A scam all along: Turns out GOP’s “tax the rich” plan is full of it
"Republicans still are obsessed with taxing the poor to feed the rich -- they're just getting better at hiding it"
Friday, February 28, 2014
JPMorgan Bets on Death As Wall Street Suicides Jump Up
JPMorgan Bets on Death As Wall Street Suicides Jump Up
"In the vernacular, what JPMorgan is doing is engaging in the purchase of what has come to be known as "dead peasant" insurance policies on employees. The pejorative nickname, according to a website focusing on the practice, had its origins in a lawsuit in which a major corporation indicated that it regarded deceased employees as dead peasants"
"In the vernacular, what JPMorgan is doing is engaging in the purchase of what has come to be known as "dead peasant" insurance policies on employees. The pejorative nickname, according to a website focusing on the practice, had its origins in a lawsuit in which a major corporation indicated that it regarded deceased employees as dead peasants"
The Deficit Fell Faster Last Year Than Any Since The End Of World War II
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/02/28/3344231/deficit-fall-2013/
"The federal budget deficit fell faster last year than in any year since the end of World War II, according to a Treasury Department report on Thursday. It declined from $1.1 trillion in 2012 to $680 billion in 2013.
That represents the smallest deficit since 2008 in nominal terms. It’s now 4.1 percent of GDP, dropping from a high of more than 10 percent during the depths of the recession. It’s less than half of what it was in 2009, when the recession ended."
"The federal budget deficit fell faster last year than in any year since the end of World War II, according to a Treasury Department report on Thursday. It declined from $1.1 trillion in 2012 to $680 billion in 2013.
That represents the smallest deficit since 2008 in nominal terms. It’s now 4.1 percent of GDP, dropping from a high of more than 10 percent during the depths of the recession. It’s less than half of what it was in 2009, when the recession ended."
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Christie’s Troubles Mount as the Feds Open an Inquiry Into Bridgegate | The Nation
Christie’s Troubles Mount as the Feds Open an Inquiry Into Bridgegate | The Nation
"Governor Christie would dearly love for Bridgegate to go away, but that’s not happening any time soon. If you haven’t been following the story lately, the scandal is unfolding quietly, mostly behind the scenes, and it’s gaining momentum."
"Governor Christie would dearly love for Bridgegate to go away, but that’s not happening any time soon. If you haven’t been following the story lately, the scandal is unfolding quietly, mostly behind the scenes, and it’s gaining momentum."
The 3 Biggest Surprises From An Investigation Into A Swiss Bank That Helps Americans Dodge Taxes
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/02/26/3332701/senate-investigation-tax-evasion-credit-suisse/
"Estimates of how much money the bank hid from American tax authorities range widely depending on how the estimates are done, the report says, from a $5 billion estimate using the bank’s own methods to a $12 billion estimate using a more rigorous approach.
In total, individual and corporate tax evasion costs the country an estimated $300 billion each year. Swiss banks play a key role in that evasion, but they are far from alone in recruiting and facilitating American tax dodgers."
"Estimates of how much money the bank hid from American tax authorities range widely depending on how the estimates are done, the report says, from a $5 billion estimate using the bank’s own methods to a $12 billion estimate using a more rigorous approach.
In total, individual and corporate tax evasion costs the country an estimated $300 billion each year. Swiss banks play a key role in that evasion, but they are far from alone in recruiting and facilitating American tax dodgers."
PERRspectives: Camp's House GOP Tax Plan Hits Blue Staters Hard
PERRspectives: Camp's House GOP Tax Plan Hits Blue Staters Hard
"If Camp's plan became law, the dynamic of "red state socialism" by which federal tax dollars generally flow from wealthier Democratic states to less well-off Republican ones would only become more pronounced. Red state spending on education, unemployment insurance and (more than ever) health care has been and will continue to be underwritten by blue state taxpayers."
"If Camp's plan became law, the dynamic of "red state socialism" by which federal tax dollars generally flow from wealthier Democratic states to less well-off Republican ones would only become more pronounced. Red state spending on education, unemployment insurance and (more than ever) health care has been and will continue to be underwritten by blue state taxpayers."
Anonymous Calls For World Day of Action on April 4
Anonymous Calls For World Day of Action on April 4
"The Worldwide Wave of Action begins on April 4 at "former occupation sites around the world"."
"The Worldwide Wave of Action begins on April 4 at "former occupation sites around the world"."
