Coming to a Bankster's Mansion Driveway Near You: Occupy Our Homes | Truthout
"As one of the more promising offshoots of the Occupy movement, Occupy Our Homes - the grassroots effort to prevent evictions and foreclosures - has continued to organize throughout the winter. With millions of Americans underwater on their home loans or otherwise facing distress about their mortgages, the issue has the power to give the Occupy movement's concerns concrete resonance for millions of people."
Monday, March 12, 2012
Occupy Wall Street Protesters Concerned about Police Surveillance | Common Dreams
Occupy Wall Street Protesters Concerned about Police Surveillance | Common Dreams
"Protesters from Occupy Wall Street continue to report troubling incidents of excessive police surveillance."
"Protesters from Occupy Wall Street continue to report troubling incidents of excessive police surveillance."
Citizens United Has Already Doubled The Amount Of Outside Spending In Presidential Election Years
Citizens United Has Already Doubled The Amount Of Outside Spending In Presidential Election Years: pElection law scholar Rick Hasen offers a truly stunning visual representation of the impact of Citizens United on our elections: As his chart shows, spending by outside groups seeking to change the result of the 2012 presidential election is just under $90 million — or more than double the amount of outside spending during the [...]/p
Pro-GOP Pharmaceutical Front Group Running Deceitful Attack Ads Against Senate Democrats
Pro-GOP Pharmaceutical Front Group Running Deceitful Attack Ads Against Senate Democrats: pThe 60 Plus Association has launched a series of “issue ads” attacking Senate Democrats up for re-election this November. On the surface, they appear to be a concerned group of senior citizens worried about the future of Medicare — but a closer examination reveals that the ads are really dishonest hits by an industry front [...]/p
The Blueprint Of The For-Profit College Newspeak Campaign | AlterNet
The Blueprint Of The For-Profit College Newspeak Campaign | AlterNet
"Here are some examples of APSCU’s Newspeak aimed at redefining the subprime college industry"
"Here are some examples of APSCU’s Newspeak aimed at redefining the subprime college industry"
Manhattan District Attorney Subpoenas Occupy Protester's Twitter Account | The Nation
Manhattan District Attorney Subpoenas Occupy Protester's Twitter Account | The Nation
"Raising the stakes in the government’s battle with Occupy Wall Street, Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance has subpoenaed the Twitter account of an Occupy supporter who was one of the approximately 700 protesters arrested while crossing the Brooklyn Bridge on October 1, 2011."
"Raising the stakes in the government’s battle with Occupy Wall Street, Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance has subpoenaed the Twitter account of an Occupy supporter who was one of the approximately 700 protesters arrested while crossing the Brooklyn Bridge on October 1, 2011."
Unemployment For Younger Workers Hits Lowest Point Since January 2009
Unemployment For Younger Workers Hits Lowest Point Since January 2009: pIn the wake of the Great Recession, younger workers have had a significant amount of trouble entering the labor force, with unemployment for workers aged 25-34 hitting 10.5 percent back in May. But according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a glimmer of hope for younger workers, as their [...]/p
GOP presidential campaign not very presidential | The Progressive
GOP presidential campaign not very presidential | The Progressive
"But the American people aren’t fooled. They’re getting more turned off about the candidates, and more outraged at the way money is distorting our politics."
"But the American people aren’t fooled. They’re getting more turned off about the candidates, and more outraged at the way money is distorting our politics."
The Fox Effect
"When Fox News was formed, they made it clear that they had one goal in mind -- to help get conservatives elected."
Four ALEC State Senators Behind Anti-Union Bill In Georgia
Four ALEC State Senators Behind Anti-Union Bill In Georgia: pOur guest blogger is Sarah Bufkin, a former ThinkProgress intern. Ignoring the vocal opposition of activists and labor organizers, the state senate passed an anti-protest, anti-union bill on March 7. If passed into law, the proposed measure would both make it more difficult for unions to collect dues and set exorbitant fines against many union [...]/p
80 Percent Of Bankruptcy Lawyers Report A ‘Substantial Increase’ In Clients Buried By Student Loan Debt
80 Percent Of Bankruptcy Lawyers Report A ‘Substantial Increase’ In Clients Buried By Student Loan Debt: pA report released last week by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York showed that the total balance of student loans in the U.S. has reached $870 billion, while 27 percent of student loan borrowers are at least 30 days behind on their payments. Since 1985, the cost of college tuition and fees has sextupled. [...]/p
"Free Trade" is Not Free – Why We All Need to Oppose the TPP | Common Dreams
"Free Trade" is Not Free – Why We All Need to Oppose the TPP | Common Dreams
"There are always winners and losers in free trade. The winners are the 1% - the wealthy at the top. The losers are the 99% - that means the rest of us."
