PERRspectives: Boehner Misleadingly Claims Tax Revenue at a Record High
"Back in 2010, Ohio Rep. John Boehner defied recent history and basic math when he comically denied that the Bush tax cuts enacted in 2001 and 2003 played any role in producing federal budget deficits ever since. Now in his refusal to countenance any new tax revenue in a last minute compromise to avoid the job-killing sequester, Speaker Boehner is peddling a new deception. Pretending to ignore inflation, population growth and the expansion of the American economy, Boehner is now claiming federal tax revenue is at a record high."
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Occupy Group Sues Government To Speed Up Rule Reining In Wall Street
Occupy Group Sues Government To Speed Up Rule Reining In Wall Street: The Volcker Rule — a part of the Dodd-Frank financial reform law that is meant to rein in risky bank trading — is on the verge of being delayed, again, as regulators squabble over its exact parameters. Wall Street banks and congressional Republicans, after successfully watering down the Volcker Rule when Dodd-Frank was being debated, [...]/p
The Neo-Confederate Supreme Court Gearing Up to Restore White Rule Over America | Alternet
The Neo-Confederate Supreme Court Gearing Up to Restore White Rule Over America | Alternet
"If the GOP can’t rig future elections to give greater weight to white votes and less value to the votes of blacks, Hispanics, Asian-Americans and urban white youth (who accept the nation’s new multiculturalism), then the right-wing cause will almost surely be lost."
"If the GOP can’t rig future elections to give greater weight to white votes and less value to the votes of blacks, Hispanics, Asian-Americans and urban white youth (who accept the nation’s new multiculturalism), then the right-wing cause will almost surely be lost."
Contrary To GOP Rhetoric, Low-Tax States Have Worse Economic Growth
Contrary To GOP Rhetoric, Low-Tax States Have Worse Economic Growth: Republicans love to claim that low-tax states such as Texas enjoy a disproportionate amount of economic success, while higher-tax states like California are economic basket cases. Republican governors in several states are using that rationale to propose gutting their state income taxes (and, in many instances, replacing them with regressive sales taxes). But a new [...]/p
GOP Economic Sabotage Strikes Again with Sequestration | Economic Policy Institute
GOP Economic Sabotage Strikes Again with Sequestration | Economic Policy Institute
"And should sequestration take effect, this would not be an isolated case of economic policy malpractice: Congressional Republicans have consistently hamstrung efforts that economists overwhelmingly agree would have meaningfully helped lower the unemployment rate and instead advanced policies projected to decelerate near-term growth."
"And should sequestration take effect, this would not be an isolated case of economic policy malpractice: Congressional Republicans have consistently hamstrung efforts that economists overwhelmingly agree would have meaningfully helped lower the unemployment rate and instead advanced policies projected to decelerate near-term growth."
Since 2011, 105 Wage Supression Bills Have Been Introduced In State Legislatures
Since 2011, 105 Wage Supression Bills Have Been Introduced In State Legislatures: During his State of the Union address, President Obama called for raising the minimum wage to $9 per hour. Some Congressional Democrats have called to increase it all the way up to $10.10 (getting it close to the buying power it had in the 1960s). But at the state level, conservative lawmakers are trying to [...]/p
If Government “Acted Like a Business” It Would Reject Today’s Deficit Madness | Common Dreams
If Government “Acted Like a Business” It Would Reject Today’s Deficit Madness | Common Dreams
"The pro-corporate, anti-majority political class is sustaining itself with a lot of self-serving myths these days. Guess you need to do that when you’re dismantling the social contract. In the closed society that is Insider Washington, rites and mythologies are used to promote the otherwise-indefensible: the cruel irrationality of Austerity Economics."
"The pro-corporate, anti-majority political class is sustaining itself with a lot of self-serving myths these days. Guess you need to do that when you’re dismantling the social contract. In the closed society that is Insider Washington, rites and mythologies are used to promote the otherwise-indefensible: the cruel irrationality of Austerity Economics."
Bill Blum: The Political Forces Behind the Attack on the Voting Rights Act - Truthdig
Bill Blum: The Political Forces Behind the Attack on the Voting Rights Act - Truthdig
"Those organizations—whose ranks range from well-known right-wing think tanks such as the Federalist Society and the American Enterprise and Cato institutes to relatively obscure nonprofits such as the Virginia-based DonorsTrust foundation and the Project on Fair Representation—form a de facto alliance that aims at nothing less than a wholesale transformation of constitutional law to limit, if not altogether prohibit, the use of federal power on behalf of historically oppressed minorities. The Voting Rights Act is simply the target of the day."
"Those organizations—whose ranks range from well-known right-wing think tanks such as the Federalist Society and the American Enterprise and Cato institutes to relatively obscure nonprofits such as the Virginia-based DonorsTrust foundation and the Project on Fair Representation—form a de facto alliance that aims at nothing less than a wholesale transformation of constitutional law to limit, if not altogether prohibit, the use of federal power on behalf of historically oppressed minorities. The Voting Rights Act is simply the target of the day."
SCOTUS Conservatives Signal Intention to Dismantle Voting Rights Act
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Trio Of Democrats Introduce Legislation To Tax Financial Transactions
Trio Of Democrats Introduce Legislation To Tax Financial Transactions: A trio of Democratic lawmakers today introduced legislation to institute a small tax on financial transactions, a proposal that would reduce volatility in financial markets and raise substantial revenue for the federal government. Under the plan from Sens. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), financial trades would be subject [...]/p
Bankers Cry as EU Deal Aims to Cap Bonuses for Financial Industry | Common Dreams
Bankers Cry as EU Deal Aims to Cap Bonuses for Financial Industry | Common Dreams
"Once again proving more adept at reigning in the financial sector than its US counterpart, the European Union's parliament on Thursday approved a plan for new restrictions on banks operating on the continent that would cap bonuses for financial executives and bankers."
"Once again proving more adept at reigning in the financial sector than its US counterpart, the European Union's parliament on Thursday approved a plan for new restrictions on banks operating on the continent that would cap bonuses for financial executives and bankers."
Wall Street’s Bonus Pool Has Quintupled Since 1985
Wall Street’s Bonus Pool Has Quintupled Since 1985: 2012 was the second most profitable year in Wall Street’s history, with banks making north of $140 billion. Wall Street’s bonus pool, while not yet back to the heights it achieved before the financial crisis, is growing again, and the average cash bonus hit $121,900. This is part and parcel of a longer trend on [...]/p
The Politics of Disimagination and the Pathologies of Power
The Politics of Disimagination and the Pathologies of Power
"We live in a time of deep foreboding, one that haunts any discourse about justice, democracy and the future. Not only have the points of reference that provided a sense of certainty and collective hope in the past largely evaporated, but the only referents available are increasingly supplied by a hyper-market-driven society, megacorporations and a corrupt financial service industry."
"We live in a time of deep foreboding, one that haunts any discourse about justice, democracy and the future. Not only have the points of reference that provided a sense of certainty and collective hope in the past largely evaporated, but the only referents available are increasingly supplied by a hyper-market-driven society, megacorporations and a corrupt financial service industry."
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
In Blind Poll, Republicans Choose Progressive Budget Solutions Over Their Own Party's | Common Dreams
In Blind Poll, Republicans Choose Progressive Budget Solutions Over Their Own Party's | Common Dreams
"When the Business Insider polled registered voters and asked for their preferences among three Congressional plans floated to avoid the looming "sequestration" cuts in Washington, they found that when stripped of their partisan labels, the policies most favorable to the majority were those offered by the progressive wing of the Democratic caucus."
"When the Business Insider polled registered voters and asked for their preferences among three Congressional plans floated to avoid the looming "sequestration" cuts in Washington, they found that when stripped of their partisan labels, the policies most favorable to the majority were those offered by the progressive wing of the Democratic caucus."
