We've lost 90 years in the fight for economic equality.
By Thom Hartmann A...
The wealth gap today is as bad as it was in the 1920s. New research from economists Emmanual Saez and Gabriel Zucman shows that those at the very top hold more of the wealth than at any time since 1928. In fact, only the super-wealthy, the top tenth of the top one percent, have seen huge gains in assets over the last three decades. Even people in the top ten percent of income earners have been losing ground compared to the super rich.
Most of us know that wages have been stagnant for decades thanks to Reaganomics, but the growing inequality problem is not just about our weekly pay. Average Americans have lost wealth from home values, pensions, savings, and total assets, and our broken economy prevents them from making up any ground. Meanwhile, the wealthy elite have seen larger and larger income gains, and they've stashed billions away in property, savings, and various types of low-or-no-tax investments.
After the Great Depression, progressive tax systems helped keep inequality at bay. High tax rates on the super rich leveled the playing field, and encouraged business growth and investment. For decades, it made more sense for the corporate elite to higher more employers or expand operations. But today, low taxes make it more lucrative for the rich to screw workers and cash out. If we ever want to close the wealth gap, we need to break this cycle.
We need to return to a progressive tax system – one that rewards hiring workers more than sitting around collecting a dividend check. In fact, let's put a 100 percent tax on income over a billion, and leave the super-rich with no other money-saving option except investing in our great nation once again. Find out more at NoBillionaires.com.
Comments
#2
Thom- If we really want a society without billionaires, that 100% tax will have to apply to much lower annual incomes than a billion dollars. How about personal incomes over a million dollars, or even half a million?
I anticipate another outraged response from Kend, our friend the Canadian aristocrat (wannabe?). Save it, Kend. We've heard it all before.
Until we eliminate billionaires from our society, those of us lucky enough to have jobs will continue working our fannies off just to subsidize a lazy, nonproductive, parasitic class who live like kings without lifting a finger, while we struggle just to keep the lights on and feed our families. And those of us not so lucky will continue crowding the sidewalks, holding up cardboard signs that say "Anything will help" and "Will work for food".
I'm not advocating a system where everyone enjoys the same income level and standard of living regardless of effort, accomplishment or position of influence. But I dream of a society of home owners not renters, with no rich and no poor! Even annual personal incomes as high as $500,000 are hardly conducive to that. While I'm not against meritocracy, there's only so much one needs to live comfortably, even in the lap of luxury! I believe there should be limits to how much compensation anyone receives; even the most distinguished contributors to our society & culture. Besides, there are plenty of non-material ways one can be awarded for great work, such as recognition and acknowledgment in its various forms. As you have pointed out repeatedly, Thom, extremes of wealth and poverty are harmful to democracy, to freedom, to everyone's quality of life; indeed, to civilization itself.
I'll go to my grave an idealist. And there's my two cents for the day. - Aliceinwonderland
P.S. By the way Marc, I too noticed "higher" written where the word "hire" belongs in Thom's introductory post. I've more than a hunch such type-0s stem more from a harried schedule than any lack of writing skills. I can just see that man's fingers flying over the keyboard in a blur. We're talking about the author of more than twenty books, for chrissakes!!
#3
Any economic discussion that ignores US poverty is simply not a legitimate discussion. Whether it's fear or arrogance that causes libs to avoid this issue, they need to get over it. America looked at the policies and programs that were in place from FDR until Reagan, which took the country to its height of wealth and productivity, and reversed course. The results are obvious, as rthe US has fallen so far behind all the modern nations. Saving our own butts requires reversing Reagan's deregulation mania and Clinton's anti-Great Society/anti-New Deal agenda -- even if it makes our rich really, really mad! We need to invest in the people and the nation. There is no way to save (much less, rebuild!) the middle class without restoring poverty relief programs and imposing significant financial DISincentives on moving jobs out of the country. We need basic poverty relief because not everyone can work, due to health or curcumstances, and there simply aren't jobs for all who need one. Millions are a single job loss from losing everything, with no way back up. You can't get a job once you no longer have a home address, phone, bus fare. The US shipped out a massive chunk of our working class jobs since the 1980s. People need a measure of economic stability to pursue the education/ttraining required for today's jobs. Because of the agenda implemented from Reagan to Clinton, the US can no longer adequately compete in the world market, threatening the collapse of the country itself.
