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▶ Bill Maher: Football & Baseball (economic analogy) - YouTube: ""
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Nihilism is at the Core of the Israel-Iran Conflict — Not Nuclear Weapons - Nihilism, understood as the absence of a transcendental purpose, lies at the heart of the conflict that Israel initiated against Iran10 hours ago
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Hold Onto Your Wallet -- "Fiscal Cliff 2.0" is Coming Soon | News & Notes, What Matters Today | BillMoyers.com
Hold Onto Your Wallet -- "Fiscal Cliff 2.0" is Coming Soon | News & Notes, What Matters Today | BillMoyers.com:
"These debt limit “shenanigans” aren’t very democratic, and Boehner admitted as much, telling the Idaho Statesman, “It may be unfair but what I’m trying to do here is to leverage the political process to produce more change than what it would produce if left to its own devices.” In other words, he’s going to hold the global economy hostage for policies his conservative allies couldn’t achieve through the electoral process.
It’s even more anti-democratic if cuts to Social Security or Medicare end up being part of the negotiations because polls have long shown that majorities of Americans of all parties – even self-identified “tea party” voters — oppose messing with those programs.
And this is all a result of the “party of personal responsibility” threatening not to pay off debts that Congress itself incurred."
"These debt limit “shenanigans” aren’t very democratic, and Boehner admitted as much, telling the Idaho Statesman, “It may be unfair but what I’m trying to do here is to leverage the political process to produce more change than what it would produce if left to its own devices.” In other words, he’s going to hold the global economy hostage for policies his conservative allies couldn’t achieve through the electoral process.
It’s even more anti-democratic if cuts to Social Security or Medicare end up being part of the negotiations because polls have long shown that majorities of Americans of all parties – even self-identified “tea party” voters — oppose messing with those programs.
And this is all a result of the “party of personal responsibility” threatening not to pay off debts that Congress itself incurred."
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Activists organize social media protest against business seminar that exposes social media organizing | The Battery
Activists organize social media protest against business seminar that exposes social media organizing | The Battery:
"“The hatred of labor unions are so bad in this state that the promoters of such a forum would attempt to cloud the real issues of economic disparity, race, and class by inserting unionism into this equation," he said. “That’s right, go ahead and blame the unions for the sad state that these workers find themselves in. Blame the unions for responding to the cry of the 99 percent of struggling Americans in this country.”"
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"“The hatred of labor unions are so bad in this state that the promoters of such a forum would attempt to cloud the real issues of economic disparity, race, and class by inserting unionism into this equation," he said. “That’s right, go ahead and blame the unions for the sad state that these workers find themselves in. Blame the unions for responding to the cry of the 99 percent of struggling Americans in this country.”"
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Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Local fast-food workers to join nationwide protest - The Boston Globe
- Business - The Boston Globe:
"“If there was some consumer support for these protests, it might have an impact because these are industries that are very, very competitive and rely a great deal on consumer habits,” he said. “If these are disrupted, it could cause some changes in how people are paid or how they are treated.”"
"“If there was some consumer support for these protests, it might have an impact because these are industries that are very, very competitive and rely a great deal on consumer habits,” he said. “If these are disrupted, it could cause some changes in how people are paid or how they are treated.”"
Economy recovering, but pay stuck in the doldrums - SFGate
Economy recovering, but pay stuck in the doldrums - SFGate:
"Yes, according to the Boston Consulting Group, which says the declining "cost of labor" is a key driver in America's new global competitiveness. "Our analysis suggests that the U.S. is steadily becoming one of the lowest-cost countries for manufacturing in the developed world," says the BCG report, published last week."
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"Yes, according to the Boston Consulting Group, which says the declining "cost of labor" is a key driver in America's new global competitiveness. "Our analysis suggests that the U.S. is steadily becoming one of the lowest-cost countries for manufacturing in the developed world," says the BCG report, published last week."
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Tuesday, August 20, 2013
BCE Inc. (USA) (BCE), CenturyLink, Inc. (CTL), AT&T Inc. (T): The Telecommunications Services Sector Untethered and Poised to Grow - Insider Monkey
BCE Inc. (USA) (BCE), CenturyLink, Inc. (CTL), AT&T Inc. (T): The Telecommunications Services Sector Untethered and Poised to Grow - Insider Monkey:
"Moreover, I suggest that further comprehensive research and due diligence is an absolute must before investing in any company within the Telecommunications Services sector. Change is rarely comfortable, and change is, has been, and most certainly will be the name of the game for the Telecommunications Services sector.