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
CT Gov. Malloy Takes Michael Steele to School Over Minimum Wage
CT Gov. Malloy Takes Michael Steele to School Over Minimum Wage
"He shut down Steele's talking points on the CBO report. He whacked the Republicans for having absolutely no alternatives to offer to raising the minimum wage and just saying no at every turn. And he made a compelling case for the fact that standing up for making a living wage is standing up for the working class, and you either care about lifting people out of poverty, or you don't. It's as simple as that."
"He shut down Steele's talking points on the CBO report. He whacked the Republicans for having absolutely no alternatives to offer to raising the minimum wage and just saying no at every turn. And he made a compelling case for the fact that standing up for making a living wage is standing up for the working class, and you either care about lifting people out of poverty, or you don't. It's as simple as that."
Hypocrisies of the Super-Rich
Hypocrisies of the Super-Rich
"Hypocrite of the Day? Perhaps Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson, who criticized fracking regulations for "holding back the American economic recovery," and then protested when a fracking water tower was to be built near his home. Or maybe banker Camden R. Fine, who called Post Office Banks "the worst idea since the Ford Edsel," even though low-income families pay almost 10 percent of their income in fees to traditional banks.
The hypocrisy keeps on coming, and our country's wealth keeps moving up to the hypocrites."
"Hypocrite of the Day? Perhaps Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson, who criticized fracking regulations for "holding back the American economic recovery," and then protested when a fracking water tower was to be built near his home. Or maybe banker Camden R. Fine, who called Post Office Banks "the worst idea since the Ford Edsel," even though low-income families pay almost 10 percent of their income in fees to traditional banks.
The hypocrisy keeps on coming, and our country's wealth keeps moving up to the hypocrites."
Monday, February 24, 2014
Big Telecom Bankrolls a National Network of Stink Tanks
Big Telecom Bankrolls a National Network of Stink Tanks
"Comcast and Time Warner Cable also financially underwrite a large network of state-based “think tanks” that work to push ALEC’s corporate agenda into law."
"Comcast and Time Warner Cable also financially underwrite a large network of state-based “think tanks” that work to push ALEC’s corporate agenda into law."
Yes, Virginia, You Pay Subsidies Not Just to Banks but to Flood-Prone Homes of the Rich
Yes, Virginia, You Pay Subsidies Not Just to Banks but to Flood-Prone Homes of the Rich
"You are supporting the habits of the rich in more ways than you know, including their love of water views."
"You are supporting the habits of the rich in more ways than you know, including their love of water views."
Arresting Development: Why the Comcast-Netflix Deal Should Worry You | Common Dreams
Arresting Development: Why the Comcast-Netflix Deal Should Worry You | Common Dreams
"On Sunday, Netflix agreed to pay Comcast an undisclosed amount to ensure that its videos stream smoothly to Comcast customers. But fans of Francis Underwood’s manipulations on House of Cards might want to temper their celebrations.
This is more than a deal between two giant companies: It will affect everyone who uses the Internet. And as with so many things involving Comcast, consumers will end up paying for it in the end.
The deal should also be a wake-up call to regulators who are weighing the proposed Comcast-Time Warner Cable merger and grappling with what to do about Net Neutrality."
"On Sunday, Netflix agreed to pay Comcast an undisclosed amount to ensure that its videos stream smoothly to Comcast customers. But fans of Francis Underwood’s manipulations on House of Cards might want to temper their celebrations.
This is more than a deal between two giant companies: It will affect everyone who uses the Internet. And as with so many things involving Comcast, consumers will end up paying for it in the end.
The deal should also be a wake-up call to regulators who are weighing the proposed Comcast-Time Warner Cable merger and grappling with what to do about Net Neutrality."
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Fox Pundit Asks if America Should Eliminate Minimum Wage Because Switzerland Doesn't Have One
Fox Pundit Asks if America Should Eliminate Minimum Wage Because Switzerland Doesn't Have One
"The pundits on Faux "news" continue to cheer for a race to the bottom on wages in the United States."
"The pundits on Faux "news" continue to cheer for a race to the bottom on wages in the United States."
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Regulators question JPMorgan Chase on foreign exchange
Regulators question JPMorgan Chase on foreign exchange
"JPMorgan Chase Thursday disclosed that US and foreign regulators have sought documents on its foreign exchange trading business, amid an ongoing worldwide forex manipulation probe.
The disclosure came as the embattled US banking giant, which has paid out more than $20 billion over the past two years to settle various accusations of misbehavior, was hit with new charges over the Madoff Ponzi fund case.
