
Bank Profits Have Bounced Back From Post-Recession Lows: The financial industry is on the verge of becoming the largest sector in the S&P 500 Index, the latest indicator that the banking and trading business has recovered quickly and fully from the economic collapse it caused in 2008.
Recession Forever? 10 Reasons American Workers Are Screwed | Alternet
Recession Forever? 10 Reasons American Workers Are Screwed | Alternet
"As these experts are starting to realize, the recovery will only come when workers get their due. Until then, American corporations are sowing the seeds of their own destruction – and taking the rest of us down with them."
"As these experts are starting to realize, the recovery will only come when workers get their due. Until then, American corporations are sowing the seeds of their own destruction – and taking the rest of us down with them."
8 Shocking Ways America Leads the World | Alternet
8 Shocking Ways America Leads the World | Alternet
"The New American Exceptionalism: Number one in obesity, guns, prisoners, anxiety, and more..."
"The New American Exceptionalism: Number one in obesity, guns, prisoners, anxiety, and more..."
CBS is Trying to Get Us to Raise Our Own Cable Bills | Alternet
CBS is Trying to Get Us to Raise Our Own Cable Bills | Alternet
"Big media companies now think Americans are as gullible as politicians do. The cable operators and networks take us for pigeons, too."
"Big media companies now think Americans are as gullible as politicians do. The cable operators and networks take us for pigeons, too."
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Should Detroit Be Labeled A 'Conservative Utopia?'
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Jared Bernstein On Summers, Yellen, And Regulating The Financial Markets
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Feinstein: Woman as Head of Fed Would be 'Very Positive Thing' for Obama Administration
Feinstein: Woman as Head of Fed Would be 'Very Positive Thing' for Obama Administration
"We've already discussed here some of the reasons why Larry Summers would make a terrible choice for head of the Federal Reserve. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, among others have signed a letter backing his rival for the position, Janet Yellen instead, and this Sunday, her colleague Sen. Dianne Feinstein voiced her support for Yellen as well."
"We've already discussed here some of the reasons why Larry Summers would make a terrible choice for head of the Federal Reserve. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, among others have signed a letter backing his rival for the position, Janet Yellen instead, and this Sunday, her colleague Sen. Dianne Feinstein voiced her support for Yellen as well."
Rep. Lee Invites Mother On Food Stamps To Testify Before Paul Ryan
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Singers, Spectators, Tourists Arrested And Threatened By Capitol Police In Wisconsin (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/28/dozens-arrested-in-wisconsin-for-singing-clapping-witnessing-singing-clapping-video/
"Over the past week in Madison, Wisconsin, dozens of citizens have been arrested for singing, for clapping for watching singing and clapping or even for simply being present in the state Capitol Building when someone else was singing or clapping or watching singing or clapping. It’s a situation that can only be described as big brother on steroids."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/28/dozens-arrested-in-wisconsin-for-singing-clapping-witnessing-singing-clapping-video/#ixzz2aNgKIg9B
"Over the past week in Madison, Wisconsin, dozens of citizens have been arrested for singing, for clapping for watching singing and clapping or even for simply being present in the state Capitol Building when someone else was singing or clapping or watching singing or clapping. It’s a situation that can only be described as big brother on steroids."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/28/dozens-arrested-in-wisconsin-for-singing-clapping-witnessing-singing-clapping-video/#ixzz2aNgKIg9B
Ruckelshaus: Prepaid Cards Are 'Not A Good Deal For Workers'
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The United States of... Class War, Inequality, and Poverty | Common Dreams
The United States of... Class War, Inequality, and Poverty | Common Dreams
"According to the report by AP, four out of every five American adults will "struggle with joblessness, near poverty or reliance on welfare for at least parts of their lives" revealing the strained fabric of a national economy which once saw the meteoric rise of the middle class returned to a state where increasing inequality is the norm and class tensions—though often muted for popular discussion—is undermining the prospects for tens of millions."
"According to the report by AP, four out of every five American adults will "struggle with joblessness, near poverty or reliance on welfare for at least parts of their lives" revealing the strained fabric of a national economy which once saw the meteoric rise of the middle class returned to a state where increasing inequality is the norm and class tensions—though often muted for popular discussion—is undermining the prospects for tens of millions."