"There are always winners and losers in free trade. The winners are the 1% - the wealthy at the top. The losers are the 99% - that means the rest of us."
Murdoch’s Wall Street Journal and Koch-Fueled Cato Agree: “It’s Not Obama’s Fault That Crude Oil Prices Have Increased”
Murdoch’s Wall Street Journal and Koch-Fueled Cato Agree: “It’s Not Obama’s Fault That Crude Oil Prices Have Increased”: pWall Street Journal: “U.S. gasoline prices, like prices throughout the advanced economies, are determined by global market forces. It is hard to see how Mr. Obama’s policies can be blamed.” Cato Institute: “Is President Obama responsible for spiraling price of gasoline? Republicans say yes, but the facts say no.” How obvious is it that oil [...]/p
Resurrecting Ayn Rand: How Corporate Money Pushes Economic Poison on Campus | Economy | AlterNet
Resurrecting Ayn Rand: How Corporate Money Pushes Economic Poison on Campus | Economy | AlterNet
"The concentration of Koch money and influence at Troy is a disgrace at a publicly funded institute of higher education. That it is occurring under the nose of an institution with an FBI partnership tells one a great deal about corporate money and Washington today."
"The concentration of Koch money and influence at Troy is a disgrace at a publicly funded institute of higher education. That it is occurring under the nose of an institution with an FBI partnership tells one a great deal about corporate money and Washington today."
Democratic Challenger Wins Charity Auction For Meal With GOP Congressman, Brings Reporters As Guests
Democratic Challenger Wins Charity Auction For Meal With GOP Congressman, Brings Reporters As Guests: pA rough year for Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) just got rougher. Democrat Lee Rogers, a podiatrist and Democratic candidate for the nomination to oppose McKeon this November, won a charity auction earning a lunch for four with the incumbent. And he has invited three local reporters to be his guests for the festivities. Rogers [...]/p
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Tens of Thousands Rally in Wisconsin for Labor Rights and Democracy | Common Dreams
Tens of Thousands Rally in Wisconsin for Labor Rights and Democracy | Common Dreams
"A year ago, when Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed into law his plan to undermine collective bargaining rights for state, county and municipal employees and public school teachers, the prediction from the governor and his allies was that the mass movement to oppose Walker’s anti-labor agenda would fade."
"A year ago, when Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed into law his plan to undermine collective bargaining rights for state, county and municipal employees and public school teachers, the prediction from the governor and his allies was that the mass movement to oppose Walker’s anti-labor agenda would fade."
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Protesters and Family Attempt to Reoccupy Home of Recently Deported Mother; Police Respond in Riot Gear
Protesters and Family Attempt to Reoccupy Home of Recently Deported Mother; Police Respond in Riot Gear
"Earlier this week Occupy L.A., foreclosure advocates, family members, and local community, gathered at the Southern California home of Blanca Cardenas to protest her recent eviction and deportation. Police responded in full riot gear, but in the end, there were no arrests made."
"Earlier this week Occupy L.A., foreclosure advocates, family members, and local community, gathered at the Southern California home of Blanca Cardenas to protest her recent eviction and deportation. Police responded in full riot gear, but in the end, there were no arrests made."
Friday, March 9, 2012
The Austerity Class is Wrong: Budget Cuts Hurt Our Economy | AlterNet
The Austerity Class is Wrong: Budget Cuts Hurt Our Economy | AlterNet
"Understand what is going on here. Demands for budget cuts and austerity are really about shifting from democracy to a system where regular people -- the 99% -- are on their own, up against the wealthy and powerful. This is about shifting from a system where regular people can be prosperous together, to a system where a few -- the 1% -- have all the wealth and power."
