Wednesday, March 16, 2011

News & Analysis II, March 16, 2011

One friend commented that my recent spate of emails with multiple links could appear manic to some and potentially turn them off. If I appear manic to some than it is in response to what I consider the crisis state that confronts us in this country today. It is my contention that our mass media outlets do not provide adequate sources of information and analysis. My emails are intended to disseminate analysis and investigative journalistic work that most people do not know about. Information and transparency, without distortions and hyperbole, are a key to altering the political landscape and represent, I believe, the last great hope for reclaiming what's left of progressive society. If we continue to lose the information war, and people do not come together in opposition of the forces that threaten our democracy, then all will be lost and we will leave a shameful legacy to those that follow.

I think this piece provides a compelling commentary on many of the issues we are facing today:
First they declared corporations were "people," and I didn't complain because I'm already a person.
Then they made unlimited money "speech," and I didn't complain because the American Dream says I'll be rich someday, too.
Then they commandeered the means of production by shipping our greatest strength - manufacturing - overseas, because they don't have bothersome unions over there, and I didn't complain because WalMart has cheap stuff.
Then they bought Congress so they could write the laws, and I didn't complain because I can’t be bothered to vote.
Then they bought the Supreme Court so they could cement their rule, and I didn't complain because I don't have time to pay attention.
Then they bought the news so they could convince everyone it's always been this way, and I didn't complain because it's always been this way.
Then they manhandled an election and I didn't complain because I'm not from Florida.
Then they lied us into wars and I didn't complain because I'm not a soldier, or an Iraqi, or an Afghani.
Then millions died for profit and I didn't complain because the graphics on the news were totally awesome.
Then they started locking people up because they said they could and I didn't complain because nobody locked me up.
Then they started spying on everyone because they said they could and I didn't complain because I'm a real American.
Then they came for the worker, but thanks to supply-side trickle-down economics, I don't have a job.


Here are some news and research links to consider:

Koch and Big Oil front anti-cap and trade group, ALEC, that provides bill writing templates for legislators

Koch Brothers - Dirty Money, 2010 Greenpeace report

Is it possible to build truly safe nuclear reactor? Industry takes profit but not the costs

Poultry Industry and anti-biotic health issues

NYC Spends $75 Million A Year on Marijuana Possession Arrests

Wisconsin updates and political maneuvering

From Hiroshima to Fukushima - The Nation

No Nukes Is Good Nukes

Burying Our Heads In Radioactive Sand

Detailed report on 12 States currently slashing corporate taxes while increasing burden on working families

GOP Mocks Concerns About Nuclear Safety Prior to Meltdown - video clips


News & Analysis I, March 16, 2011

Harrowing piece on remaining workers at stricken nuclear plant

Stanley Fish on political argument and focus

FOIA exemptions undermine open government

Big polluters freed from environmental oversight by stimulus

Polluters avoid Superfund cleanup in bankruptcy -  taxpayers pick up the tab

On Earthquakes

Two Companies Stop Gas Fracking in Arkansas because of earthquakes there

GOP Avoiding The President

Sugar Vs. Corn Syrup Mother Jones Report

Chris Hayes Breakdown on Obama and labor -audio

Dennis Kucinich (Rep-D Ohio) on the labor battle - video