Archive
Climate Change Disaster Has Struck
Rats. I’d been counting on climate change. By some genetic quirk, my Scandinavian-bred body has always suffered badly from the cold. It’s a good thing that my grandfather settled near New York City rather than boarding the “Swede train” for Minnesota. Connecticut’s winters are bad enough.
Tax the Rich
America’s Skimpy Minimum Wage
In 2012, the 63 million Americans who depend on Social Security are getting their first cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in three years: a 3.6 percent increase in benefits. In other words, one in five Americans are getting a raise. For the average beneficiary, this amounts to an extra $38.95 a month.
The Lineup: Week of Jan. 2-8, 2012
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Fumbling Foreign Policy
From Mitt Romney’s juvenile $10,000 bet with Rick Perry to Ron Paul’s declaration that death by untreated illnesses is “what freedom is all about,” the Republican presidential candidates haven’t missed an opportunity to sound off-base and out-of-touch with ordinary Americans.
Alabama’s Immigration Aftershock
Ever since Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley signed the nation’s strictest immigration measure into law, he’s faced criticism from religious leaders and immigrant advocates.
High Stakes for Immigration
Mariela Obregon Chavarria hoped to return to her native country of Nicaragua one day, but arriving in handcuffs and escorted by security officers wasn’t what she had in mind. After seven years living and working in the United States, Mariela was arrested and held in four different detention centers around the country for two months. When she was deported, her three-year-old son, a U.S. citizen, remained behind.
Education Cuts Aren’t Smart
Once upon a time, America professed to believe in a strong public education system. While we still talk about public education as the great equalizer that can offer a pathway out of poverty, the nation is falling far short in assuring millions of poor children, especially those of color, upward mobility.
Losing My Cool
Ask anyone. I pride myself on being seldom surprised, shocked never. This political year, however, has called my cool into question. I’ve been nothing but shockingly surprised all year.
Shoveling America’s Wealth to the Top
As an old country saying puts it, “Money is like manure — it does no good unless you spread it around.”
