99% Spring has Sprung: Shareholder Actions Underway Across the County | Common Dreams
"This spring, in coordinated actions across the country, retirees who lost their pensions, families whose homes are underwater, students with impossible debt, the unemployed and underemployed, family farmers, immigrants, vets and more will be knocking on the doors of corporate boardrooms, holding CEOs of major American firms responsible for crashing the economy then turning their backs on their fellow Americans."
Monday, April 30, 2012
Obama talks infrastructure and jobs to Building Trades unions
Obama talks infrastructure and jobs to Building Trades unions
"As he focused on Republican obstructionism before this clearly receptive audience, though, Obama repeatedly noted that infrastructure should not be and has only recently become a partisan issue, pointing to an argument that should stand him in good stead on many fronts during the campaign—his efforts to get beyond partisanship were met by an increase in partisanship from Republicans, so what was he to do? But the key message of this speech is that Obama is not only ready to fight, he's ready to enjoy it."
"As he focused on Republican obstructionism before this clearly receptive audience, though, Obama repeatedly noted that infrastructure should not be and has only recently become a partisan issue, pointing to an argument that should stand him in good stead on many fronts during the campaign—his efforts to get beyond partisanship were met by an increase in partisanship from Republicans, so what was he to do? But the key message of this speech is that Obama is not only ready to fight, he's ready to enjoy it."
Wall Street Banks Coordinate To Fight May Day Protests, Compare Themselves To Elk Hunted By Wolves
Wall Street Banks Coordinate To Fight May Day Protests, Compare Themselves To Elk Hunted By Wolves: Organizers and protesters around the world will come together to commemorate International Workers Day tomorrow, and they are taking on familiar targets. Large protest actions are planned in more than 115 American cities, where activists will continue the anti-Wall Street message started by the 99 Percent Movement last fall. The action will again center in [...]/p
Tea Partiers Who Opposed Bank Bailout Take Campaign Donations From Bailed-Out Banks
Tea Partiers Who Opposed Bank Bailout Take Campaign Donations From Bailed-Out Banks: Tea Party-backed candidates swept into Washington in 2010 on a wave of opposition to bank bailouts. Now that they’re in Washington, however, their campaigns are drowning in campaign cash provided by the very banks that benefited from the Troubled Asset Relief Program. The 10 freshmen Republicans on the House Financial Services Committee who have Tea [...]/p
Talking With Chomsky » Counterpunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
Talking With Chomsky » Counterpunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
"Noam Chomsky has not just been watching the Occupy movement. A veteran of the civil rights, anti-war, and anti-intervention movements of the 1960s through the 1980s, he’s given lectures at Occupy Boston and talked with occupiers across the US. A new publication from theOccupied Media Pamphlet Series brings together several of those lectures, a speech on “occupying foreign policy” and a brief tribute to his friend and co-agitator Howard Zinn."
"Noam Chomsky has not just been watching the Occupy movement. A veteran of the civil rights, anti-war, and anti-intervention movements of the 1960s through the 1980s, he’s given lectures at Occupy Boston and talked with occupiers across the US. A new publication from theOccupied Media Pamphlet Series brings together several of those lectures, a speech on “occupying foreign policy” and a brief tribute to his friend and co-agitator Howard Zinn."
The Implosion of Capitalism
The Implosion of Capitalism
"When civilizations start to die they go insane. Let the ice sheets in the Arctic melt. Let the temperatures rise. Let the air, soil and water be poisoned. Let the forests die. Let the seas be emptied of life. Let one useless war after another be waged. Let the masses be thrust into extreme poverty and left without jobs while the elites, drunk on hedonism, accumulate vast fortunes through exploitation, speculation, fraud and theft."
"When civilizations start to die they go insane. Let the ice sheets in the Arctic melt. Let the temperatures rise. Let the air, soil and water be poisoned. Let the forests die. Let the seas be emptied of life. Let one useless war after another be waged. Let the masses be thrust into extreme poverty and left without jobs while the elites, drunk on hedonism, accumulate vast fortunes through exploitation, speculation, fraud and theft."
On May 1st, Occupy Calls For A General Strike. Will You Be There?
On May 1st, Occupy Calls For A General Strike. Will You Be There?
"Tomorrow, citizens around the world will make a statement by gathering to once again make May 1st the call to action it once was. (You can follow it here.) The NYC Occupy movement has called for a day of "mutual aid" and the day's activities will culminate in the offering of free education:"
"Tomorrow, citizens around the world will make a statement by gathering to once again make May 1st the call to action it once was. (You can follow it here.) The NYC Occupy movement has called for a day of "mutual aid" and the day's activities will culminate in the offering of free education:"
Apple Used Low-Tax States, Foreign Tax Havens To Dodge $2.4 Billion In Taxes Last Year
Apple Used Low-Tax States, Foreign Tax Havens To Dodge $2.4 Billion In Taxes Last Year: Sales of iPhones, iPads, and iPods have made Apple the world’s most profitable technology company — its stock price is hovering around $600 a share, and it is now larger than the rest of the American retail market by itself. Apple often boasts about the number of jobs it has created in the United States; [...]/p
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Banks Working with Police to ‘Identify, Map and Track’ Occupy Protesters | Common Dreams
Banks Working with Police to ‘Identify, Map and Track’ Occupy Protesters | Common Dreams
"The banks from America and overseas are working to “identify, map and track” protesters."
"The banks from America and overseas are working to “identify, map and track” protesters."
10 Constituent Groups Mitt Romney Would Screw Over | | AlterNet
10 Constituent Groups Mitt Romney Would Screw Over | | AlterNet
"Mitt Romney has a resume and an agenda that promises pain for average Americans. He would increase the financial burdens of the poor, reduce the protection of agencies that monitor everything from Wall Street to toxins in foods. He respects only wealth, and consequently, has assembled a program that could be called Trickle-Down on Steroids."
"Mitt Romney has a resume and an agenda that promises pain for average Americans. He would increase the financial burdens of the poor, reduce the protection of agencies that monitor everything from Wall Street to toxins in foods. He respects only wealth, and consequently, has assembled a program that could be called Trickle-Down on Steroids."
Friday, April 27, 2012
Obama To Sign Executive Order To Keep For-Profit Colleges From Defrauding Military Families
Obama To Sign Executive Order To Keep For-Profit Colleges From Defrauding Military Families: President Obama announced today that he will sign an executive order aimed at preventing abuse in a federal program that helps military members, veterans, and their families attend college. Under the new rule, schools will be required to provide information regarding financial aid, loan repayment plans, and credit transfers, practices that will help end abuse [...]/p
Occupy Prepares For May Day: No Work, No School, No Banking | Common Dreams
Occupy Prepares For May Day: No Work, No School, No Banking | Common Dreams
"Occupy Wall Street hopes to capture headlines once again next week with the May 1 "General Strike", long-advertised by the group as an event that will prove to the public and media that OWS is currently experiencing a resurgence."
"Occupy Wall Street hopes to capture headlines once again next week with the May 1 "General Strike", long-advertised by the group as an event that will prove to the public and media that OWS is currently experiencing a resurgence."
Occupying the Farm: A Model of Resistance | Common Dreams
Occupying the Farm: A Model of Resistance | Common Dreams
"Occupying the Farm is a valuable tactical next step for the Occupy Movement, the Food Movement, and all those who care about creating a just, sustainable, and democratic life for our children. Let’s continue to occupy the food system in creative, loving, challenging, and unexpected ways."
"Occupying the Farm is a valuable tactical next step for the Occupy Movement, the Food Movement, and all those who care about creating a just, sustainable, and democratic life for our children. Let’s continue to occupy the food system in creative, loving, challenging, and unexpected ways."
Postal Workers Unions Continue Fight to Stop Massive USPS Cutbacks | Common Dreams
Postal Workers Unions Continue Fight to Stop Massive USPS Cutbacks | Common Dreams
"“Congress created this manufactured crisis..., and Congress must solve this,” declared Sally Davidow, spokeswoman for the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), which has resisted congressional efforts to curtail USPS service and eliminate hundreds of thousands of jobs."
