www.rollingstone.com/politics/blogs/taibblog/on-christmas-republicans-quietly-declare-war-on-themselves-20131230
"The news came in the Wall Street Journal, where the Chamber of Commerce disclosed that it will be teaming up with Republican establishment leaders to spend $50 million in an effort to stem the tide of “fools” who have overwhelmed Republican ballots in recent seasons."
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Overthrow the Speculators | Common Dreams
Overthrow the Speculators | Common Dreams
"Speculators at megabanks or investment firms such as Goldman Sachs are not, in a strict sense, capitalists. They do not make money from the means of production. Rather, they ignore or rewrite the law—ostensibly put in place to protect the vulnerable from the powerful—to steal from everyone, including their shareholders. They are parasites. They feed off the carcass of industrial capitalism. They produce nothing. They make nothing. They just manipulate money. Speculation in the 17th century was a crime."
"Speculators at megabanks or investment firms such as Goldman Sachs are not, in a strict sense, capitalists. They do not make money from the means of production. Rather, they ignore or rewrite the law—ostensibly put in place to protect the vulnerable from the powerful—to steal from everyone, including their shareholders. They are parasites. They feed off the carcass of industrial capitalism. They produce nothing. They make nothing. They just manipulate money. Speculation in the 17th century was a crime."
Why "Fines" Don't Stop Bad Corporate Behavior
www.alternet.org/fines-corporate
"Unless the federal government actually threatens the executives of criminal corporations with jail time, nothing is going to change. Fear is the only thing that keeps a sociopath in line."
"Unless the federal government actually threatens the executives of criminal corporations with jail time, nothing is going to change. Fear is the only thing that keeps a sociopath in line."
Real Family Values: Flexible Work Arrangements and Work-Life Fit
www.americanprogress.org/issues/religion/report/2013/12/19/81336/flexible-work-arrangements-and-work-life-fit/
"By promoting flexible work arrangements without stigma and creating opportunities for workers to be more flexible within all levels of organizations, we promote greater equality within the workforce and the family. We strengthen the workforce and begin to clarify an understanding of it that represents the realities and challenges today’s families face—one that does not idealize decades-old family work structures. We must codify into law the steps that help create a more just workplace and ensure that all workers can ask for the flexibility they need to thrive as both employees and family members. By holding fast to these real family values, we can create more equitable and just families and, in turn, a more equitable and just nation."
"By promoting flexible work arrangements without stigma and creating opportunities for workers to be more flexible within all levels of organizations, we promote greater equality within the workforce and the family. We strengthen the workforce and begin to clarify an understanding of it that represents the realities and challenges today’s families face—one that does not idealize decades-old family work structures. We must codify into law the steps that help create a more just workplace and ensure that all workers can ask for the flexibility they need to thrive as both employees and family members. By holding fast to these real family values, we can create more equitable and just families and, in turn, a more equitable and just nation."
Republicans Are Betting on a Losing Strategy in 2014 | Common Dreams
Republicans Are Betting on a Losing Strategy in 2014 | Common Dreams
"The shutdown, the sequester, and now the cruel cancellation of unemployment benefits during Christmas hurts many of the same people the Republicans want to court."
"The shutdown, the sequester, and now the cruel cancellation of unemployment benefits during Christmas hurts many of the same people the Republicans want to court."
The National Memo » The Democrats’ Not-So-Secret Weapon For 2014? Raising The Minimum Wage
The National Memo » The Democrats’ Not-So-Secret Weapon For 2014? Raising The Minimum Wage
"In March of this year, the House GOP unanimously voted against raising the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour over three years."
"In March of this year, the House GOP unanimously voted against raising the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour over three years."
The National Memo » Call It A Comeback: More Than 9 Million Americans Have Health Insurance Through Obamacare
The National Memo » Call It A Comeback: More Than 9 Million Americans Have Health Insurance Through Obamacare
"After two months of barely functioning, the federal online health care exchanges delivered, racking up 975,000 enrollments in the month of December. That brings the total number of people who have picked a plan through an exchange since October 1 to about two million. The administration reached about two-thirds of its goal of enrolling 3.3 million by the end of 2013 after being fully operational one-third of the time. And it turns out most of the enrollments came during the one-week extension the White House gave itself after the initial problems with the site became apparent.
Four million people have qualified for Medicaid, according to ACASignups.net. Another 3.1 million young adults are covered by their parents’ health insurance, thanks to a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
This means over nine million people have gained coverage through the ACA since it first became law."
"After two months of barely functioning, the federal online health care exchanges delivered, racking up 975,000 enrollments in the month of December. That brings the total number of people who have picked a plan through an exchange since October 1 to about two million. The administration reached about two-thirds of its goal of enrolling 3.3 million by the end of 2013 after being fully operational one-third of the time. And it turns out most of the enrollments came during the one-week extension the White House gave itself after the initial problems with the site became apparent.
Four million people have qualified for Medicaid, according to ACASignups.net. Another 3.1 million young adults are covered by their parents’ health insurance, thanks to a provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
This means over nine million people have gained coverage through the ACA since it first became law."
Bernie Sanders: Congress Is Dysfunctional and Putting the US at Risk
Bernie Sanders: Congress Is Dysfunctional and Putting the US at Risk
"There is no tax break for the rich or large corporations that they don't like. There is no program which protects working families -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, affordable housing, etc. -- that they don't want to cut."
"There is no tax break for the rich or large corporations that they don't like. There is no program which protects working families -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, affordable housing, etc. -- that they don't want to cut."
You Won't Believe Conservatives' Absurd Theories They Think Will Cure Poverty
www.alternet.org/economy/conservatives-and-povety
"But the very same study shows that America’s deregulated, capitalism-gone-wild economy has done far less to lift people out of poverty during that same period. The facts demonstrate clearly that government services have made the difference in people’s lives, while America’s economic policies have failed."
"But the very same study shows that America’s deregulated, capitalism-gone-wild economy has done far less to lift people out of poverty during that same period. The facts demonstrate clearly that government services have made the difference in people’s lives, while America’s economic policies have failed."
Monday, December 30, 2013
If Memory Swerves: The 1 Percent Laughs Last, as Wall Street Wins Again | Common Dreams
If Memory Swerves: The 1 Percent Laughs Last, as Wall Street Wins Again | Common Dreams
"It was the unavoidable explosion after decades of deregulation and willful blindness. A kind of waste product had been deliberately moved through the bowels of a hundred shady mortgage outfits. It was then gilded by delusional ratings agencies and sold to the world by the most respected names in finance. Bribery and deceit and crazy incentives had been the laxatives that pushed this product down the pipe; money and bonhomie and reassuring economic theory had been the sedatives that put the regulators to sleep.
The industry would supervise itself, we were told — and we believed it. Instead our economic order turned out to be wobbly, even rotten. The great banks looked insolvent. The great capitalists looked like criminals."