The largest US bank by assets said in a securities filing that the investigations related to its foreign exchange operations "are in the early stages and the firm is cooperating with the relevant authorities."
Authorities in the United States, Britain, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Singapore have opened probes into whether a number of large banks manipulated foreign exchange trading."
"JPMorgan Chase Thursday disclosed that US and foreign regulators have sought documents on its foreign exchange trading business, amid an ongoing worldwide forex manipulation probe.
The disclosure came as the embattled US banking giant, which has paid out more than $20 billion over the past two years to settle various accusations of misbehavior, was hit with new charges over the Madoff Ponzi fund case.
The largest US bank by assets said in a securities filing that the investigations related to its foreign exchange operations "are in the early stages and the firm is cooperating with the relevant authorities."
Authorities in the United States, Britain, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Singapore have opened probes into whether a number of large banks manipulated foreign exchange trading."
Friday, February 21, 2014
Billionaire Tim Draper's Plan For California: Break It!
Billionaire Tim Draper's Plan For California: Break It!
"Peter Theil, the oligarch PayPal made, is completely on board with the whole idea of Silicon Valley seceding, along with many other young, too-rich-too-soon techie types who toy with ideas like offshore platforms for tech businesses so they can duck taxes and regulations.
Draper has come up with an angle to snow Californians. We're all supposed to be excited at the prospect of having 10 California senators instead of 2. Never mind that he's hoping at least six of the ten would be conservative or libertarian. That needn't be mentioned."
"Peter Theil, the oligarch PayPal made, is completely on board with the whole idea of Silicon Valley seceding, along with many other young, too-rich-too-soon techie types who toy with ideas like offshore platforms for tech businesses so they can duck taxes and regulations.
Draper has come up with an angle to snow Californians. We're all supposed to be excited at the prospect of having 10 California senators instead of 2. Never mind that he's hoping at least six of the ten would be conservative or libertarian. That needn't be mentioned."
The Monstrous Merger of Comcast and Time Warner Must Be Stopped - Now | Common Dreams
The Monstrous Merger of Comcast and Time Warner Must Be Stopped - Now | Common Dreams
"We must confront connected regulators and force them to pull the plug. Our democracy depends on it"
"We must confront connected regulators and force them to pull the plug. Our democracy depends on it"
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Corporate Faces Behind Privatized Public Services Exposed | Common Dreams
Corporate Faces Behind Privatized Public Services Exposed | Common Dreams
"To some it may come as no surprise that America's highest paid government workers are not teachers, nurses, or sanitation workers. However, according to a report released Wednesday by the Center for Media and Democracy, the highest paid "government workers" are not even employees of the federal government."
"To some it may come as no surprise that America's highest paid government workers are not teachers, nurses, or sanitation workers. However, according to a report released Wednesday by the Center for Media and Democracy, the highest paid "government workers" are not even employees of the federal government."
The United States of Poverty and Inequality | Common Dreams
The United States of Poverty and Inequality | Common Dreams
'Over the last three decades the wealth of the nation's very richest 1% has grown ten times that of the average worker and over that time period that same tiny elite has captured more than half of the entire income increases, leaving the bottom 99% to divide the remaining gains."
'Over the last three decades the wealth of the nation's very richest 1% has grown ten times that of the average worker and over that time period that same tiny elite has captured more than half of the entire income increases, leaving the bottom 99% to divide the remaining gains."
Meet the Billionaires Using Their Immense Dough to Make Life Miserable for Ordinary Americans
www.alternet.org/economy/meet-billionaires-using-their-immense-dough-make-life-miserable-ordinary-americans
"From Pete Peterson’s deficit/debt scare campaign to John D. Arnold's attack on public pensions, billionaires are behind some very harmful policies."
"From Pete Peterson’s deficit/debt scare campaign to John D. Arnold's attack on public pensions, billionaires are behind some very harmful policies."
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Audio, Photos Reveal Totally Degenerate Nature Of Wall Street
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/02/19/reporter-reveals-audio-pictures-inside-meeting-wall-streets-secret-fraternity/
"Needless to say, when Roose was discovered, there was a full blown panic among those in attendance. It’s one thing to mock every day people in the company of those who think and act like you. It’s something else when audio and pictures of you doing the despicable things you do, get released to the public.
Roose released the entire membership rolls of Wall Street’s secret fraternity. The rolls include executives from almost every major bank, private equity firm and hedge fund. The names of some former government officials, lawyers, CEO’s and billion dollar corporations (like Home Depot) can also be found on the membership list."