But even though change is rarely comfortable, that doesn’t mean that it is necessarily bad. Competition within this sector is high, merger and acquisition activity will more likely than not continue, and innovation is manifesting at a feverish pace. With all this disruption comes higher risk, and this can lead to either higher returns or disastrous ones. Consequently, caveat emptor may more profoundly apply for the Telecommunications Services sector than for any other sector I have thus far reviewed."
"Moreover, I suggest that further comprehensive research and due diligence is an absolute must before investing in any company within the Telecommunications Services sector. Change is rarely comfortable, and change is, has been, and most certainly will be the name of the game for the Telecommunications Services sector.
But even though change is rarely comfortable, that doesn’t mean that it is necessarily bad. Competition within this sector is high, merger and acquisition activity will more likely than not continue, and innovation is manifesting at a feverish pace. With all this disruption comes higher risk, and this can lead to either higher returns or disastrous ones. Consequently, caveat emptor may more profoundly apply for the Telecommunications Services sector than for any other sector I have thus far reviewed."
Sunday, August 18, 2013
The U.S. Has The Worst Income Inequality In The Developed World, Thanks To Wall Street: Study
The U.S. Has The Worst Income Inequality In The Developed World, Thanks To Wall Street: Study:
"So how did America get so darn great at ratcheting open the chasm between the haves and have-nots? Thank the dynamic duo of Wall Street and Washington, which have been working so well together for the past few decades to make laws that favor banks. Turns out this Axis Of Making It Rain has also been making laws that favor the exorbitantly wealthy. Win-win. Unless you are poor, in which case: Sorry, be born to richer parents next time, maybe?"
"So how did America get so darn great at ratcheting open the chasm between the haves and have-nots? Thank the dynamic duo of Wall Street and Washington, which have been working so well together for the past few decades to make laws that favor banks. Turns out this Axis Of Making It Rain has also been making laws that favor the exorbitantly wealthy. Win-win. Unless you are poor, in which case: Sorry, be born to richer parents next time, maybe?"
Healthcare-NOW! - ‘Medicare for All’ would cover everyone, save billions in first year
Healthcare-NOW! - ‘Medicare for All’ would cover everyone, save billions in first year:
"Upgrading the nation’s Medicare program and expanding it to cover people of all ages would yield more than a half-trillion dollars in efficiency savings in its first year of operation, enough to pay for high-quality, comprehensive health benefits for all residents of the United States at a lower cost to most individuals, families and businesses."
"Upgrading the nation’s Medicare program and expanding it to cover people of all ages would yield more than a half-trillion dollars in efficiency savings in its first year of operation, enough to pay for high-quality, comprehensive health benefits for all residents of the United States at a lower cost to most individuals, families and businesses."
Social Security Is the Only Reason Most Americans Can Afford to Retire | Portside
Social Security Is the Only Reason Most Americans Can Afford to Retire | Portside:
"Though Americans are increasingly turning to savings in 401(k)-type accounts, Social Security remains the most reliable and equitable system of retirement savings."
"Though Americans are increasingly turning to savings in 401(k)-type accounts, Social Security remains the most reliable and equitable system of retirement savings."
UNI Global Union > homepage
UNI Global Union > homepage:
Months of negotiations result in a zero per cent pay increase offer from the banking giant. Strike comes amidst widespread concerns over business practices of Canadian banks in the Caribbean.
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| Royal Bank of Canada workers strike in Antigua |
| 08/14/2013 |
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Saturday, August 17, 2013
Moment of Truthiness - NYTimes.com
Moment of Truthiness - NYTimes.com: "I wondered on my blog what a similar survey would show today, with the deficit falling even faster than it did in the 1990s. Ask and ye shall receive: Hal Varian, the chief economist of Google, offered to run a Google Consumer Survey — a service the company normally sells to market researchers — on the question. So we asked whether the deficit has gone up or down since January 2010. And the results were even worse than in 1996: A majority of those who replied said the deficit has gone up, with more than 40 percent saying that it has gone up a lot. Only 12 percent answered correctly that it has gone down a lot."
The ‘Bankization’ of America | NationofChange
The ‘Bankization’ of America | NationofChange:
"We’re becoming a financialized economy. Never before has the manipulation of money counted for so much and the real-world economy of people and consumer goods counted for so little."