#4
This can't be achieved without addressing this: What should we do with those who can't work, due to health or circumstances, and those for whom there are no jobs? Today's low-wage jobs ensure that people can't accumulate hundreds of dollars in savings needed to tide them over following a job loss. They can't get as job once they no longer have a home address, phone, bus fare. The US shipped out a huge portion of our working class jobs, and then Clinton ended poverty relief, telling the poor to find a job.We've created a surplus population that has no means of providing for themselves. It's great to call for job creation -- been doing that for over 30 years now, and it's as popular as ever. But until those jobs come along...?
#5
I can imagine a day when everyone revolts and does not go to work, because
people are waking up and understanding they cant feed themselves or there families at 80 hours a week.
Which is now in this country or soon to be for the rest. While France just passed a six hour work day.
When is a person a slave? Insanity is going to work constantly and expecting different results.
#6
AIW -- I remember back in the 60's there was an article in Look magazine that said why the US would never have a billionaire. I do not think we need a different tax structure than the one that existed before the Kennedy/Johnson tax cuts for the rich.
#7
Branski, I think Thom has already answered the question of what to do for those who can't work. It's called a basic minimum, guaranteed income; no strings attached. That means with or without a job. Please review Thom's thread of March 28th: "It's time for a basic minimum income". - AIW
#8
Quote Aliceinwonderland:I too noticed "higher" written where the word "hire" belongs in Thom's introductory post. I've more than a hunch such type-0s stem more from a harried schedule than any lack of writing skills. I can just see that man's fingers flying over the keyboard in a blur. We're talking about the author of more than twenty books, for chrissakes!!
Aliceinwonderland ~ You are so right; and, I apologize Thom. I'm in no place to correct you. I make more than my fair share of typos too; and, I don't even type fast enough to throw out my shoulder. I think I'm going to keep it that way.
#9
Chuck, I agree that returning to the tax policies of the sixties would be a huge improvement. But even in the sixties, there was poverty in our society. We have never been free from the scourge of poverty. Look Magazine's lofty prediction hasn't panned out. We've got more billionaires than we've seen in close to a century... maybe more of those freeloading, highrolling parasites than we've ever had. I don't know if the latter is factually correct but it sure wouldn't surprise me. - AIW
#10
Amen, Douglas! I hope I live to see a massive workers' revolt in this country. From fulltime jobs with no benefits that won't even pay a halfway livable wage to unpaid "apprenticeships" and free prison labor, we're looking at 21st Century slavery in America. When is enough, enough? - AIW
#11
Quote DHBranski:Any economic discussion that ignores US poverty is simply not a legitimate discussion.
DHBranski ~ How true! It really isn't, is it? In a poor country where there simply isn't enough wealth to go around poverty is one thing; however, in a country where people don't have enough to survive living next to grossly opulent wealth it is something quite different. Poverty is the main reason behind all of our preventable social ills. It is the driving factor behind our massive prison system, our domestic violence, our collective drug abuse problems, crime, and mental illness. Yet it is such an important issue in this country because it is so preventable. There is more than enough wealth here to put a roof over every head, to put a meal on every table, to treat every illness, and to educate every child. Are we all islands with no responsibility toward anyone other than ourselves? There is no need for anyone living in this country so suffer any of the painful consequences of poverty--save that of the opulent greed at the top which perfectly matches their opulent wealth.
#12
This might be somewhat off topic; but, the latest Bulletin by the AARP had a most interesting article about Tax-Lien Predators. Apparently, many local governments are conspiring with private financial agencies to take advantage of older homeowners who already own their homes free and clear in order to steal their homes right out from under them. They do it by either spotting back taxes owed, or by issuing liens because of abatement issues, sewer issues or anything the city has a right to charge the homeowner for. After a period of time the city then sells the lien over to a finance company. The finance company tags on interest and fees sometimes doubling or tripling the original cost and then issues a foreclosure notice to the home owner. They have to pay the new lien fees in full or their home is confiscated and they are kicked out into the street. Talk about soft genocide. This is occurring in every state in the nation. If you receive any lien notices for your property take care of it immediately. There are vicious predators out there making a fortune off of this legal scam; and little is being done to stop it. If you get hit the AARP offers legal advice to help you out. Beware!
#13
Wow Marc! Thanks for the heads-up.
I don't know what "abatement issues" are, so I looked up "abatement" in the dictionary. But that wasn't very helpful; all it says is that abatement means to lessen something, such as "noise abatement". Could you explain what you mean by that term?