The US Healthcare System - Government Sanctioned Extortion
The US Healthcare System - Government Sanctioned Extortion
"I've been calling the for-profit health insurance industry "government sanctioned extortion" for a few years now. It wasn't until I read Time magazine's cover story this week, "Bitter Pill: Why Medical Bills are Killing Us" that I realized that the whole medical industrial complex is complicit in the crime! And some of the worst offenders are the so-called "non-profit" hospitals that are raking in billions of dollars in profits and their obscenely paid executives."
"I've been calling the for-profit health insurance industry "government sanctioned extortion" for a few years now. It wasn't until I read Time magazine's cover story this week, "Bitter Pill: Why Medical Bills are Killing Us" that I realized that the whole medical industrial complex is complicit in the crime! And some of the worst offenders are the so-called "non-profit" hospitals that are raking in billions of dollars in profits and their obscenely paid executives."
Scalia Calls Voting Rights Act 'Perpetual Racial Entitlement'
Scalia Calls Voting Rights Act 'Perpetual Racial Entitlement'
"Today was the day that the Republican challenge to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act was argued before the Supreme Court. Arguments were fiery, but this particular quote from Justice Scalia was one worthy of Jim Crow. If ever there was a reason to preserve Section 5, Scalia articulated it." - See more at: http://crooksandliars.com/karoli/scalia-voting-rights-act-perpetual-racial#sthash.2YFbcj6U.dpuf
"Today was the day that the Republican challenge to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act was argued before the Supreme Court. Arguments were fiery, but this particular quote from Justice Scalia was one worthy of Jim Crow. If ever there was a reason to preserve Section 5, Scalia articulated it." - See more at: http://crooksandliars.com/karoli/scalia-voting-rights-act-perpetual-racial#sthash.2YFbcj6U.dpuf
PERRspectives: As Sequester Looms, GOP Governors Lament America's Incredible Shrinking Government
PERRspectives: As Sequester Looms, GOP Governors Lament America's Incredible Shrinking Government
"While Republicans in Congress seem increasingly committed to the sequester now less than 48 hours away, GOP governors are beginning to squeal. As Pew Research revealed (above), the impact of the sequester will hit some states harder than others. Many of them, like Virginia, are governed by Republicans. That's why its Governor Bob McConnell is pleading with Washington to find a way out its self-imposed sequester."
"While Republicans in Congress seem increasingly committed to the sequester now less than 48 hours away, GOP governors are beginning to squeal. As Pew Research revealed (above), the impact of the sequester will hit some states harder than others. Many of them, like Virginia, are governed by Republicans. That's why its Governor Bob McConnell is pleading with Washington to find a way out its self-imposed sequester."
Poll: The Most Popular Plan To Avert Looming Budget Cuts Is The Progressive Caucus’
Poll: The Most Popular Plan To Avert Looming Budget Cuts Is The Progressive Caucus’: There are several plans floating around to replace the so-called “sequester” spending cuts scheduled to kick in on Friday. Senate Democrats and the Congressional Progressive Caucus have both released their own plans, while House Republicans have not released a new plan, but point to one passed in the last Congress. According to a new poll [...]/p
Why We Still Need The Voting Rights Act: Perspectives From Supreme Court Spectators
Why We Still Need The Voting Rights Act: Perspectives From Supreme Court Spectators: The US Supreme Court heard a challenge to the 1965 Voting Rights Act today, attracting hoards of voting rights advocates, speakers, and a massive line of people vying for a spot in the courtroom. Today’s argument could lead to the elimination of Section 5, which protects minority voting rights in states with historically discriminatory election [...]/p
The Attack On Voting Rights
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Deficit Reduction Equals Recession | Common Dreams
Deficit Reduction Equals Recession | Common Dreams
"The math is not difficult. The US has an annual GDP of $14 trillion, and the nation’s current $1 trillion in annual deficit spending is seven percent of its GDP. Growth in GDP has recently been running at about two percent annually (though in the last quarter of 2012 the economy actually contracted slightly). The relationship between deficit spending and GDP growth may not be exactly 1:1 but it’s probably quite close. The conclusion is therefore inescapable: doing away with a substantial portion of deficit spending would reduce GDP by a roughly corresponding amount, almost certainly causing the economy to tip over into recession."
"The math is not difficult. The US has an annual GDP of $14 trillion, and the nation’s current $1 trillion in annual deficit spending is seven percent of its GDP. Growth in GDP has recently been running at about two percent annually (though in the last quarter of 2012 the economy actually contracted slightly). The relationship between deficit spending and GDP growth may not be exactly 1:1 but it’s probably quite close. The conclusion is therefore inescapable: doing away with a substantial portion of deficit spending would reduce GDP by a roughly corresponding amount, almost certainly causing the economy to tip over into recession."
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Everybody Listen Up! The Deficit Is Actually Shrinking, Despite the Beltway Propaganda | Alternet
Everybody Listen Up! The Deficit Is Actually Shrinking, Despite the Beltway Propaganda | Alternet
"There is no deficit problem. The deficit is down 50 percent as a share of gross domestic product just since President Bush’s fiscal year 2009 deficit and is falling at the fastest rate since the end of World War II. Yet the Washington debate is about how and where to cut us back into recession. Why?
"There is no deficit problem. The deficit is down 50 percent as a share of gross domestic product just since President Bush’s fiscal year 2009 deficit and is falling at the fastest rate since the end of World War II. Yet the Washington debate is about how and where to cut us back into recession. Why?
Congress should just repeal the sequester – we don’t need it. We have 10 years to fix the long-term deficit situation. We should not be stampeded by deficit-scare propaganda and instead take the time to carefully consider the right approach. That way we won’t make the mistakes that Europe is making."
2012 Was Wall Street’s Most Profitable Year Since The Financial Crisis
2012 Was Wall Street’s Most Profitable Year Since The Financial Crisis: According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., banks in 2012 had their most profitable year since 2006 and their second most profitable year ever. Banks made nearly $35 billion in the fourth quarter of last year, bringing their yearly total to more than $141 billion: Commercial banks and savings institutions insured by the Federal Deposit [...]/p
Sequester: Obama Must Confront Republican Austerity Lies | Alternet
Sequester: Obama Must Confront Republican Austerity Lies | Alternet
"The first big lie is austerity economics – the claim that the budget deficit is the nation’s biggest economic problem now, responsible for the anemic recovery.
"The first big lie is austerity economics – the claim that the budget deficit is the nation’s biggest economic problem now, responsible for the anemic recovery.
Wrong. The problem is too few jobs, lousy wages, and slow growth. Cutting the budget deficit anytime soon makes the problem worse because it reduces overall demand. As a result, the economy will slow or fall into recession – which enlarges the deficit in proportion. You want proof? Look at what austerity economics has done to Europe."
Barbara and John Ehrenreich: The Real Story Behind the Crash and Burn of America's Managerial Class | Alternet
Barbara and John Ehrenreich: The Real Story Behind the Crash and Burn of America's Managerial Class | Alternet
"How the rise and fall of the professional-managerial class has impacted the last hundred years."
"How the rise and fall of the professional-managerial class has impacted the last hundred years."
Another 'Fix the Debt' Shill Gets Air Time With No Disclosure
Another 'Fix the Debt' Shill Gets Air Time With No Disclosure
"I guess PBS decided that "Fix the Debt" campaign's Steve Rattner wasn't getting quite enough air time, what with his near daily appearances on MSNBC's Morning Joe, because Charlie Rose and his producers gave him some unfettered air time Monday evening."
"I guess PBS decided that "Fix the Debt" campaign's Steve Rattner wasn't getting quite enough air time, what with his near daily appearances on MSNBC's Morning Joe, because Charlie Rose and his producers gave him some unfettered air time Monday evening."