"“Congress created this manufactured crisis..., and Congress must solve this,” declared Sally Davidow, spokeswoman for the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), which has resisted congressional efforts to curtail USPS service and eliminate hundreds of thousands of jobs."
On May Day, Expect Scores of Rallies, Marches, Creative Actions | Activism | AlterNet
On May Day, Expect Scores of Rallies, Marches, Creative Actions | Activism | AlterNet
"A strike, if it actually happens on May 1 or thereafter, may not look like one ever has before."
"A strike, if it actually happens on May 1 or thereafter, may not look like one ever has before."
The Self-Made Myth: Debunking Conservatives' Favorite -- And Most Dangerous -- Fiction | Visions | AlterNet
The Self-Made Myth: Debunking Conservatives' Favorite -- And Most Dangerous -- Fiction | Visions | AlterNet
"The self-made myth is one of the most cherished foundation stones of the conservative theology."
"The self-made myth is one of the most cherished foundation stones of the conservative theology."
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Voters Say K Street and Wall Street in Trouble in 2012
Voters Say K Street and Wall Street in Trouble in 2012
"The big news coming out of the Pennsylvania primaries yesterday is that two of K Street's favorite Capitol Hill Democrats, Tim Holden and Jason Altmire, got upset in races where they had lots more cash than their opponents. The way these races played out should be a big lesson to Democrats who think they can take special interest cash, make pro-special interest votes, and still win elections."
"The big news coming out of the Pennsylvania primaries yesterday is that two of K Street's favorite Capitol Hill Democrats, Tim Holden and Jason Altmire, got upset in races where they had lots more cash than their opponents. The way these races played out should be a big lesson to Democrats who think they can take special interest cash, make pro-special interest votes, and still win elections."
Exxon Makes $104 Million In Profit Per Day So Far In 2012, While Americans Are Stuck With A Higher Gas Bill
Exxon Makes $104 Million In Profit Per Day So Far In 2012, While Americans Are Stuck With A Higher Gas Bill: Last year, ExxonMobil, one of the world’s most profitable companies, earned $1,300 in profits per second. As consumers paid record-high springtime gas prices, Exxon posted first quarter profits of $9.45 billion. This is down slightly from the first quarter of 2011, when Exxon posted $10.65 billion in profits. Exxon benefited from the high price of [...]/p
Prison Industries: "Don't Let Society Improve or We Lose Business"
Prison Industries: "Don't Let Society Improve or We Lose Business"
"One out of every 100 people in the United States is imprisoned. Even though we are 5 percent of the world's population, we have 25 percent of the prisoners in the world. We are number one in the world in the number of people we imprison - we even beat China."
"One out of every 100 people in the United States is imprisoned. Even though we are 5 percent of the world's population, we have 25 percent of the prisoners in the world. We are number one in the world in the number of people we imprison - we even beat China."
Consumers In States Hostile To ACA To Receive Higher Average Rebates Than Residents In States That Support It
Consumers In States Hostile To ACA To Receive Higher Average Rebates Than Residents In States That Support It: By requiring everyone to purchase health insurance coverage in 2014, the Affordable Care Act provides millions of new customers to private health insurers. But the law also guarantees that companies don’t swindle premium dollars away on corporate profits and CEO bonuses. Under the law, insurers have to comply with a new Medical Loss Ratio or [...]/p
Ed Schultz on the USPS: More About The Real Cause of the Postal Crisis
"Republicans want to privatize the Post Office, just like they want to privatize health care, social security and anything else they can think of where they can squeeze an extra buck out of the American public and give them less for their money. Can you spell GREED?"
A lame duck Republican Congress in 2006 passed a mandate that required the Postal Service, over 10 years, to pre-fund healthcare benefits for the next 75. This unique burden costs USPS $5.5 billion a year. No other employer, private or public, is mandated to do pre-funding of that nature. All in the name of privatization.
A Fight Bigger Than ALEC | The Nation
A Fight Bigger Than ALEC | The Nation
"ALEC will survive, of course, kept afloat largely by the billionaire Koch brothers and their corporate allies. But as activists keep up the pressure, they must not lose sight of the worst culprits, who must be identified and targeted: the more than 2,000 legislative members of ALEC. The Center for Media and Democracy maintains a list of lawmakers allied with ALEC at ALECexposed.org."
"ALEC will survive, of course, kept afloat largely by the billionaire Koch brothers and their corporate allies. But as activists keep up the pressure, they must not lose sight of the worst culprits, who must be identified and targeted: the more than 2,000 legislative members of ALEC. The Center for Media and Democracy maintains a list of lawmakers allied with ALEC at ALECexposed.org."
PERRspectives: Romney's "Vision" Blind to Economic History
PERRspectives: Romney's "Vision" Blind to Economic History
"Romney would deliver a massive tax cut windfall for the rich, paying for it by gutting the social safety net each pretends to protect. He would end Medicare as we know it with a premium support gambit that would dramatically shift health care costs to America's seniors. While increasing defense spending, the GOP White House hopeful would repeal the Affordable Care and leave at least 30 million people without insurance. And despite his pledge to end many tax loopholes and deductions to fund their gilded-class giveaway, Mitt Romney doesn't have the courage to say which ones. As a result, Mitt "Cut, Cap and Balance" Romneywould actually add trillions more in red ink to the national debt."
"Romney would deliver a massive tax cut windfall for the rich, paying for it by gutting the social safety net each pretends to protect. He would end Medicare as we know it with a premium support gambit that would dramatically shift health care costs to America's seniors. While increasing defense spending, the GOP White House hopeful would repeal the Affordable Care and leave at least 30 million people without insurance. And despite his pledge to end many tax loopholes and deductions to fund their gilded-class giveaway, Mitt Romney doesn't have the courage to say which ones. As a result, Mitt "Cut, Cap and Balance" Romneywould actually add trillions more in red ink to the national debt."
GOP Targets Safety Net Programs, Financial Regulations To Avoid Defense Cuts
GOP Targets Safety Net Programs, Financial Regulations To Avoid Defense Cuts: Committees in the House are busily marking up legislation to avoid the scheduled cuts that lawmakers approved as part of the 2011 Budget Control Act. Those automatic reductions to domestic and defense spending — agreed to by both parties during the effort to raise the nation’s borrowing limit — will go into effect on January [...]/p
Using ALEC Playbook, Bobby Jindal Radically Reshapes Public Education | | AlterNet
Using ALEC Playbook, Bobby Jindal Radically Reshapes Public Education | | AlterNet
"Jindal’s agenda and the strategy to move it come right from the playbook of conservative advocacy group ALEC, in an effort to revive Jindal’s national political profile."
"Jindal’s agenda and the strategy to move it come right from the playbook of conservative advocacy group ALEC, in an effort to revive Jindal’s national political profile."
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
ALEC and ExxonMobil Push Loopholes in Fracking Chemical Disclosure Rules | Common Dreams
ALEC and ExxonMobil Push Loopholes in Fracking Chemical Disclosure Rules | Common Dreams
"the group recently adopted "model legislation" on fracking chemical disclosure, based on a bill passed in Texas last year. According to The Times, the model bill was "sponsored within ALEC" by ExxonMobil, which runs a major oil and gas operation through its subsidiary, XTO Energy."
"the group recently adopted "model legislation" on fracking chemical disclosure, based on a bill passed in Texas last year. According to The Times, the model bill was "sponsored within ALEC" by ExxonMobil, which runs a major oil and gas operation through its subsidiary, XTO Energy."
GE Annual Meeting Interrupted by 99 Percent Protesters | Common Dreams
GE Annual Meeting Interrupted by 99 Percent Protesters | Common Dreams
"Hundreds of protesters affiliated with the "99 Percent" movement disrupted the start of General Electric Co's annual shareholders' meeting in Detroit on Wednesday, in an attack on the largest U.S. conglomerate's low tax rate."
"Hundreds of protesters affiliated with the "99 Percent" movement disrupted the start of General Electric Co's annual shareholders' meeting in Detroit on Wednesday, in an attack on the largest U.S. conglomerate's low tax rate."