"It was the unavoidable explosion after decades of deregulation and willful blindness. A kind of waste product had been deliberately moved through the bowels of a hundred shady mortgage outfits. It was then gilded by delusional ratings agencies and sold to the world by the most respected names in finance. Bribery and deceit and crazy incentives had been the laxatives that pushed this product down the pipe; money and bonhomie and reassuring economic theory had been the sedatives that put the regulators to sleep.
The industry would supervise itself, we were told — and we believed it. Instead our economic order turned out to be wobbly, even rotten. The great banks looked insolvent. The great capitalists looked like criminals."
Sen. Bernie Sanders On 2014: Seize the Moment | Common Dreams
2014: Seize the Moment | Common Dreams
"In my view, the main cause of congressional dysfunction is an extreme right-wing Republican party whose main goal is to protect the wealthy and powerful. There is no tax break for the rich or large corporations that they don't like. There is no program which protects working families -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, affordable housing, etc. -- that they don't want to cut."
"In my view, the main cause of congressional dysfunction is an extreme right-wing Republican party whose main goal is to protect the wealthy and powerful. There is no tax break for the rich or large corporations that they don't like. There is no program which protects working families -- Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, affordable housing, etc. -- that they don't want to cut."
Occupy Madison Builds Tiny Homes for Wisconsin Homeless
Occupy Madison Builds Tiny Homes for Wisconsin Homeless
"Occupy Madison volunteers have been working to combat homelessness in Madison, Wisconsin. This year they launched an ambitious project to start building small, portable homes for Madison's homeless population. The first residents moved in on Christmas Eve."
"Occupy Madison volunteers have been working to combat homelessness in Madison, Wisconsin. This year they launched an ambitious project to start building small, portable homes for Madison's homeless population. The first residents moved in on Christmas Eve."
The “middle class” myth: Here’s why wages are really so low today
The “middle class” myth: Here’s why wages are really so low today
"Want to understand the failures of the "free market" and the key to getting a decent wage? Here's the real story"
"Want to understand the failures of the "free market" and the key to getting a decent wage? Here's the real story"
Elizabeth Warren: Every American Has the Right to Retire with Dignity—Why We Must Expand Social Security
www.alternet.org/economy/elizabeth-warren-its-right-every-american-retire-dignity-why-we-must-expand-social-security
"Social Security works; no one runs out of benefits and the guaranteed payments don't rise and fall with the stock market. Two-thirds of seniors rely on it for the majority of their income in retirement, and for 14 million seniors, this is the safety net that keeps them out of poverty. And yet, instead of taking on the retirement crisis, instead of strengthening Social Security, some in Washington are actually fighting to cut benefits."
"Social Security works; no one runs out of benefits and the guaranteed payments don't rise and fall with the stock market. Two-thirds of seniors rely on it for the majority of their income in retirement, and for 14 million seniors, this is the safety net that keeps them out of poverty. And yet, instead of taking on the retirement crisis, instead of strengthening Social Security, some in Washington are actually fighting to cut benefits."
The 10 biggest GOP rebranding fails of 2013
The 10 biggest GOP rebranding fails of 2013
"In March of this year, just a few months after the party’s drubbing in the 2012 elections, the Republican National Committee released its much-anticipated “autopsy” report. The goal of the report was to explain the GOP’s 2012 failure and to recommend changes the party could make to improve its chances in the future. On both counts, the authors concluded, the answer was inclusiveness — or the lack thereof. If the GOP were to stay competitive on the national level, it would be necessary to change the way many voters (young and Latino ones, especially) saw the party. And in order to do that, the Republican Party would, as the authors put it, have to “stop talking to itself.” It was time to rebrand.
Nine months later, however, it’s hard to conclude that the GOP’s rebranding effort has been anything other than an abysmal failure."
"In March of this year, just a few months after the party’s drubbing in the 2012 elections, the Republican National Committee released its much-anticipated “autopsy” report. The goal of the report was to explain the GOP’s 2012 failure and to recommend changes the party could make to improve its chances in the future. On both counts, the authors concluded, the answer was inclusiveness — or the lack thereof. If the GOP were to stay competitive on the national level, it would be necessary to change the way many voters (young and Latino ones, especially) saw the party. And in order to do that, the Republican Party would, as the authors put it, have to “stop talking to itself.” It was time to rebrand.
Nine months later, however, it’s hard to conclude that the GOP’s rebranding effort has been anything other than an abysmal failure."
Sunday, December 29, 2013
What America Would Look Like If Libertarians Got Their Way
www.alternet.org/what-america-would-look-if-libertarians-got-their-way?paging=off¤t_page=1#bookmark
"A North America dotted with Third World colonies. And a blighted landscape where Others are subjugated to Owners."
"A North America dotted with Third World colonies. And a blighted landscape where Others are subjugated to Owners."
Meet The Man Who Told The GOP How To Destroy America’s Middle Class
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/12/26/powell-memo-gop-blueprint/
"The Powell Memo came up with the plan, the blueprint. Based on the ideas presented in the Powell Memo, the Republican party created think tanks responsible for dispersing misleading information with a false cloak of authenticity. The Heritage Foundation is a classic example of this."
"The Powell Memo came up with the plan, the blueprint. Based on the ideas presented in the Powell Memo, the Republican party created think tanks responsible for dispersing misleading information with a false cloak of authenticity. The Heritage Foundation is a classic example of this."
The National Memo » America’s Greediest: The Koch Brothers, The ‘Libertarians’ Who Hate The Free Market
The National Memo » America’s Greediest: The Koch Brothers, The ‘Libertarians’ Who Hate The Free Market
"While the Kochs insist that their goal is freedom, their agenda seems entirely based on policies that increase economic inequality and make it easy for carbon polluters like Koch Industries to continue their unfettered domination of energy markets.
Perhaps the best example of the Kochs’ hypocrisy comes in their war on solar power.
While the Kochs spent millions to try to put politicians in office who have vowed to never raise taxes on the rich or anyone, the billionaires are aiding efforts to “tax the sun” in an effort to squash the nascent solar industry."
"While the Kochs insist that their goal is freedom, their agenda seems entirely based on policies that increase economic inequality and make it easy for carbon polluters like Koch Industries to continue their unfettered domination of energy markets.
Perhaps the best example of the Kochs’ hypocrisy comes in their war on solar power.
While the Kochs spent millions to try to put politicians in office who have vowed to never raise taxes on the rich or anyone, the billionaires are aiding efforts to “tax the sun” in an effort to squash the nascent solar industry."
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Detroit’s Deals with Financial Institutions Led to Disaster
Detroit’s Deals with Financial Institutions Led to Disaster
"Today’s New York Times published one of the most important stories yet about the Detroit bankruptcy, a story that shines a harsh light on the financial institutions whose tricky deal-making helped tank the city’s finances. At the heart of the story is Detroit’s decision to enter into swap contracts that were spectacularly ill-advised."