"Understand what is going on here. Demands for budget cuts and austerity are really about shifting from democracy to a system where regular people -- the 99% -- are on their own, up against the wealthy and powerful. This is about shifting from a system where regular people can be prosperous together, to a system where a few -- the 1% -- have all the wealth and power."
CHART: How Public Sector Layoffs Are Holding Back The Recovery
CHART: How Public Sector Layoffs Are Holding Back The Recovery: pOur guest blogger is Heather Boushey, Senior Economist at the Center for American Progress Action Fund. The current economic recovery is going well if one looks at private sector job creation. The pace of private sector job creation is slower than in the recovery from the early 1990s recession, but it’s about the same as [...]/p
Students Silently Protest Professor Who Defended Limbaugh, Ridiculed Fluke
Students Silently Protest Professor Who Defended Limbaugh, Ridiculed Fluke: pThirty University of Rochester students held a protest Wednesday afternoon in the classroom of an economics professor who had defended Rush Limbaugh’s verbal assault on Sandra Fluke and said the Georgetown student deserved to be mocked. In a blog post, Professor Steven Landsburg said he essentially agreed with Limbaugh stance, writing, “Her position — which [...]/p
Why the American Empire Was Destined to Collapse | World | AlterNet
Why the American Empire Was Destined to Collapse | World | AlterNet
"Author and social critic Morris Berman says the fact that we're a nation of hustlers lies at the root of our decline."
"Author and social critic Morris Berman says the fact that we're a nation of hustlers lies at the root of our decline."
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Prolonged Attack on Public Education and Unions Leaves Teaching Profession Woeful | Common Dreams
Prolonged Attack on Public Education and Unions Leaves Teaching Profession Woeful | Common Dreams
“U.S. teachers are frustrated with unrelenting cuts in budgets, elimination of arts and after-school programs, larger class sizes, and accountability systems that over-rely on student test scores,” she said. “This should call into question the obsession with cutting funding for public education and health and family services children and parents rely on."
The CFPB vs. Student Loan Sharks | Common Dreams
The CFPB vs. Student Loan Sharks | Common Dreams
"College students today take on more debt than ever with fewer prospects of paying that money back. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that 27 percent of education borrowers have past due balances."
"College students today take on more debt than ever with fewer prospects of paying that money back. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that 27 percent of education borrowers have past due balances."
Why Are The Republicans Planning To Give Hedge Funds A 20 Percent Tax Break?
Why Are The Republicans Planning To Give Hedge Funds A 20 Percent Tax Break?: pHouse Republicans have been preparing to move a new jobs bill aimed at giving a 20 percent tax credit to small businesses. However, as Bloomberg News noted today, the tax break could very well be given to businesses that most certainly don’t need it — hedge funds: A Republican proposal to give small businesses an [...]/p
Bank of America: Maximizing Profits Off the Backs of Struggling Homeowners | Common Dreams
Bank of America: Maximizing Profits Off the Backs of Struggling Homeowners | Common Dreams
"A complaint unsealed in court yesterday from a whistleblower alleges that Bank of America defrauded the federal Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), designed to help homeowners facing foreclosure, by preventing "scores of eligible homeowners" from receiving loan modifications in order to prevent losses while at the same time receiving benefits for being part of the HAMP program."
"A complaint unsealed in court yesterday from a whistleblower alleges that Bank of America defrauded the federal Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), designed to help homeowners facing foreclosure, by preventing "scores of eligible homeowners" from receiving loan modifications in order to prevent losses while at the same time receiving benefits for being part of the HAMP program."
Workers, and NLRB, Under Attack | The Nation
Workers, and NLRB, Under Attack | The Nation
"Republicans have accomplished what Democrats and unions never could: they’ve made the National Labor Relations Board a household name. The NLRB, which in the Bush era churned out anti-union rulings in obscurity, now stars in stump speeches, Congressional hearings and TV ads. The day after the Iowa Caucus, Mitt Romney launched a South Carolina TV ad condemning the NLRB as “stacked with union stooges selected by the president.” He lost the state to Newt Gingrich, who promised South Carolinians that he would seek to unilaterally eliminate the agency."