House GOP Would Kick 280,000 Children Off School Lunch Program To Protect Tax Cut For Millionaires
House GOP Would Kick 280,000 Children Off School Lunch Program To Protect Tax Cut For Millionaires: Our guest blogger is Melissa Boteach, director of Half In Ten at the Center for American Progress Action Fund. House Republicans recently proposed cuts to nutrition assistance that will kick 280,000 low-income children off automatic enrollment in the Free School Lunch and Breakfast Program. Those same kids and 1.5 million other people will also lose [...]/p
Wall Street-Inflated Student Debt Bubble Hits $1 Trillion; Debtors Rally for Relief
Wall Street-Inflated Student Debt Bubble Hits $1 Trillion; Debtors Rally for Relief
"The collective weight of American student debt is a drag not just on those paying the debt, but on our entire economy."
"The collective weight of American student debt is a drag not just on those paying the debt, but on our entire economy."
Wall Street Lobbied Hard To Water Down Law On Congressional Insider Trading
Wall Street Lobbied Hard To Water Down Law On Congressional Insider Trading: President Obama signed the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act earlier this month, which was passed after a 60 Minutes investigation revealed that members of Congress were profiting from information they received in their official capacity. House Financial Services Chairman Spencer Bachus (R-AL), for instance, made nearly $30,000 trading on information he received during [...]/p
8 Reasons Why Mitt Romney Is More Right Wing Than George W. Bush
8 Reasons Why Mitt Romney Is More Right Wing Than George W. Bush: During the primary season, Mitt Romney was frequently derided by his Republican opponents as a “Massachusetts Moderate.” This isn’t true. Last week, a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee suggested the policies advanced this year by Mitt Romney and the Republicans would be like the “policies of the Bush administration…just updated.” A close review of [...]/p
Monday, April 23, 2012
How GOP Shenanigans On Rule To Standardize Union Elections Hurt The Middle Class
How GOP Shenanigans On Rule To Standardize Union Elections Hurt The Middle Class: Our guest blogger is Karla Walter, a Senior Policy Analyst with the American Worker Project at the Center for American Progress Action Fund. The Senate is expected to vote tomorrow on whether to block a commonsense rule that creates a standard process for union elections and gives workers a fairer way of choosing whether to [...]/p
Utah Tea Party Adds A Fifth Tenther Extremist To The 2012 U.S. Senate Election
Utah Tea Party Adds A Fifth Tenther Extremist To The 2012 U.S. Senate Election: Most Republicans are smart enough not to openly admit that they think America’s social safety net is unconstitutional, even if they do misunderstand our founding document to prohibit Medicare or Medicaid or Social Security. Instead, the Republican leadership normally placates the most radical parts of their base with vague rhetoric about respecting the Tenth Amendment, [...]/p
Mitt Romney, American Parasite : Information Clearing House
Mitt Romney, American Parasite : Information Clearing House
"Romney has devoted his life to ensuring that every last penny rises to a few hands at the top."
"Romney has devoted his life to ensuring that every last penny rises to a few hands at the top."
Shareholders Say No to Citigroup CEO Pay: A Model for Fighting Crony Capitalism
Shareholders Say No to Citigroup CEO Pay: A Model for Fighting Crony Capitalism
"Last week, the country saw one of the fruits of the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill."
"Last week, the country saw one of the fruits of the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill."
Proctor & Gamble Becomes 13th Company To Drop ALEC
Proctor & Gamble Becomes 13th Company To Drop ALEC: Joining a dozen other major corporations, Proctor & Gamble decided not to rejoin the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) this year, according to a statement from Color Of Change, which launched a campaign against the shadowy right-wing front group behind state laws restricting access to the ballot and “stand your ground” gun laws. The statement: [...]/p
The Man the Banks Fear Most
The Man the Banks Fear Most
"Wall Street's gone largely unpunished for its role in wrecking the economy—until New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman came along."
"Wall Street's gone largely unpunished for its role in wrecking the economy—until New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman came along."
Right-Wing Campaign to Privatize Public Ed Takes Hold in Pennsylvania | | AlterNet
Right-Wing Campaign to Privatize Public Ed Takes Hold in Pennsylvania | | AlterNet
"A nationwide movement to promote school vouchers, funded by a coterie of wealthy corporate and Wall Street donors, has once again made Pennsylvania a battleground state in the fight over privatizing education."
"A nationwide movement to promote school vouchers, funded by a coterie of wealthy corporate and Wall Street donors, has once again made Pennsylvania a battleground state in the fight over privatizing education."
Obamacare will save Medicare $200 billion by 2016
Obamacare will save Medicare $200 billion by 2016
"Here's an inconvenient fact for Mitt Romney and the Republicans"
"Here's an inconvenient fact for Mitt Romney and the Republicans"
North, South, East, and West: Austerity Revolt Felt Across Europe | Common Dreams
North, South, East, and West: Austerity Revolt Felt Across Europe | Common Dreams
Europe’s austerity backlash gains steam in challenge to German-driven program
Europe’s austerity backlash gains steam in challenge to German-driven program
RNC Spokeswoman: Republican Economic Platform Will Be The Bush Program, ‘Just Updated’
RNC Spokeswoman: Republican Economic Platform Will Be The Bush Program, ‘Just Updated’: During an interview last week on The Fernando Espuelas Show, Alexandra Franceschi, Specialty Media Press Secretary of the Republican National Committee, said that the Republican party’s economic platform in 2012 is going to be the same as it was during the Bush years, “just updated”: ESPUELAS: What do you mean by economic security? Regardless of [...]/p
Friday, April 20, 2012
Wells Fargo Insiders Detail Foreclosure Fraud Practices: ‘It’s Exactly Like An Assembly Line’
Wells Fargo Insiders Detail Foreclosure Fraud Practices: ‘It’s Exactly Like An Assembly Line’: That Wells Fargo has fraudulently processed mortgage documents using a process called robo-signing has been evident for nearly two years, since scandal enveloped the mortgage industry in 2010. That it kept doing it even after the scandal broke has been known for months. The practice, at Wells Fargo and other Wall Street banks, has led [...]/p
Thursday, April 19, 2012
House Republicans Serve The Banks By Voting To Repeal Key Anti-Bailout Provision
House Republicans Serve The Banks By Voting To Repeal Key Anti-Bailout Provision: pWhen Republicans first took back the House of Representatives in 2010, the new chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL), said that he feels Washington’s role is to “serve the banks.” And his committee certainly followed through on that directive yesterday, voting to repeal a key provision of the Dodd-Frank financial [...]/p
Threatened, ALEC Sics Right-Wing Bloggers on 'Liberal Media'
Threatened, ALEC Sics Right-Wing Bloggers on 'Liberal Media'
"Just like when one turns on the light in a tenement apartment and the cockroaches go scurrying, ALEC is desperately looking for dark corners to once again hide their presence."
"Just like when one turns on the light in a tenement apartment and the cockroaches go scurrying, ALEC is desperately looking for dark corners to once again hide their presence."
Average Fortune 500 CEO Now Paid 380 Times As Much As The Average Worker
Average Fortune 500 CEO Now Paid 380 Times As Much As The Average Worker: According to the latest edition of the AFL-CIO’s Executive Pay Watch report, the gap between CEO pay and worker pay expanded last year. In 2011, CEOs in the Fortune 500 made an average of $12 million, about 380 times what the average worker makes: The ratio of CEO-to-worker pay between CEOs of the S&P 500 [...]/p
How The Mainstream Media Enables Senate GOP Obstructionism Of The Majority's Will
How The Mainstream Media Enables Senate GOP Obstructionism Of The Majority's Will
"Yesterday, we documented how the conservative media, following the release of a report by the Secretary of the Senate, covered up obstructionism by Senate Republicans in order to cast Democrats as "do-nothing" and "lazy." In fact, Republicans have routinely resorted to filibusters to try to block bills that would have otherwise passed the Senate"
"Yesterday, we documented how the conservative media, following the release of a report by the Secretary of the Senate, covered up obstructionism by Senate Republicans in order to cast Democrats as "do-nothing" and "lazy." In fact, Republicans have routinely resorted to filibusters to try to block bills that would have otherwise passed the Senate"
The Shock Doctrine: Video - : Information Clearing House
The Shock Doctrine: Video - : Information Clearing House
"An investigation of "disaster capitalism", based on Naomi Klein's proposition that neo-liberal capitalism feeds on natural disasters, war and terror to establish its dominance."