It is sickening what fascism is doing to our society, as well as to those living in it. Should anyone threaten my home sweet home, I would fight back with any means available to me. If I ever get forcefully removed from this house, it will be on a stretcher. - AIW
#14
Aliceinwonderland ~ "Abatement" generally in this context refers to a warning to correct anything from an unkempt yard--weeds and overgrown plants--to issues about parking unused vehicles on your property in view of the public street, or neighbors. One complaint is all it takes. If the city sends you a warning to abate a certain unsightly condition--and it could be almost anything they consider unsightly--and you fail within a certain period of time--usually stated on the letter of warning--then either they will perform the service themselves and bill you, and/or, they will jump to issuing a lien against your property.
I know this is a real serious threat because it happend to my father 3 times before he passed away. Fortunately, my father had the wherewithal to fight the city and prevailed. However, when he passed I had to do some work to his house and when I went to get the permit I learned that there were open liens against the house still in his name. Had I not moved to repair the home it very well might have been stolen from me by these predators. This criminal nonsense has to be stopped. We are being treated as though even if we own our own homes outright that we are only renting it from the state; and, if we want to keep it we need to follow the states rules or they will take it away. How more anti-freedom and un-Democratic can you get?
Here is a direct link to the article I mentioned:
AARP Bulletin: Tax Lien Predators Are Targeting Older Americans
#15
While I agree we need to return to pre-Reagan tax levels, I think a 100% tax is excessive, regardless of what ones income level is.
#16
I don't think that those who live in California or Oregon...and a number of other states...have to worry much about this problem of tax-liens being sold to independent companies.
http://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/aarp/money/taxes/2014-03/620-tax-liens-m...
Although, I don't think "virtually prohibits it" is as definite as "bans it". California is "virtually prohibits tax lien sales". And Oregon "bans tax lien sales". Funny how this map has mostly all the blues states (politically) with the color red. And all of the red states (politically) with the color blue.
But, I don't know about the other abatements that can also sneak up on you if you are not alert and aware of them.
Quote AARP article:.. in some communities, it's not just property taxes that cause problems. Unpaid water, sewer and municipal fees lead to liens, which in turn can trigger foreclosures. And some municipalities add other fees — from "nuisance abatements" (when a city crew cuts weeds or mows overgrown grass, for example) to annual stormwater assessments — to property tax bills.Some cities even off-load their tax debts to private firms for cash.
http://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/info-2014/tax-liens-target-homeowners.html
I had a situation where I mailed in my check to the water company and 3 months later, when I got my next bill (they have a 3 months billing cycle), it indicated that they didn't get the last payment. So I had to cancel that check and send in another check for both billing cycles. I had my eyes peeled for whether they cashed the last check. And I now realize that with a 3 month billing cycle, I should probably check my monthly bank statement more carefully next time. I sure wouldn't want my house to be stolen from me...that would just really tick me off...big time!
And if I got some kind of notice in the mail about abatements, I'd have to check it out with the local government to make sure it was not a scam.
#17
By the way, I doubt that Thom Hartmann actually writes his own blog. I suspect that he has someone do it for him.
#18
Dekester, I respectfully disagree. I think we need to think more in terms of what is reasonable compensation, and just how much wealth any one person or family should be entitled to, and what responsibilities we have to contribute to the infrastructural maintenance of the society in which we have thrived, if indeed we have. - AIW
#19
Palin, just to play devil's advocate... if Thom doesn't write his own introductory posts, then why would he bother switching from his wife named as author, as was the case a year ago? - AIW
#20
Quote Palindromedary:I should probably check my monthly bank statement more carefully next time. I sure wouldn't want my house to be stolen from me...that would just really tick me off...big time!
Palindromedary ~ Join the club, my friend, join the club! Even though California 'Virtually Prohibits..." I can assure you they have done everything in their power to steal our home. I have done everything in my power to prevent that; and, will continue to do so until the day I don't care anymore. I only mention this article because I know first hand that it is a real problem. In the past my father got hit up to clean out a yard of weeds that have grown wildly for over a year.His failure to do so in a timely fashion lead to a $5K lien against the house. He was then hit up to remove vehicles that were parked on his front yard--behind bushes-- that were there for over 3 decades. He was given 2 weeks to remove them. He was then hit up to remove vehicles that were parked in his backyard that were also parked there for 3 decades and also far beyond the view of the street. He was given 2 weeks. Since there was no time to sell these family heirlooms they had to be given away. We lost our family boat, trailer, camper, the classic family car I was brought up in, and my own personal classic truck that was left to me by my best friend when he died just to save our house. To say I myself am a little ticked off about all this is to put it mildly...