McKibben Must-Read: The Case For Fossil-Fuel Divestment
McKibben Must-Read: The Case For Fossil-Fuel Divestment: How Long Will Colleges Keep Investing in Companies Whose Stock Price Is Based on the Destruction of a Livable Climate? CO2 emissions by fossil fuels [1 ppm CO2 ~ 2.12 GtC, where ppm is parts per million of CO2 in air and GtC is gigatons of carbon (via Hansen). Significantly exceeding 450 ppm risks several severe [...]/p
Students Occupy University President’s Office To Protest Naming Stadium After Private Prison Company
Students Occupy University President’s Office To Protest Naming Stadium After Private Prison Company: Last week, the administration of Florida Atlantic University raised eyebrows when officials announced that they had sold the naming rights to the school’s new football stadium to the GEO Group, the nation’s second-largest private prison company. And students aren’t taking the deal lying down. On Monday afternoon, dozens of activists staged a sit-in inside university [...]/p
Senator Warren: Why Isn’t Wall Street Paying Back Taxpayers For Being ‘Too Big To Fail’?
Senator Warren: Why Isn’t Wall Street Paying Back Taxpayers For Being ‘Too Big To Fail’?: During a Senate Banking committee hearing today, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) grilled Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on whether Wall Street banks should have to pay back U.S. taxpayers for the implicit funding advantage those banks receive by virtue of being viewed as “too big to fail.” According to a Bloomberg News study, big banks [...]/p
Why Everything Republicans Are Saying About The Sequester Is Wrong
Why Everything Republicans Are Saying About The Sequester Is Wrong: Barring a last minute Congressional compromise, $85 billion in automatic across-the-board cuts will go into effect in the next 72 hours as a result of the sequester mechanism included in the 2011 Budget Control Act. Republicans — many of whom voted for the BCA and have for years championed deep spending reductions — are hoping [...]/p
Looming Budget Cuts Are Bad News For Wall Street Reform
Looming Budget Cuts Are Bad News For Wall Street Reform: Congressional Republicans have taken every opportunity to gum up the implementation of the Dodd-Frank financial reform law. They have denied regulators the funds needed to finalize the law’s rules, leading to huge delays. And the GOP is about to receive a hand from the so-called “sequester,” budge cuts scheduled to take effect at the end [...]/p
Meet the Wall Street Billionaire Obsessed With Looting Social Security | Alternet
Meet the Wall Street Billionaire Obsessed With Looting Social Security | Alternet
"Now Peterson wants to loot Social Security. For decades he has warned of a “Pearl Harbor scenario” in which spending on Social Security and Medicare causes an epic economic meltdown. Fix the Debt is only his latest project pushing the message that the deficit poses a “catastrophic threat,” and the media have been content to echo his warnings. But people should know better than to be frightened by this chorus of calamity. Peterson is no master of prediction when it comes to economic crises. When an actual threat to the economy—the $8 trillion housing bubble—loomed ominously overhead, Peterson said nothing, even as credit markets froze, subprime lenders filed for bankruptcy and economists like Dean Baker shouted from the rooftops."
"Now Peterson wants to loot Social Security. For decades he has warned of a “Pearl Harbor scenario” in which spending on Social Security and Medicare causes an epic economic meltdown. Fix the Debt is only his latest project pushing the message that the deficit poses a “catastrophic threat,” and the media have been content to echo his warnings. But people should know better than to be frightened by this chorus of calamity. Peterson is no master of prediction when it comes to economic crises. When an actual threat to the economy—the $8 trillion housing bubble—loomed ominously overhead, Peterson said nothing, even as credit markets froze, subprime lenders filed for bankruptcy and economists like Dean Baker shouted from the rooftops."
1 Day Late on Rent Can Land You in Jail? A Shockingly Draconian Renters Law (Hard Times USA) | Alternet
1 Day Late on Rent Can Land You in Jail? A Shockingly Draconian Renters Law (Hard Times USA) | Alternet
"Arkansas is the only U.S. state where tenants can wind up with a criminal record if they can’t afford to pay their rent on time. The state’s “failure to vacate" laws allow landlords, without independent investigation, to charge tenants with a misdemeanor offense and have them arrested if they fail to move out after receiving a 10-day eviction notice. Landlords can give tenants the notice after they are only one day late with their payment."
"Arkansas is the only U.S. state where tenants can wind up with a criminal record if they can’t afford to pay their rent on time. The state’s “failure to vacate" laws allow landlords, without independent investigation, to charge tenants with a misdemeanor offense and have them arrested if they fail to move out after receiving a 10-day eviction notice. Landlords can give tenants the notice after they are only one day late with their payment."
Monday, February 25, 2013
Female Yahoo! CEO Kills Work from Home Option? Why Americans Need a More Flexible Workplace | Alternet
Female Yahoo! CEO Kills Work from Home Option? Why Americans Need a More Flexible Workplace | Alternet
"How are you supposed to raise a family these days without a flexible work schedule?"
"How are you supposed to raise a family these days without a flexible work schedule?"
Bank Profits Are 'Almost Entirely' Taxpayer Money
Bank Profits Are 'Almost Entirely' Taxpayer Money
"I'm not surprised to learn that Wall Street and their wealthy investors are "too big" to earn their own profits, too. I just had no idea we were being fleeced on such a grand scale.
"I'm not surprised to learn that Wall Street and their wealthy investors are "too big" to earn their own profits, too. I just had no idea we were being fleeced on such a grand scale.
Full Bloomberg editorial here."
Top Republican Senator Repeats Debunked Nonsense About Paid Sick Days
Top Republican Senator Repeats Debunked Nonsense About Paid Sick Days: Nearly three million Americans missed work last month, and many of them did so without having access to paid sick leave. About 40 percent of private sector workers and 80 percent of low-income workers don’t receive a single paid sick day from their employers, forcing them into choosing between their health (or the health of [...]/p
Federal Election Commission Republicans Block Enforcement Against GOP Donor
Federal Election Commission Republicans Block Enforcement Against GOP Donor: The Federal Election Commission deadlocked along party lines on whether to hold accountable a Republican contractor who blatantly circumvented campaign finance limits. While the three Democratic commissioners agreed that William A. “Aaron” Bennett had willfully violated federal election law by offering to reimburse friends if they donated to Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), the three FEC [...]/p
Guess What? The Debt Everyone Is Freaking Out About Does Not Exist | Alternet
Guess What? The Debt Everyone Is Freaking Out About Does Not Exist | Alternet
"Refusing to tackle that all-too-real crisis with the full range of economic resources at our disposal is a shameful moral and political failure. Especially when the reason we’re refusing is fear of shadows cast on the wall."
"Refusing to tackle that all-too-real crisis with the full range of economic resources at our disposal is a shameful moral and political failure. Especially when the reason we’re refusing is fear of shadows cast on the wall."
Putting Some Real Pop in Populism
Putting Some Real Pop in Populism
"While super-rich corporations are hoarding trillions of dollars in offshore accounts and refusing to invest in America, minimum-wage workers invest every extra dollar they get in America — spending it right where they live on clothing, food, health care, and other basic needs.This isn’t merely about extending a badly needed helping hand to people struggling to work their way out of poverty, but about letting them give a jolt of new energy to our economy, which it desperately needs."
"While super-rich corporations are hoarding trillions of dollars in offshore accounts and refusing to invest in America, minimum-wage workers invest every extra dollar they get in America — spending it right where they live on clothing, food, health care, and other basic needs.This isn’t merely about extending a badly needed helping hand to people struggling to work their way out of poverty, but about letting them give a jolt of new energy to our economy, which it desperately needs."
We are All Bradley Manning: 1000 Days in Jail without a Conviction | Common Dreams
We are All Bradley Manning: 1000 Days in Jail without a Conviction | Common Dreams
"Bradley Manning, the young army private who allegedly disclosed the Wikileaks files, must be given a fair, open and speedy trial. He has been held over three years, often in solitary and inhumane conditions. He has been convicted of no crime. This is simply and self-evidently wrong."