"An investigation of "disaster capitalism", based on Naomi Klein's proposition that neo-liberal capitalism feeds on natural disasters, war and terror to establish its dominance."
ALEC Wants You To Pay 750 Percent More For High-Speed Internet | Economy | AlterNet
ALEC Wants You To Pay 750 Percent More For High-Speed Internet | Economy | AlterNet
The corporate front group may change its social policy stance, but it still plans on robbing you blind.
The corporate front group may change its social policy stance, but it still plans on robbing you blind.
What If the Greedy Rich Paid Their Share? 8 Things to Know About Wealth and Poverty in the US | Economy | AlterNet
What If the Greedy Rich Paid Their Share? 8 Things to Know About Wealth and Poverty in the US | Economy | AlterNet
We're far from poor -- we just have a wildly lopsided distribution of wealth that makes us seem poor.
We're far from poor -- we just have a wildly lopsided distribution of wealth that makes us seem poor.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Analysis: Romney’s Plan To End Deductions Falls Far Short Of Paying For His Massive Tax Cut For The Rich
Analysis: Romney’s Plan To End Deductions Falls Far Short Of Paying For His Massive Tax Cut For The Rich: When presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney unveiled his new tax plan in February, he insisted the plan would be deficit neutral even though it provides a 20 percent across-the-board tax cut. By ending tax deductions and closing loopholes for wealthy Americans, Romney said, he would make up for the drain on federal revenues such [...]/p
Right-Wing Media Cover Up Senate Republicans' Obstructionism
Right-Wing Media Cover Up Senate Republicans' Obstructionism
"Following the release of a report on the legislative business conducted by the Senate, conservative media have tried to cover up Republican obstructionism in order to label the Democratic-controlled Senate as "lazy" and "do-nothing."
"Following the release of a report on the legislative business conducted by the Senate, conservative media have tried to cover up Republican obstructionism in order to label the Democratic-controlled Senate as "lazy" and "do-nothing."
Florida Investigation Finds ‘Possible Criminal And Ethical Violations’ By Freshman Republican Congressman
Florida Investigation Finds ‘Possible Criminal And Ethical Violations’ By Freshman Republican Congressman: Investigators at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement identified “possible criminal and ethical violations” by freshman Rep. David Rivera (R-FL). Among these were filing erroneous personal financial reports while a member of the Florida House of Representatives, falsely amending those disclosures after media criticism, and using campaign and government accounts to reimburse his own personal [...]/p
Cantor ‘Puzzled’ That Obama Would Threaten To Veto The Latest GOP Tax Cut For Millionaires
Cantor ‘Puzzled’ That Obama Would Threaten To Veto The Latest GOP Tax Cut For Millionaires: House Republicans this week plan to vote on a bill proposed that Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-WI) that is supposedly aimed at “small businesses,” but in reality would cut taxes for millionaires. Due to its non-existent targeting to actual small businesses, the cut would benefit hedge fund managers, wealthy lawyers, professional sports teams, and Oprah’s [...]/p
The Republican War on Postal Workers
A lame duck Republican Congress in 2006 passed a mandate that required the Postal Service, over 10 years, to pre-fund healthcare benefits for the next 75. This unique burden costs USPS $5.5 billion a year. All in the name of privatization.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Former GM Executive Bob Lutz Slams The GOP’s ‘Pure Fiction, Knee-Jerk’ Hatred Of Electric Cars
Former GM Executive Bob Lutz Slams The GOP’s ‘Pure Fiction, Knee-Jerk’ Hatred Of Electric Cars: GM’s Former Vice Chairman, Bob Lutz, slammed GOP media pundits yesterday for spreading “pure fiction” about the Chevy Volt and other electric vehicles. Conservative commentators — lead by Rush Limbaugh and Fox News — have taken every opportunity to tear down the Chevy Volt, calling it “crappy,” a “Fred Flinstone car,” and an “exploding Obamamobile.” They’ve even called [...]/p
Mitt Romney defends tax return secrecy by falsely claiming he's been as open as President Obama
Mitt Romney defends tax return secrecy by falsely claiming he's been as open as President Obama
"Sorry, Mitt. You're not running against John McCain or John Kerry, and President Obama has released every return since the year 2000, not just two."
"Sorry, Mitt. You're not running against John McCain or John Kerry, and President Obama has released every return since the year 2000, not just two."
On Tax Day, A Reminder That America’s Tax Code Subsidizes The Top 1 Percent
On Tax Day, A Reminder That America’s Tax Code Subsidizes The Top 1 Percent: pToday is Tax Day, the day on which federal and state income tax filings are due for all Americans. The complexity of the tax code makes filing taxes a headache for most individuals, who have to root through the various deductions and credits they may be eligible for. The government spends $1.3 trillion on various [...]/p
Health Care in an Age of American Decline » Counterpunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
Health Care in an Age of American Decline » Counterpunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
"The U.S. has very little to show for its insanely expensive health arrangement. Its per capita costs are twice those of other advanced OECD nations (11). However, it ranks pretty low in health outcomes such as infant mortality and and life expectancy (12)."
"The U.S. has very little to show for its insanely expensive health arrangement. Its per capita costs are twice those of other advanced OECD nations (11). However, it ranks pretty low in health outcomes such as infant mortality and and life expectancy (12)."
Crisis to Suicide: How Many Have to Die Before We Kill the False Religion of Austerity? | Economy | AlterNet
Crisis to Suicide: How Many Have to Die Before We Kill the False Religion of Austerity? | Economy | AlterNet
The rate of people taking their own lives is soaring in Europe at such a clip that the trend has given birth to a new media term: "Suicide by economic crisis."
The rate of people taking their own lives is soaring in Europe at such a clip that the trend has given birth to a new media term: "Suicide by economic crisis."
10 Wildly Depressing Facts About the Gender Wage Gap | Gender | AlterNet
10 Wildly Depressing Facts About the Gender Wage Gap | Gender | AlterNet
If progress continues at its current rate, it will take 45 years to eradicate the wage gap.
If progress continues at its current rate, it will take 45 years to eradicate the wage gap.
Freedom from a Dead-End Life: True Liberty Means Defeating the Right-Wing's Nightmare Vision for America | Economy | AlterNet
Freedom from a Dead-End Life: True Liberty Means Defeating the Right-Wing's Nightmare Vision for America | Economy | AlterNet
"It’s the freedom for companies to screw their workers, pollute, and otherwise operate free of any meaningful regulations to protect the public interest."
"It’s the freedom for companies to screw their workers, pollute, and otherwise operate free of any meaningful regulations to protect the public interest."
Monday, April 16, 2012
Top Ten Tax Facts
Top Ten Tax Facts
"1. The government has collected lessin taxes as a proportion of the economy in the past three years than it has in any three-year period since World War II, and tax rates are at historic lows."
"1. The government has collected lessin taxes as a proportion of the economy in the past three years than it has in any three-year period since World War II, and tax rates are at historic lows."
Arizona Is the "Petri Dish" for Corporate-Influenced Legislature
Arizona Is the "Petri Dish" for Corporate-Influenced Legislature
"Arizona, with 49 out of 90 legislators with membership in the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), is a darling of the bill drafting body and home to several bills modeled on the council's legislation targeting workers' compensation, unions and public education."
"Arizona, with 49 out of 90 legislators with membership in the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), is a darling of the bill drafting body and home to several bills modeled on the council's legislation targeting workers' compensation, unions and public education."