#21
Wow, DAnnemarc, I'm sorry to hear you, and your dad, had so many problems with the City! And the darn city can't even keep the streets paved. The infrastructure is falling apart and they can't even keep their own house in order. The hoity-toity servants of the wealthy residents who want expensive statues and other artsy things to beautify their city can't even keep the cracks and pot holes in the streets repaired with all that tax money they get. And that California lottery that was supposed to go to the schools and other worthy causes, after the billions of $ they have gotten over the years...it still isn't enough...so they say! And they still try to find more ways to squeeze people.
That phrase "virtually prohibits..." sounds like double talk that would allow them to sneak in selling people's properties if they wanted.
"Eyes of TJ Eckleburg" .... http://blog.roopevintage.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/GreatGatsby_046P...
http://www.thomhartmann.com/sites/default/files/thom20logo_60_24_314.jpg
#22
Palindromedary ~ You aren't making me feel better. That mention of the condition of the street really hits home. Just today we rode slowly across a street that I typically refer to as in worse condition than the surface of the moon. Seriously, if you drive faster than 10 miles an hour on Capp St. between Nicol and School, you might damage your car.
On one happy note, call it what you will... The day after my father received his first notice of abatement from the city there was an accident with a Big Rig on the MacArthur maze. The Big Rig rolled over one morning when there wasn't much traffic and spilled fuel all over three levels of highway. No one was hurt; however, the resulting inferno caused the top level of the freeway to melt and collapse on the bottom levels in a critical maze of traffic between San Francisco and Oakland. It paralyzed traffic in the Bay Area and cost the city a fortune to repair; which, they had to spend quickly in order to save even more money. What do you know, Karma's a Bitch. I'm still gloating over that little coincidence.
#23
DAnnemarc: Yes, I can see that even back 3 years ago, the street was torn up and full of cracks. Some of it looks like it was torn up for some utilities work. Looks like the intersection of Nicole and Capp was probably the worst.
Interesting, about that overturned tanker on the day they gave your father that abatement notice! That'll teach them for messing around with the people! I hope it was only wealthy people that were delayed that day. ;-} But, I doubt it.
#24
AIW, do you really think Thom has time to actually write a blog every day? Of course, I could be wrong...but if I were as busy as Thom, I'd certainly farm out such a task to someone else. And what makes you think that even Thom's wife had the time to write the blog? What makes you think that either of them even reads these things?
But I do remember when she would occasionally respond to someone. But that was a rarity. Has Thom ever responded to anyone? But even then, how do you really know that it was them? It could easily be someone...a staff member...or a volunteer. The President most likely doesn't write his own speeches or pen his own letters to people. Most very busy people don't even sign their own checks.
#25
Sorry, DAnnemarc, I didn't mean to make it look like you were replying to yourself when I edited my remark to AIW.
#26
Hey Alice, I heard Thom say the Kochs own most of the Canadian tar sands oil. Now we know who Kend works (shills) for.
Anyway, I gotta go now. Gotta put in another twelve hour day working through the temp agency in one of several sweat shops to support his lifestyle.
See ya.
#27
Swell, Mark. Toodle-oo.
Just so happens that David Koch is an occasional visitor here in our humble little coastal town of Coos Bay, schmoozing with the Port authorities over that LNG export facility he and his pals are determined to ram down our throats.
Incidentally, a few weeks ago in Plymouth, Washington near the Oregon/Washington border, there was an explosion at a much smaller LNG facility than the one proposed for Coos Bay. Ain't that special. Five workers were injured, one badly burned; luckily no one died. Hundreds of residents and workers within a two-mile radius of the facility had to be evacuated.
What must we do to be rid of these oilgarchs?!