Saturday, July 27, 2013
The Brief, Tragic Reign of Consumerism—and the Birth of a Happy Alternative | Common Dreams
The Brief, Tragic Reign of Consumerism—and the Birth of a Happy Alternative | Common Dreams
"You and I consume; we are consumers. The global economy is set up to enable us to do what we innately want to do—buy, use, discard, and buy some more. If we do our job well, the economy thrives; if for some reason we fail at our task, the economy falters. The model of economic existence just described is reinforced in the business pages of every newspaper, and in the daily reportage of nearly every broadcast and web-based financial news service, and it has a familiar name: consumerism."
"You and I consume; we are consumers. The global economy is set up to enable us to do what we innately want to do—buy, use, discard, and buy some more. If we do our job well, the economy thrives; if for some reason we fail at our task, the economy falters. The model of economic existence just described is reinforced in the business pages of every newspaper, and in the daily reportage of nearly every broadcast and web-based financial news service, and it has a familiar name: consumerism."
Friday, July 26, 2013
North Carolina Passes the Country's Worst Voter Suppression Law | Common Dreams
North Carolina Passes the Country's Worst Voter Suppression Law | Common Dreams
"The legislation should be a wake-up call for Congress to get serious about resurrecting theVoting Rights Act and passing federal election reform. Six Southern states have passed or implemented new voting restrictions since the Supreme Court’s decision last month invalidating Section 4 of the VRA, which will go down in history as one of the worst rulings in the past century."
"The legislation should be a wake-up call for Congress to get serious about resurrecting theVoting Rights Act and passing federal election reform. Six Southern states have passed or implemented new voting restrictions since the Supreme Court’s decision last month invalidating Section 4 of the VRA, which will go down in history as one of the worst rulings in the past century."
Time to Send the Crony Banksters to Jail
Time to Send the Crony Banksters to Jail
"This morning, in one of the largest insider trading cases in U.S. history, a federal grand jury indicted SAC Capital Advisors, a major hedge fund worth $15 billion dollars, on charges of wire fraud and securities fraud."
"This morning, in one of the largest insider trading cases in U.S. history, a federal grand jury indicted SAC Capital Advisors, a major hedge fund worth $15 billion dollars, on charges of wire fraud and securities fraud."
Private Student Debt Lenders Pressed To Make Repayment Easier
Private Student Debt Lenders Pressed To Make Repayment Easier: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency asked private student lenders to lower payments for those who are unemployed or having a difficult time repaying their loans on Thursday. They also suggested other methods of reducing the pressure on students such as postponing payments or [...]/p
Rick Snyder Gives Congressional Republicans A Road Map To Killing Your Retirement
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/26/rick-snyder-congressional-republicans-road-map-killing-retirement.html
"If any American has any doubts about what Republicans have planned for Social Security, or retirees expecting promised pension and health benefits they paid into throughout their working lives, take a long, hard look at what Rick Snyder and turnaround specialist Kevyn Orr intend doing to pensioners in Detroit because it foreshadows Republicans in Congress intent for Social Security."
"If any American has any doubts about what Republicans have planned for Social Security, or retirees expecting promised pension and health benefits they paid into throughout their working lives, take a long, hard look at what Rick Snyder and turnaround specialist Kevyn Orr intend doing to pensioners in Detroit because it foreshadows Republicans in Congress intent for Social Security."
Bank Reposseses Wrong House, Refuses To Compensate Victim
Bank Reposseses Wrong House, Refuses To Compensate Victim: The story is the latest in a long list of evidence of bank misconduct in foreclosure./p
Darrell Issa's Got a Plan to Put the Postal Service in a Death Spiral | The Nation
Darrell Issa's Got a Plan to Put the Postal Service in a Death Spiral | The Nation
"The corporations that want to carve the USPS up and grab their pieces of America's communications infrastructure are ready to pounce."
"The corporations that want to carve the USPS up and grab their pieces of America's communications infrastructure are ready to pounce."
Ohio Woman Wants Her Stuff Back After Bank Steals From Wrong House
Ohio Woman Wants Her Stuff Back After Bank Steals From Wrong House
"Officials from the bank refused to appear on camera regarding the incident, however, the bank president told 10TV News that the bank is trying to come to terms with Barnett."