Wealthy Investment Banker: ‘It Is Ridiculous That I Pay Substantially Lower Taxes’ Than Working Americans
Wealthy Investment Banker: ‘It Is Ridiculous That I Pay Substantially Lower Taxes’ Than Working Americans: Today, the Senate is scheduled to hold a vote on the Buffett Rule, the Obama administration’s proposed minimum 30 percent tax on millionaires. Prior to the vote, several wealthy Americans have come forward to offer their support for the rule — and for raising tax rates on the wealthy in general — effectively asking Congress [...]/p
Pothole Nation | Common Dreams
Pothole Nation | Common Dreams
We can thank inequality for America's inadequate -- and increasingly unsafe -- basic infrastructure
Five Reasons Why The Very Rich Have NOT Earned Their Money | Common Dreams
Five Reasons Why The Very Rich Have NOT Earned Their Money | Common Dreams
"The wealthiest Americans believe they've earned their money through hard work and innovation, and that they're the most productive members of society. For the most part they're wrong. As the facts below will show, they're not nearly as productive as middle-class workers. Yet they've taken almost all the new income over the past 30 years."
"The wealthiest Americans believe they've earned their money through hard work and innovation, and that they're the most productive members of society. For the most part they're wrong. As the facts below will show, they're not nearly as productive as middle-class workers. Yet they've taken almost all the new income over the past 30 years."
A Tax Day without The Tea Party | Common Dreams
A Tax Day without The Tea Party | Common Dreams
"Over the past several years, few annual occasions have been more symbolic of the direction of political discussion in our country than Tax Day. This year, the IRS due date bears witness to the impact of the Occupy movement in American politics."
"Over the past several years, few annual occasions have been more symbolic of the direction of political discussion in our country than Tax Day. This year, the IRS due date bears witness to the impact of the Occupy movement in American politics."
Ann Romney welcomes 'attacks' as long as she can milk them for all they're worth
Ann Romney welcomes 'attacks' as long as she can milk them for all they're worth
"She loved it? Being viciously attacked with a factual statement about how she's never had a job, and she loved it? So, in other words, all the foot-stomping and pearl-clutching and salt-smelling and fundraising emails about poor Ann being attacked (with the truth), and all along, she loved it?"
"She loved it? Being viciously attacked with a factual statement about how she's never had a job, and she loved it? So, in other words, all the foot-stomping and pearl-clutching and salt-smelling and fundraising emails about poor Ann being attacked (with the truth), and all along, she loved it?"
The War on Public-Sector Workers
The War on Public-Sector Workers
"However, their targets are not the corporate CEOs pulling down tens of millions of dollars a year in pay and bonuses. Nor is it the Wall Street crew that got incredibly rich inflating the housing bubble and then took government handouts to stay alive through the bust. The targets of these politicians' wrath are school teachers, firefighters, and other public-sector workers."
"However, their targets are not the corporate CEOs pulling down tens of millions of dollars a year in pay and bonuses. Nor is it the Wall Street crew that got incredibly rich inflating the housing bubble and then took government handouts to stay alive through the bust. The targets of these politicians' wrath are school teachers, firefighters, and other public-sector workers."
Six Rigged Rules Corporations Use to Dodge Taxes | The Nation
Six Rigged Rules Corporations Use to Dodge Taxes | The Nation
"As American families rush to complete their annual tax returns, many will have paid more in federal income taxes than some of America’s largest and most profitable corporations. AT&T, Boeing, Citigroup, Duke Energy and Ford collectively reported more than $20 billion of US pre-tax income last year, yet none of them paid a dime in federal income taxes. Instead, they claimed refunds of more than $1.3 billion from the IRS."
"As American families rush to complete their annual tax returns, many will have paid more in federal income taxes than some of America’s largest and most profitable corporations. AT&T, Boeing, Citigroup, Duke Energy and Ford collectively reported more than $20 billion of US pre-tax income last year, yet none of them paid a dime in federal income taxes. Instead, they claimed refunds of more than $1.3 billion from the IRS."
Mitt Romney Tells Rich Donors His Secret Plan To Cut Housing Assistance
Mitt Romney Tells Rich Donors His Secret Plan To Cut Housing Assistance: During comments overheard by an NBC news reporter, Mitt Romney told a crowd at a private fundraiser last night that he might eliminate the Department of Housing and Urban Development, scale back the Department of Education, and eliminate some specific tax provisions. There are all details that he has refused to divulge on the campaign [...]/p
Sunday, April 15, 2012
The contorted contours of Congressional power according to the radical Roberts Court
The contorted contours of Congressional power according to the radical Roberts Court
"Under Justice Thomas' reading of the Commerce and Necessary and Proper power, one could plausibly argue that the individual mandate violates the Constitution. But one would need to gut decades of settled precedent to do so. Such a reading would put in jeopardy our modern national state. Civil rights laws? Sorry no power for that. Environmental laws? Sorry, no power for that. Social Security? No can do. Medicare? Ditto."
"Under Justice Thomas' reading of the Commerce and Necessary and Proper power, one could plausibly argue that the individual mandate violates the Constitution. But one would need to gut decades of settled precedent to do so. Such a reading would put in jeopardy our modern national state. Civil rights laws? Sorry no power for that. Environmental laws? Sorry, no power for that. Social Security? No can do. Medicare? Ditto."
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Union Busting Playbook
"The Communications Workers of America have assembled a Union Busting Playbook. It runs through things workers can expect to face in as their boss tries to block them from organizing a union, from typical talking points to the players in an anti-union campaign, and offers responses so that workers will be prepared in advance."
Friday, April 13, 2012
OWS' 'Spring Awakening' in Central Park Will Kick Off a Season of Activism, Attract New Faces | Activism | AlterNet
OWS' 'Spring Awakening' in Central Park Will Kick Off a Season of Activism, Attract New Faces | Activism | AlterNet
"This Saturday's family-friendly event will draw some new individuals into the movement while also energizing existing Occupiers and facilitating cross-organizational cooperation."
"This Saturday's family-friendly event will draw some new individuals into the movement while also energizing existing Occupiers and facilitating cross-organizational cooperation."
The Rich Are Different from You and Me – They Pay Less Taxes | Common Dreams
The Rich Are Different from You and Me – They Pay Less Taxes | Common Dreams
"To add insult to injury, average taxpayers even help subsidize the private jet travel of the rich."
"To add insult to injury, average taxpayers even help subsidize the private jet travel of the rich."
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Myths And Facts About Oil And Gasoline
Myths And Facts About Oil And Gasoline
"Both mainstream and conservative media outlets have responded to the recent spike in gasoline prices by circulating talking points rooted in politics rather than facts. As a whole, these claims reflect the misconception, perpetuated by the news media, that changes in U.S. energy policy are a major driver of oil and gasoline prices."
"Both mainstream and conservative media outlets have responded to the recent spike in gasoline prices by circulating talking points rooted in politics rather than facts. As a whole, these claims reflect the misconception, perpetuated by the news media, that changes in U.S. energy policy are a major driver of oil and gasoline prices."
Paying Your Boss: How States Are Letting Corporations Pocket Their Workers’ Tax Payments
Paying Your Boss: How States Are Letting Corporations Pocket Their Workers’ Tax Payments: According to a new report by Good Jobs First, an organization that promotes accountability in economic development, a growing number of companies are collecting their workers’ income tax payments and keeping them, with the approval of state governments. Instead of having their taxes go to pay for public services like schools or roads, these workers [...]/p
Pro-Oil Outside Groups Spend More Than $16 Million On Energy Attack Ads Since January
Pro-Oil Outside Groups Spend More Than $16 Million On Energy Attack Ads Since January: A handful of outside groups, fueled by oil and coal dollars, are committing tens of millions to propel Big Oil to the forefront of the 2012 elections — outspending the Obama campaign on political energy ads by an overwhelming amount. In the first three-and-a-half months of 2012, groups including Americans for Prosperity, American Petroleum Institute, Crossroads [...]/p
Wealth Defense Industry: The Real Reason America's Oligarchs Can Squeeze the Rest of Us | News & Politics | AlterNet
Wealth Defense Industry: The Real Reason America's Oligarchs Can Squeeze the Rest of Us | News & Politics | AlterNet
"In 2005, Citigroup offered its high net-worth clients in the United States a concise statement of the threats they and their money faced.