"Republicans have accomplished what Democrats and unions never could: they’ve made the National Labor Relations Board a household name. The NLRB, which in the Bush era churned out anti-union rulings in obscurity, now stars in stump speeches, Congressional hearings and TV ads. The day after the Iowa Caucus, Mitt Romney launched a South Carolina TV ad condemning the NLRB as “stacked with union stooges selected by the president.” He lost the state to Newt Gingrich, who promised South Carolinians that he would seek to unilaterally eliminate the agency."
Activists Are Reclaiming Vacant Lots For Gardens -- But Will There Be Legal Challenges? | Food | AlterNet
Activists Are Reclaiming Vacant Lots For Gardens -- But Will There Be Legal Challenges? | Food | AlterNet
Occupy Vacant Lots is being welcomed by many neighborhoods in Philly, but could legal challenges upend its work?
Occupy Vacant Lots is being welcomed by many neighborhoods in Philly, but could legal challenges upend its work?
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
CEOs Of Tax Dodging Corporations Push Congress To Cut Corporate Tax Rates
CEOs Of Tax Dodging Corporations Push Congress To Cut Corporate Tax Rates: pSeveral corporate CEOs representing the Business Roundtable, a lobbying group, were on Capitol Hill today to unveil a set of measures that they claim will boost the economy. Not surprisingly, some of the high-profile items are a cut in the corporate tax rate and shifting to what’s known as a territorial tax system: Fresh out [...]/p
ANALYSIS: In Almost Every Primary, Romney Wins Big Among The Rich, Loses The Working-Class Vote
ANALYSIS: In Almost Every Primary, Romney Wins Big Among The Rich, Loses The Working-Class Vote: pIn February, a CNN poll found that regardless of age, race, sex, or party affiliation, all Americans agreed that Mitt Romney “favors the rich” over the middle class or poor, ThinkProgress noted. And it looks like the rich are returning the favor. The Washington Post reported this morning that in both Michigan and Ohio, “voters [...]/p
Sanders On Vermont Town Meetings
55 towns in Vermont approved municipal resolutions calling for an end to big money's dominance in US politics
Controversy Rages Over Arrests of Virginia Reproductive Rights Protesters | Common Dreams
Controversy Rages Over Arrests of Virginia Reproductive Rights Protesters | Common Dreams
"The ACLU is accusing police of overreacting in their arrests of 31 people at the Virginia Capitol on Saturday during a peaceful protest over passage of a controversial bill requiring pregnant women to undergo an ultrasound before being allowed to have an abortion."
"The ACLU is accusing police of overreacting in their arrests of 31 people at the Virginia Capitol on Saturday during a peaceful protest over passage of a controversial bill requiring pregnant women to undergo an ultrasound before being allowed to have an abortion."
House Republicans Again Vote Against Fully Funding Wall Street Watchdog, Giving The Money To Banks Instead
House Republicans Again Vote Against Fully Funding Wall Street Watchdog, Giving The Money To Banks Instead: pOne of the many ways in which House Republicans have sought to undermine the Dodd-Frank financial reform law — and the tactic that has been most successful — is denying the regulatory agencies that police financial markets enough funding to adequately do their job. The GOP, in particular, has denied funding to the Securities and [...]/p
55 Vermont Towns Affirm: 'Corporations Are Not People' | Common Dreams
55 Vermont Towns Affirm: 'Corporations Are Not People' | Common Dreams
"With some results still yet to come in, reports confirm that at least 55 towns in Vermont approved municipal resolutions calling for an end to big money's dominance in US politics and calling for a Constitutional amendment to reverse the Supreme Court's 'Citizens United' decision that has opened the floodgates for secretive, unlimited campaign spending in US elections."
"With some results still yet to come in, reports confirm that at least 55 towns in Vermont approved municipal resolutions calling for an end to big money's dominance in US politics and calling for a Constitutional amendment to reverse the Supreme Court's 'Citizens United' decision that has opened the floodgates for secretive, unlimited campaign spending in US elections."