"Bradley Manning, the young army private who allegedly disclosed the Wikileaks files, must be given a fair, open and speedy trial. He has been held over three years, often in solitary and inhumane conditions. He has been convicted of no crime. This is simply and self-evidently wrong."
How Austerity Stifled The British Economy (And The Rest Of Europe) In Three Charts
How Austerity Stifled The British Economy (And The Rest Of Europe) In Three Charts: Last week, the United Kingdom received its first ever credit downgrade, as continued austerity has dragged down the country’s economic growth. Britain’s conservative government, however, is forging ahead. Finance Minister George Osborne yesterday called for the UK to “stick to its course.” The UK, though, is a prime example for why austerity should be avoided [...]/p
Fix the Economy, Not the Deficit | Common Dreams
Fix the Economy, Not the Deficit | Common Dreams
"Whether they know it or not, those pushing for smaller deficits are promoting less growth and more unemployment. It would be the best possible outcome of the sequester debate if this simple point could be made in polite circles in Washington again. Until we have a reality based discussion of the budget and the economy, the only question will be how much we lose from the latest deal."
"Whether they know it or not, those pushing for smaller deficits are promoting less growth and more unemployment. It would be the best possible outcome of the sequester debate if this simple point could be made in polite circles in Washington again. Until we have a reality based discussion of the budget and the economy, the only question will be how much we lose from the latest deal."
Sequestration: Washington’s Stupid, Destructive Game | Common Dreams
Sequestration: Washington’s Stupid, Destructive Game | Common Dreams
"The “sequester” debate is the latest stage of an ongoing hostage crisis that’s forcing austerity economics on an unwilling population – cloaking it in a false debate about how to do it, not about why we shouldn’t do it at all."
"The “sequester” debate is the latest stage of an ongoing hostage crisis that’s forcing austerity economics on an unwilling population – cloaking it in a false debate about how to do it, not about why we shouldn’t do it at all."
A Better Plan Than 'Endless Growth': Enough Is Enough | Common Dreams
A Better Plan Than 'Endless Growth': Enough Is Enough | Common Dreams
"an economy founded on perpetual growth has no shot at being resilient. Maybe we could classify such an economy as dynamic, since it will continue to displace people and communities and erode the life-support systems of the planet. While the economic elites interpret "Resilient Dynamism" to fit their agenda, perhaps the rest of us should employ some plain language and let them know that enough is enough."
"an economy founded on perpetual growth has no shot at being resilient. Maybe we could classify such an economy as dynamic, since it will continue to displace people and communities and erode the life-support systems of the planet. While the economic elites interpret "Resilient Dynamism" to fit their agenda, perhaps the rest of us should employ some plain language and let them know that enough is enough."
40% Of Us Make Less Than 1968 Min Wage -- Who Got The Rest?
40% Of Us Make Less Than 1968 Min Wage -- Who Got The Rest?
"This means the gains went ... somewhere else. See if you can guess who got them? (Hint: it's the 1%; this is one driver of the terrible income and wealth inequality.) This breakoff of wages from productivity growth is partly (largely?) the result of trade agreements that pit Americans against exploited workers in non-democracies. This weakened the bargaining power of unions, moved factories and industries out of the country, devastated entire regions of our country -- and gave the giant multinational corporations, Wall Street and the billionaires the leverage they needed"
"This means the gains went ... somewhere else. See if you can guess who got them? (Hint: it's the 1%; this is one driver of the terrible income and wealth inequality.) This breakoff of wages from productivity growth is partly (largely?) the result of trade agreements that pit Americans against exploited workers in non-democracies. This weakened the bargaining power of unions, moved factories and industries out of the country, devastated entire regions of our country -- and gave the giant multinational corporations, Wall Street and the billionaires the leverage they needed"
5 Reasons Why The U.S. Needs A Financial Transactions Tax
5 Reasons Why The U.S. Needs A Financial Transactions Tax: A duo of Democratic lawmakers have spent the years since the financial crisis calling for a financial transactions tax, a small fee on individual trades that would slow down markets and make them safer for investors and the country as a whole. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) introduced legislation that would [...]/p
The Robin Hood Tax and the Banker
The Robin Hood Tax and the Banker
"A Robin Hood Tax on the banks could raise tens of billions to help protect public services, fight poverty and tackle climate change at home and abroad."
"A Robin Hood Tax on the banks could raise tens of billions to help protect public services, fight poverty and tackle climate change at home and abroad."
Michigan GOP Overwhelmingly Backs Election Rigging Plan
Michigan GOP Overwhelmingly Backs Election Rigging Plan: On Saturday, Republicans at the Michigan GOP’s convention in Lansing voted by an overwhelming 1,370-132 margin to back a plan that would “divvy-up 14 of the state’s 16 electoral votes according to which candidate got the most votes in each congressional district.” This is one of two election-rigging plans favored by Republicans in several key [...]/p
100 Years Worth of Federal Prison Charges for Alleged 'Hactivist'? | Alternet
100 Years Worth of Federal Prison Charges for Alleged 'Hactivist'? | Alternet
"Did he engage in a spree of murders? Run a child-sex ring? Not quite. His crime: making leaked e-mails accessible to the public—documents that shine a light on the shadowy world of intelligence contracting in the post-9/11 era."
"Did he engage in a spree of murders? Run a child-sex ring? Not quite. His crime: making leaked e-mails accessible to the public—documents that shine a light on the shadowy world of intelligence contracting in the post-9/11 era."
GOP Plan to Torpedo Economy With Sequester Could Backfire in 2014 | Alternet
GOP Plan to Torpedo Economy With Sequester Could Backfire in 2014 | Alternet
"It appears increasingly likely that congressional Republicans will allow the “sequester” of automatic, indiscriminate spending cuts to take effect on March 1. If so, they will cause a major economic and political crisis for the country."
"It appears increasingly likely that congressional Republicans will allow the “sequester” of automatic, indiscriminate spending cuts to take effect on March 1. If so, they will cause a major economic and political crisis for the country."
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Crying Crocodile Tears for Standard & Poor’s | Common Dreams
Crying Crocodile Tears for Standard & Poor’s | Common Dreams
"S&P earlier this month was named in a Justice Department suit for its role during the financial crisis of 2008-09. The feds say the credit ratings company caused some banks and credit unions to lose $5 billion after they relied on its ratings of mortgage-linked securities. S&P gave those securities top ratings when, in fact, they were so risky that when they melted down a few months later they brought the country’s economy to its knees and lost billions for both institutional and individual investors who had trusted the firm’s ratings."
"S&P earlier this month was named in a Justice Department suit for its role during the financial crisis of 2008-09. The feds say the credit ratings company caused some banks and credit unions to lose $5 billion after they relied on its ratings of mortgage-linked securities. S&P gave those securities top ratings when, in fact, they were so risky that when they melted down a few months later they brought the country’s economy to its knees and lost billions for both institutional and individual investors who had trusted the firm’s ratings."
The Trouble with Austerity: Cutting is More About Ideology than Economics | Common Dreams
The Trouble with Austerity: Cutting is More About Ideology than Economics | Common Dreams
"Governments here and elsewhere are increasingly preoccupied with cutting even as evidence piles up of its harmful consequences on people and the economy. Austerity is not even delivering the balanced budgets its advocates promise. Even the International Monetary Fund is now preaching balance rather than a single-minded focus on cuts. Yet austerity’s adherents hold fast, deny the evidence or double down. Why is that?"
"Governments here and elsewhere are increasingly preoccupied with cutting even as evidence piles up of its harmful consequences on people and the economy. Austerity is not even delivering the balanced budgets its advocates promise. Even the International Monetary Fund is now preaching balance rather than a single-minded focus on cuts. Yet austerity’s adherents hold fast, deny the evidence or double down. Why is that?"
Billionaires Pouring Millions into LAUSD School Board Race
Billionaires Pouring Millions into LAUSD School Board Race
"Campaign disclosures for the last month have just been filed for the current elections to the Los Angeles Unified School District board and the numbers are obscene. Worse yet, the donors have no vested interest in Los Angeles schools, but they're ponying up the money anyway."