"Officials from the bank refused to appear on camera regarding the incident, however, the bank president told 10TV News that the bank is trying to come to terms with Barnett."
Big Bank Pays $885 Million Fine For Mortgage Fraud
Big Bank Pays $885 Million Fine For Mortgage Fraud: Switzerland’s largest bank is the third to settle with U.S. housing authorities, with 15 other firms still fighting mortgage fraud suits./p
Thursday, July 25, 2013
6 Ways Rabid Republicans Are Declaring War On America | Alternet
6 Ways Rabid Republicans Are Declaring War On America | Alternet
"The GOP, the party led by angry white men and libertarian corporatists, is ratcheting up its political warfare against everyday Americans with unmatched brazenness."
"The GOP, the party led by angry white men and libertarian corporatists, is ratcheting up its political warfare against everyday Americans with unmatched brazenness."
Contrary To Right-Wing Media Claims, Middle Class Is Key To Economic Growth
www.mediamatters.org/research/2013/07/25/contrary-to-right-wing-media-claims-middle-clas/195058
"Right-wing media figures have attacked President Obama's "middle out" approach to economic growth, claiming that only a trickle-down model that slashes taxes and regulations will drive economic recovery. However, there is growing consensus that economic prosperity begins with the middle class, which provides a stable consumer base and promotes investment and job growth."
"Right-wing media figures have attacked President Obama's "middle out" approach to economic growth, claiming that only a trickle-down model that slashes taxes and regulations will drive economic recovery. However, there is growing consensus that economic prosperity begins with the middle class, which provides a stable consumer base and promotes investment and job growth."
Right Wing Conspiracy (Including Ginni Thomas) Creating Groundswell For '30-Front War'
Right Wing Conspiracy (Including Ginni Thomas) Creating Groundswell For '30-Front War'
"What makes this group different from other messaging groups are the participants. Ginni Thomas, Allen West, Ted Cruz staffer Max Pappas, Frank Gaffney, True the Vote, Tea Party Patriots, Freedomworks, and many more. I know of no messaging group anywhere ever who has the ear and the bedroom of a sitting United States Supreme Court Justice, but this one has one, and she is one of the leaders of the pack."
"What makes this group different from other messaging groups are the participants. Ginni Thomas, Allen West, Ted Cruz staffer Max Pappas, Frank Gaffney, True the Vote, Tea Party Patriots, Freedomworks, and many more. I know of no messaging group anywhere ever who has the ear and the bedroom of a sitting United States Supreme Court Justice, but this one has one, and she is one of the leaders of the pack."
Sequestration Takes Away Services That Are Proven To Reduce Homelessness
Sequestration Takes Away Services That Are Proven To Reduce Homelessness: Sequestration is already reducing beds in treatment programs and will keep hammering services for the homeless./p
Minimum Wage, The Quiet Stimulus
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The Depressing Tale of How Greedy Financial Titans Crushed Innovation and Destroyed Our Economy | Alternet
The Depressing Tale of How Greedy Financial Titans Crushed Innovation and Destroyed Our Economy | Alternet
"The U.S. used to be the envy of the world when it came to innovation, making things that dazzled the world and enhanced the lives of millions. But the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, a bipartisan think-tank thatranks 36 countries according to innovation-based competitiveness, tells us we’re getting pushed aside on the global innovation stage. In 2009, to the surprise of those conducting the study, the U.S. ranked #4 in innovation, behind Finland, Sweden and Singapore. In 2011, the U.S. ranking was unchanged. Worse, the U.S. ranked second to last in terms of progress over the last decade."
"The U.S. used to be the envy of the world when it came to innovation, making things that dazzled the world and enhanced the lives of millions. But the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, a bipartisan think-tank thatranks 36 countries according to innovation-based competitiveness, tells us we’re getting pushed aside on the global innovation stage. In 2009, to the surprise of those conducting the study, the U.S. ranked #4 in innovation, behind Finland, Sweden and Singapore. In 2011, the U.S. ranking was unchanged. Worse, the U.S. ranked second to last in terms of progress over the last decade."
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Warehouse Workers Moving Walmart Baggage Will Strike Today | The Nation
Warehouse Workers Moving Walmart Baggage Will Strike Today | The Nation
"At 5 am PST today, non-union workers moving Walmart goods at a California warehouse plan to launch a two-day surprise strike in protest of alleged retaliation for exposing safety risks."