"Today’s New York Times published one of the most important stories yet about the Detroit bankruptcy, a story that shines a harsh light on the financial institutions whose tricky deal-making helped tank the city’s finances. At the heart of the story is Detroit’s decision to enter into swap contracts that were spectacularly ill-advised."
Robert Reich Takes on Ryan Adviser Who Claims Income Inequality is Not a Problem
Robert Reich Takes on Ryan Adviser Who Claims Income Inequality is Not a Problem
"Here we go again with another one of these Third Way flacks making their way onto our airways -- although this one has moved onto the Manhattan Institute and working as an economic adviser for Rep. Paul Ryan."
"Here we go again with another one of these Third Way flacks making their way onto our airways -- although this one has moved onto the Manhattan Institute and working as an economic adviser for Rep. Paul Ryan."
Friday, December 27, 2013
Noam Chomsky: We’re no longer a functioning democracy, we’re really a plutocracy
Noam Chomsky: We’re no longer a functioning democracy, we’re really a plutocracy (via Raw Story )The world faces two potentially existential threats, according to the linguist and political philosopher Noam Chomsky. “There are two major dark shadows that hover over everything, and they’re getting more and more serious,” Chomsky said. “The…
Inequality: An Essential Reader
Inequality: An Essential Reader
"How did we arrive at this new Gilded Age? And how might we create an economy of broadly shared prosperity?"
"How did we arrive at this new Gilded Age? And how might we create an economy of broadly shared prosperity?"
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Thank a Postal Worker This Holiday Season | Common Dreams
Thank a Postal Worker This Holiday Season | Common Dreams
"Postal workers are still under assault from political slackers in Washington—like House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman Darrell Issa, R-California, and the wrecking crew he has assembled to diminish the United States Postal Service to such an extent that it can be bartered off to the highest bidder."
"Postal workers are still under assault from political slackers in Washington—like House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman Darrell Issa, R-California, and the wrecking crew he has assembled to diminish the United States Postal Service to such an extent that it can be bartered off to the highest bidder."
Moral Monday Movement Set To Spread Across South
Moral Monday Movement Set To Spread Across South
"Moral Monday protests in North Carolina against a raft of recent legislation targeting voters and teachers will continue in 2014. Reporting by the AP suggests that the protests will spread across the South."
"Moral Monday protests in North Carolina against a raft of recent legislation targeting voters and teachers will continue in 2014. Reporting by the AP suggests that the protests will spread across the South."
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Phoenix Reduces its Population of Chronically Homeless Veterans to Zero
Phoenix Reduces its Population of Chronically Homeless Veterans to Zero
"This could be a sign of things to come as the Obama administration aims to eradicate homelessness among veterans by 2015."
"This could be a sign of things to come as the Obama administration aims to eradicate homelessness among veterans by 2015."
Cruelty, Corporations, Congress, and Christmas: Unhappy Holidays for the Poor & Unemployed | Common Dreams
Cruelty, Corporations, Congress, and Christmas: Unhappy Holidays for the Poor & Unemployed | Common Dreams
"It's the holiday season in the United States and members of Congress and corporate executives are home with their families.
Meanwhile, in a year that Congress decided to slash funds for the federal food stamp program while also refusing to extend unemployment benefits to millions of people still suffering from a financial crisis created by large banks and a corrupted government, working people and the nation's most vulnerable have been left to fend for themselves."
"It's the holiday season in the United States and members of Congress and corporate executives are home with their families.
Meanwhile, in a year that Congress decided to slash funds for the federal food stamp program while also refusing to extend unemployment benefits to millions of people still suffering from a financial crisis created by large banks and a corrupted government, working people and the nation's most vulnerable have been left to fend for themselves."
Monday, December 23, 2013
'Gaffe-ing All the Way': Corporate Gluttony This Holiday Season | Common Dreams
'Gaffe-ing All the Way': Corporate Gluttony This Holiday Season | Common Dreams
"At a time of year when we're inclined to show empathy for people less fortunate than ourselves, some of our top business leaders are notable for comments that show their disdain for struggling Americans. Their words may seem too outlandish to have been uttered, or inappropriately humorous, but all the speakers were serious."
"At a time of year when we're inclined to show empathy for people less fortunate than ourselves, some of our top business leaders are notable for comments that show their disdain for struggling Americans. Their words may seem too outlandish to have been uttered, or inappropriately humorous, but all the speakers were serious."
Sunday, December 22, 2013
WSJ Panel Celebrates 'Third Way' Attack on Elizabeth Warren
WSJ Panel Celebrates 'Third Way' Attack on Elizabeth Warren
"After they finished bashing Pope Francis for daring to speak up about income disparity and the need to take care of the poor, talking heads on Fox moved on attacking yet another of their favorite targets, Massachusetts Senator and progressive champion Elizabeth Warren."
"After they finished bashing Pope Francis for daring to speak up about income disparity and the need to take care of the poor, talking heads on Fox moved on attacking yet another of their favorite targets, Massachusetts Senator and progressive champion Elizabeth Warren."
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Raising the Federal Minimum Wage to $10.10 Would Lift Wages for Millions and Provide a Modest Economic Boost | Economic Policy Institute
Raising the Federal Minimum Wage to $10.10 Would Lift Wages for Millions and Provide a Modest Economic Boost | Economic Policy Institute
"Every year that the minimum wage remains the same in nominal dollars, inflation slowly erodes its real (i.e., inflation-adjusted) value, leaving minimum-wage workers with a paycheck that cannot buy as much as it did in years past."
"Every year that the minimum wage remains the same in nominal dollars, inflation slowly erodes its real (i.e., inflation-adjusted) value, leaving minimum-wage workers with a paycheck that cannot buy as much as it did in years past."
The Progressive Honor Roll of 2013 | The Nation
The Progressive Honor Roll of 2013 | The Nation
"This past year was about a lot more than Ted Cruz and the surreal shutdown politics of the Republican right. Across America, grassroots groups, bold unions, inspired activists, crusading editors and courageous elected officials did great things. They are the real heroes of 2013, and The Nation’s Progressive Honor Roll celebrates them for their accomplishments this year and their determination to do even more in 2014."
"This past year was about a lot more than Ted Cruz and the surreal shutdown politics of the Republican right. Across America, grassroots groups, bold unions, inspired activists, crusading editors and courageous elected officials did great things. They are the real heroes of 2013, and The Nation’s Progressive Honor Roll celebrates them for their accomplishments this year and their determination to do even more in 2014."
PERRspectives: GOP Releases Government, Takes U.S. Economy Hostage Again
PERRspectives: GOP Releases Government, Takes U.S. Economy Hostage Again
"That was quick. Just two days after he joined House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) in lashing out against right-wing extremists who threatened to trigger another government shutdown by blocking his compromise budget, Rep. Paul Ryan on Sunday promised to support the Tea Party's other favorite act of national economic blackmail. Despite the fact that both Ryan and Boehner have admitted "we have no immediate debt crisis" and that "you can't not raise the debt limit" because that "would be a financial disaster, not only for our country but for the worldwide economy," Ryan on Sunday threatened to do just that."