"In 2005, Citigroup offered its high net-worth clients in the United States a concise statement of the threats they and their money faced.
The report told them they were the leaders of a “plutonomy,” an economy driven by the spending of its ultra-rich citizens. “At the heart of plutonomy is income inequality,” which is made possible by “capitalist-friendly governments and tax regimes.”
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
If the Other Shoe Drops, I Want Medicare | Common Dreams
If the Other Shoe Drops, I Want Medicare | Common Dreams
"Medicare for all, for life is not an impossible dream. Support the American Health Security Act of 2011, S915/HR1200, and ask your elected officials to do the same. We can do better for one another. And we must."
"Medicare for all, for life is not an impossible dream. Support the American Health Security Act of 2011, S915/HR1200, and ask your elected officials to do the same. We can do better for one another. And we must."
Oil Speculator Bankrolls Latest Karl Rove Attack Ad
Oil Speculator Bankrolls Latest Karl Rove Attack Ad
"The latest anti-Obama ad, which blames Obama for rising gas prices, is being financed in part by a hedge fund manager who has pumped up the price of oil through excessive speculation."
"The latest anti-Obama ad, which blames Obama for rising gas prices, is being financed in part by a hedge fund manager who has pumped up the price of oil through excessive speculation."
Bush Tax Cuts Leave Stinging Legacy
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
EXCLUSIVE: Shareholders Call On Companies To Disclose ALEC Ties
EXCLUSIVE: Shareholders Call On Companies To Disclose ALEC Ties: The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) faces a run on its membership as Kraft, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Intuit, the Gates Foundation and, as of yesterday, McDonald’s broke ties with the conservative organization. While some companies are refusing to distance themselves from ALEC’s involvement in Voter ID legislation and support for the “stand your ground” laws that [...]/p
Taxing Wall Street Speculation
Taxing Wall Street Speculation
"There's another, better way to go after the 1 percent than the Obama administration's proposed "Buffett rule."
"There's another, better way to go after the 1 percent than the Obama administration's proposed "Buffett rule."
Why It Will Be Hard For Romney To Claim That Obama Is Waging A War On Women
Why It Will Be Hard For Romney To Claim That Obama Is Waging A War On Women: As part of Mitt Romney’s ongoing attempt to project all of his weakness onto President Obama, the presumed GOP nominee is accusing his general election opponent of waging a “war on women.” Democrats have used the same charge to highlight Republicans’ systematic attacks on women’s rights, but Romney flipped the claim at a rally last [...]/p
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Group Mobilizing Big Anti-Fracking 'Earthquake' | Common Dreams
Group Mobilizing Big Anti-Fracking 'Earthquake' | Common Dreams
"If we stay silent, special interests will win; if we speak out together we have a chance."
Top 10 Koch Facts | AlterNet
Top 10 Koch Facts | AlterNet
"Everyone seems to be investigating Charles and David Koch lately, with exposés of their corrupt political behavior popping up in places like the New Yorker,AlterNet, ThinkProgress, and Brave New Foundation’s film Koch Brothers Exposed."
"Everyone seems to be investigating Charles and David Koch lately, with exposés of their corrupt political behavior popping up in places like the New Yorker,AlterNet, ThinkProgress, and Brave New Foundation’s film Koch Brothers Exposed."
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, McDonald's Drop Support of ALEC | Common Dreams
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, McDonald's Drop Support of ALEC | Common Dreams
Activists continue push for sponsors to drop "corporate leviathan"
Paul Ryan Cites Catholic Social Teaching To Defend Budget That Ignores It
Paul Ryan Cites Catholic Social Teaching To Defend Budget That Ignores It: When House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) released his latest “Path to Prosperity” budget last month, it was immediately admonished as an “immoral disaster” that “robs the poor” by Catholic religious leaders. That echoed the backlash Ryan received last year, but it hasn’t stopped him from attempting to use Catholic social teaching to support [...]/p
Gates Foundation Announces It Will Withdraw Funding From ALEC
Gates Foundation Announces It Will Withdraw Funding From ALEC
"Good news indeed, as the movement to defund the American Legislative Exchange Council gathers momentum. Too bad we couldn't pull this off before ALEC managed to impose its toxic legislative agenda on so many Republican-controlled states, but at least we're doing it now. Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to stop this gang of corporate thugs."
"Good news indeed, as the movement to defund the American Legislative Exchange Council gathers momentum. Too bad we couldn't pull this off before ALEC managed to impose its toxic legislative agenda on so many Republican-controlled states, but at least we're doing it now. Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to stop this gang of corporate thugs."
ALEC Iowa Rep. Says ‘Nuts To You’ To Critics Of Right-Wing Voter Suppression Group
ALEC Iowa Rep. Says ‘Nuts To You’ To Critics Of Right-Wing Voter Suppression Group: Iowa Republican State Rep. Ralph Watts is a proud member of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). And amid the rapidly growing national backlash against the corporate-funded conservative advocacy group, Watts is doubling down on that support. Last week, Progress Iowa asked Hawkeye State legislators to cut ties to ALEC in light of its work [...]/p
The "Suicidal State" and the War on Youth
The "Suicidal State" and the War on Youth
"In spite of being discredited by the economic recession of 2008, market fundamentalism has once again assumed primacy as a dominant force for producing unprecedented inequalities in wealth and income, runaway environmental devastation, egregious amounts of human suffering and what Alex Honneth has called an "abyss of failed sociality."(1) The Gilded Age is back with big profits for the ultra-rich and large financial institutions and increasing impoverishment and misery for the middle and working class."
"In spite of being discredited by the economic recession of 2008, market fundamentalism has once again assumed primacy as a dominant force for producing unprecedented inequalities in wealth and income, runaway environmental devastation, egregious amounts of human suffering and what Alex Honneth has called an "abyss of failed sociality."(1) The Gilded Age is back with big profits for the ultra-rich and large financial institutions and increasing impoverishment and misery for the middle and working class."
Monday, April 9, 2012
26 Major Corporations Paid No Corporate Income Tax For The Last Four Years, Despite Making Billions In Profits
26 Major Corporations Paid No Corporate Income Tax For The Last Four Years, Despite Making Billions In Profits: pLast year, Citizens for Tax Justice found that 30 major corporations had made billions of dollars in profits while paying no federal income tax between 2008 and 2010. Today, CTJ updated that report to reflect the 2011 tax bill of those 30 companies, and 26 of them have still managed to pay absolutely nothing over [...]/p
Wisconsin State Senator Says Women Are Paid Less Because ‘Money is More Important For Men’
Wisconsin State Senator Says Women Are Paid Less Because ‘Money is More Important For Men’: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) quietly repealed his state’s equal pay law last week, a decision that will make it harder for victims of wage discrimination to sue for lost earnings and back wages. The law was enacted primarily to address the massive pay gap that exists between male and female workers, which is even [...]/p
The Science of Fox News: Why Its Viewers are the Most Misinformed | Media | AlterNet
The Science of Fox News: Why Its Viewers are the Most Misinformed | Media | AlterNet
"The surveys also find that those who watch Fox are more likely to be misinformed, their views of reality skewed in a right-wing direction. In some cases, the studies even show that watching more Fox makes the misinformation problem worse."
"The surveys also find that those who watch Fox are more likely to be misinformed, their views of reality skewed in a right-wing direction. In some cases, the studies even show that watching more Fox makes the misinformation problem worse."
Major Bank CEO Slams Wall Street For Paying Big Bonuses And Fighting New Regulations
Major Bank CEO Slams Wall Street For Paying Big Bonuses And Fighting New Regulations: Ever since the Dodd-Frank financial reform law was signed by President Obama in 2010, the financial industry has been trying to delay, change, and otherwise obstruct it, claiming that its costs are too high or that it puts U.S. banks at a competitive disadvantage. One of the highest profile targets has been the Volcker rule, [...]/p
The Real Health Care Debate | Common Dreams
The Real Health Care Debate | Common Dreams
"Medical bills already lead to 62 percent of personal bankruptcies, and nearly 80 percent of those declaring personal bankruptcy because of medical costs had insurance. The U.S. spends twice as much per capita on health care as other industrialized nations, $8,160. Private insurance bureaucracy and paperwork consume 31 percent of every health care dollar. Streamlining payment through a single, nonprofit payer would save more than $400 billion per year, enough, the PNHP estimates, to provide comprehensive, high-quality coverage for all Americans."