"At 5 am PST today, non-union workers moving Walmart goods at a California warehouse plan to launch a two-day surprise strike in protest of alleged retaliation for exposing safety risks."
15 Republicans Who Will Shut The Government Down If They Don’t Get Their Way
15 Republicans Who Will Shut The Government Down If They Don’t Get Their Way: A shutdown would likely cause 800,000 federal employees around the country to be furloughed, disrupting public services even further than sequestration cuts alreadyhave. A shutdown would also freeze many government programs like small business lending and environmental assessments for construction projects, exacerbatingsequestration’s damage to the economy.
Low Wage Workers Rally in National Call to #RaisetheWage | Common Dreams
Low Wage Workers Rally in National Call to #RaisetheWage | Common Dreams
"Currently set at $7.25 an hour, the national wage hasn't had a boost since July 24, 2009 when President George W. Bush increased it from $6.55. Despite skyrocketing costs of living, a full-time worker earning the minimum wage is only making roughly $15,000 per year—far below a living wage in most parts of the country."
"Currently set at $7.25 an hour, the national wage hasn't had a boost since July 24, 2009 when President George W. Bush increased it from $6.55. Despite skyrocketing costs of living, a full-time worker earning the minimum wage is only making roughly $15,000 per year—far below a living wage in most parts of the country."
Right-Wing Media's History Of Attacking The Minimum Wage
www.mediamatters.org/research/2013/07/24/right-wing-medias-history-of-attacking-the-mini/195026
"If The Minimum Wage Reflected Increases In Worker Productivity, It Would Be Nearly $22 Per Hour. Citing a study done by the Center for Economic and Policy Research"
"If The Minimum Wage Reflected Increases In Worker Productivity, It Would Be Nearly $22 Per Hour. Citing a study done by the Center for Economic and Policy Research"
With Voting Rights Act in Shambles, North Carolina Kicks Voter Suppression Into High Gear | Common Dreams
With Voting Rights Act in Shambles, North Carolina Kicks Voter Suppression Into High Gear | Common Dreams
"Limit disclosure requirements for issue ads and calls for a study into eliminating 48-hour campaign finance reporting requirements, further cloaking election spending in secrecy."
"Limit disclosure requirements for issue ads and calls for a study into eliminating 48-hour campaign finance reporting requirements, further cloaking election spending in secrecy."
GOP's Obamacare Attack Plan For August Town Hall Meetings
GOP's Obamacare Attack Plan For August Town Hall Meetings
"I'm fairly sure there are wide swaths of Democratic constituents in these GOP districts, and I encourage everyone to make sure they pay attention to what their representative is doing, and make it a priority to be at those town hall meetings to share their perspectives."
"I'm fairly sure there are wide swaths of Democratic constituents in these GOP districts, and I encourage everyone to make sure they pay attention to what their representative is doing, and make it a priority to be at those town hall meetings to share their perspectives."
The GOP's Plan B to Kill Elizabeth Warren's Consumer Watch Dog
www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/07/gop-plan-b-kill-elizabeth-warrens-consumer-watch-dog
"Last week, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) declared victory when the Senate confirmed Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the consumer watchdog agency that she conceived and helped launch. For years, Republicans had been fighting tooth and nail to kill the infant agency, which is charged with protecting Americans from abusive practices by banks, payday lenders, mortgage-servicing companies, and debt collectors. Originally, the GOP planned to cripple the agency by blocking it from ever getting a director. That didn't work, so now Republicans have to turn to Plan B."
"Last week, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) declared victory when the Senate confirmed Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the consumer watchdog agency that she conceived and helped launch. For years, Republicans had been fighting tooth and nail to kill the infant agency, which is charged with protecting Americans from abusive practices by banks, payday lenders, mortgage-servicing companies, and debt collectors. Originally, the GOP planned to cripple the agency by blocking it from ever getting a director. That didn't work, so now Republicans have to turn to Plan B."