"That was quick. Just two days after he joined House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) in lashing out against right-wing extremists who threatened to trigger another government shutdown by blocking his compromise budget, Rep. Paul Ryan on Sunday promised to support the Tea Party's other favorite act of national economic blackmail. Despite the fact that both Ryan and Boehner have admitted "we have no immediate debt crisis" and that "you can't not raise the debt limit" because that "would be a financial disaster, not only for our country but for the worldwide economy," Ryan on Sunday threatened to do just that."
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Why Are Republicans Socking It to the Unemployed?
Why Are Republicans Socking It to the Unemployed?
"Paul and his colleagues think that by cutting off unemployment insurance to millions of Americans, they’re actually motivating them to get jobs.
And that’s fine if there are jobs to get. But there aren’t.
As of November, there were 10.9 million unemployed Americans. Yet, employers only added 203,000 jobs last month.
While those new jobs might help the economy, they’re obviously not enough to put all unemployed Americans back to work.
But Republicans don’t get that."
"Paul and his colleagues think that by cutting off unemployment insurance to millions of Americans, they’re actually motivating them to get jobs.
And that’s fine if there are jobs to get. But there aren’t.
As of November, there were 10.9 million unemployed Americans. Yet, employers only added 203,000 jobs last month.
While those new jobs might help the economy, they’re obviously not enough to put all unemployed Americans back to work.
But Republicans don’t get that."
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Court Rules Gov. Nikki Haley Violated Civil Rights With Occupy Arrests
Court Rules Gov. Nikki Haley Violated Civil Rights With Occupy Arrests
"A federal appeals court ruled on Monday that South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) could be sued for violating the civil rights of Occupy Columbia protesters who were removed from the Statehouse grounds and arrested in 2011."
"A federal appeals court ruled on Monday that South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) could be sued for violating the civil rights of Occupy Columbia protesters who were removed from the Statehouse grounds and arrested in 2011."
Noam Chomsky Continues to Inspire | Common Dreams
Noam Chomsky Continues to Inspire | Common Dreams
"He’s one of the world’s best-known intellectuals and one of the least vain. Or elitist. Put him in a roomful of a thousand social activists (not uncommon surroundings for him) and you’ll see him attempt to meet each of them, one-by-one, until he’s physically removed to rush to the airport or next appointment."
"He’s one of the world’s best-known intellectuals and one of the least vain. Or elitist. Put him in a roomful of a thousand social activists (not uncommon surroundings for him) and you’ll see him attempt to meet each of them, one-by-one, until he’s physically removed to rush to the airport or next appointment."
Seven Ripoffs That Capitalists Would Like to Keep out of the Media | Common Dreams
Seven Ripoffs That Capitalists Would Like to Keep out of the Media | Common Dreams
"Tax-avoiding, consumer-exploiting big business leaders are largely responsible for these abuses. Congress just lets it happen. Corporate heads and members of Congress seem incapable of relating to the people that are being victimized, and the mainstream media seems to have lost the ability to express the views of lower-income Americans."
"Tax-avoiding, consumer-exploiting big business leaders are largely responsible for these abuses. Congress just lets it happen. Corporate heads and members of Congress seem incapable of relating to the people that are being victimized, and the mainstream media seems to have lost the ability to express the views of lower-income Americans."
10 Greediest People in America | Alternet
10 Greediest People in America | Alternet
"Butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers. You won’t find any of them in this latest annual list of America’s most avaricious. You will find wheelers and dealers and even a candy store heiress. "
"Butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers. You won’t find any of them in this latest annual list of America’s most avaricious. You will find wheelers and dealers and even a candy store heiress. "
Goodies for the Rich, Pennies for the Poor
Goodies for the Rich, Pennies for the Poor
"Republicans don't give a rat's ass about working-class Americans, but they want you to think they do."
"Republicans don't give a rat's ass about working-class Americans, but they want you to think they do."
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Why Shopping at Walmart Is No Bargain | Alternet
Why Shopping at Walmart Is No Bargain | Alternet
"So that last great argument about Walmart being more affordable is dead in the water. Could a caring, sensible person continue to shop there, knowing all that we now know?"
"So that last great argument about Walmart being more affordable is dead in the water. Could a caring, sensible person continue to shop there, knowing all that we now know?"
America Is the Most Inhumane Developed Country on the Planet — Are We Going to Let It Stay That Way? | Alternet
America Is the Most Inhumane Developed Country on the Planet — Are We Going to Let It Stay That Way? | Alternet
"This week marked the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. What would it be like if people in the U.S. knew they had these rights?"
"This week marked the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. What would it be like if people in the U.S. knew they had these rights?"
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Bill Moyers: 'We Are This Close to Losing Our Democracy to the Mercenary Class' | Alternet
Bill Moyers: 'We Are This Close to Losing Our Democracy to the Mercenary Class' | Alternet
"The historian Plutarch warned us long ago of what happens when there is no brake on the power of great wealth to subvert the electorate."
"The historian Plutarch warned us long ago of what happens when there is no brake on the power of great wealth to subvert the electorate."
As It Turns Out, There Still Is a Vast Right Wing Conspiracy - The Many Friends of ALEC
As It Turns Out, There Still Is a Vast Right Wing Conspiracy - The Many Friends of ALEC
"Meanwhile, newly revealed documents show that legislators who co-chair ALEC committees must sign a State Chair Job Description and Agreement. Among other things, state legislator chairs agree to "act with care and loyalty and put the interests of the organization [ALEC] first." Another provision says: "Legislators must inform ALEC of any public records / FOIA requests that include ALEC documents"."
"Meanwhile, newly revealed documents show that legislators who co-chair ALEC committees must sign a State Chair Job Description and Agreement. Among other things, state legislator chairs agree to "act with care and loyalty and put the interests of the organization [ALEC] first." Another provision says: "Legislators must inform ALEC of any public records / FOIA requests that include ALEC documents"."
Teen DUI Killer Gets Off After Defense Claims 'Affluenza'
Teen DUI Killer Gets Off After Defense Claims 'Affluenza'
"A Texas teenager who killed four in a drunken driving accident was sentenced to probation after defense lawyers argued his wealthy parents never taught him right from wrong."
"A Texas teenager who killed four in a drunken driving accident was sentenced to probation after defense lawyers argued his wealthy parents never taught him right from wrong."
Boeing is a Greedy, Freeloading Corporation That Screws American Taxpayers and Workers | Alternet
Boeing is a Greedy, Freeloading Corporation That Screws American Taxpayers and Workers | Alternet
"The aerospace company makes out like a bandit while sucking the lifeblood from the real economy."
"The aerospace company makes out like a bandit while sucking the lifeblood from the real economy."
6 Reasons There's No Such Thing As Compassionate Conservatism | Alternet
6 Reasons There's No Such Thing As Compassionate Conservatism | Alternet
"Conservatives worship Ayn Rand, who said it was morally wrong to help people. How's that for compassionate?"
