Archive
Bilked by Banks
This corrupt banking system of ours is a wonder. Sure, it’s important to have a safe place to squirrel away money, get a loan or credit card, and earn a little interest. In the old days, we even got toasters and other nice gifts when we opened a new account.
The Lineup: Week of June 18-24, 2012
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The Elephant in Rio
Obama’s DREAM Gambit
When Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced she was instructing all her agencies to stop automatically deporting young undocumented immigrants and grant them work permits, I celebrated.
Low-Wage Nation
With its catchy “We are the 99 Percent” slogan, the Occupy movement focused millions of Americans on our nation’s chronic inequality. As that movement regains momentum, it must pay more attention to the whole 99 percent.
Making the World Safer for the Next Bernie Madoff
Sometimes, members of Congress follow harebrained logic. If the consequences weren’t so serious, it would be hilarious. Consider a House bill co-sponsored by Reps. Spencer Bachus (R-AL) and Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) that would essentially let investment advisers regulate themselves.
Running for Magician-in-Chief
Our long national nightmare is over. Mitt Romney has won the Republican nomination for president. Let the etch-a-sketching begin.
Wisconsin’s Alien Seed
Walker will get to stay in office for the rest of his term, but he didn’t win the election — money did. This was a victory for the Citizens United edict issued two years ago by the Supreme Court’s five-man corporatist majority. This anti-democratic ruling opened the door for unlimited sums of corporate cash to barge into our national, state, and local elections and take charge. Walker is the first ugly sprouting of that alien seed.
The War on Drugs Is the Dumbest of Them All
America recently commemorated the 40th year of its “War on Drugs.” Celebrations were muted because of the war’s dismal failure. How many candles are appropriate for shooting yourself in the foot? Congratulatory cards from sister nations were sparse, since many are urging us to abandon what was a stupid idea in the first place. Gee thanks, Richard Nixon.
Broken Planet