Five Reasons To Raise The Minimum Wage Right Now
Five Reasons To Raise The Minimum Wage Right Now: A higher minimum wage would boost the economy, lift people out of poverty, and help women and people of color./p
Meet the Private Equity Tycoon at the Forefront of America's New Phony Philanthropy | Alternet
Meet the Private Equity Tycoon at the Forefront of America's New Phony Philanthropy | Alternet
"Stephen Schwarzman, the private equity tycoon who cofounded the Blackstone Group, is the face of a new kind of philanthropy. To borrow the language of Silicon Valley and Wall Street, he has “innovated” novel ways in which the rich can give back to themselves, cementing and heightening their power while claiming they’re doing the rest of us a favor. Ostensibly charitable ventures need no longer benefit the disadvantaged at all; they just need to be marketed that way."
"Stephen Schwarzman, the private equity tycoon who cofounded the Blackstone Group, is the face of a new kind of philanthropy. To borrow the language of Silicon Valley and Wall Street, he has “innovated” novel ways in which the rich can give back to themselves, cementing and heightening their power while claiming they’re doing the rest of us a favor. Ostensibly charitable ventures need no longer benefit the disadvantaged at all; they just need to be marketed that way."
Blessed Are the Rich | Common Dreams
Blessed Are the Rich | Common Dreams
"In case you don't dwell in the plutocratic, narcissistic, Ayn Randian fantasyland where the Kochs hang out, "labor mobility" is right-wing psychobabble for social Darwinism. Remove all remnants of America's economic safety net, they coldly theorize (while wallowing in their nests of luxury), and the poor will be "freed" to become billionaires."
"In case you don't dwell in the plutocratic, narcissistic, Ayn Randian fantasyland where the Kochs hang out, "labor mobility" is right-wing psychobabble for social Darwinism. Remove all remnants of America's economic safety net, they coldly theorize (while wallowing in their nests of luxury), and the poor will be "freed" to become billionaires."
11 Reasons to Divest from the Fossil Fuel Industry | Common Dreams
11 Reasons to Divest from the Fossil Fuel Industry | Common Dreams
"There is a robust debate happening in university halls, around religious congregations, and at individual kitchen tables nationwide. The driving question: Should we divest from the fossil fuel industry?"
"There is a robust debate happening in university halls, around religious congregations, and at individual kitchen tables nationwide. The driving question: Should we divest from the fossil fuel industry?"
Big Banks Making A Buck Off Of...A Can Of Soda?
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Tuesday, July 23, 2013
An Economy Working Only for a Few
An Economy Working Only for a Few
"After steady and consistent growth in the 40 years after the New Deal, average wages compared with inflation have been pretty flat in the 40 years since."
"After steady and consistent growth in the 40 years after the New Deal, average wages compared with inflation have been pretty flat in the 40 years since."
High-Frequency Trader Gets Slapped With A Fine For Skewing The Market
High-Frequency Trader Gets Slapped With A Fine For Skewing The Market: A $3.1 million fine for one high-frequency trading firm over price rigging should renew efforts to tax the legal version of the practice./p
House Republicans Ready To Burn The Economy To 'Save' It
House Republicans Ready To Burn The Economy To 'Save' It
"The billionaires are restless, it seems, and perfectly willing to push the Republican party into the nether regions of extremism."
"The billionaires are restless, it seems, and perfectly willing to push the Republican party into the nether regions of extremism."
Banking On Bankruptcy: Emails Suggest Negotiations With Detroit Retirees Were Designed To Fail
Banking On Bankruptcy: Emails Suggest Negotiations With Detroit Retirees Were Designed To Fail: pAttorneys including the man now in charge of Detroit finances considered bankruptcy inevitable before he was appointed./p
The Rich Feel Poor If They Have Less Than $5 Million
The Rich Feel Poor If They Have Less Than $5 Million: Rich investors say that it takes at least $5 million to feel wealthy, according to a new investor sentiment report from UBS. Meanwhile, two-thirds of millionaires don’t consider themselves to be wealthy. They also define being wealthy not as having a certain amount of money, but having “no financial constraints on what they do.” That [...]/p
Detroit's Decline Is a Distinctively Capitalist Failure | Common Dreams
Detroit's Decline Is a Distinctively Capitalist Failure | Common Dreams
"Capitalism as a system ought to be judged by its failures as well as its successes."
"Capitalism as a system ought to be judged by its failures as well as its successes."