"Conservatives worship Ayn Rand, who said it was morally wrong to help people. How's that for compassionate?"
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
There's A Federal Pension Grab In The Details Of New Budget
There's A Federal Pension Grab In The Details Of New Budget
"It's always about protecting the rich at the expense of the workers."
"It's always about protecting the rich at the expense of the workers."
America’s Retirement Crisis Grows as Cities Raid Pension and Health Plans | Alternet
America’s Retirement Crisis Grows as Cities Raid Pension and Health Plans | Alternet
"Across America, states, counties and cities are taking steps that will make retirement for ex-public employees much harsher. Courts, politicans and corporations are all working together to chip away at deferred wages: reducing pensions or eliminating promised healthcare, or both. Said simply, they’re looting retirements and pushing people toward poverty."
"Across America, states, counties and cities are taking steps that will make retirement for ex-public employees much harsher. Courts, politicans and corporations are all working together to chip away at deferred wages: reducing pensions or eliminating promised healthcare, or both. Said simply, they’re looting retirements and pushing people toward poverty."
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Fox Piles On Big Business' Attempt To Smear Fast Food Protesters As "Rent-A-Mobs"
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2013/12/10/fox-piles-on-big-business-attempt-to-smear-fast/197222
"Fox News hyped baseless claims from fast food industry sources that the recent fast food protests were nothing but "rent-a-mob[s]" and misleadingly cited national labor statistics to minimize the fast-food workers' apparent need for increased wages."
"Fox News hyped baseless claims from fast food industry sources that the recent fast food protests were nothing but "rent-a-mob[s]" and misleadingly cited national labor statistics to minimize the fast-food workers' apparent need for increased wages."
Raising the Minimum Wage Would Boost the Incomes of Millions of Women and Their Families
www.americanprogress.org/issues/religion/report/2013/12/10/80780/real-family-values-raising-the-federal-minimum-wage/
"It is time for Congress to recognize the increasingly important role working women play in our economy and ensure that all women are fairly compensated for their work. Increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour is an important first step—one that would help provide economic security to millions of hardworking Americans and their families."
"It is time for Congress to recognize the increasingly important role working women play in our economy and ensure that all women are fairly compensated for their work. Increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour is an important first step—one that would help provide economic security to millions of hardworking Americans and their families."
The Koch Brothers Are Still Trying to Break Wind | Common Dreams
The Koch Brothers Are Still Trying to Break Wind | Common Dreams
"The Koch network is fighting the wind industry on a number of fronts."
"The Koch network is fighting the wind industry on a number of fronts."
Sanders: GOP 'Just Factually Wrong' About Minimum Wage Hike
Sanders: GOP 'Just Factually Wrong' About Minimum Wage Hike
"Sanders destroyed every GOP claims against raising the minimum wage, while calling their position as 'just factually wrong"."
"Sanders destroyed every GOP claims against raising the minimum wage, while calling their position as 'just factually wrong"."
The Ayn-Rand Worshipping Sears CEO That Blew Up His Multibillion Dollar Empire | Alternet
The Ayn-Rand Worshipping Sears CEO That Blew Up His Multibillion Dollar Empire | Alternet
"Lampert is now known as one of the worst CEOs in America — the man who flushed Sears down the toilet with his demented management style and harebrained approach to retail. Sears stock is tanking."
"Lampert is now known as one of the worst CEOs in America — the man who flushed Sears down the toilet with his demented management style and harebrained approach to retail. Sears stock is tanking."
Monday, December 9, 2013
Put the "United" Back in the United States of America
Put the "United" Back in the United States of America
"Every time a state strikes a corporate welfare "megadeal," the American taxpayer is left to pay the price."
"Every time a state strikes a corporate welfare "megadeal," the American taxpayer is left to pay the price."
The Bankruptcy and Privatization of Detroit Is a Terrifying Preview of What Republicans Want to Do to the Rest of the Country | Alternet
The Bankruptcy and Privatization of Detroit Is a Terrifying Preview of What Republicans Want to Do to the Rest of the Country | Alternet
"The privatization of Detroit is about to begin, and there’s no way the billionaire class is going to miss it."
"The privatization of Detroit is about to begin, and there’s no way the billionaire class is going to miss it."
Three Ways the Super-Rich Suck Wealth Out of the Rest of Us | Common Dreams
Three Ways the Super-Rich Suck Wealth Out of the Rest of Us | Common Dreams
"The facts are indisputable, the conclusion painful. The wealthiest people in the U.S. and around the world have used the stock market and the deregulated financial system to lay claim to the resources that should belong to all of us."
"The facts are indisputable, the conclusion painful. The wealthiest people in the U.S. and around the world have used the stock market and the deregulated financial system to lay claim to the resources that should belong to all of us."
Time to be Afraid in America: The Frightening Pattern of Throwing Police Power at Social Problems | Alternet
Time to be Afraid in America: The Frightening Pattern of Throwing Police Power at Social Problems | Alternet
"Policing overkill has entered the DNA of America's social policy"
"Policing overkill has entered the DNA of America's social policy"
Friday, December 6, 2013
Koch Networks Fueled 2012 Dark Money Machine
Koch Networks Fueled 2012 Dark Money Machine
"According to Open Secrets, Koch-funded organizations represented one-quarter of the dark money spent in 2012. That's one-quarter of all dark money, not just conservative funding."
"According to Open Secrets, Koch-funded organizations represented one-quarter of the dark money spent in 2012. That's one-quarter of all dark money, not just conservative funding."
Here's ALEC's Plan To Bring Right Wing Policies To States Near You
Here's ALEC's Plan To Bring Right Wing Policies To States Near You
"The documents not only show these organizations' plans for how to serve their oligarchs at the expense of ordinary people, they also reveal a player most people don't hear much about: Searle Freedom Trust. Searle Freedom Trust is closely tied to Donor's Trust, the donor-advised slush fund for conservative causes."
"The documents not only show these organizations' plans for how to serve their oligarchs at the expense of ordinary people, they also reveal a player most people don't hear much about: Searle Freedom Trust. Searle Freedom Trust is closely tied to Donor's Trust, the donor-advised slush fund for conservative causes."
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Army of Rightwing Groups Plan Assault on State Laws in 2014 | Common Dreams
Army of Rightwing Groups Plan Assault on State Laws in 2014 | Common Dreams
"The documents also cast light on the nexus of funding arrangements behind radical rightwing campaigns. The State Policy Network (SPN) has members in each of the 50 states and an annual warchest of $83m drawn from major corporate donors that include the energy tycoons the Koch brothers, the tobacco company Philip Morris, food giant Kraft and the multinational drugs company GlaxoSmithKline."