"Campaign disclosures for the last month have just been filed for the current elections to the Los Angeles Unified School District board and the numbers are obscene. Worse yet, the donors have no vested interest in Los Angeles schools, but they're ponying up the money anyway."
VIEWPOINT: The Debt Everyone Is Freaking Out About Does Not Exist
VIEWPOINT: The Debt Everyone Is Freaking Out About Does Not Exist: Between the new-and-improved Simpson-Bowles plan, Joe Scarborough’s feud with Paul Krugman, the relentless drumbeat of the entire Republican Party, and the media blitzkrieg launched by the billionaire-driven “Fix the Debt” campaign, one might think no serious and responsible American can ignore the unassailable truth: America faces a debt crisis, which we must act on immediately [...]/p
The Financial Instrument That Could Save the Economy - and Why It Hasn't
The Financial Instrument That Could Save the Economy - and Why It Hasn't
"Quantitative easing as practiced today is not designed to serve the real economy. It is designed to serve bankers who create money as debt and rent it out for a fee. The money power needs to be restored to the people and the government, but we need an executive and legislature willing to stand up to the banks. A popular movement could give them the backbone. In the meantime, states could set up their own banks, which could leverage the state's massive capital and revenue base into credit for the local economy."
"Quantitative easing as practiced today is not designed to serve the real economy. It is designed to serve bankers who create money as debt and rent it out for a fee. The money power needs to be restored to the people and the government, but we need an executive and legislature willing to stand up to the banks. A popular movement could give them the backbone. In the meantime, states could set up their own banks, which could leverage the state's massive capital and revenue base into credit for the local economy."
John Nichols: 'Fix the Debt' Run by Billionaires Who Really Want Lower Taxes
John Nichols: 'Fix the Debt' Run by Billionaires Who Really Want Lower Taxes
"I hope everyone checks out the entire article and the rest of the resources at PRWatch and I wanted to share just one more item from there. From their SourceWatch page: Fix the Debt Leaders and Conflicts of Interest:"
"I hope everyone checks out the entire article and the rest of the resources at PRWatch and I wanted to share just one more item from there. From their SourceWatch page: Fix the Debt Leaders and Conflicts of Interest:"
4 Bogus Right-Wing Theories About Poverty, and the Real Reason Americans Can’t Make Ends Meet | Alternet
4 Bogus Right-Wing Theories About Poverty, and the Real Reason Americans Can’t Make Ends Meet | Alternet
"But one part of the equation is the existence of a long-standing and ideologically informed project by the right to portray the burden of living in or near poverty as a liberal delusion. In these narratives, which come in a variety of forms, the poor have it pretty darn good – good enough that we really shouldn't spend much time thinking about them.
"But one part of the equation is the existence of a long-standing and ideologically informed project by the right to portray the burden of living in or near poverty as a liberal delusion. In these narratives, which come in a variety of forms, the poor have it pretty darn good – good enough that we really shouldn't spend much time thinking about them.
For these conservative think-tankers, pundits and politicians, obscuring America's grinding poverty and spiraling inequality is an exercise in service of a status quo that works pretty well for them, but not for most families."
Saturday, February 23, 2013
13 GOP Pennsylvania Senators Introduce New Plan To Rig The Electoral College For Republicans
13 GOP Pennsylvania Senators Introduce New Plan To Rig The Electoral College For Republicans: Earlier this year, Republican National Committee Chair urged Republican lawmakers in states “that have been consistently blue that are fully controlled red” — i.e. blue states with Republican legislatures and governors — to enact a plan rigging the Electoral College so that it would be almost impossible for a Democrat to win the White House. [...]/p
Friday, February 22, 2013
Billionaires 'Losing Hope' For Lower Taxes. Waaaahmbulance Alert!
Billionaires 'Losing Hope' For Lower Taxes. Waaaahmbulance Alert!
"As for the corporate hissy fits, wait them out. They're just trying to scare people into pressuring Congress to do their bidding. There are millions -- even billions -- of reasons not to."
"As for the corporate hissy fits, wait them out. They're just trying to scare people into pressuring Congress to do their bidding. There are millions -- even billions -- of reasons not to."
Sequestration Cuts To Education Programs Threaten To Widen Education Gap Between Rich And Poor
Sequestration Cuts To Education Programs Threaten To Widen Education Gap Between Rich And Poor: The achievement gap between school districts in high-income neighborhoods and those in low-income ones is already more canyon than crack, and if $1.7 trillion in automatic sequestration cuts are allowed to go into effect on March 1, that gap could grow even wider. Dozens of education programs would face reduced funding, but three crucial programs [...]/p
Pete Peterson's Puppet Populists | Common Dreams
Pete Peterson's Puppet Populists | Common Dreams
"Fix the Debt is the most hypocritical corporate PR campaign in decades, an ambitious attempt to convince the country that another cataclysmic economic crisis is around the corner and that urgent action is needed. Its strategy is pure astroturf: assemble power players in business and government under an activist banner, then take the message outside the Beltway and give it the appearance of grassroots activism by manufacturing an emergency to infuse a sense of imminent crisis."
"Fix the Debt is the most hypocritical corporate PR campaign in decades, an ambitious attempt to convince the country that another cataclysmic economic crisis is around the corner and that urgent action is needed. Its strategy is pure astroturf: assemble power players in business and government under an activist banner, then take the message outside the Beltway and give it the appearance of grassroots activism by manufacturing an emergency to infuse a sense of imminent crisis."
Meet California's Most Abusive Company | Alternet
Meet California's Most Abusive Company | Alternet
"Bosses at Capital Asset Exchange and Trading, which deals in high-tech equipment, handed out Adderall to employees, ordered prostitutes in a salesman's name and ran roughshod over the labor code and simple human decency, two workers say in lurid complaints."
"Bosses at Capital Asset Exchange and Trading, which deals in high-tech equipment, handed out Adderall to employees, ordered prostitutes in a salesman's name and ran roughshod over the labor code and simple human decency, two workers say in lurid complaints."
European Economy Expected To Contract Even More In 2013
European Economy Expected To Contract Even More In 2013: The European economy, beset by high unemployment and austerity measures aimed at reducing debts and deficits, will contract again in 2013, according to the continent’s official economic body. That would make 2013 the second consecutive year, and third in the past five, in which the 17-nation Eurozone’s economy will have shrunk, adding to its already [...]/p
Sequestration Sacrifices Jobs to Save Billionaire Tax Breaks | Common Dreams
Sequestration Sacrifices Jobs to Save Billionaire Tax Breaks | Common Dreams
"To hear the billionaire proponents of austerity tell it, America is teetering on the brink of economic ruin. America, we are told, is broke. And the only answer is to “Fix the Debt” with deep spending cuts followed by the radical reordering of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
But America is not broke.
"To hear the billionaire proponents of austerity tell it, America is teetering on the brink of economic ruin. America, we are told, is broke. And the only answer is to “Fix the Debt” with deep spending cuts followed by the radical reordering of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
But America is not broke.
America has broken priorities.
That's what the billionaire proponents of cuts-at-any-cost economics won’t acknowledge as the advance a "Fix the Debt" agenda that imposes austerity on everyone else while stacking the deck in their favor."