"We’re becoming a financialized economy. Never before has the manipulation of money counted for so much and the real-world economy of people and consumer goods counted for so little."
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Monday, August 12, 2013
Why the economy doesn’t work for the 99% - NH Labor News
Why the economy doesn’t work for the 99% - NH Labor News:
"Let’s use real words, here, so everyone knows what the choice comes down to. Translated from GOP-speak, “entitlements” are Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. (Remember, you have paid into the Social Security and Medicare trust funds with every paycheck, for as long as you’ve been working.)
So here’s the choice:
Congress can continue to let the federal debt grow.
Congress can return taxes to historical levels.
Congress can cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
Congress is going to be making this choice over the next two and a half months. The current federal budget expires on September 30th — about the same time that the federal government will hit the debt limit (again)."
"Let’s use real words, here, so everyone knows what the choice comes down to. Translated from GOP-speak, “entitlements” are Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. (Remember, you have paid into the Social Security and Medicare trust funds with every paycheck, for as long as you’ve been working.)
So here’s the choice:
Congress can continue to let the federal debt grow.
Congress can return taxes to historical levels.
Congress can cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
Congress is going to be making this choice over the next two and a half months. The current federal budget expires on September 30th — about the same time that the federal government will hit the debt limit (again)."
Off the Charts: Higher Profits, Lower Wages - Graphic - NYTimes.com
Off the Charts: Higher Profits, Lower Wages - Graphic - NYTimes.com:
"Off the Charts: Higher Profits, Lower Wages
Revised calculations by the government indicate that corporate profits were higher than previously estimated in 2012, while employee wages were lower. Effective tax rates on both companies and individuals were also revised downward"
"Off the Charts: Higher Profits, Lower Wages
Revised calculations by the government indicate that corporate profits were higher than previously estimated in 2012, while employee wages were lower. Effective tax rates on both companies and individuals were also revised downward"
Obamacare in NH: What you should know | New Hampshire Health
Obamacare in NH: What you should know | New Hampshire Health:
"Benefits now, savings later
That's a big part of the problem with Obamacare, according to Bob Nash, president of the N.H. Association of Insurance Agents. Many of the benefits come early, but the expansion of the insurance pool to help cover the costs doesn't come until later.
"You get the immediate benefits, but the savings have been postponed by 10 years," he said. "With these enhanced benefits and other essential criteria in the law, they have mandated loads of additional coverage, so what's bound to change? The premiums.""
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"Benefits now, savings later
That's a big part of the problem with Obamacare, according to Bob Nash, president of the N.H. Association of Insurance Agents. Many of the benefits come early, but the expansion of the insurance pool to help cover the costs doesn't come until later.
"You get the immediate benefits, but the savings have been postponed by 10 years," he said. "With these enhanced benefits and other essential criteria in the law, they have mandated loads of additional coverage, so what's bound to change? The premiums.""
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Sunday, August 11, 2013
The Detroit Bail-In Template: Fleecing Pensioners to Save the Banks | Global Research
The Detroit Bail-In Template: Fleecing Pensioners to Save the Banks | Global Research:
"The Detroit bankruptcy is looking suspiciously like the bail-in template originated by the G20’s Financial Stability Board in 2011, which exploded on the scene in Cyprus in 2013 and is now becoming the model globally. In Cyprus, the depositors were “bailed in” (stripped of a major portion of their deposits) to re-capitalize the banks. In Detroit, it is the municipal workers who are being bailed in, stripped of a major portion of their pensions to save the banks."
"The Detroit bankruptcy is looking suspiciously like the bail-in template originated by the G20’s Financial Stability Board in 2011, which exploded on the scene in Cyprus in 2013 and is now becoming the model globally. In Cyprus, the depositors were “bailed in” (stripped of a major portion of their deposits) to re-capitalize the banks. In Detroit, it is the municipal workers who are being bailed in, stripped of a major portion of their pensions to save the banks."
Saturday, August 10, 2013
More disabled workers paid just pennies an hour
More disabled workers paid just pennies an hour
An NBC News investigation recently revealed that Goodwill Industries, which is among the non-profit groups permitted to pay disabled workers far less than minimum wage because of a federal law known as Section 14 (c), had paid workers as little as 22 cents an hour.