"Needless to say, when Roose was discovered, there was a full blown panic among those in attendance. It’s one thing to mock every day people in the company of those who think and act like you. It’s something else when audio and pictures of you doing the despicable things you do, get released to the public.
Roose released the entire membership rolls of Wall Street’s secret fraternity. The rolls include executives from almost every major bank, private equity firm and hedge fund. The names of some former government officials, lawyers, CEO’s and billion dollar corporations (like Home Depot) can also be found on the membership list."
The Koch Brothers and Libre, Their Hispanic Voter Project
The Koch Brothers and Libre, Their Hispanic Voter Project
"The irony of the Libre/Koch Brothers campaign against Obamacare congressional supporters in districts, is that those districts contain large numbers of Hispanics in desperate need of health care options."
"The irony of the Libre/Koch Brothers campaign against Obamacare congressional supporters in districts, is that those districts contain large numbers of Hispanics in desperate need of health care options."
Five Reasons the 1% Do Not Want Unemployment to Decrease
Five Reasons the 1% Do Not Want Unemployment to Decrease
"The most important value to high unemployment to the 1% is in the ever-increasing profit margin that comes from lowering the cost of labor by decreasing salaries and benefits. This result from competition for jobs among a group of desperate employment seekers is that they have no choice but to accept low-paying jobs.
Therefore, while the media likes to use the benchmark unemployment statistics as a sign of the economy "improving" if the government figure goes down, the 1% actually sees its lopsided share of US assets increase when the unemployment figures are higher and wages lower.
This reality, largely ignored by the mainstream media, is of course facilitated by the globalization of jobs to lower cost (often slave wage) settings, devaluing the US labor market even further."
"The most important value to high unemployment to the 1% is in the ever-increasing profit margin that comes from lowering the cost of labor by decreasing salaries and benefits. This result from competition for jobs among a group of desperate employment seekers is that they have no choice but to accept low-paying jobs.
Therefore, while the media likes to use the benchmark unemployment statistics as a sign of the economy "improving" if the government figure goes down, the 1% actually sees its lopsided share of US assets increase when the unemployment figures are higher and wages lower.
This reality, largely ignored by the mainstream media, is of course facilitated by the globalization of jobs to lower cost (often slave wage) settings, devaluing the US labor market even further."
Private Equity Predators and the Great American Farm Grab | Common Dreams
Private Equity Predators and the Great American Farm Grab | Common Dreams
"Mirroring a trend being experienced across the globe, this strengthening focus on agriculture-related investment by the private sector is already leading to a spike in U.S. farmland prices. Coupled with relatively weak federal policies, these rising prices are barring many young farmers from continuing or starting up small-scale agricultural operations of their own.
In the long term, critics say, this dynamic could speed up the already fast-consolidating U.S. food industry, with broad ramifications for both human and environmental health."
"Mirroring a trend being experienced across the globe, this strengthening focus on agriculture-related investment by the private sector is already leading to a spike in U.S. farmland prices. Coupled with relatively weak federal policies, these rising prices are barring many young farmers from continuing or starting up small-scale agricultural operations of their own.
In the long term, critics say, this dynamic could speed up the already fast-consolidating U.S. food industry, with broad ramifications for both human and environmental health."
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
PERRspectives: Georgia Republicans are Killing Hospitals--and People
PERRspectives: Georgia Republicans are Killing Hospitals--and People
"By now, millions of Americans--most of them in red states-- are growing familiar with the "coverage gap." Thanks to their rejection of the Affordable Care Act's expansion of Medicaid in states they control, GOP leaders are leaving at least five million people in an insurance "dead zone," earning too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to obtain federal subsidies to purchase coverage on their. As a recent Harvard study suggests, that Republican dead zonewill a very real body count, with as many as 17,000 people forecast to needlessly die each year for lack of health insurance.
"By now, millions of Americans--most of them in red states-- are growing familiar with the "coverage gap." Thanks to their rejection of the Affordable Care Act's expansion of Medicaid in states they control, GOP leaders are leaving at least five million people in an insurance "dead zone," earning too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to obtain federal subsidies to purchase coverage on their. As a recent Harvard study suggests, that Republican dead zonewill a very real body count, with as many as 17,000 people forecast to needlessly die each year for lack of health insurance.
But GOP obstruction won't just kill people in places like Texas, Mississippi and many more. As the case of Georgia shows--where over 600,000 residents will fall into the coverage gap and as many as 1,175 will die this year--Republican policy is killing hospitals, too."
