Has it really only been a week and a half?
This week — yesterday, really — the Trump administration threw the entire federal government into chaos by trying to freeze an enormous swath of federal spending before public outcry and a court ruling forced them to back down. (Or not. The administration’s statements on this have been quite confusing.)
Either way, Karen Dolan writes this week, “This was an attempt to force unconstitutional cuts to vital services that our taxes paid for. Programs that help Americans get food, housing, education, health care, and more have been plunged into uncertainty. And the administration’s efforts to use whatever means necessary to line their own pockets by picking ours are just beginning.”
But given the vast public outrage as “programs ranging from Medicaid to Meals on Wheels to cancer research were impacted,” the administration may have to rethink those plans. “Our families deserve better. And fast,” Karen concludes.
Also this week, Sonali Kolhatkar shares a harrowing personal account of escaping the Los Angeles fires — and says we’ll need to see a lot more of the inspiring community solidarity that followed in the fires’ wake. Former teacher Randy Fair also shares a personal story about how teachers can open students’ eyes — if lawmakers (and parents) let them.
And finally, Chris Mills Rodrigo talks to patients and doctors who’ve been harmed by America’s largest health insurer — which just disclosed record revenues — and offers lessons on the real priorities of for-profit health care (think more profit, less care).
New This Week…
A Coup Attempt Against American Taxpayers | Karen Dolan
Trump’s attempt to freeze federal funds for government services was an effort to steal our tax dollars to enrich billionaires. And he’ll try again.
Let’s Embrace our Instinct for Collective Action — In Bad Times and Good | Sonali Kolhatkar
The Los Angeles fires brought out the compassion we need all the time, not just during “natural” disasters.
Teachers Have the Power to Open Students’ Eyes — If We Let Them | Randy Fair
As a teacher who grew up in a small Southern town, I know the risks of giving parents veto power of kids’ education.
Health Insurers Profit from Suffering, Not Care | Chris Mills Rodrigo
The country’s largest insurer just posted record revenues. That money comes from denying care and gouging patients — who are now sharing their stories.
In Case You Missed It…
Biden Was Right About Oligarchy | Sam Pizzigati
Look no further than Trump’s second inauguration and its tech billionaire guests.
Corporations and Billionaires Flooded Trump’s Inauguration with Cash | Craig Holman
The nation has never seen influence peddling like we just witnessed at Trump’s second, billionaire-stuffed inauguration.
Trump Wants to Cut Taxes on the Rich. States Can Choose Differently. | Eli Taylor Goss and Treasure Mackley
We won progressive taxes in our state by showing people just how unjust our tax code was. Other states can follow.
Fossil Fuel Billionaires Are Cashing in on Trump | Chuck Collins
Welcome to “oil-garchy”: fossil fuel billionaires are being rewarded for investing in Trump’s campaign.