Meet the Whistleblowers Who Warned of the Impending Financial Crash But Were Ignored | Civil Liberties | AlterNet
Meet the Whistleblowers Who Warned of the Impending Financial Crash But Were Ignored | Civil Liberties | AlterNet
"Whistleblowers may often be praised in the abstract, but Americans ignore or even vilify them when they dare to stir up trouble in their own workplaces."
"Whistleblowers may often be praised in the abstract, but Americans ignore or even vilify them when they dare to stir up trouble in their own workplaces."
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Vermont Town Meetings Model People-Driven Democracy | Common Dreams
Vermont Town Meetings Model People-Driven Democracy | Common Dreams
"Town resolutions and small 'd' democracy challenge Citizens United and 'Corporate Personhood'"
"Town resolutions and small 'd' democracy challenge Citizens United and 'Corporate Personhood'"
CHART: As Income For The Top 1 Percent Grew, Republicans Became More ‘Polarized’
CHART: As Income For The Top 1 Percent Grew, Republicans Became More ‘Polarized’: pOur guest blogger is Paul Breer, a former ThinkProgress intern and co-creator of PonySavers.org. Last week, ThinkProgress reported studies by political science professors Keith Poole and Howard Rosenthal that show House Republicans are largely responsible for the ideological extremism that has occurred over the last 30 years in Congress. Another study by Poole, Rosenthal, and [...]/p
Why the Koch Brothers' Coup of the Cato Institute Is So Dangerous | Tea Party and the Right | AlterNet
Why the Koch Brothers' Coup of the Cato Institute Is So Dangerous | Tea Party and the Right | AlterNet
"A libertarian think tank that does some good work could become another well-funded arm of the Koch brothers' explicitly partisan messaging machine."
"A libertarian think tank that does some good work could become another well-funded arm of the Koch brothers' explicitly partisan messaging machine."
Monday, March 5, 2012
Senior Wall St. Banker To Be Tried For Ethnic Intimidation, Stabbing Cabbie After Trying To Stiff Him
Senior Wall St. Banker To Be Tried For Ethnic Intimidation, Stabbing Cabbie After Trying To Stiff Him
"investment banker W. Bryan Jennings — a $2-million-a-year fat cat for Morgan Stanley — went from being a sweet gentleman he picked up in Midtown to a surly, knife-wielding “drunk” who stiffed him on the $204 fare when they got to Jennings’ Darien, Conn., home."
"investment banker W. Bryan Jennings — a $2-million-a-year fat cat for Morgan Stanley — went from being a sweet gentleman he picked up in Midtown to a surly, knife-wielding “drunk” who stiffed him on the $204 fare when they got to Jennings’ Darien, Conn., home."
BREAKING: G-8 Summit Moved from Chicago to Camp David; Fear of Occupy Protests, Perhaps? | AlterNet
BREAKING: G-8 Summit Moved from Chicago to Camp David; Fear of Occupy Protests, Perhaps? | AlterNet
"the White House has announced that the G-8 summit, scheduled to be in Chicago May 18-19, will take place at Camp David rather than the city, where protests have been planned for months."
"the White House has announced that the G-8 summit, scheduled to be in Chicago May 18-19, will take place at Camp David rather than the city, where protests have been planned for months."
Congress Votes to End Protest | AlterNet
Congress Votes to End Protest | AlterNet
"Last week, the Senate unanimously passed a bill that would severely limit the First Amendment rights of protesters.
Now known as the “anti-Occupy law,” H.R. 347 makes it a federal offense to “enter or remain” in an area designated as “restricted.”
"Last week, the Senate unanimously passed a bill that would severely limit the First Amendment rights of protesters.
Now known as the “anti-Occupy law,” H.R. 347 makes it a federal offense to “enter or remain” in an area designated as “restricted.”