10 Charts Show a New Gilded Age for the One Percent
10 Charts Show a New Gilded Age for the One Percent
"Of course, America's super rich don't want to go back to some mythical Golden Age. As the numbers show, this is their Golden Age. And as the obscenely wealthy pull away from the merely wealthy, Tom Perkins, Sam Zell, Ken Langone and their exclusive club know they've never had it so good."
"Of course, America's super rich don't want to go back to some mythical Golden Age. As the numbers show, this is their Golden Age. And as the obscenely wealthy pull away from the merely wealthy, Tom Perkins, Sam Zell, Ken Langone and their exclusive club know they've never had it so good."
Filthy rich but secretly terrified: Inside the One Percent’s sore-winner backlash
Filthy rich but secretly terrified: Inside the One Percent’s sore-winner backlash
"Why are the super-rich whining so much? They rigged the game for themselves, but are terrified of being discovered"
"Why are the super-rich whining so much? They rigged the game for themselves, but are terrified of being discovered"
Corporate Cronyism: The Secret to Overpaid CEOs
Corporate Cronyism: The Secret to Overpaid CEOs
"It's hardly a secret that the heads of major corporations in the United States get mind bending paychecks. While high pay may be understandable when a top executive turns around a failing company or vastly expands a company's revenue and profit, but CEOs can get paychecks in the tens or hundreds of millions even when they did nothing especially notable."
"It's hardly a secret that the heads of major corporations in the United States get mind bending paychecks. While high pay may be understandable when a top executive turns around a failing company or vastly expands a company's revenue and profit, but CEOs can get paychecks in the tens or hundreds of millions even when they did nothing especially notable."
Monday, February 17, 2014
PERRspectives: CBO Destroyed GOP Lies about Obama Stimulus Program
PERRspectives: CBO Destroyed GOP Lies about Obama Stimulus Program
"As their recent disinformation campaign over mythical Obamacare job losses shows, Republicans love the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Except when they hate the CBO, which is most of the time. After all, GOP leaders are using the fifth anniversary of the $787 billion Obama economic stimulus program to mark it is a failure despite the fact that the CBO--and most other analysts--long ago declared it a success."
"As their recent disinformation campaign over mythical Obamacare job losses shows, Republicans love the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Except when they hate the CBO, which is most of the time. After all, GOP leaders are using the fifth anniversary of the $787 billion Obama economic stimulus program to mark it is a failure despite the fact that the CBO--and most other analysts--long ago declared it a success."
The Christie scandal everyone overlooked: A $12 million self-motivated political scheme
The Christie scandal everyone overlooked: A $12 million self-motivated political scheme
"Yes, "Bridgegate" is bad. But a selfish, sleazy special election decision last year also cost the state. Here's how
"Yes, "Bridgegate" is bad. But a selfish, sleazy special election decision last year also cost the state. Here's how
A Reading Guide on the Billionaire Koch Brothers
A Reading Guide on the Billionaire Koch Brothers
"how the brothers’ political views “dovetail with [their] corporate interests"."
"how the brothers’ political views “dovetail with [their] corporate interests"."
Fox Celebrates Fifth Anniversary of Stimulus by Spreading GOP Zombie Lies on Recovery
Fox Celebrates Fifth Anniversary of Stimulus by Spreading GOP Zombie Lies on Recovery
"It's been five years since the passage of the stimulus package that saved millions of jobs when our economy was in a free fall, but that hasn't stopped Faux "news" and the Republicans from continuing to spread the zombie lie that the Recovery Act supposedly didn't work."
"It's been five years since the passage of the stimulus package that saved millions of jobs when our economy was in a free fall, but that hasn't stopped Faux "news" and the Republicans from continuing to spread the zombie lie that the Recovery Act supposedly didn't work."
The 4 Most Profound Ways Privatization Perverts Education
www.alternet.org/education/4-most-profound-ways-privatization-perverts-education
"Profit-seeking in the banking and health care industries has victimized Americans. Now it's beginning to happen in education, with our children as the products."
"Profit-seeking in the banking and health care industries has victimized Americans. Now it's beginning to happen in education, with our children as the products."
Last Call: Joni Mitchell Contest Ends Today
Last Call: Joni Mitchell Contest Ends Today
"The Koch brothers are already spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in Orlando to try to defeat Grayson with their regular complain of smears and lies."
"The Koch brothers are already spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in Orlando to try to defeat Grayson with their regular complain of smears and lies."