Meanwhile in the blog following this article in The Oregonian, some guy calling himself "OttomanEmpire" left a post that grabbed my attention. This douchebag says "If Coos Bay blows up, or the whole town becomes nauseated from the fumes, so what? Or when the subduction zone slips and shakes the tanks down, then the tsunami washes away the 'containment' walls, no great loss. Coos Bay is an armpit of a town anyway. It would be a shame about Astoria though…"
Gee how nice. My home town, no great loss... To him. So what if we get sick or die; no big deal. To him. Wow what a prince! Frankly, I don't care how unladylike this sounds; I could knock his fucking block off. - Aliceinwonderland
#28
Before turning in for the night, Marc, I just want to say how horrified I am to read of your ordeal with those lien-mean corporate pirates trying to steal your dad's house. Ohmygod... what are we coming to?!!! I'm so sorry you went through that, my friend.
I will friggin' DIE before anyone steals our house.
I visualize the ghost of someone like Crazy Horse or ole Chief Joseph returning from the spirit world, just for the satisfaction of telling us: "Your turn, whitey!" Yep, tag we're it. Now we're the new "indians"! Time to don some war paint an' git ready to raise hell... maybe even whack the scalps off a few pirates while we're at it. - AIW
#29
There was a point on Friday's Big Picture Lone Lib segment when there was a graphic of the question being dealt with (equal pay) so when the panel went off topic I was reminded of what the original question was at a glance. Of course, it also afforded the host the opportunity to point to the graphic for emphasis if he chose. Maybe it's just me but changing the subject is an irritating tactic when used by any side of an issue. IMHO, a data graphic is even better in directing attention in a debate.
#30
I missed the live show, but heard part of the replay including a caller named, Steve, that sounded like he wanted to talk about gerrymandering (but didn't us the term). He mentioned the census and redistricting and Thom, you just went flying away to an different place - without letting him make his point.
Which I think, from having listened to the caller, was not why does the Census Bureau collect all that data, but rather why do they provide it to redistricters (since it facillites gerrymandering and is not part of what the Constitution says is needed in order to determine how many representatives a State gets).
What's the point of having real callers (instead of staged shills) if you're not going to field their actual questions? Or only half listen to them because you're trying to read a blog or something else at the same time?
Devaluing people (expecting them to give you their full attention while only returning a portion of one's own) is another way to say "you don't matter".
We expect this from the Kochs et al because we know that's what they think about everyone else - so it doesn't hurt the same as when a more enlightened person does it.
#31
Quote Aliceinwonderland:I'm so sorry you went through that, my friend.I will friggin' DIE before anyone steals our house.
I visualize the ghost of someone like Crazy Horse or ole Chief Joseph returning from the spirit world, just for the satisfaction of telling us: "Your turn, whitey!" Yep, tag we're it. Now we're the new "indians"!
Aliceinwonderland ~ Thanks for those kind words. I needed that. I had to check my blood pressure while writing that post. The sentiment "I will friggin' DIE before anyone seals our house," is surely shared. Your comment about Crazy Horse and Chief Joseph was both amusing and soooo true.
#32
Thom! I use to listen to you on the radio when U talked about the Bush "crime family". I thought that was so challenging... to say a sitting President was a member of a crime family... and so astute!
So I see U R on RT. RT has a lot going for it... including censorship!
What happened to the documentary Filet Oh Fish?! It was CENSORED! Was it due to the discussion of the toxic effects of Russian fish farms?
#33
Quote Palindromedary:And what makes you think that even Thom's wife had the time to write the blog? What makes you think that either of them even reads these things?
Palindromedary ~ Interesting question. I can't say for sure that Thom or Louise writes anything; however, I'm almost certain that they direct the subject and content. Can't say for sure if they do any proof reading though.
As far as reading our blog posts, you might be right; however, if they ignored them completely I would be shocked and amazed. You see, Thom has 3 hours of air time to fill every day. He appeals strongly to a select audience demographic. Which means he has to both familiarize himself with current events, select what events he wants to target, and then pick the one topic of the day he wants to focus on. That golden topic has to be both relevant and interesting to his demographic. Our blog posts actually help to serve as a valuable tool in narrowing down that decision making process.
Surely you noticed how following our discussions about 9/11 how Thom actually dedicated a show to answering questions that he never before even entertained about the subject? Surely you don't think that was a coincidence? The same could be said about our discussions of the TPP, Social Security, SCOTUS, and Campaign Finance Reform. I've noticed this type of follow up on key discussions on this thread many times. Remember, Thom wants to make a difference in the world, however he needs a successful show to do that. Keeping his show alive means keeping his sponsors well fed. He needs to keep his listeners glued to the radio. The bottom line to doing that is by picking topics that are not only relevant, but have immediate appeal to his listeners.