ALEC in 2013: Rightwing Legislative Group Fuels Race to the Bottom in Wages and Worker Rights | Common Dreams
ALEC in 2013: Rightwing Legislative Group Fuels Race to the Bottom in Wages and Worker Rights | Common Dreams
"At least 117 bills introduced in 2013 fuel a "race to the bottom" in wages, benefits, and worker rights and resemble "model" bills from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), according to a new analysis by the Center for Media and Democracy (CMD), publishers of ALECexposed.org."
"At least 117 bills introduced in 2013 fuel a "race to the bottom" in wages, benefits, and worker rights and resemble "model" bills from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), according to a new analysis by the Center for Media and Democracy (CMD), publishers of ALECexposed.org."
‘Moral Monday’ Protester Arrests Hit 900
‘Moral Monday’ Protester Arrests Hit 900: Seventy progressive protesters were arrested outside of the North Carolina General Assembly on Monday, bringing the total number of protester arrests during this year’s legislative session in the state to about 900. The protesters were taking part in ‘Moral Monday’ protests — massive demonstrations that have flown largely under the radar of the national press. [...]/p
Monday, July 22, 2013
It’s Not Just The Royals: In The US, Your Parents’ Wealth Determines Your Own
It’s Not Just The Royals: In The US, Your Parents’ Wealth Determines Your Own: Americans may be mocking the royal baby fever gripping the United Kingdom after Kate Middleton gave birth to a son on Monday, but our social structures may be just as fossilized as in the monarchy. American children have very little chance of climbing out of the social class they’re born into, a new study described [...]/p
Bank of America's Recipe for Getting Away with Massive Fraud, Racketeering and Money Laundering | Alternet
Bank of America's Recipe for Getting Away with Massive Fraud, Racketeering and Money Laundering | Alternet
"Inside the hypergluttonous megabank, whose criminal conspiracies we’ll all be paying for until the end of time."
"Inside the hypergluttonous megabank, whose criminal conspiracies we’ll all be paying for until the end of time."
The Insanity of Not Having a Financial Transaction Tax | Common Dreams
The Insanity of Not Having a Financial Transaction Tax | Common Dreams
"Why should the rest of us pay up to 10% on the necessities of life while risky derivative purchases aren't taxed at all?"
"Why should the rest of us pay up to 10% on the necessities of life while risky derivative purchases aren't taxed at all?"
Sunday, July 21, 2013
A Shuffle of Aluminum, but to Banks, Pure Gold
www.nytimes.com/2013/07/21/business/a-shuffle-of-aluminum-but-to-banks-pure-gold.html?hp&_r=0
"the efforts by Goldman and other financial players has cost American consumers more than $5 billion over the last three years, say former industry executives, analysts and consultants."
"the efforts by Goldman and other financial players has cost American consumers more than $5 billion over the last three years, say former industry executives, analysts and consultants."
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Goldman Sachs Has 4,000 Separate Corporate Entities and Other Facts About Multinationals You Might Not Want to Know But Probably Should Anyway | Common Dreams
Goldman Sachs Has 4,000 Separate Corporate Entities and Other Facts About Multinationals You Might Not Want to Know But Probably Should Anyway | Common Dreams
"Seeking to follow the oligarchy's money, the London-based Open Data Institute has collected and mapped corporate data, much of it made public for the first time, showing the complex relationships between multinational companies and their global subsidiaries."
"Seeking to follow the oligarchy's money, the London-based Open Data Institute has collected and mapped corporate data, much of it made public for the first time, showing the complex relationships between multinational companies and their global subsidiaries."
Detroit, A Conservative Utopia?
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McDonald’s Accidentally Served Up Minimum Wage 'McManifesto'
McDonald’s Accidentally Served Up Minimum Wage 'McManifesto'
"But it’s time to ditch the resentment and offer McDonald’s a word of thanks. It has just performed an invaluable service for campaigns like Raise the Minimum Wage, anupcoming July 24 campaign to raise the minimum wage, and petitions like this one by serving up a timely and exhaustively researched brief on their behalf. This new website provides invaluable data for a living-wage “McManifesto"."
"But it’s time to ditch the resentment and offer McDonald’s a word of thanks. It has just performed an invaluable service for campaigns like Raise the Minimum Wage, anupcoming July 24 campaign to raise the minimum wage, and petitions like this one by serving up a timely and exhaustively researched brief on their behalf. This new website provides invaluable data for a living-wage “McManifesto"."