Cheers for the Recovery Act on its 5th Birthday, Jeers for the Anti-Recovery Act We’ve (Implicitly) Passed in the Past Three Years
Cheers for the Recovery Act on its 5th Birthday, Jeers for the Anti-Recovery Act We’ve (Implicitly) Passed in the Past Three Years
"Today marks the fifth anniversary of the signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA, or simply the Recovery Act). Passed after a six-month stretch during which the economy lost an average of 750,000 jobs each month, ARRA was the single biggest contributor to stopping the economic freefall that followed the bursting of the housing bubble. To be clear, the assessment that the ARRA contributed significantly to ending the Great Recession is not a contested opinion among macroeconomists, or at least not among those macroeconomists whose paycheck depends on correctly predicting what will impact economic activity."
"Today marks the fifth anniversary of the signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA, or simply the Recovery Act). Passed after a six-month stretch during which the economy lost an average of 750,000 jobs each month, ARRA was the single biggest contributor to stopping the economic freefall that followed the bursting of the housing bubble. To be clear, the assessment that the ARRA contributed significantly to ending the Great Recession is not a contested opinion among macroeconomists, or at least not among those macroeconomists whose paycheck depends on correctly predicting what will impact economic activity."
Republicans Slam Stimulus On Fifth Anniversary — But Most Took Credit For It Back Home
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/02/17/3298561/hypocrites/
"over half of the GOP caucus praised the effects of the stimulus or took credit for the federal dollars in their home districts and states — despite repeatedly voting against it in Washington D.C."
"over half of the GOP caucus praised the effects of the stimulus or took credit for the federal dollars in their home districts and states — despite repeatedly voting against it in Washington D.C."
Saturday, February 15, 2014
A Portrait of Time Warner's Active Role in ALEC
A Portrait of Time Warner's Active Role in ALEC
"How is this possible? How could tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in gifts and lobbying expenditures for the benefit of Ohio lawmakers have completely disappeared from public sight?
The answer is a pretty straightforward one: Ohio law contains numerous disclosure exemptions for items of worth (be they cash, meals, or plane tickets) received by lawmakers in conjunction with events held by certain legislative membership organizations."
"How is this possible? How could tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in gifts and lobbying expenditures for the benefit of Ohio lawmakers have completely disappeared from public sight?
The answer is a pretty straightforward one: Ohio law contains numerous disclosure exemptions for items of worth (be they cash, meals, or plane tickets) received by lawmakers in conjunction with events held by certain legislative membership organizations."
The Great Isolation of the 1%
www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/great-isolation-1
"Due to a spate of bizarre rants from members of the 1 percent over the past two weeks, it would be easy to conclude that America’s super-rich have gone off the rails."
"Due to a spate of bizarre rants from members of the 1 percent over the past two weeks, it would be easy to conclude that America’s super-rich have gone off the rails."
Cable Users Among Loudest Critics of Comcast/Time-Warner Deal | Common Dreams
Cable Users Among Loudest Critics of Comcast/Time-Warner Deal | Common Dreams
"The proposed merger of the nation's two largest cable companies, Comcast and Time-Warner, into one gigantic mega-telecom corporation is being slammed by the people that will be most impacted if the deal goes through: customers."
"The proposed merger of the nation's two largest cable companies, Comcast and Time-Warner, into one gigantic mega-telecom corporation is being slammed by the people that will be most impacted if the deal goes through: customers."
Friday, February 14, 2014
Lawmakers Threaten Workers Over Union Vote Their Bosses Welcome
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/02/14/3293801/volkswagen-vote-tennessee-threaten/
"Watson’s threats and Corker’s cajoling come even though Volkswagen has welcomed the United Auto Workers into its Chattanooga factory and sought to bring German labor organizing ideas to Tennessee. The German company is accustomed to working with worker groups in its facilities in Europe and is seeking to establish the same kind of positive rapport with its labor force in the American south"
"Watson’s threats and Corker’s cajoling come even though Volkswagen has welcomed the United Auto Workers into its Chattanooga factory and sought to bring German labor organizing ideas to Tennessee. The German company is accustomed to working with worker groups in its facilities in Europe and is seeking to establish the same kind of positive rapport with its labor force in the American south"
Fox Enters Tennessee Labor Fight With Anti-Worker Binge
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/02/13/fox-enters-tennessee-labor-fight-with-anti-work/198047
"All Volkswagen plants currently have union representation besides Chattanooga and two plants in China. And the German company has praised the benefits such organization has brought to its other plants -- As The Washington Post wrote, "the company even sees its culture of worker codetermination as a 'competitive advantage,'" according to Volkswagen's global works council leader, Bernard Osterloh. As UC Berkley's Harley Shaiken has explained, this competitive advantage has already helped boost Volkswagen's bottom line -- the company "has led all major automakers in raising shareholder value" over the last three years and was "virtually tied for second place in global auto production in 2012."