"The documents also cast light on the nexus of funding arrangements behind radical rightwing campaigns. The State Policy Network (SPN) has members in each of the 50 states and an annual warchest of $83m drawn from major corporate donors that include the energy tycoons the Koch brothers, the tobacco company Philip Morris, food giant Kraft and the multinational drugs company GlaxoSmithKline."
Rep. Chaffetz Makes Excuses for Refusal to Raise Minimum Wage
Rep. Chaffetz Makes Excuses for Refusal to Raise Minimum Wage
"Never mind that the minimum wage would be $22.62 per hour today if it had grown at the same rate as the earnings of the one percent. Never mind that most minimum wage earners are adults. Never mind that most Americans favor raising the minimum wage. That wasn't going to stop Rep. Jason Chaffetz from defending the Republicans' skewed priorities in the House of Representatives to host Stephanie Cutter on this Wednesday's Crossfire, or pretending that raising it would keep companies from hiring teenagers."
"Never mind that the minimum wage would be $22.62 per hour today if it had grown at the same rate as the earnings of the one percent. Never mind that most minimum wage earners are adults. Never mind that most Americans favor raising the minimum wage. That wasn't going to stop Rep. Jason Chaffetz from defending the Republicans' skewed priorities in the House of Representatives to host Stephanie Cutter on this Wednesday's Crossfire, or pretending that raising it would keep companies from hiring teenagers."
Ohio GOP Resurrects Voter Suppression Efforts | The Nation
Ohio GOP Resurrects Voter Suppression Efforts | The Nation
"But now Ohio Republicans are once again resurrecting efforts to make it harder to vote. Last month, the GOP-controlled Ohio Senate, on a party-line vote, voted to cut early voting by a week, eliminating the “Golden Week” when Ohioans can register and vote on the same day during the early voting period (Senate Bill 238). The legislation was introduced and passed in one week, with almost no time for substantive debate."
"But now Ohio Republicans are once again resurrecting efforts to make it harder to vote. Last month, the GOP-controlled Ohio Senate, on a party-line vote, voted to cut early voting by a week, eliminating the “Golden Week” when Ohioans can register and vote on the same day during the early voting period (Senate Bill 238). The legislation was introduced and passed in one week, with almost no time for substantive debate."
The Pension-Busters’ Playbook | Common Dreams
The Pension-Busters’ Playbook | Common Dreams
"As the bankruptcy proceeds and 80,000 properties lay vacant throughout the city, Detroit’s budget problems are touted by conservatives as a microcosm of national public-sector pension problems. In fact, Detroit is a case study of an economy tied to an industry in crisis. It is a microcosm not of the unsustainability of public pensions, but of the devastation wrought by national economic policies that have sacrificed manufacturing to the needs of global capital and the finance industry, and that continue to profit those same players."
"As the bankruptcy proceeds and 80,000 properties lay vacant throughout the city, Detroit’s budget problems are touted by conservatives as a microcosm of national public-sector pension problems. In fact, Detroit is a case study of an economy tied to an industry in crisis. It is a microcosm not of the unsustainability of public pensions, but of the devastation wrought by national economic policies that have sacrificed manufacturing to the needs of global capital and the finance industry, and that continue to profit those same players."
Trickle-Down Economics and Broken Promises
www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/report/2013/12/04/80381/trickle-down-economics-and-broken-promises/
"Yet empirical economic data show that these misguided policies did not deliver on their promises, as our nation’s economy after the tax increases of 1993 significantly outperformed the periods after tax cuts in the 1980s and 2000s. Investment growth, productivity growth, employment growth, middle-class income growth, national fiscal health, and overall economic growth were weaker or declined under trickle-down policies."
"Yet empirical economic data show that these misguided policies did not deliver on their promises, as our nation’s economy after the tax increases of 1993 significantly outperformed the periods after tax cuts in the 1980s and 2000s. Investment growth, productivity growth, employment growth, middle-class income growth, national fiscal health, and overall economic growth were weaker or declined under trickle-down policies."
'Low Pay Is Not OK': Fast Food Workers Rise Up with Nationwide Protests | Common Dreams
'Low Pay Is Not OK': Fast Food Workers Rise Up with Nationwide Protests | Common Dreams
"Actions expected in over 100 cities demanding end to poverty wages"
"Actions expected in over 100 cities demanding end to poverty wages"
How Wall Street Power Brokers Are Designing the Future of Public Education as a Money-Making Machine | Alternet
How Wall Street Power Brokers Are Designing the Future of Public Education as a Money-Making Machine | Alternet
"Why are Wall Street types investing in local school board elections? Just follow the money."
"Why are Wall Street types investing in local school board elections? Just follow the money."
Facebook's Future Plans for Data Collection Beyond All Imagination | Alternet
Facebook's Future Plans for Data Collection Beyond All Imagination | Alternet
"Facebook's dark plans for the future are given away in its patent applications."
"Facebook's dark plans for the future are given away in its patent applications."
New Guardian Docs Show ALEC Misled Press, Public
New Guardian Docs Show ALEC Misled Press, Public
"Internal documents from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) published by The Guardian provide stunning insight into the inner workings of the "corporate bill mill" -- and offer new evidence about how the group has continually misled reporters, the public, and even its own members."
"Internal documents from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) published by The Guardian provide stunning insight into the inner workings of the "corporate bill mill" -- and offer new evidence about how the group has continually misled reporters, the public, and even its own members."
Elizabeth Warren wants to know what think tanks are owned by Wall Street
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/12/04/1260164/-Elizabeth-Warren-wants-to-know-what-think-tanks-are-owned-by-Wall-Street
"Sen. Elizabeth Warren apparently doesn't give a fig about what the corporatist Third Way thinks about her and her economic populism. But she does care about who is funding the research from think tanks like Third Way that argues against economic populism. So she is demanding some transparency there. She just sent this letter [pdf] to the heads of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley."
"Sen. Elizabeth Warren apparently doesn't give a fig about what the corporatist Third Way thinks about her and her economic populism. But she does care about who is funding the research from think tanks like Third Way that argues against economic populism. So she is demanding some transparency there. She just sent this letter [pdf] to the heads of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley."
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Remember All Those Obamacare Horror Stories? Not Looking So Bad Now | Alternet
Remember All Those Obamacare Horror Stories? Not Looking So Bad Now | Alternet
"In the absence of facts, conservative media just made things up to fit their narrative."
"In the absence of facts, conservative media just made things up to fit their narrative."
12 Corporate Espionage Tactics Used Against Leading Progressive Groups, Activists and Whistleblowers | Alternet
12 Corporate Espionage Tactics Used Against Leading Progressive Groups, Activists and Whistleblowers | Alternet
"Corporate spies for Dow, Kraft and others have tried to discredit, shame and infiltrate civic groups using an array of dirty tricks."
"Corporate spies for Dow, Kraft and others have tried to discredit, shame and infiltrate civic groups using an array of dirty tricks."
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Detroit Bankruptcy Bankrupts Democracy | The Nation
Detroit Bankruptcy Bankrupts Democracy | The Nation
"There is a lot more at stake in Detroit, and in Michigan, than one city’s balance sheet.
