The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization which seems to masquerade as a force for public good. Effectively, it functions as a front for large corporate interests, composed of corporations, think tanks and members of state government. Its contributions accrue great benefits for the rich.…
The lane closures on the George Washington Bridge during four days last September, including the first day of school and the anniversary of 9/11, had significance well beyond Chris Christie and New Jersey politics. Hanging over our heads, is an attitude, an operative mode that favors individual or corporate…
Last January, demoralized House Republicans trudged to a retreat in Williamsburg, Virginia to plot out their legislative strategy against President Obama for his second term. Common wisdom from mainstream media sources had them in retreat mode. But Republican tradition, especially since the Newt Gingrich shutdown and stormy Speakership, oozes…
It was 30 seconds of Melissa Harris-Perry on an MSNBC promo for education, community, and family, but some 65 minutes of Fox News and media-gorging on other right-wing sources – all like feral dogs after raw meat. Melissa’s statement: We have never invested as much in public education as…
Joseph Stalin, the Soviet Union’s ruthless ruler before WWII, said, “I consider it completely unimportant who in the party will vote, or how, but what is extremely important is this – who will count the votes, and how.” Republicans have tried the voting angle, limiting voting for the opponents,…
The Sandy Hook massacre, a happening too grim and heart-rendering to allow ourselves to even fleetingly dwell on, is the 62nd multiple slaying since 1982 (Mother Jones). As the most tragic, it will replace all other massacres we have maintained in our memories. For Sandy Hook, our reflexive question…
By OcJim In 2008, many feared that the Bush administration would somehow stay around for a third term by staging a terrorist event and declaring martial law rather than holding elections. Accordingly, many believed they were saved with the advent of Barack Obama’s election. While Bush’s departure proved that…