"Medical bills already lead to 62 percent of personal bankruptcies, and nearly 80 percent of those declaring personal bankruptcy because of medical costs had insurance. The U.S. spends twice as much per capita on health care as other industrialized nations, $8,160. Private insurance bureaucracy and paperwork consume 31 percent of every health care dollar. Streamlining payment through a single, nonprofit payer would save more than $400 billion per year, enough, the PNHP estimates, to provide comprehensive, high-quality coverage for all Americans."
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Local Media Fail To Cover Climate Denial, ALEC Link
Local Media Fail To Cover Climate Denial, ALEC Link
"ALEC "Exists To Bring Business-Friendly State Lawmakers Together With Lobbyists For Corporations."
"ALEC "Exists To Bring Business-Friendly State Lawmakers Together With Lobbyists For Corporations."
Single Payer Doctor Carol Paris Packs It Up | Common Dreams
Single Payer Doctor Carol Paris Packs It Up | Common Dreams
"Dr. Carol Paris is a psychiatrist. She’s practiced for 13 years in southern Maryland. And she’s fought hard for a single payer system"
"Dr. Carol Paris is a psychiatrist. She’s practiced for 13 years in southern Maryland. And she’s fought hard for a single payer system"
Corporations Flee Right-Wing ALEC: Yet Another Win for Progressives | Activism | AlterNet
Corporations Flee Right-Wing ALEC: Yet Another Win for Progressives | Activism | AlterNet
"Recently there have been several instances in which the public spoke out loud enough that a major organization or company had to back down, David and Goliath-style."
"Recently there have been several instances in which the public spoke out loud enough that a major organization or company had to back down, David and Goliath-style."
Friday, April 6, 2012
Intuit, Kraft pull support of ALEC
Intuit, Kraft pull support of ALEC
"Now that the real political agenda of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is becoming publicized, companies who've been members and financial supporters of the group are thinking twice about being associated with it."
"Now that the real political agenda of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is becoming publicized, companies who've been members and financial supporters of the group are thinking twice about being associated with it."
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker Overturns Law Meant To Prevent Pay Discrimination Against Women
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker Overturns Law Meant To Prevent Pay Discrimination Against Women: pWisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) quietly signed a bill last night that repeals a law that gave women and others more power to challenge wage discrimination. The Equal Pay Enforcement Act, passed in 2009, gave employers more power to press charges against employers to challenge unfair pay practices, allowing people to plead their case in [...]/p
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Students and parents from New York to Seattle are fighting corporate education reform agenda
Students and parents from New York to Seattle are fighting corporate education reform agenda
"Kids and parents don't have the money to put into their protests that the corporate reformers have to put into the agenda being protested. But at least they're speaking in their own voices, not trying to claim to speak for someone else to cover up a profit motive."
"Kids and parents don't have the money to put into their protests that the corporate reformers have to put into the agenda being protested. But at least they're speaking in their own voices, not trying to claim to speak for someone else to cover up a profit motive."
Bankers Form Super PAC: A New Vortex of Evil Opens in Fabric of the Universe | AlterNet
Bankers Form Super PAC: A New Vortex of Evil Opens in Fabric of the Universe | AlterNet
"Congress isn't afraid of bankers," adds Roger Beverage, the president and CEO of the Oklahoma Bankers Association. "They don't think we'll do anything to kick them out of office. We are trying to change that perception."
"Congress isn't afraid of bankers," adds Roger Beverage, the president and CEO of the Oklahoma Bankers Association. "They don't think we'll do anything to kick them out of office. We are trying to change that perception."
How Exxon Mobil Finances The Republican Party
How Exxon Mobil Finances The Republican Party: The Senate minority who last week blocked a vote on ending Big Oil subsidies received more than four times the oil and gas contributions than the 51 senators voting to end them. Exxon Mobil, the world’s most profitable corporation, has helped preserve these and other loopholes for oil and gas by building a Washington force [...]/p
Banks More Likely To Let Foreclosed Homes Fall Apart In Black, Latino Neighborhoods
Banks More Likely To Let Foreclosed Homes Fall Apart In Black, Latino Neighborhoods: Foreclosed homes in predominately white neighborhoods are more likely to be maintained by the banks that own them than homes in predominately African-American and Latino communities, according to a report released by the National Fair Housing Alliance. Failure to keep up foreclosed homes can drive down home prices, lead to higher crime and vagrancy rates, [...]/p
The Regulation Killers » Counterpunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
The Regulation Killers » Counterpunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
"The Republican Party has a sense of humor, however inadvertently. It’s ardent advocates regularly accuse the Obama Administration of heavy handed regulation of business."
"The Republican Party has a sense of humor, however inadvertently. It’s ardent advocates regularly accuse the Obama Administration of heavy handed regulation of business."
A Bunch Of People On A Rooftop With A Very Strong Message
Hundreds of Angelenos unite to oppose "Citizens United vs FEC" - the 2010 Supreme Court decision that allowed corporations to make unlimited/undisclosed political contributions. Join our call for real campaign finance reform. Please share this video and Like "Stop Citizens United" on fb to help spread the word: http://facebook.com/StopCitizensUnited
Report: 15 Million Would Have Received $2 Billion In Rebates If ACA Provisions Were Enacted In 2010
Report: 15 Million Would Have Received $2 Billion In Rebates If ACA Provisions Were Enacted In 2010: About $2 billion in health insurance rebates would have been issued to over 15 million American consumers if the Affordable Care Act’s new medical loss ratio (MLR) rules had been in effect in 2010, a new study from The Commonwealth Fund reveals. The MLR rules, which were enacted in 2011, require a minimum percentage — [...]/p
Finance Expert: Oil Price Increase Is Being Driven By ‘Gamblers Wearing Wall Street Suits’
Finance Expert: Oil Price Increase Is Being Driven By ‘Gamblers Wearing Wall Street Suits’: Republicans have been trying to pin the blame for the recent rise in oil prices on President Obama, relying on the false claim that if Obama just allowed more drilling for oil on U.S. lands, prices would magically decline. Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) has “instructed fellow Republicans to embrace the gas-pump anger” [...]/p
Deciphering Right-Wing Code: What Conservatives Are Really Saying When They Seem to Spew Nonsense | Visions | AlterNet
Deciphering Right-Wing Code: What Conservatives Are Really Saying When They Seem to Spew Nonsense | Visions | AlterNet
"Whether the proposals will be to revoke their charters, close campuses, or sell off their facilities to for-profit colleges, you can bet that ALEC already has the bills in the can, and will be introducing them in state legislatures presently."
"Whether the proposals will be to revoke their charters, close campuses, or sell off their facilities to for-profit colleges, you can bet that ALEC already has the bills in the can, and will be introducing them in state legislatures presently."
Capitalism's Dirty Secret: Corporations Don't Create Jobs, They Destroy Them | Economy | AlterNet
Capitalism's Dirty Secret: Corporations Don't Create Jobs, They Destroy Them | Economy | AlterNet
"For the last four decades, U.S. corporations have been sinking our economy through the off-shoring of jobs, the squeezing of wages, and a magician’s hat full of bluffs and tricks designed to extort subsidies and sweetheart deals from local and state governments that often result in mass layoffs and empty treasuries."
"For the last four decades, U.S. corporations have been sinking our economy through the off-shoring of jobs, the squeezing of wages, and a magician’s hat full of bluffs and tricks designed to extort subsidies and sweetheart deals from local and state governments that often result in mass layoffs and empty treasuries."