An NBC News investigation recently revealed that Goodwill Industries, which is among the non-profit groups permitted to pay disabled workers far less than minimum wage because of a federal law known as Section 14 (c), had paid workers as little as 22 cents an hour.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Pandemic of pension woes is plaguing the nation
Pandemic of pension woes is plaguing the nation: ""Sadly, [Detroit] is not the only municipality in trouble," Glenn Hubbard, economist, Columbia University Graduate School of Business dean and Mitt Romney campaign adviser, told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Monday. "A lot of state and local governments have too much debt, too generous public pensions. We need a national conversation on how to fix this.""
Wal-Mart on Wal-Mart - Newsroom: Bernie Sanders - U.S. Senator for Vermont
Wal-Mart on Wal-Mart - Newsroom: Bernie Sanders - U.S. Senator for Vermont:
"A Wal-Mart spokesman on Monday told The Huffington Post that only 5 percent of the discount chain’s workers were on Medicaid. The spokesman was attempting to rebut Sen. Bernie Sanders’ assertion on MSNBC that the Walton family, the Wal-Mart owners, got to be the richest family in America by paying workers so poorly that they need Medicaid and food stamps to survive. What the spokesman may have forgotten to mention was that an internal memo to Wal-Mart’s board of directors (obtained by The New York Times) acknowledged that 46 percent of the children of Wal-Mart's 1.33 million U.S. employees were uninsured or on Medicaid."
"A Wal-Mart spokesman on Monday told The Huffington Post that only 5 percent of the discount chain’s workers were on Medicaid. The spokesman was attempting to rebut Sen. Bernie Sanders’ assertion on MSNBC that the Walton family, the Wal-Mart owners, got to be the richest family in America by paying workers so poorly that they need Medicaid and food stamps to survive. What the spokesman may have forgotten to mention was that an internal memo to Wal-Mart’s board of directors (obtained by The New York Times) acknowledged that 46 percent of the children of Wal-Mart's 1.33 million U.S. employees were uninsured or on Medicaid."
Monday, August 5, 2013
The simple calculus of the TPP: Corporations over states
The simple calculus of the TPP: Corporations over states:
"The TPP models itself as a “21st century” trade agreement. This means that in addition to eliminating tariffs — the traditional focus of free trade agreements — TPP parties will agree to limit the scope of government regulation in important policy areas such as financial markets, the environment and intellectual property. The ostensible goals of such rules are to protect the rights of foreign companies and ensure an “even playing field” for domestic and foreign firms."
"The TPP models itself as a “21st century” trade agreement. This means that in addition to eliminating tariffs — the traditional focus of free trade agreements — TPP parties will agree to limit the scope of government regulation in important policy areas such as financial markets, the environment and intellectual property. The ostensible goals of such rules are to protect the rights of foreign companies and ensure an “even playing field” for domestic and foreign firms."
Congressman gets a look at secret Trans-Pacific Partnership draft: "This agreement hands the sovereignty of our country over to corporate interests" - Boing Boing
Congressman gets a look at secret Trans-Pacific Partnership draft: "This agreement hands the sovereignty of our country over to corporate interests" - Boing Boing:
"The TPP is nicknamed “NAFTA on steroids.” Now that I’ve read it, I can see why. I can’t tell you what’s in the agreement, because the U.S. Trade Representative calls it classified. But I can tell you two things about it.
1) There is no national security purpose in keeping this text secret.
2) This agreement hands the sovereignty of our country over to corporate interests.
3) What they can’t afford to tell the American public is that [the rest of this sentence is classified].
(Well, I did promise to tell you only two things about it.)
I will be fighting this agreement with everything I’ve got. And I know you’ll be there every step of the way.
For now, I’ve set up an e-mail address where you can ask me questions on this topic or other topics: askalan@graysonforcongress.com"
"The TPP is nicknamed “NAFTA on steroids.” Now that I’ve read it, I can see why. I can’t tell you what’s in the agreement, because the U.S. Trade Representative calls it classified. But I can tell you two things about it.
1) There is no national security purpose in keeping this text secret.
2) This agreement hands the sovereignty of our country over to corporate interests.
3) What they can’t afford to tell the American public is that [the rest of this sentence is classified].
(Well, I did promise to tell you only two things about it.)
I will be fighting this agreement with everything I’ve got. And I know you’ll be there every step of the way.