Occupiers Help Minneapolis Woman Stave Off Freddie Mac Foreclosure Proceedings
Occupiers Help Minneapolis Woman Stave Off Freddie Mac Foreclosure Proceedings: pOccupy Our Homes MN and a coalition of faith leaders and community organizations are claiming a small victory in Minneapolis today after helping local resident Monique White stay in her home, despite attempts from Freddie Mac and U.S. Bank to evict her during foreclosure proceedings. Freddie Mac had previously defied the state attorney general’s order [...]/p
Scott Brown Received More Than $900,000 From Financial Services Sector After Watering Down Wall Street Reform
Scott Brown Received More Than $900,000 From Financial Services Sector After Watering Down Wall Street Reform: pSen. Scott Brown (R-MA) received more than $880,000 in contributions from large-dollar individual campaign donors in the financial services sector in 2011, according to an Associated Press analysis. The freshman Republican also got at least $60,000 in contributions from corporate political action committees aligned with the financial sector. Among the PAC contributors to Brown were: [...]/p
Former Military And Intelligence Officials Urge Obama To ‘Say No To War Of Choice With Iran’
Former Military And Intelligence Officials Urge Obama To ‘Say No To War Of Choice With Iran’: pToday during a Oval Office press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Obama said the two leaders “prefer” to solve the Iranian nuclear crisis “diplomatically.” But the two men have not always seens eye-to-eye on how to confront Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons program. Netanyahu has openly rejected efforts to diplomatically deter Iran from [...]/p
Without GOP Austerity, Economy Would Be Recovering At Pace Of ‘Reagan Recovery’
Without GOP Austerity, Economy Would Be Recovering At Pace Of ‘Reagan Recovery’: pIgnoring the warnings of economists and clear evidence in Europe that austerity would only hold back an economic recovery, Republicans in Washington have pushed for deep spending cuts and other austerity measures. One side effect of those spending cuts is that state and local governments, already facing budget crunches because of the slow economy, have [...]/p
The One Percent Bounce Back | The New Republic
The One Percent Bounce Back | The New Republic
"The "one percent"--that is, the people in the top percentile of U.S. incomes, or families currently pulling down more than about $350,000--have been gobbling up an ever-larger share of the nation's income for the past three decades."
"The "one percent"--that is, the people in the top percentile of U.S. incomes, or families currently pulling down more than about $350,000--have been gobbling up an ever-larger share of the nation's income for the past three decades."
Who Wins From War? | Common Dreams
Who Wins From War? | Common Dreams
'Of the largest 10 companies, accounting for over half of the total, seven are American aerospace companies - think drone strikes and air surveillance - with federal government contracts. Much more. From It'sOurEconomy, working to make it so."
'Of the largest 10 companies, accounting for over half of the total, seven are American aerospace companies - think drone strikes and air surveillance - with federal government contracts. Much more. From It'sOurEconomy, working to make it so."
Koch Brothers, Worth $50 Billion, Sue Widow Over $16.00 of Nonprofit’s Stock » Counterpunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
Koch Brothers, Worth $50 Billion, Sue Widow Over $16.00 of Nonprofit’s Stock » Counterpunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
"With the Koch brothers, it’s all about control. They reign over the largest private oil company in the U.S. with estimated revenues of $100 billion. They wield power over a sprawling network of nonprofit front groups with unbridled influence over everything from the Tea Party to economics professors at publicly funded universities. Forbes lists their personal wealth as $25 billion each."
"With the Koch brothers, it’s all about control. They reign over the largest private oil company in the U.S. with estimated revenues of $100 billion. They wield power over a sprawling network of nonprofit front groups with unbridled influence over everything from the Tea Party to economics professors at publicly funded universities. Forbes lists their personal wealth as $25 billion each."
The Best Reason for the Very Rich to be Paying A LOT MORE in Taxes | Common Dreams
The Best Reason for the Very Rich to be Paying A LOT MORE in Taxes | Common Dreams
"Before getting into the best reason, here are some of the usual -- and always good -- reasons. First of all, for every dollar the richest 1% earned in 1980, they've added three more dollars. The poorest 90% have added ONE CENT"
"Before getting into the best reason, here are some of the usual -- and always good -- reasons. First of all, for every dollar the richest 1% earned in 1980, they've added three more dollars. The poorest 90% have added ONE CENT"
AIPAC Works for the 1 Percent | Common Dreams
AIPAC Works for the 1 Percent | Common Dreams
"We have not brought freedom, democracy and the virtues of Western civilization to the Muslim world. We have brought state terrorism, massive destruction, war and death. There is no moral distinction between a drone strike and the explosion of the improvised explosive device, between a suicide bombing and a targeted assassination."