FBI Document—“[DELETED]” Plots To Kill Occupy Leaders “If Deemed Necessary”
www.whowhatwhy.com/2013/06/27/fbi-document-deleted-plots-to-kill-occupy-leaders-if-deemed-necessary/
"Would you be shocked to learn that the FBI apparently knew that some organization, perhaps even a law enforcement agency or private security outfit, had contingency plans to assassinate peaceful protestors in a major American city — and did nothing to intervene?"
"Would you be shocked to learn that the FBI apparently knew that some organization, perhaps even a law enforcement agency or private security outfit, had contingency plans to assassinate peaceful protestors in a major American city — and did nothing to intervene?"
Detroit Is Beta-Test of the GOP Plan To Sell The Federal Government to Corporations
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/20/detroit-beta-test-gop-plan-sell-federal-government-corporations.html
"Republicans have long sought to sell off government assets they claim are prohibitively expensive to private, for-profit enterprises they claim are better equipped to administer them because they will base operations on sound corporate business models. What Detroit is experiencing is the Bain Capital vulture capitalist tactic of taking over a company, leveraging it with debt, declaring bankruptcy, and selling off assets and firing union employees all while turning a profit. Michigan governor Rick Snyder followed Bain’s tactics in appointing his cohort to lead the city, disband the government, and create conditions allowing the emergency manager to declare the city bankrupt to sell off assets allegedly to satisfy creditors."
"Republicans have long sought to sell off government assets they claim are prohibitively expensive to private, for-profit enterprises they claim are better equipped to administer them because they will base operations on sound corporate business models. What Detroit is experiencing is the Bain Capital vulture capitalist tactic of taking over a company, leveraging it with debt, declaring bankruptcy, and selling off assets and firing union employees all while turning a profit. Michigan governor Rick Snyder followed Bain’s tactics in appointing his cohort to lead the city, disband the government, and create conditions allowing the emergency manager to declare the city bankrupt to sell off assets allegedly to satisfy creditors."
"Go Public" — Finally, A Film That Celebrates Public Schools | Alternet
"Go Public" — Finally, A Film That Celebrates Public Schools | Alternet
"In the battle over public education, the corporate foundations and right-wing billionaires who favor privatization, charters, and vouchers have funded and promoted several films, including "Waiting for Superman" and "Won't Back Down," as part of their propaganda campaign. Both view public schools as a total failure, beyond redemption and reform. A new documentary, " Go Public: A Day in the Life of an American School District", is a welcome antidote. "Go Public" celebrates public schools without ignoring their troubles."
"In the battle over public education, the corporate foundations and right-wing billionaires who favor privatization, charters, and vouchers have funded and promoted several films, including "Waiting for Superman" and "Won't Back Down," as part of their propaganda campaign. Both view public schools as a total failure, beyond redemption and reform. A new documentary, " Go Public: A Day in the Life of an American School District", is a welcome antidote. "Go Public" celebrates public schools without ignoring their troubles."
Shocking Things Wall Street Financiers Say Off the Record About Their Bloated, Corrupt Industry | Alternet
Shocking Things Wall Street Financiers Say Off the Record About Their Bloated, Corrupt Industry | Alternet
"Wall Street insiders say that breaking the law, screwing your clients and covering up crimes is a way of life on Wall Street."
"Wall Street insiders say that breaking the law, screwing your clients and covering up crimes is a way of life on Wall Street."
Friday, July 19, 2013
Sorry, Britain: Bain Capital Now Owns the Majority of Your Blood Plasma Supply | Alternet
Sorry, Britain: Bain Capital Now Owns the Majority of Your Blood Plasma Supply | Alternet
"Mitt Romney's private equity company Bain Capital is in the news again, this time for buying the majority of United Kingdom's entire blood plasma supply."
"Mitt Romney's private equity company Bain Capital is in the news again, this time for buying the majority of United Kingdom's entire blood plasma supply."
The Women’s Economic Agenda: A Path to Increased Opportunity and Stronger Economic Growth | Common Dreams
The Women’s Economic Agenda: A Path to Increased Opportunity and Stronger Economic Growth | Common Dreams
"Corporate profits have done well in the lopsided recovery and the stock market is hovering near record highs. Working women and men have been left behind, however, as companies have failed to translate these improvements into robust job growth, rising wages or improvements in the quality of jobs. Income gains since the economy bottomed out in July 2009 have all gone to the top 1 percent of households."