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
BofA Up To Old Tricks: Peddling Falsified Debt Documents To Collection Firms
BofA Up To Old Tricks: Peddling Falsified Debt Documents To Collection Firms
"Yes, just as Bank of America did with its mortgage documentation, they simply made it up as they went along. The problem we have here is that, just as they did with the fake mortgage papers, some judges are accepting these lying affidavits as original source documents — which they're obviously not."
"Yes, just as Bank of America did with its mortgage documentation, they simply made it up as they went along. The problem we have here is that, just as they did with the fake mortgage papers, some judges are accepting these lying affidavits as original source documents — which they're obviously not."
Wisconsin Gov. Walker: 'Collective bargaining is not a right.' Actually, Scott, it is.
Wisconsin Gov. Walker: 'Collective bargaining is not a right.' Actually, Scott, it is.
"First of all, let's get one thing straight: union members are hardworking taxpayers. But beyond that, Walker has said this before, which means he's had the opportunity to learn that he is factually wrong."
"First of all, let's get one thing straight: union members are hardworking taxpayers. But beyond that, Walker has said this before, which means he's had the opportunity to learn that he is factually wrong."
Progressive Movement Compels Coca-Cola To Pull Support From ALEC Over Voter Suppression Efforts
Progressive Movement Compels Coca-Cola To Pull Support From ALEC Over Voter Suppression Efforts: pPrompted by a petition campaign by the progressive advocacy group Color of Change, Coca-Cola has pulled its support from ALEC, a right-wing corporate-funded front group which has been pushing voter restriction efforts around the country. The company released this statement moments ago: The Coca-Cola Company has elected to discontinue its membership with the American Legislative [...]/p
American Rights At Work Launches 'Union Shop' Website to Spotlight Union-Made Products
American Rights At Work Launches 'Union Shop' Website to Spotlight Union-Made Products
"Labor group American Rights at Work launched a new website this week, "Union Made," designed to spotlight products made by unionized companies."
"Labor group American Rights at Work launched a new website this week, "Union Made," designed to spotlight products made by unionized companies."
California Students Pepper-Sprayed While Protesting Tuition Hikes Caused By Budget Cuts
California Students Pepper-Sprayed While Protesting Tuition Hikes Caused By Budget Cuts: Santa Monica College, a public community college in California, has been so strained by cuts to state education funding that it has had to turn away students, increase tuition, and charge higher fees for classes. The school recently announced a plan to raise prices on its most popular courses, creating an unequal, two-track cost system [...]/p
Whose Corporations? Our Corporations! | Economy | AlterNet
Whose Corporations? Our Corporations! | Economy | AlterNet
"Corporations are not working for the 99 percent. But this wasn’t always the case."
"Corporations are not working for the 99 percent. But this wasn’t always the case."
Santa Monica Student Protesters Pepper-Sprayed on Campus | Common Dreams
Santa Monica Student Protesters Pepper-Sprayed on Campus | Common Dreams
30 people, including a 4-year-old, were sprayed outside trustees meeting
Black Cop Shot 28 Times by White Cops Charged With Attempted Murder. Really. | Common Dreams
Black Cop Shot 28 Times by White Cops Charged With Attempted Murder. Really. | Common Dreams
"An incredible - and grossly under-reported - story out of Chicago"
"An incredible - and grossly under-reported - story out of Chicago"
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Auto sales up again. Count on Mitt Romney to say it was all his idea
Auto sales up again. Count on Mitt Romney to say it was all his idea
"What it comes down to is that Romney would have been happy to let the ailing U.S. auto industry go out of business, costing a million jobs or more. And now that the industry is back on its feet, he would be happy to screw the taxpayers out of billions."
"What it comes down to is that Romney would have been happy to let the ailing U.S. auto industry go out of business, costing a million jobs or more. And now that the industry is back on its feet, he would be happy to screw the taxpayers out of billions."
Here’s What An ‘Extraction Economy’ Looks Like
Here’s What An ‘Extraction Economy’ Looks Like: pJ. Henry Fair is a photographer who snaps beautiful and unsettling images of industrial scars. I was recently turned onto this work, and stumbled upon a TED talk he gave last fall in Berlin on the impact of energy extraction on the environment. At a time when many American politicians are stepping up rhetoric in [...]/p
What Will Occupy Do In The 2012 Election?
What Will Occupy Do In The 2012 Election?: p“Should Occupy get involved in electoral politics?” was the question that kicked off a panel today on “Occupy and electoral politics,” part of a national Occupy forum happening in DC all this week. No, seemed to the short answer from most of the speakers and attendees here. And while any Occupier will say no one [...]/p
80 Protesters Arrested During ‘One Of The First’ Occupy Actions Of 2012
80 Protesters Arrested During ‘One Of The First’ Occupy Actions Of 2012: p80 Occupy Wall Street protesters were arrested in San Francisco yesterday, during what New York Magazine called “one of the first real occupations of 2012,” after they took over a building belonging to the city Archdiocese. The Nation’s Allison Kilkenny reported that “police in riot gear stormed the two-story building Monday afternoon after breaking through [...]/p
PERRspectives: Romney-Ryan Plan is the Real 2012 Republican Platform
PERRspectives: Romney-Ryan Plan is the Real 2012 Republican Platform
Here, then, is an overview of the Romney-Ryan Plan, also known as the 2012 Republican Platform.
Here, then, is an overview of the Romney-Ryan Plan, also known as the 2012 Republican Platform.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Undercover Study Finds That Financial Advisers Put Profits Ahead Of Their Clients
Undercover Study Finds That Financial Advisers Put Profits Ahead Of Their Clients: Former Goldman Sachs trader Greg Smith publicly resigned three weeks ago, decrying the firm’s “toxic and destructive” culture in a scathing New York Times editorial. But it isn’t just traders at America’s biggest investment bank that view their clients as “muppets,” at least according to a new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research. [...]/p
All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace Part 1
Terrific BBC doc from Adam Curtis,documentary film maker.
Supreme Court OK's Strip Searching for Minor Offenses | AlterNet
Supreme Court OK's Strip Searching for Minor Offenses | AlterNet
"Some potential offenses for which you might be strip-searched, according to Breyer: violating a leash law, failing to pay child support, or driving without a license. And it probably goes without saying that protest-related arrests would count. And since the point of strip-searching is to hunt down "contraband" it's pretty clear that drug-related arrests (including the many from racist stop-and-frisk policies) would count as well."
"Some potential offenses for which you might be strip-searched, according to Breyer: violating a leash law, failing to pay child support, or driving without a license. And it probably goes without saying that protest-related arrests would count. And since the point of strip-searching is to hunt down "contraband" it's pretty clear that drug-related arrests (including the many from racist stop-and-frisk policies) would count as well."
How American Corporations Transformed from Producers to Predators | Economy | AlterNet
How American Corporations Transformed from Producers to Predators | Economy | AlterNet
"Over the last 30 years, corporations have turned on the 99 percent. Here's how it happened and how to fight back."
"Over the last 30 years, corporations have turned on the 99 percent. Here's how it happened and how to fight back."
Five Preposterous, Persistent Conservative Myths | Common Dreams
Five Preposterous, Persistent Conservative Myths | Common Dreams
"With the mainstream media in the hands of the mostly conservative wealthy, it's difficult for average Americans to learn the truth about critical issues. The following five conservative claims are examples of mythical beliefs that fall apart in the presence of inconvenient facts:"
"With the mainstream media in the hands of the mostly conservative wealthy, it's difficult for average Americans to learn the truth about critical issues. The following five conservative claims are examples of mythical beliefs that fall apart in the presence of inconvenient facts:"
The 99 Percent Spring: The People Are Not Powerless | Common Dreams
The 99 Percent Spring: The People Are Not Powerless | Common Dreams
"In the coming weeks, millions of Americans will take to the streets as part of the "99 percent spring," echoing last year's "Arab Spring."
"In the coming weeks, millions of Americans will take to the streets as part of the "99 percent spring," echoing last year's "Arab Spring."
At the root of this discontent are the extreme inequalities of income, wealth, and opportunity that have emerged over the last four decades."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)