"We have not brought freedom, democracy and the virtues of Western civilization to the Muslim world. We have brought state terrorism, massive destruction, war and death. There is no moral distinction between a drone strike and the explosion of the improvised explosive device, between a suicide bombing and a targeted assassination."
The Richest 1 Percent Captured 93 Percent Of Income Gains In 2010
The Richest 1 Percent Captured 93 Percent Of Income Gains In 2010: pThough the economy is slowly recovering from the Great Recession, large swaths of the American public are still bogged down by joblessness, underwater mortgages, and falling incomes. In fact, “between June 2009, when the recession officially ended, and June 2011, inflation-adjusted median household income fell 6.7 percent, to $49,909.” But as the Roosevelt Institute’s Mike [...]/p
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Overdue Overdraft Overhaul | Truthout
Overdue Overdraft Overhaul | Truthout
"If bankers are as smart as they are well paid, why don’t their overdraft fees work? Why don’t the fees discourage overdrafts? Why did these fees swell 17% in the last six years? Some observers figure consumers pay $30 billion in these fees. Could it be (cynicism alert!) that banks view these “penalties” as a lucrative source of revenue? Consider that the entire banking industry earned $119 billion in 2011 from all sources, sharpening the importance of overdraft fees."
"If bankers are as smart as they are well paid, why don’t their overdraft fees work? Why don’t the fees discourage overdrafts? Why did these fees swell 17% in the last six years? Some observers figure consumers pay $30 billion in these fees. Could it be (cynicism alert!) that banks view these “penalties” as a lucrative source of revenue? Consider that the entire banking industry earned $119 billion in 2011 from all sources, sharpening the importance of overdraft fees."
New York City's flawed data fuels the right's war on teachers
New York City's flawed data fuels the right's war on teachers
"We know that the flawed New York City teacher ratings data that was released last week is broadly unreliable, with a high margin of error and rating teachers not just by how well their students did on tests, but by how well their students did in relation to an algorithm's sometimes unreasonable expectations of how the students would perform. That's information that's widely known and indisputable. Yet the teacher rankings are still being used to publicly vilify low-rated teachers without even a cursory investigation of whether the data's many known flaws may have made a good teacher look bad."
"We know that the flawed New York City teacher ratings data that was released last week is broadly unreliable, with a high margin of error and rating teachers not just by how well their students did on tests, but by how well their students did in relation to an algorithm's sometimes unreasonable expectations of how the students would perform. That's information that's widely known and indisputable. Yet the teacher rankings are still being used to publicly vilify low-rated teachers without even a cursory investigation of whether the data's many known flaws may have made a good teacher look bad."
On 'Wrecking Ball,' Bruce Springsteen takes aim at robber barons and bankers
On 'Wrecking Ball,' Bruce Springsteen takes aim at robber barons and bankers
"Bruce Springsteen has been, for more than 35 years, one of the great chroniclers of American working-class life. But until recent years, though, his songs only rarely connected the dots between the pains of that life and economic inequality and oppression."
"Bruce Springsteen has been, for more than 35 years, one of the great chroniclers of American working-class life. But until recent years, though, his songs only rarely connected the dots between the pains of that life and economic inequality and oppression."
Why Teaching People to Think for Themselves Is Repugnant to Religious Zealots and Rick Santorum | | AlterNet
Why Teaching People to Think for Themselves Is Repugnant to Religious Zealots and Rick Santorum | | AlterNet
"Democracy cannot function without an informed citizenry, and an ignorant public is just what Santorum and his allies count on."
"Democracy cannot function without an informed citizenry, and an ignorant public is just what Santorum and his allies count on."
'Port Huron' Turns 50 as Occupy Turns 5 (Months) | Common Dreams
'Port Huron' Turns 50 as Occupy Turns 5 (Months) | Common Dreams
"And author and activist Naomi Klein, in a recent interview, says, "The Occupy movement has been a game changer, and it has opened up space for us to put more radical solutions on the table."
"And author and activist Naomi Klein, in a recent interview, says, "The Occupy movement has been a game changer, and it has opened up space for us to put more radical solutions on the table."