For now, I’ve set up an e-mail address where you can ask me questions on this topic or other topics: askalan@graysonforcongress.com"
Why is the TPP draft treaty such a big secret? | Phil Ebersole's Blog
Why is the TPP draft treaty such a big secret? | Phil Ebersole's Blog:
"I have heard the argument that transparency would undermine the Trade Representative’s policy to complete the trade agreement because public opposition would be significant. In other words, if people knew what was going on, they would stop it. This argument is exactly backwards. If transparency would lead to widespread public opposition to a trade agreement, then that trade agreement should not be the policy of the United States."
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"I have heard the argument that transparency would undermine the Trade Representative’s policy to complete the trade agreement because public opposition would be significant. In other words, if people knew what was going on, they would stop it. This argument is exactly backwards. If transparency would lead to widespread public opposition to a trade agreement, then that trade agreement should not be the policy of the United States."
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Daily Kos: Alan Grayson "US Sovereignty Being Handed to Corporate Interests"
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| Stop TPP and Carry On (Photo credit: IronCurtaiNYC) |
"The 17th Round of the Trans-Pacific Partnership talks will be held in Lima Peru from May 15 to May 24.
This NAFTA-like trade deal is being negotiated in secret.
Over 600 corporations provide advisers to the talks but Our Congress is denied information on the contents of the treaty.
Congressman Alan Grayson, Central Florida AFL-CIO President, Lorraine Tuliano, and guests, will speak out against this secretive and undemocratic process and what is known about the contents of the Trans-Pacific Partnership."
Saturday, August 3, 2013
40 years of union-busting has failed America.
40 years of union-busting has failed America.:
"But however you slice it, the striking issue isn't simply the structural growth of profits in a low wage environment, it's that the business-friendly environment isn't bringing us the investment utopia we were promised."
"But however you slice it, the striking issue isn't simply the structural growth of profits in a low wage environment, it's that the business-friendly environment isn't bringing us the investment utopia we were promised."
8.02.13: Verizon board readies meeting on Wind Mobile takeover bid | Financial Post
8.02.13: Verizon board readies meeting on Wind Mobile takeover bid | Financial Post:
"Verizon Communications Inc. is closing in on Canadian mobile carrier Wind Mobile. Sources told the Financial Post the New York-based telecommunications giant will hold a meeting of its board of directors next week and its plans for Wind are on the agenda for approval. While Verizon has already made an initial offer for Wind in the range of $700-million, those with knowledge of the matter say it is now preparing to make a formal offer and taking that plan as well as its roadmap for investment in the Canadian wireless market to its board, reports Christine Dobby."
"Verizon Communications Inc. is closing in on Canadian mobile carrier Wind Mobile. Sources told the Financial Post the New York-based telecommunications giant will hold a meeting of its board of directors next week and its plans for Wind are on the agenda for approval. While Verizon has already made an initial offer for Wind in the range of $700-million, those with knowledge of the matter say it is now preparing to make a formal offer and taking that plan as well as its roadmap for investment in the Canadian wireless market to its board, reports Christine Dobby."
This Week in Poverty: Chairman Ryan and the Real World | The Poverty Line, What Matters Today | BillMoyers.com
This Week in Poverty: Chairman Ryan and the Real World | The Poverty Line, What Matters Today | BillMoyers.com:
"“The current federal minimum wage is $7.25, correct?” said New York Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, trying to pivot to a discussion about good jobs as the best anti-poverty program.
“Uh, it could be,” said Besharov. “I—I don’t know the exact number. It’s around there.”"
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"“The current federal minimum wage is $7.25, correct?” said New York Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, trying to pivot to a discussion about good jobs as the best anti-poverty program.
“Uh, it could be,” said Besharov. “I—I don’t know the exact number. It’s around there.”"
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Thursday, August 1, 2013
John Fugelsang: What to say to people who still defend Wal-Mart - Viewpoint // Current TV
John Fugelsang: What to say to people who still defend Wal-Mart - Viewpoint // Current TV:
"From the July 25, 2013 edition of “Viewpoint.”
“Chinese-made products. The money you spend doesn’t stay in the community. And the staff is so poor your taxes subsidize their health care. The Dow is at record highs, and minimum-wage buying power at a 40-year low. Wal-Mart — prices so nice, you pay for ’em twice.” —John Fugelsang"
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"From the July 25, 2013 edition of “Viewpoint.”
“Chinese-made products. The money you spend doesn’t stay in the community. And the staff is so poor your taxes subsidize their health care. The Dow is at record highs, and minimum-wage buying power at a 40-year low. Wal-Mart — prices so nice, you pay for ’em twice.” —John Fugelsang"
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