"Corporate profits have done well in the lopsided recovery and the stock market is hovering near record highs. Working women and men have been left behind, however, as companies have failed to translate these improvements into robust job growth, rising wages or improvements in the quality of jobs. Income gains since the economy bottomed out in July 2009 have all gone to the top 1 percent of households."
Don’t Fall for Wal-Mart’s Latest Hypocrisy | Alternet
Don’t Fall for Wal-Mart’s Latest Hypocrisy | Alternet
"While Wal-Mart claims the hike in minimum wage would compromise its ability to create 1,200 D.C. jobs, its competitor Costco disproves the theory that corporations cannot pay livable wages and earn profits. Wal-Mart workers typically earn $8.81 per hour in contrast to the average Costco worker’s $21.96 an hour and most are eligible for benefits."
"While Wal-Mart claims the hike in minimum wage would compromise its ability to create 1,200 D.C. jobs, its competitor Costco disproves the theory that corporations cannot pay livable wages and earn profits. Wal-Mart workers typically earn $8.81 per hour in contrast to the average Costco worker’s $21.96 an hour and most are eligible for benefits."
Report: Grand Jury Convened in California "Campaign Money Laundering" Investigation
www.motherjones.com/mojo/2013/07/grand-jury-california-campaign-money-laundering-schwab
"If prosecutors do move forward, their investigation could shine light on parts of the burgeoning network of conservative "social welfare" outfits that spent hundreds of millions in the last two elections. Under IRS rules, social-welfare groups can engage in political activities so long as that work is not their primary purpose, a loosely enforced rule often interpreted to mean that 49 percent of a group’s spending can go toward political work."
"If prosecutors do move forward, their investigation could shine light on parts of the burgeoning network of conservative "social welfare" outfits that spent hundreds of millions in the last two elections. Under IRS rules, social-welfare groups can engage in political activities so long as that work is not their primary purpose, a loosely enforced rule often interpreted to mean that 49 percent of a group’s spending can go toward political work."
8 Stark Realities of America's Dysfunctional New Economy | Alternet
8 Stark Realities of America's Dysfunctional New Economy | Alternet
"Americans think they are to blame for their economic predicament, but the game is rigged against them."
"Americans think they are to blame for their economic predicament, but the game is rigged against them."
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Woman Gives Kidney, Bank of America Steals House
Woman Gives Kidney, Bank of America Steals House
"You can follow Banking Bad here on Facebook, and follow on Twitter @BankingBad. To sign Banking Bad's petition calling on Bank of America to modify Adrianne's mortgage as promised since 2009, click here."
"You can follow Banking Bad here on Facebook, and follow on Twitter @BankingBad. To sign Banking Bad's petition calling on Bank of America to modify Adrianne's mortgage as promised since 2009, click here."
The Top One Percent Take Home 20 Percent of America’s Income | Economic Policy Institute
The Top One Percent Take Home 20 Percent of America’s Income | Economic Policy Institute
"Economic inequality is one of the most serious challenges we face, and it’s getting worse. As CEOs, executives, financial professionals and others take home more and more, ordinary Americans are taking home less. Today, the top one percent of earners are taking home 20 percent of America’s income."
"Economic inequality is one of the most serious challenges we face, and it’s getting worse. As CEOs, executives, financial professionals and others take home more and more, ordinary Americans are taking home less. Today, the top one percent of earners are taking home 20 percent of America’s income."
California Digging Deeper Into Election Money Laundering
California Digging Deeper Into Election Money Laundering
"Here's an update on the investigation into how right-wing groups laundered $11 million to funnel it into California ballot initiatives that involved taxes and unions. In a nutshell, Koch-fueled nonprofits moved $11 million through a few different 501(c)(4) organizations into California in order to defeat a tax increase Governor Brown put on the ballot, and to weaken unions in the state."
"Here's an update on the investigation into how right-wing groups laundered $11 million to funnel it into California ballot initiatives that involved taxes and unions. In a nutshell, Koch-fueled nonprofits moved $11 million through a few different 501(c)(4) organizations into California in order to defeat a tax increase Governor Brown put on the ballot, and to weaken unions in the state."
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