Archive
The Case for Spending More on Public Broadcasting
Once again, America’s public broadcasters face the real possibility that their federal funding will vanish. This time, opponents are using the results of a dubious sting operation and the federal deficit as rationales for scrapping spending. But during an economic crisis, we need more reporting, more coverage, and more accountability, not less.
Free Trade’s Winners and Losers in Latin America
President Barack Obama is traveling to Latin America, seeking refuge from budget battles at home by promoting increased trade with countries across the region. During his trip to Chile, Brazil, and El Salvador, he’s expected to highlight the benefits of so-called “free trade” to U.S. and Latin American businesses.
Senate Shenanigans
As its opening act this year, the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution to restrict–but not eliminate-a maneuver known as the “secret hold.” The rules still allow a single senator to anonymously delay urgent legislation.
Let’s Stay out of Libya
Yet again, our leaders think they’ve got a calling to save a country in the Middle East.
The Corporate-GOP Attack on America’s Middle Class
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s autocratic attempt to abrogate the democratic right of public employees to bargain with their governmental bosses is not wearing well with the public. Recent polls show that a mere one-third of Wisconsinites favor his blatantly political power play, and that if he had told voters in the last year’s election that he intended to do this, he would’ve lost.
Echoes of Fascism
As the saying goes, Franco’s still dead. But fascism isn’t. Its basic tenet is what Mussolini called “supercapitalism,” a system where governments and corporations work hand-in-glove. Some modern business moguls might like to give it a shot. In Mussolini’s day, that meant government needed to take over companies. Today, the companies just take over the government.
From Libya to Wisconsin, with Love
The Lineup: Week of March 7-13, 2011
William A. Collins laments the dangers that the nation’s health care system poses to our health while Robert Alvarez explains why managing nuclear weapons should be the Pentagon’s job, instead of an Energy Department task.
The Government’s Nuclear Millstone
The Obama administration is making a big fuss over its proposal to boost the Energy Department’s budget to $29.5 billion.
China’s Wise Wheat Reserves
It’s fashionable to worry about China. One common fear is that China’s increasing demand for food will wreak havoc on international markets, causing mass starvation in food-importing countries. However, China uses safeguards to stave off food shortages. We could learn from its approach.