Virginia Police Arrest 31 At Women’s Rights Demonstration
Virginia Police Arrest 31 At Women’s Rights Demonstration: pPolice arrested 17 women and 14 men at a march outside of the Virginia Capitol while officers in riot gear held the hundreds of demonstrators back with shields. The crowd was protesting the Virginia General Assembly’s approval of a controversial bill on Thursday to require women to receive ultrasounds before abortions. The 31 people arrested [...]/p
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Video: Scott Walker promised to collectively bargain with public workers before the 2010 elections
Video: Scott Walker promised to collectively bargain with public workers before the 2010 elections
"It is not much of a surprise that Walker has been caught lying yet again. After all, it's not like he thought he was talking to one of the Koch brothers. However, it should be interesting to see what explanation he comes out with when he is presented with this video."
"It is not much of a surprise that Walker has been caught lying yet again. After all, it's not like he thought he was talking to one of the Koch brothers. However, it should be interesting to see what explanation he comes out with when he is presented with this video."
Super Donors: A Guide to the Top Ten Super PAC Givers | Truthout
Super Donors: A Guide to the Top Ten Super PAC Givers | Truthout
"The coming election cycle will likely be the most expensive in history. Thanks to Citizens United and other recent court decisions, individuals, corporations and unions can make unlimited donations to so-called super PACs that support a candidate. The money is flowing in. So, exactly who is donating, and what do they want?"
"The coming election cycle will likely be the most expensive in history. Thanks to Citizens United and other recent court decisions, individuals, corporations and unions can make unlimited donations to so-called super PACs that support a candidate. The money is flowing in. So, exactly who is donating, and what do they want?"
Free Trade or Democracy, Can't Have Both | Truthout
Free Trade or Democracy, Can't Have Both | Truthout
""Trade" means to exchange, to buy and sell, you buy from me and I buy from you. I have something you want and you have something I want, and we exchange. We both end up better off than where we started."
""Trade" means to exchange, to buy and sell, you buy from me and I buy from you. I have something you want and you have something I want, and we exchange. We both end up better off than where we started."
Bank of America In Trouble? | Common Dreams
Bank of America In Trouble? | Common Dreams
"It looks like Bank of America might have started circling the drain before the Occupy movement even had a chance to launch its campaign against the company. For weeks now there have been ominous signs of trouble at the bank, and yesterday we heard yet another dark piece of news."
"It looks like Bank of America might have started circling the drain before the Occupy movement even had a chance to launch its campaign against the company. For weeks now there have been ominous signs of trouble at the bank, and yesterday we heard yet another dark piece of news."
Hotel Workers Challenge Morality of Hyatt Owners: The Billionaire Pritzkers | Common Dreams
Hotel Workers Challenge Morality of Hyatt Owners: The Billionaire Pritzkers | Common Dreams
"Meanwhile, they shirk their share of public responsibility and try to shortchange the people who create their wealth. "When billionaires pay less taxes, we all pay the price," says Linda O'Neal, a hotel server, homeowner, and parent of public school students. "I don't make the kind of money the Pritzkers make, but I pay my fair share of taxes. It's time for Chicago's wealthiest family to stand up and stop hurting our communities."
"Meanwhile, they shirk their share of public responsibility and try to shortchange the people who create their wealth. "When billionaires pay less taxes, we all pay the price," says Linda O'Neal, a hotel server, homeowner, and parent of public school students. "I don't make the kind of money the Pritzkers make, but I pay my fair share of taxes. It's time for Chicago's wealthiest family to stand up and stop hurting our communities."
Friday, March 2, 2012
A Giant, Raging Hurricane of Theft and Fraud | Common Dreams
A Giant, Raging Hurricane of Theft and Fraud | Common Dreams
"A new citizen action campaign, F* (for foreclose, they say) the Banks is taking aim at the Bank of America in a series of actions starting March 15. Opening salvos include a call to action from Rolling Stone's Matt Taibbi to "allow failure - ie BofA - to fail," and a move by Public Citizen to force the feds to break it up."
"A new citizen action campaign, F* (for foreclose, they say) the Banks is taking aim at the Bank of America in a series of actions starting March 15. Opening salvos include a call to action from Rolling Stone's Matt Taibbi to "allow failure - ie BofA - to fail," and a move by Public Citizen to force the feds to break it up."
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