New Study Shows Capital Gains Tax Cuts Biggest Contributor to Income Inequality | Common Dreams
New Study Shows Capital Gains Tax Cuts Biggest Contributor to Income Inequality | Common Dreams
"A new study looking at changes in wages and salaries, capital income, and in taxes found that capital gains and dividends made the largest contribution to income inequality"
"A new study looking at changes in wages and salaries, capital income, and in taxes found that capital gains and dividends made the largest contribution to income inequality"
Montana Bill Would Give Corporations The Right To Vote
Montana Bill Would Give Corporations The Right To Vote: A bill introduced by Montana state Rep. Steve Lavin would give corporations the right to vote in municipal elections: Provision for vote by corporate property owner. (1) Subject to subsection (2), if a firm, partnership, company, or corporation owns real property within the municipality, the president, vice president, secretary, or other designee of the entity [...]/p
Rep. Alan Grayson Honors Aaron Swartz - Truthdig
Rep. Alan Grayson Honors Aaron Swartz - Truthdig
"Aaron Swartz, the Internet freedom advocate who committed suicide in mid-January, was an intern in Florida Congressman Alan Grayson’s office after the onset of the economic crisis. Grayson recently paid tribute to Swartz at a memorial service in Washington, D.C."
"Aaron Swartz, the Internet freedom advocate who committed suicide in mid-January, was an intern in Florida Congressman Alan Grayson’s office after the onset of the economic crisis. Grayson recently paid tribute to Swartz at a memorial service in Washington, D.C."
Pete Peterson’s “Fix the Debt” Astroturf Supergroup Detailed in New Online Resource from the Publishers of ALECexposed.org
Pete Peterson’s “Fix the Debt” Astroturf Supergroup Detailed in New Online Resource from the Publishers of ALECexposed.org
"One of the most hypocritical corporate PR campaigns in decades is advancing inside the beltway, attempting to convince the White House, Congress, and the American people that another cataclysmic economic crisis is around the corner that will destroy our economy unless urgent action is taken. Soon this astroturf supergroup may be coming to a state near you."
"One of the most hypocritical corporate PR campaigns in decades is advancing inside the beltway, attempting to convince the White House, Congress, and the American people that another cataclysmic economic crisis is around the corner that will destroy our economy unless urgent action is taken. Soon this astroturf supergroup may be coming to a state near you."
Citizens United 2.0? Supreme Court Could Further Open Door to Money in Politics
Citizens United 2.0? Supreme Court Could Further Open Door to Money in Politics
"The U.S. Supreme Court could open the door to even more money in politics than it did in the disastrous 2010 decision Citizens United v FEC as it considers a new case challenging limits on how much wealthy donors can give directly to federal candidates and political parties."
"The U.S. Supreme Court could open the door to even more money in politics than it did in the disastrous 2010 decision Citizens United v FEC as it considers a new case challenging limits on how much wealthy donors can give directly to federal candidates and political parties."
Blackwater Off the Hook Again in Plea Deal With Bush-Appointed Judge | Common Dreams
Blackwater Off the Hook Again in Plea Deal With Bush-Appointed Judge | Common Dreams
"The charges against the commandos involved weapons trafficking and a wide selection of other weapons violations amounting to fifteen counts of serious felonies."
"The charges against the commandos involved weapons trafficking and a wide selection of other weapons violations amounting to fifteen counts of serious felonies."
Cover Ups, Corruption and Death: What GEO Group Doesn't Want You to Know about Its New Stadium Sponsorship | Alternet
Cover Ups, Corruption and Death: What GEO Group Doesn't Want You to Know about Its New Stadium Sponsorship | Alternet
"The real story behind how the largest private prison company bought the naming rights to Florida Atlantic University's football stadium."
"The real story behind how the largest private prison company bought the naming rights to Florida Atlantic University's football stadium."
Jet Fighter Wings into Wind Turbine Blades | Common Dreams
Jet Fighter Wings into Wind Turbine Blades | Common Dreams
"This report explains how the government could move the money it now spends on weapons systems at large companies like Boeing, to projects that help us get off of fossil fuels. Done right, no jobs would be lost and the industrial part of the military-industrial complex would become less dependent on military contracts; instead those companies would become part of the effort to prevent the worst effects of global climate change."
"This report explains how the government could move the money it now spends on weapons systems at large companies like Boeing, to projects that help us get off of fossil fuels. Done right, no jobs would be lost and the industrial part of the military-industrial complex would become less dependent on military contracts; instead those companies would become part of the effort to prevent the worst effects of global climate change."
Raising the Minimum Wage Is Good for Business (But the Corporate Lobby Doesn't Think So)
Raising the Minimum Wage Is Good for Business (But the Corporate Lobby Doesn't Think So)
"Contrary to naysayers in the business lobby, numerous studies suggest increasing the minimum wage to $9 an hour and tying it to the cost of living will lift millions of Americans out of poverty and stimulate the economy."
"Contrary to naysayers in the business lobby, numerous studies suggest increasing the minimum wage to $9 an hour and tying it to the cost of living will lift millions of Americans out of poverty and stimulate the economy."
Minimum Wage Raise Widely Supported, Won't Hurt Jobs
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Declining value of the federal minimum wage is a major factor driving inequality | Economic Policy Institute
Declining value of the federal minimum wage is a major factor driving inequality | Economic Policy Institute
"The last decade has produced no improvement in real wages of a broad range of workers, including those with either a high school or college degree. It has also produced a widening divergence between overall productivity and the wages or compensation of the typical worker. In addition, wage inequality has continued to grow between those at the top and the rest. The declining value of the minimum wage has played a key role in these trends."
"The last decade has produced no improvement in real wages of a broad range of workers, including those with either a high school or college degree. It has also produced a widening divergence between overall productivity and the wages or compensation of the typical worker. In addition, wage inequality has continued to grow between those at the top and the rest. The declining value of the minimum wage has played a key role in these trends."
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Investigation Finds High-Class, Crisis-Peddling 'Astroturf Supergroup' Behind 'Fix the Debt' Campaign | Common Dreams
Investigation Finds High-Class, Crisis-Peddling 'Astroturf Supergroup' Behind 'Fix the Debt' Campaign | Common Dreams
"A new online resource launched on Thursday aims to show that behind the scenes of the ongoing fiscal battles in Washington—including the current fight over 'sequestration'—a billionaire-funded and CEO-backed media campaign is operating as an 'astroturf supergroup,' using its outsized pocketbook and influence to peddle long-discredited policy prescriptions for the ailing economy."
"A new online resource launched on Thursday aims to show that behind the scenes of the ongoing fiscal battles in Washington—including the current fight over 'sequestration'—a billionaire-funded and CEO-backed media campaign is operating as an 'astroturf supergroup,' using its outsized pocketbook and influence to peddle long-discredited policy prescriptions for the ailing economy."
Big Banks Still Exploiting The Foreclosure Fraud Settlement
Big Banks Still Exploiting The Foreclosure Fraud Settlement: The banks involved in last year’s foreclosure abuse settlement are spending more money to get bad loans off of their books than they are on directly reducing the amount homeowners owe on their mortgages, according to a new report from the settlement’s overseer released Thursday. Five large banks reached a $25 billion settlement with the [...]/p
CFPB Announces New Push To Alleviate Mounting Student Loan Debt
CFPB Announces New Push To Alleviate Mounting Student Loan Debt: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Thursday unveiled a new initiative to help the nation’s 37 million former college students who are struggling to pay off a combined $1 trillion in student loans. In a press release, CFPB Director Richard Cordray said he is instructing his agency to begin drafting possible proposals aimed at lowering [...]/p
'Fix The Debt' and Pete Peterson's Long History of Deficit Scaremongering | Common Dreams
'Fix The Debt' and Pete Peterson's Long History of Deficit Scaremongering | Common Dreams
"Fix the Debt financier Peter G. Peterson knows a thing or two about debt: he’s an expert at creating it. Peterson founded the private equity firm Blackstone Group in 1985 with Stephen Schwarzman (who compared raising taxes to “when Hitler invaded Poland”). Private equity firms don’t contribute much to the economy; they don’t make cars or milk the cows. Too frequently, they buy firms to loot them. After a leveraged buyout, they can leave companies so loaded up with debt they are forced to immediately slash their workforce or employees’ retirement security."