And economic research is on Volkswagen's side. Unions around the country have repeatedly been shown to boost productivity and allow greater flexibility during economic downturns, restoring demand to the economy by raising wages. As the Economic Policy Institute has noted, unionization increases the stability and buying power of the middle class, which is necessary to maintain a healthy consumer-based economy"
"All Volkswagen plants currently have union representation besides Chattanooga and two plants in China. And the German company has praised the benefits such organization has brought to its other plants -- As The Washington Post wrote, "the company even sees its culture of worker codetermination as a 'competitive advantage,'" according to Volkswagen's global works council leader, Bernard Osterloh. As UC Berkley's Harley Shaiken has explained, this competitive advantage has already helped boost Volkswagen's bottom line -- the company "has led all major automakers in raising shareholder value" over the last three years and was "virtually tied for second place in global auto production in 2012."
And economic research is on Volkswagen's side. Unions around the country have repeatedly been shown to boost productivity and allow greater flexibility during economic downturns, restoring demand to the economy by raising wages. As the Economic Policy Institute has noted, unionization increases the stability and buying power of the middle class, which is necessary to maintain a healthy consumer-based economy"
PERRspectives: The 1 Percenters are Right: Let's Go Back to the Good Old Days
PERRspectives: The 1 Percenters are Right: Let's Go Back to the Good Old Days
"But the Dow Jones hasn't just doubled since Obama entered the White House. There's no shortage of studies to show that stock market returns are higher under Democratic leadership. As Slate in 2002 and the New York Times in 2003 found, "It's not even close. The stock market does far better under Democrats." And as Bloomberg News documented two years ago, Barack Obama has been no exception"
"But the Dow Jones hasn't just doubled since Obama entered the White House. There's no shortage of studies to show that stock market returns are higher under Democratic leadership. As Slate in 2002 and the New York Times in 2003 found, "It's not even close. The stock market does far better under Democrats." And as Bloomberg News documented two years ago, Barack Obama has been no exception"
Why Are GOP Politicians and Anti-Union Groups Interfering With the VW Vote?
Why Are GOP Politicians and Anti-Union Groups Interfering With the VW Vote?
"Finally, the most notable feature of the VW campaign has been the unprecedented campaign of intimidation by shadowy anti-union organizations. Right-wing activists, including Grover Norquist and the Koch brothers, are furious that VW management has not attempted to pressure workers to vote "no." So they have stepped into the breach. Ludicrously misnamed organizations such as the Workplace Fairness Institute, Worker Freedom Institute and Center for Worker Freedom have attempted to transform the union election into a sleazy political campaign: They have suggested that UAW-represented auto companies are bankrupt, when in fact they are thriving, with Ford posting record profits; they have told workers that unionization would "imperil the fate of their employer," when in fact VW would be delighted to have a cooperative relationship with unionized workers within the plant; and they have spread ludicrous right-wing fantasies, such as the union "wants your guns." No other democratic country has organizations such as these - peddling outright falsehoods - that are dedicated to undermining workers' right to choose a union."
"Finally, the most notable feature of the VW campaign has been the unprecedented campaign of intimidation by shadowy anti-union organizations. Right-wing activists, including Grover Norquist and the Koch brothers, are furious that VW management has not attempted to pressure workers to vote "no." So they have stepped into the breach. Ludicrously misnamed organizations such as the Workplace Fairness Institute, Worker Freedom Institute and Center for Worker Freedom have attempted to transform the union election into a sleazy political campaign: They have suggested that UAW-represented auto companies are bankrupt, when in fact they are thriving, with Ford posting record profits; they have told workers that unionization would "imperil the fate of their employer," when in fact VW would be delighted to have a cooperative relationship with unionized workers within the plant; and they have spread ludicrous right-wing fantasies, such as the union "wants your guns." No other democratic country has organizations such as these - peddling outright falsehoods - that are dedicated to undermining workers' right to choose a union."
David Cay Johnston Takes Apart Chris Christie's False Meme on 'Income Equality'
David Cay Johnston Takes Apart Chris Christie's False Meme on 'Income Equality'
"Everyday Americans who haven't had their brains fried by right-wing hate talk or Faux "news" have known for some time that trickle-down doesn't work and that the game has been rigged for the rich and against the average working person who is just trying to get by for a very long time now."