This blog is something of a sophisticated polling mechanism that provides in depth feedback from his more "informed" and "passionate" audience members. When people like Rush Limpballs and others spend big money generating such input from their misguided, ignorant, and illiterate audience, who in their right mind would ignore such a convenient and totally free tool such as this blog? Thom himself may not read it; however, if he doesn't pay someone to read it, and carefully consider what is being said... it would really boggle my mind.
#34
Quote Palindromedary:Interesting, about that overturned tanker on the day they gave your father that abatement notice! That'll teach them for messing around with the people! I hope it was only wealthy people that were delayed that day. ;-} But, I doubt it.
Palindromedary ~ You are right. Lots of people were inconvenienced that day. Many had to take BART to work. Not that being forced to take BART is a bad thing--especially if you are addicted to using the car for that commute. In retrospect, having to get rid of those vehicles was probably a blessing in disguise too. I really didn't have the time back then to deal with them. Neither did my father. They sure would have been nice to have around now though. Nevertheless, the experience felt more like a punch in the nose than any kind of favor.
As far as any other real victims of the tanker accident, that would mostly be local companies who use trucks and depend on that freeway interchange. Since the MacArthur maze is right next to the ports and the railroad I suppose the owners of those establishments were having fits too. No doubt all the companies and Corporations that depend on that little critical piece of infrastructure along with the city also took a big punch in the nose. Oh well, what are you going to do? Accidents happen!
#35
Alice -- My point (and Look magazine) was the tax structure of the 60's would have kept anyone from becoming a billionaire. That is, you do not need a top tax of 100% to stop the creation of billionaires. You should look at poverty rates in the US. When dems are in office the rate continually decreases. I think we on the left undersell how effective a good government is. They stumble around and yet do wonderful things.
#36
Chuck, over the past few decades I think we've forgotten what good government is. Myself included. Just been too long since we've seen it. - AIW
#37
Alice, funny thing as I was reading Thoms comments I was thinking the same. "shut up Ken". LOL
i don't what to be a aristocrat. I love where I am. I have a very good Life. But I do think if someone does what to be aristocrat who am I to judge or get in the way of them. Personally I just wanted to drive Linclon instead of a Fusion. I justed wanted to have 8 weeks holidays instead of 2 or 3. I worked hard and it happened. Why do you judge or hate me for that. Why do you want to take that opportunity away from anyone. I will never understand that with Liberals.
#38
Mark you are wrong again. Americans have the biggest interest next to Canadians. Then the Chinese. canada changed its ownership laws after a Chinese company brought the biggest oil company in Canada, Nexen. most of the big players in the oil sands are owned by public companies. you know like your 401 k.
It is true that the Koch brothers have invested hundreds of millions up here. Do you blame them for taking their money out of the country After the bashing they get down there. They are building a huge upgrader about 200 miles north of me. Hundreds and hundreds of jobs. It's not just them investors from all over the world are pouring in here as Alberta is the only place on earth that knows that we need oil still and we welcome development.
It is also very well know that we also have the toughest environmental laws in the world. So the energy business here is ethical and sustainable. That is why we have a plus six employment rate for trades and skills. No any we need help.
#39
Quote Kend:Personally I just wanted to drive Linclon instead of a Fusion. I justed wanted to have 8 weeks holidays instead of 2 or 3. I worked hard and it happened. Why do you judge or hate me for that.
Kend ~ No one judges or hates you for that. We are discussing the elimination of Billionaires. If you need $1+Billion to drive a Lincoln and take 2 months vacation you really aren't capable of managing money and should have someone else take care of it for you.
Actually, I think everyone should be able to afford the perks that you speak of even if their gross worth is far less than $1 Million. Hopefully, by redistributing some of that opulent wealth at the top that will become a reality for all--including minimum wage earners.
#40
Quote Kend:It is true that the Koch brothers have invested hundreds of millions up here. Do you blame them for taking their money out of the country After the bashing they get down there.
Kend ~ The Koch brothers are taking their money out of the US and investing in Canada? Really? Now if they could just take their sorry a$$-ets out of the country too I think we deserve a celebration. I can't thank you Canadians enough! If you were here right now I'd kiss you.
Hey everyone!! The Koch brothers are finally leaving the country. Whooo Hooo! Wow! Time to party! I guess you just can't underestimate the power of prayer.