"Fix the Debt financier Peter G. Peterson knows a thing or two about debt: he’s an expert at creating it. Peterson founded the private equity firm Blackstone Group in 1985 with Stephen Schwarzman (who compared raising taxes to “when Hitler invaded Poland”). Private equity firms don’t contribute much to the economy; they don’t make cars or milk the cows. Too frequently, they buy firms to loot them. After a leveraged buyout, they can leave companies so loaded up with debt they are forced to immediately slash their workforce or employees’ retirement security."
Austerity Fail: After Massive Spending Cuts, European Countries Fail To Hit Deficit Targets
Austerity Fail: After Massive Spending Cuts, European Countries Fail To Hit Deficit Targets: European austerity has already proven a terrible failure, driving the continent as a whole back into a recession and pushing unemployment to record levels. Despite promises from leaders across Europe that reducing deficits would spur growth, that hasn’t been the case. And worse yet, the focus on austerity hasn’t even led to the deficit reduction [...]/p
Wells Fargo Latest Bank Attempting To Skirt New Rules On Risky Financial Trading
Wells Fargo Latest Bank Attempting To Skirt New Rules On Risky Financial Trading: Wells Fargo is the latest bank to ramp up new forms of risky trading in advance of the Volcker Rule, a regulation included in the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act meant to make banks safer by prohibiting certain types of trades that helped trigger the global financial crisis in 2009. The rule bans proprietary [...]/p
Anti-Spending GOP Rep Wants Federal Funds To Make George W. Bush’s Childhood Home A National Park
Anti-Spending GOP Rep Wants Federal Funds To Make George W. Bush’s Childhood Home A National Park: Rep. K. Michael “Mike” Conaway (R-TX) has been among the most vocal critics of federal spending, claiming that massive cuts would actually create more jobs. But as he publicly pushed to stop “wasteful government spending,” he privately lobbied the National Park Service to turn the childhood home of former President George W. Bush into a [...]/p
American job seekers think increasing the minimum wage would be good for them, and the country | Economic Policy Institute
American job seekers think increasing the minimum wage would be good for them, and the country | Economic Policy Institute
"Knowing that job-seekers—those with among the most to lose if opponents of increasing the minimum wage were correct in predicting job-loss—so clearly favor increasing the minimum wage to help workers keep up with inflation should matter to policy makers. Instead of listening only to talking heads speaking in the name of job-seekers, let’s hear the voices of job-seekers themselves."
"Knowing that job-seekers—those with among the most to lose if opponents of increasing the minimum wage were correct in predicting job-loss—so clearly favor increasing the minimum wage to help workers keep up with inflation should matter to policy makers. Instead of listening only to talking heads speaking in the name of job-seekers, let’s hear the voices of job-seekers themselves."
GOP Activists Behind Three Troubling Supreme Court Cases Aimed at Dismantling Our Democracy | Alternet
GOP Activists Behind Three Troubling Supreme Court Cases Aimed at Dismantling Our Democracy | Alternet
"Three troubling U.S. Supreme Court cases -- one that has already undermined public participation in elections and two new ones threatening to further tilt the balance toward wealthier and whiter slices of society—have all been brought by Republican activists who want to change the rules to benefit their shrinking political party."
"Three troubling U.S. Supreme Court cases -- one that has already undermined public participation in elections and two new ones threatening to further tilt the balance toward wealthier and whiter slices of society—have all been brought by Republican activists who want to change the rules to benefit their shrinking political party."
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
9 Economic Facts That Will Make Your Head Spin | Alternet
9 Economic Facts That Will Make Your Head Spin | Alternet
"How much will you need for medical expenses in retirement? What does it cost to keep 2.5 million Americans behind bars? Here are a few facts and figures that might surprise you."
"How much will you need for medical expenses in retirement? What does it cost to keep 2.5 million Americans behind bars? Here are a few facts and figures that might surprise you."
You've Heard of the Birthers, Now Meet the Simpson-Bowlers
You've Heard of the Birthers, Now Meet the Simpson-Bowlers
"Yesterday, the pair introduced a rebooted, or should we say, rebaked, version of the original Simpson-Bowles "Catfood Commission" idiocy. That original plan, you'll remember, was so bad that their own commissioners wouldn't vote for it."
"Yesterday, the pair introduced a rebooted, or should we say, rebaked, version of the original Simpson-Bowles "Catfood Commission" idiocy. That original plan, you'll remember, was so bad that their own commissioners wouldn't vote for it."
The Wage Theft Epidemic - In These Times
The Wage Theft Epidemic - In These Times
"Former investigators interviewed for this article say that budget cuts over the past decade have impeded their ability to perform meaningful investigations. They paint a stark picture of weakened enforcement divisions, lacking both necessary staff and funding, that regularly close claims of wage theft that appear legitimate. Such closed cases represent de facto wins for employers."
"Former investigators interviewed for this article say that budget cuts over the past decade have impeded their ability to perform meaningful investigations. They paint a stark picture of weakened enforcement divisions, lacking both necessary staff and funding, that regularly close claims of wage theft that appear legitimate. Such closed cases represent de facto wins for employers."
Cutting Government Jobs Wrong Remedy For Recovery
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Defend Walmart Warehouse Workers | The Nation
Defend Walmart Warehouse Workers | The Nation
"This past January, the state of California ordered a Walmart-contracted warehouse complex in Chino, California, to pay 865 employees up to $1.1 million in stolen wages. The company denied the charges and is appealing the ruling."
"This past January, the state of California ordered a Walmart-contracted warehouse complex in Chino, California, to pay 865 employees up to $1.1 million in stolen wages. The company denied the charges and is appealing the ruling."
Roosevelt Institute Campus Network Offers Summer Opportunities for Student Organizers | The Nation
Roosevelt Institute Campus Network Offers Summer Opportunities for Student Organizers | The Nation
"As part of the movement for greater leadership among young people in the political process, the Roosevelt Institute | Campus Network has created a summer program for college students, which will welcome its sixth cohort this year. The Summer Academy Fellowship offers a rigorous full-time, paid internship at a partner organization in addition to Academy programming that builds students’ skills in research, writing, networking, and organizing."
"As part of the movement for greater leadership among young people in the political process, the Roosevelt Institute | Campus Network has created a summer program for college students, which will welcome its sixth cohort this year. The Summer Academy Fellowship offers a rigorous full-time, paid internship at a partner organization in addition to Academy programming that builds students’ skills in research, writing, networking, and organizing."
Donors Trust: Little-Known Group Helps Wealthy Backers Fund Right-Wing Agenda in Secret | Common Dreams
Donors Trust: Little-Known Group Helps Wealthy Backers Fund Right-Wing Agenda in Secret | Common Dreams
"Since 1999, the nonprofit charity Donors Trust has handed out nearly $400 million in private donations to more than 1,000 right-wing and libertarian groups. The fact it has been able to quietly do so appears to explain why it exists"
"Since 1999, the nonprofit charity Donors Trust has handed out nearly $400 million in private donations to more than 1,000 right-wing and libertarian groups. The fact it has been able to quietly do so appears to explain why it exists"
George Monbiot: Secrets of the Rich: Billionaires are hiding behind a network of “independent” groups, who manipulate politics on their behalf.
George Monbiot: Secrets of the Rich: Billionaires are hiding behind a network of “independent” groups, who manipulate politics on their behalf.
"By these means the ultra-rich come to dominate the political conversation, without declaring themselves(17,18). Those they employ are clever and well-trained. They have money their opponents can only dream of. They are skilled at rechannelling the public anger which might otherwise have been directed at their funders: the people who have tanked the economy, who use the living planet as their dustbin, who won’t pay their taxes and who demand that the poor must pay for the mistakes of the rich. Anger, thanks to the work of these hired hands, is instead aimed at the victims or opponents of the billionaires: people on benefits, the trade unions, Greenpeace, the American Civil Liberties Union."