"Everyday Americans who haven't had their brains fried by right-wing hate talk or Faux "news" have known for some time that trickle-down doesn't work and that the game has been rigged for the rich and against the average working person who is just trying to get by for a very long time now."
Banks Throw Hissy Fit After Elizabeth Warren Endorses Idea to Allow Post Office to Offer Financial Services
www.alternet.org/economy/banks-throw-hissy-fit-after-elizabeth-warren-endorses-idea-allow-post-office-offer-financial
"The plan? The post office would offer services designed to appeal to America’s unbanked and under-banked — the more than 50 million adults who either have no checking or savings account, or use high-cost, predatory services like payday loans to supplement traditional banking needs.
This sounds like a win-win. Americans — particularly low-income Americans — clearly need greater access to low-cost financial services. At the same time, many financial institutions have been complaining for years that providing banking services to low-income Americans is costing them money. So much so that they can barely bring themselves to open bank branches in anything less than well-heeled neighborhoods."
"The plan? The post office would offer services designed to appeal to America’s unbanked and under-banked — the more than 50 million adults who either have no checking or savings account, or use high-cost, predatory services like payday loans to supplement traditional banking needs.
This sounds like a win-win. Americans — particularly low-income Americans — clearly need greater access to low-cost financial services. At the same time, many financial institutions have been complaining for years that providing banking services to low-income Americans is costing them money. So much so that they can barely bring themselves to open bank branches in anything less than well-heeled neighborhoods."
What Won't This Private Prison Corporation Do To Turn a Profit? | Common Dreams
What Won't This Private Prison Corporation Do To Turn a Profit? | Common Dreams
"Corrections Corporation of America exposed for fraudulently billing state taxpayers for thousands of staff hours"
"Corrections Corporation of America exposed for fraudulently billing state taxpayers for thousands of staff hours"
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Robert Reich on Why America Has Forgotten Its Three Biggest Economic Lessons
www.alternet.org/economy/robert-reich-why-america-has-forgotten-its-three-biggest-economic-lessons
"What happened?
For starters, too many of us bought the snake oil of “supply-side” economics, which said big corporations and the wealthy are the job creators – and if we cut their taxes the benefits will trickle down to everyone else. Of course, nothing trickled down."
"What happened?
For starters, too many of us bought the snake oil of “supply-side” economics, which said big corporations and the wealthy are the job creators – and if we cut their taxes the benefits will trickle down to everyone else. Of course, nothing trickled down."
Illinois Governor Wants To Make Sure Workers Can Take A Day Off When They Get Sick
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/02/13/3290191/illinois-paid-sick-leave/
"The United States is unique among many of its developed peers for its lack of a national law that guarantees all workers the right to earn paid sick leave. Just one state, Connecticut, has passed such legislation, although Illinois isn’t the only one to consider joining its ranks: California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington are also considering laws."
"The United States is unique among many of its developed peers for its lack of a national law that guarantees all workers the right to earn paid sick leave. Just one state, Connecticut, has passed such legislation, although Illinois isn’t the only one to consider joining its ranks: California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington are also considering laws."
Comcast's Takeover of Time Warner Is a Horrible Deal for Consumers
www.alternet.org/corporate-accountability-and-workplace/comcasts-takeover-time-warner-horrible-deal-consumers
"Nice try. Regulators and competition authorities are supposed to consider the public interest when looking at such deals. In no way does the public interest benefit from this one."
"Nice try. Regulators and competition authorities are supposed to consider the public interest when looking at such deals. In no way does the public interest benefit from this one."
Securities Fraud Investigation Nabs Ohio Republican Along With A 'Secretive' Church
Securities Fraud Investigation Nabs Ohio Republican Along With A 'Secretive' Church
"Ohio state representative, Peter Beck (R-54) was just indicted on 53 counts. He already is facing 16 felony counts from an indictment last July."
"Ohio state representative, Peter Beck (R-54) was just indicted on 53 counts. He already is facing 16 felony counts from an indictment last July."
6 Financial Monsters That Have Only Gotten Bigger After Destroying the Economy
www.alternet.org/economy/6-financial-monsters-have-only-gotten-bigger-after-destroying-economy
"Too-big-to-fail banks that should have been reined in back in 2008 continue to pose a major threat to the economy."
"Too-big-to-fail banks that should have been reined in back in 2008 continue to pose a major threat to the economy."
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