#41
Sorry DAnne, the Koch brothers are staying in America their money is leaving. Better hurry up and tax the poop out out of them before it's all gone.
#42
Quote Kend:Sorry DAnne, the Koch brothers are staying in America their money is leaving. Better hurry up and tax the poop out out of them before it's all gone.
Kend ~ Well thanks for popping my happy little balloon "Kill Joy." I want my kiss back!
Consider taxing the "poop" out of the Koch brothers an accepted proposal. What more do they have to offer anyway since they are full of mostly "Poop." We'll take anything we can get; however, I'd still much rather tax them out of the country. We really don't want their kind here. They stink the place up!
#43
DAnne. sorry buddy. But you keep the Kochs we don't want them either. How about you send one Koch up here in trade for Keystone approval. I'll even throw in a first round draft pick.
#44
On a much more serious note here is an email I just received from Senator Warren about the TPP that deserves to be shared immediately everywhere. If you already received it, ignore this post:Quote Senator Elizabeth Warren:Greetings Fair Trade Team!
If you're like me, you've probably been wondering what to make of all the recent commotion involving:
- Senate Finance Chair Ron Wyden's alleged plans to introduce "Smart Track" trade authority (what's up with that?)
- USTR Michael Froman's ongoing "TPP is great" blitz, and the media's love affair with it - enough is enough, right?
- 24 State GMO-Labeling laws coming under attack this week in Congress
- U.S. pressure on Asian trading partners to lower import standards (on food and other products) Seriously?
- And a panoply of "what ifs" that are making our Fast Track and TPP discussions more headache-inducing than usual!
Fear not: you'll get all the latest - including how you can help in the next phase of our Stop Fast Track Campaign, on tomorrow's National TPP Team Conference Call at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, 4:30 p.m. Pacific.
BIG NEWS: Our guest speakers are discussing a subject near and dear to my own heart: FOOD!Bill Bullard, Executive Director of the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund (R-CALF) and Alexis Baden-Mayer, Political Director of the Organic Consumers Association (OCA), will examine the impact of free trade on our American food supply - from ranch and farm to our family dinner tables - in the discussion:
We are what we eat: How Free Trade Poisons the U.S. Food ChainR-CALF is delivering a white paper in Washington next Thursday, April 17, and we'll get a preview of some of these findings on the call.
The Organic Consumers Association will be addressing timely concerns associated with corporate attempts to ban GMO (genetically modified organism) labeling worldwide. (Sneaky corporations likeMonsanto are using trade agreements to skirt domestic laws and force GMOs on countries who've either banned them or mandated labeling. Join the call to hear what you can do about it!)
National TPP Team Conference Call
Sunday, April 13, 2014, 4:30 p.m. Pacific, 7:30 p.m. Eastern
Call-in number: 559-726-1300 Access Code: 951146#
Meeting Room URL:
http://www.anymeeting.com/moveforjustice1
We'll kick off the call with an update from PDA's Deputy Director Andrea Miller on recent media exposure, and the Countdown to Coverage letter campaign (new content you can use this week), followed by updates from Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch National Field Director Kian Frederick on the next phase (now through May 7) of our ongoing Campaign to Stop Fast Track.
Emilianne Slaydon with TPP Media March will tell us about TPP Tuesday Twitter storms with special campaign messaging this week and next. This all ties in with the president's trip to Asia and our plans for continuing to pressure Congress and the media to tell the truth about TPP.
We'll wrap with the two guest speaker presentations and a Q & A session - join us to get answers to your own questions about free trade and its affect on our food supply.
Thanks for your efforts - together we CAN make a difference! :)
Until tomorrow, in solidarity,
Liz :)
Elizabeth Warren
National TPP Team Coordinator
MoveOn Regional Organizer
PDA and Sierra Club Member
CADEM Delegate, Region 18
Land line: 760-305-7010
Cell: 951-203-2260
Email: liz.moveon@earthlink.net
Facebook: Liz Warren (Woyton)
Twitter: LizWarrenWriter
http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/congress-no-backdoor?mailing_id=21586&source=s.em.cr&r_by=8006953
http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/congress-dont-renew-fast?mailing_id=21586&source=s.icn.em.cr&r_by=8006953
http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/pledge-to-stop-fast-track?mailing_id=21586&source=s.em.cr&r_by=8006953
Please take the time to sign the petitions at the bottom of the letter. That last one especially has some real teeth. Go Senator Warren!