"By these means the ultra-rich come to dominate the political conversation, without declaring themselves(17,18). Those they employ are clever and well-trained. They have money their opponents can only dream of. They are skilled at rechannelling the public anger which might otherwise have been directed at their funders: the people who have tanked the economy, who use the living planet as their dustbin, who won’t pay their taxes and who demand that the poor must pay for the mistakes of the rich. Anger, thanks to the work of these hired hands, is instead aimed at the victims or opponents of the billionaires: people on benefits, the trade unions, Greenpeace, the American Civil Liberties Union."
One Man's Story of What Wall Street Broke
One Man's Story of What Wall Street Broke
""100 Stories of What Wall Street Broke" is a project created by the Home Defender's League, which is collecting first-person accounts from homeowners around the country."
""100 Stories of What Wall Street Broke" is a project created by the Home Defender's League, which is collecting first-person accounts from homeowners around the country."
Coming Sequester Cuts Will Make Most of Americans' Lives Worse -– And People Are Mobilizing | Alternet
Coming Sequester Cuts Will Make Most of Americans' Lives Worse -– And People Are Mobilizing | Alternet
"In just over a week the government is probably going to enter full-scale austerity. Republicans are refusing to end tax loopholes for big corporations and billionaires, choosing to let the “sequester” occur instead. Unless something changes, and soon, $1.2 trillion in cuts to defense and domestic spending begin to kick in. This will hit jobs, growth, and above all it will hit real people."
"In just over a week the government is probably going to enter full-scale austerity. Republicans are refusing to end tax loopholes for big corporations and billionaires, choosing to let the “sequester” occur instead. Unless something changes, and soon, $1.2 trillion in cuts to defense and domestic spending begin to kick in. This will hit jobs, growth, and above all it will hit real people."
Capital Gains Tax Cuts ‘By Far’ The Biggest Contributor To Growth In Income Inequality, Study Finds
Capital Gains Tax Cuts ‘By Far’ The Biggest Contributor To Growth In Income Inequality, Study Finds: Changes in tax law that reduced the federal tax rate on capital gains income is “by far the largest contributor” to rising income inequality in the United States, according to a new paper from Thomas Hungerford, an economist at the Congressional Research Service. Capital gains and other investment income was taxed as regular wage income [...]/p
What’s ‘Sequestration’ Mean in Real Life? | Common Dreams
What’s ‘Sequestration’ Mean in Real Life? | Common Dreams
"With politicians and pundits throwing around words like “sequestration” and debating the arcana of federal budgeting, it can be tough to grasp what’s at stake for real people and their communities. It doesn’t help when some in the debate are deliberately confusing the matter. But let’s be clear: The $1.1 trillion in automatic spending cuts that are set to begin next week constitute a nuclear bomb that’s poised to go off in communities of color."
"With politicians and pundits throwing around words like “sequestration” and debating the arcana of federal budgeting, it can be tough to grasp what’s at stake for real people and their communities. It doesn’t help when some in the debate are deliberately confusing the matter. But let’s be clear: The $1.1 trillion in automatic spending cuts that are set to begin next week constitute a nuclear bomb that’s poised to go off in communities of color."
The Potential Effect Of The Sequester Budget Cuts
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PERRspectives: Memo to Media: GOP Debt Ceiling Hostage Taking Responsible for Sequester
PERRspectives: Memo to Media: GOP Debt Ceiling Hostage Taking Responsible for Sequester
"Never before has the threat to block a debt limit increase been coupled with one party's intent and ability to actually do it. The BCA's sequester process is the price America paid to the Republican extortionists.
"Never before has the threat to block a debt limit increase been coupled with one party's intent and ability to actually do it. The BCA's sequester process is the price America paid to the Republican extortionists.
So, to all of the so-called pundits and ersatz journalists out there, repeat after me. No Republican debt ceiling hostage taking, no sequester."
Why The Nation’s Biggest Banks Are Even Bigger Than You Thought
Why The Nation’s Biggest Banks Are Even Bigger Than You Thought: Already, the biggest banks in the U.S. are huge. The largest 0.2 percent of institutions — just 12 mega-banks — control 69 percent of total bank assets. The 20 biggest banks hold assets equal to 84.5 percent of the nation’s entire economic output. And if the U.S. accounted for bank assets (and risk) in the [...]/p
Monsanto Recieves Warm Reception in High Court | Common Dreams
Monsanto Recieves Warm Reception in High Court | Common Dreams
"Observations from Tuesday's Supreme Court hearing between the Monsanto corporation and Indiana soybean farmer Hugh Bowman, indicate that the sympathy of the nine justices leaned heavily towards the agro-chemical giant while heaping skepticism on the arguments made on behalf of the small farmer."
"Observations from Tuesday's Supreme Court hearing between the Monsanto corporation and Indiana soybean farmer Hugh Bowman, indicate that the sympathy of the nine justices leaned heavily towards the agro-chemical giant while heaping skepticism on the arguments made on behalf of the small farmer."
The F-35 Folly: How Our Own Fighter Jets Are Killing Us
The F-35 Folly: How Our Own Fighter Jets Are Killing Us
"When you combine the price tag of the program with Government Accountability Office estimated operating and maintenance costs of the planes– the total cost of the program reaches over $1 trillion.
"When you combine the price tag of the program with Government Accountability Office estimated operating and maintenance costs of the planes– the total cost of the program reaches over $1 trillion.
And here's the really tragic and absurd part of this story. Thanks to the decade of delays, the technology in the F-35, once thought to be the best of the best, is now outdated."
The Supreme Court’s Absurdist Push to Lift Campaign Limits | The Progressive
The Supreme Court’s Absurdist Push to Lift Campaign Limits | The Progressive
"The U.S. Supreme Court seems poised to do more damage to our electoral system by lifting the cumulative contributions that someone can make to individual candidates and committees."
"The U.S. Supreme Court seems poised to do more damage to our electoral system by lifting the cumulative contributions that someone can make to individual candidates and committees."
How EPA Climate Protection Can Be America’s Greatest Jobs Producer | Common Dreams
How EPA Climate Protection Can Be America’s Greatest Jobs Producer | Common Dreams
"As our country is devastated by more and more severe droughts, floods, fires, and superstorms, the public is demanding regulation of the greenhouse gasses that cause climate change. The corporations that profit from coal, oil, and gas fear such regulation will reduce their profits and the value of their investments. They and their political mouthpieces have a solution, however: persuade the public that regulation of greenhouse gasses will destroy American jobs. The truth? Climate change is destroying American jobs right now — but climate protection will produce millions of new jobs. Here’s why."
"As our country is devastated by more and more severe droughts, floods, fires, and superstorms, the public is demanding regulation of the greenhouse gasses that cause climate change. The corporations that profit from coal, oil, and gas fear such regulation will reduce their profits and the value of their investments. They and their political mouthpieces have a solution, however: persuade the public that regulation of greenhouse gasses will destroy American jobs. The truth? Climate change is destroying American jobs right now — but climate protection will produce millions of new jobs. Here’s why."
Lobbying Budgets of Keystone XL Opponents Exceeded That Of Supporters By More Than 35 To 1
Lobbying Budgets of Keystone XL Opponents Exceeded That Of Supporters By More Than 35 To 1: At least fifty oil companies, business trade associations, labor unions, and political groups with combined lobbying budgets of more than $178 million lobbied Washington in support of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline in 2012. And the dozen groups lobbying against the environmentally risky project had 2012 lobbying budgets of less than $5 million total, [...]/p
10 Things You Should Know About #TheRealTANF | Common Dreams
10 Things You Should Know About #TheRealTANF | Common Dreams
"With TANF authorization expiring at the end of March and needing to be renewed (and hopefully improved)—and over 46 million people still living below the poverty line of $23,021 for a family of four—here are ten things you should know about the program"
"With TANF authorization expiring at the end of March and needing to be renewed (and hopefully improved)—and over 46 million people still living below the poverty line of $23,021 for a family of four—here are ten things you should know about the program"
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