Our understanding of democracy, itself, is being subverted.
The voters of Michigan sent a clear signal last fall. They rejected emergency-manager authoritarianism.
Unfortunately, a federal bankruptcy judge has sided with a governor who could not win an election in Detroit and an approach that Detroit voters rejected.
This has nothing to do with budgeting, debt or broader fiscal matters. Those issues could, and should, be addressed by an elected mayor and city council.
This has everything to do with allowing unelectable and unelected officials—and the interests they serve—to achieve political results that could not be secured at the ballot box."
"There is a lot more at stake in Detroit, and in Michigan, than one city’s balance sheet.
Our understanding of democracy, itself, is being subverted.
The voters of Michigan sent a clear signal last fall. They rejected emergency-manager authoritarianism.
Unfortunately, a federal bankruptcy judge has sided with a governor who could not win an election in Detroit and an approach that Detroit voters rejected.
This has nothing to do with budgeting, debt or broader fiscal matters. Those issues could, and should, be addressed by an elected mayor and city council.
This has everything to do with allowing unelectable and unelected officials—and the interests they serve—to achieve political results that could not be secured at the ballot box."
Looking for Fraud? Don't Look at Food Stamp Recipients, Look at Wall Street | Common Dreams
Looking for Fraud? Don't Look at Food Stamp Recipients, Look at Wall Street | Common Dreams
"Food stamps keep 47 million people from going hungry, so cuts hurt. Congress should focus on where the real abuse happens"
"Food stamps keep 47 million people from going hungry, so cuts hurt. Congress should focus on where the real abuse happens"
Want to Cut Food Stamp Spending? Raise the Minimum Wage
Want to Cut Food Stamp Spending? Raise the Minimum Wage
"If minimum wage workers receives a raise, and that increase ripples up through the ever-growing low-wage end of our economy, the need for government assistance will decrease and therefore so will the spending on the programs. The right way to cut spending on assistance for Americans is to decrease the need for that assistance, not decrease assistance for those in need."
"If minimum wage workers receives a raise, and that increase ripples up through the ever-growing low-wage end of our economy, the need for government assistance will decrease and therefore so will the spending on the programs. The right way to cut spending on assistance for Americans is to decrease the need for that assistance, not decrease assistance for those in need."
CA Assembly GOP Puts Up Fake California Health Exchange Site
CA Assembly GOP Puts Up Fake California Health Exchange Site
"What we have here are elected officials intentionally trying to make California's health exchange fail, and using taxpayer dollars to misinform taxpayers, using the standard fear and loathing tactics as their linchpin."
"What we have here are elected officials intentionally trying to make California's health exchange fail, and using taxpayer dollars to misinform taxpayers, using the standard fear and loathing tactics as their linchpin."
How Fast Food Giants Use Loopholes to Avoid taxes, Pay Execs Giant Pay, and the Workers Peanuts | Alternet
How Fast Food Giants Use Loopholes to Avoid taxes, Pay Execs Giant Pay, and the Workers Peanuts | Alternet
"The fast food industry is notorious for handing out lean paychecks to their burger flippers and fat ones to their CEOs. What’s less well-known is that taxpayers are actually subsidizing fast food incomes at both the bottom — and top — of the industry."
"The fast food industry is notorious for handing out lean paychecks to their burger flippers and fat ones to their CEOs. What’s less well-known is that taxpayers are actually subsidizing fast food incomes at both the bottom — and top — of the industry."
Oh Hell, 16, 12, 8 — Put Those Worthless Kids to Work!
Oh Hell, 16, 12, 8 — Put Those Worthless Kids to Work!
"Republicans are determined to undo every labor reform we’ve had in this country since sweatshops burned to the ground. And trust me, they don’t mean having their own kids work. They mean your kids."
"Republicans are determined to undo every labor reform we’ve had in this country since sweatshops burned to the ground. And trust me, they don’t mean having their own kids work. They mean your kids."
Judge OK's Detroit Bankruptcy, Puts Public Pensions Under the Axe | Common Dreams
Judge OK's Detroit Bankruptcy, Puts Public Pensions Under the Axe | Common Dreams
"U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes ruled Tuesday that the city of Detroit is eligible for bankruptcy after a long court battle between city appointed 'emergency manager' Kevyn Orr and union and labor activists who say the decision paves the way for workers' pensions to be cut."
"U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes ruled Tuesday that the city of Detroit is eligible for bankruptcy after a long court battle between city appointed 'emergency manager' Kevyn Orr and union and labor activists who say the decision paves the way for workers' pensions to be cut."
#PensionTheft: Public Workers Under Attack in Illinois | Common Dreams
#PensionTheft: Public Workers Under Attack in Illinois | Common Dreams
"A critical vote for past, current, and future public workers is set to take place in the Illinois General Assembly today and if Governor Pat Quinn gets his way and deep cuts are made to the pension and retirement rules, critics worry that similar efforts to strip workers of their earned retirement benefits will be replicated nationwide."
"A critical vote for past, current, and future public workers is set to take place in the Illinois General Assembly today and if Governor Pat Quinn gets his way and deep cuts are made to the pension and retirement rules, critics worry that similar efforts to strip workers of their earned retirement benefits will be replicated nationwide."
Global Elites Getting Nervous About Skyrocketing Inequality (But Won't Spare a Nickel to Fix It) | Alternet
Global Elites Getting Nervous About Skyrocketing Inequality (But Won't Spare a Nickel to Fix It) | Alternet
"Global elites are getting a bit antsy these days.
"Global elites are getting a bit antsy these days.
A new study by the World Economic Forum based on a survey of 1,592 leaders from academia, business, government, and the non-profit world suggests that all is not cheery at the top. It seems that elites believe that the second biggest problem facing Planet Earth in 2014 is widening income disparities (unrest in the Middle East and North Africa is their top worry). When it comes to economic issues, elites and ordinary folks are often at odds, but according to a recent Pew survey, they converge on identifying the gap between rich and poor as a major flaw in the system."
Monday, December 2, 2013
ALEC’s Extreme Legislative Agenda for 2014
ALEC’s Extreme Legislative Agenda for 2014
"On ALEC's agenda for 2014 are the following priorities and bills (which will become official ALEC "models" once passed by the task forces -- with corporate lobbyists voting as equals alongside state legislators -- and approved by the board of directors)"
"On ALEC's agenda for 2014 are the following priorities and bills (which will become official ALEC "models" once passed by the task forces -- with corporate lobbyists voting as equals alongside state legislators -- and approved by the board of directors)"
Right-wing garbage debunked: No, regulation doesn’t kill jobs
Right-wing garbage debunked: No, regulation doesn’t kill jobs
"The right loves to warn that regulations will harm "job creators." A new report explains why that's nonsense"
"The right loves to warn that regulations will harm "job creators." A new report explains why that's nonsense"
Despite Popular Demand, SEC Will Not Make Corporate Transparency A Priority For 2014
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/12/02/3007731/sec-disclosure-omission/
"Unlike last year’s, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s list of regulatory priorities for 2014 does not include consideration of how to ensure public companies provide investors with transparency about their corporate political spending. This comes despite hundreds of thousands of Americans encouraging the agency to do so."