#45
Quote Kend:DAnne. sorry buddy. But you keep the Kochs we don't want them either. How about you send one Koch up here in trade for Keystone approval. I'll even throw in a first round draft pick.
Kend ~ Wow! You drive quite a hard bargain. I feel like my first day in prison. Not only do I get a Koch I don't want; but you'll permanently install a filthy pipe I don't need in my backyard.
Here, I got a better deal. You take both Kochs at the same time, keep your filthy pipe on your side of the fence, and I'll throw in Dennis Rodman and Ted Nugent at no extra cost as my little way of saying thank you.
#46
Ok. Final offer take it or leave it. We take both Kochs if we get their money as well. I'll take Nugent Guns are welcome here it's very rural But you have to keep Canadian Justin Bieber. All of this only if I can make a three way deal with China to take that freak Rodman. I am not worried about Keystone it looks like we are going a different route anyway. Congrats I think you won that one. I think you are going to regret it later though But time will tell.
No kiss? How bout a little hug if we can get it done?
#47
Yes Kend, we've heard it all before. You've worked hard for what you've got. Bully for you. Must be nice to live in a place where hard work still pays. Here in America we've got engineers, professors and computer programmers winding up homeless, like those two individuals Marc described having encountered. It's a lot of work earning those stripes. Once upon a time and not so long ago, they were your ticket to a lifelong career and financial security. Not any more. So please Kend, spare me all the redundant messages about this great life you have that you worked so hard for in Canada. This is America, home of the slave.
Frankly Kend, I hate how you twist what we say to mean something stupid and ridiculous as "hating" you or anyone just for wanting a comfortable lifestyle, with lots of vacation time... Who the hell doesn't want that?! We happen to think that the more affluent you are, the more taxes you should have to pay. Why? Because the more affluent you are, the more you have benefitted in the current system. Therefore the more you should pay to support it. That's the real message. Big difference. - Aliceinwonderland
#48
Quote Kend:Ok. Final offer take it or leave it. We take both Kochs if we get their money as well. I'll take Nugent Guns are welcome here it's very rural But you have to keep Canadian Justin Bieber.
Kend ~ No filthy pipeline and you take Nugent and both Koch brothers? All we have to do is keep Justin Bieber? Wow! Thats a tough one; but, I think we got a deal. Done! Bieber annoys the hell out of me but he doesn't make me want to put a gun to my head like Nugent does every time he opens his big mouth. Besides, my neices get a harmless, non-threatening kick out of the kid.
We can strand Rodman in North Korea. He likes it there; and, the people there actually like and respect him. Everyone will be happy!
One handshake and a little hug!
#49
Sounds good DAnne. Your right it was n. Korea not China for a Rodman.. What a pinhead. Ya did well on Bieber he probaly is worth as much as the Kochs. LOL. We where doing well with singers Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Rush, etc but sorry about Justin B. Hopefully he will grow up.
#50
Sorry Alice I sometimes forget how bad it is down here. i think you need one of DAnne's little hugs. I would give ya one but I would be scared I would leave with a knife in me. Just kidding of course.
Thom's Blog Is On the Move
By webmaster
Hello All
Thom's blog in this space and moving to a new home.
Please follow us across to hartmannreport.com - this will be the only place going forward to read Thom's blog posts and articles.
Images of Thom
From Screwed:
"Once again, Thom Hartmann hits the bull’s eye with a much needed exposé of the so-called ‘free market.’ Anyone concerned about the future of our nation needs to read Screwed now."
From The Thom Hartmann Reader:
"Right through the worst of the Bush years and into the present, Thom Hartmann has been one of the very few voices constantly willing to tell the truth. Rank him up there with Jon Stewart, Bill Moyers, and Paul Krugman for having the sheer persistent courage of his convictions."
From Screwed:
"Hartmann speaks with the straight talking clarity and brilliance of a modern day Tom Paine as he exposes the intentional and systematic destruction of America’s middle class by an alliance of political con artists and outlines a program to restore it. This is Hartmann at his best. Essential reading for those interested in restoring the institution that made America the envy of the world."
Thom Hartmann ~ Well said! Higher taxes on higher incomes does equal more jobs; and, better jobs at that.
(By the way, that's "employees" not "employers" and "hire" not "higher")