"Unlike last year’s, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s list of regulatory priorities for 2014 does not include consideration of how to ensure public companies provide investors with transparency about their corporate political spending. This comes despite hundreds of thousands of Americans encouraging the agency to do so."
Training for Success: A Policy to Expand Apprenticeships in the United States
www.americanprogress.org/issues/labor/report/2013/12/02/79991/training-for-success-a-policy-to-expand-apprenticeships-in-the-united-states/
"By expanding apprenticeships in the United States, policymakers can create pathways to well-paying middle-class jobs for young Americans, while helping businesses meet the need for skilled workers."
"By expanding apprenticeships in the United States, policymakers can create pathways to well-paying middle-class jobs for young Americans, while helping businesses meet the need for skilled workers."
Iceland Defies Bank Backlash: Advance $1.2 Billion Debt Relief Plan
Iceland Defies Bank Backlash: Advance $1.2 Billion Debt Relief Plan
"Iceland’s government has announced that it will be writing off up to 24,000 euros ($32,600) of every household’s mortgage, fulfilling its election promise, despite overwhelming criticism from international financial institutions."
"Iceland’s government has announced that it will be writing off up to 24,000 euros ($32,600) of every household’s mortgage, fulfilling its election promise, despite overwhelming criticism from international financial institutions."
Conservative Claims About Minimum Wage Put To The Test After Town Increases It To $15
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/11/27/seatac-minimum-wage-raised-15/
"The residents of SeaTac, WA — a little hamlet of 27,667 people — are under attack by the Koch Brothers and affiliated right-wing groups, after the results of their last election. The reason why? The town dared to raise its minimum wage to $15 per hour."
"The residents of SeaTac, WA — a little hamlet of 27,667 people — are under attack by the Koch Brothers and affiliated right-wing groups, after the results of their last election. The reason why? The town dared to raise its minimum wage to $15 per hour."
Kevin Madden: Minimum Wage Hike Denies 'Opportunity' for 'Bottom Rung of the Economic Ladder'
Kevin Madden: Minimum Wage Hike Denies 'Opportunity' for 'Bottom Rung of the Economic Ladder'
"CNN contributor Kevin Madden, a former advisor and spokesperson for Mitt Romney (R), said on Sunday that Congress should not raise the minimum wage because it would deny people the "opportunity to grab that bottom rung of the economic ladder"."
"CNN contributor Kevin Madden, a former advisor and spokesperson for Mitt Romney (R), said on Sunday that Congress should not raise the minimum wage because it would deny people the "opportunity to grab that bottom rung of the economic ladder"."
Fast Food Strikes Will Hit 100 Cities On Thursday
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/12/02/3007431/fast-food-strikes-100-cities/
"Fast food workers will stage a one-day strike against their employers in 100 cities on Thursday, activists told the New York Times’s Steven Greenhouse. Strikes will take place for the first time in some cities, such as Charleston, SC; Providence, RI; and Pittsburgh, PA.
They’ll also stage protests in an additional 100 cities, activists say."
"Fast food workers will stage a one-day strike against their employers in 100 cities on Thursday, activists told the New York Times’s Steven Greenhouse. Strikes will take place for the first time in some cities, such as Charleston, SC; Providence, RI; and Pittsburgh, PA.
They’ll also stage protests in an additional 100 cities, activists say."
Francis Fallout: The Right Rushes To Defend Capitalism
Francis Fallout: The Right Rushes To Defend Capitalism
"Francis' message threatens economic hucksters and unreconstructed Cold Warriors. It exposes the men behind the curtain. And they're not kindly, well-meaning old men who are just poor wizards. Last week they were more transparently venal than usual."
"Francis' message threatens economic hucksters and unreconstructed Cold Warriors. It exposes the men behind the curtain. And they're not kindly, well-meaning old men who are just poor wizards. Last week they were more transparently venal than usual."
6 Signs Our Culture Is Sick With Greed | Alternet
6 Signs Our Culture Is Sick With Greed | Alternet
"The love of money for money’s sake is the social disease of our time. We see it all around us: in the celebration of ill-gotten stock gains, public admiration for the heads of criminal banks, the words of Kanye West, in the commercialization of charity and even spirituality."
"The love of money for money’s sake is the social disease of our time. We see it all around us: in the celebration of ill-gotten stock gains, public admiration for the heads of criminal banks, the words of Kanye West, in the commercialization of charity and even spirituality."
Where The Minimum Wage Would Be If It Kept Pace With The Earnings Of The 1%
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/12/01/3007011/minimum-wage-percent-leave-workers/
"If the minimum wage had grown at the same rate as the earnings of the top one percent of Americans the federal wage floor would be more than triple the current hourly minimum of $7.25. Instead, the minimum wage has been lower than a poverty wage ever since 1982."
"If the minimum wage had grown at the same rate as the earnings of the top one percent of Americans the federal wage floor would be more than triple the current hourly minimum of $7.25. Instead, the minimum wage has been lower than a poverty wage ever since 1982."
Sorry, Neoliberals: Inequality Is Driven by Greed, Not Technology | Alternet
Sorry, Neoliberals: Inequality Is Driven by Greed, Not Technology | Alternet
"A new study shows low wages are really caused by low minimum wage, weakened unions and the effects of globalization."
"A new study shows low wages are really caused by low minimum wage, weakened unions and the effects of globalization."
Five Ways We're Being Violated by Big Business | Common Dreams
Five Ways We're Being Violated by Big Business | Common Dreams
"We already pay dearly for energy, medicine, banking, and telecommunications services. But a little research reveals that we're paying more—much more—in a variety of ways that our business-friendly mainstream media won't talk about."
"We already pay dearly for energy, medicine, banking, and telecommunications services. But a little research reveals that we're paying more—much more—in a variety of ways that our business-friendly mainstream media won't talk about."
Noam Chomsky: America Hates Its Poor | Alternet
Noam Chomsky: America Hates Its Poor | Alternet
"Linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky on our country's brutal class warfare -- and why it's ultimately so one-sided."
"Linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky on our country's brutal class warfare -- and why it's ultimately so one-sided."
Sunday, December 1, 2013
How GOP Oligarchs and the Christian Right Are Hiding Behind the 1st Amendment to Ram Through Their Political Agenda | Alternet
How GOP Oligarchs and the Christian Right Are Hiding Behind the 1st Amendment to Ram Through Their Political Agenda | Alternet
"The Tea Party is turning the Constitution’s most fundamental protections into a refuge for scoundrels and billionaires."
"The Tea Party is turning the Constitution’s most fundamental protections into a refuge for scoundrels and billionaires."
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