Republicans want to hold our economy hostage again!
By Thom Hartmann A...
The last government shut down cost our nation billions, but Republicans are thinking about doing it all over again just to protect Big Oil and the Coal Lobby. This week, Senate Republicans held appropriations bills hostage in an attempt to cut off funding for the Environmental Protection Agency. Their latest round of hostage-taking is a response to President Obama announcing an executive order on coal pollution, and to EPA Chair Gina McCarthy's recent comment about a “War on Coal.”
Shutting down the EPA could endanger millions of Americans with dirty air and water, but that's fine with Republicans as long as the Oil and Coal lobby money keeps rolling in. The Right claims that regulating coal pollution might hurt our economy and cost thousands of jobs, but there's no question that another government shutdown would have those exact same effects. Republicans don't give a damn about how regulations effect Americans. They only care about the billions of dollars that these industries pump into campaigns.
President Obama has repeatedly tried to work with Congress to enact climate change legislation, but they left him no choice other than to act on his own. Scientists, economists, labor groups, and the vast majority of Americans all agree that we must take immediate action to fight global warming. Rather than debating how we do that, Republicans are putting their heads in the sand and protecting the fossil fuel industry at all costs.
Perhaps they don't remember their poll numbers after the last government shut down – but we do. Come November, Americans will let Republicans know exactly what we think about lawmakers who put corporate greed ahead of the needs of We The People.
Comments
#2
Most Americans have no idea what's happening and much less care. Self proclaimed Maoists in the United States believe that the American worker has been bought off. They (American workers) are fat and happy and don't care what's happening.
The result of having such a prosperous society in the '60s and '70s, in which nobody had to worry about anything but getting high and getting laid, coupled with the tremendous juggernaut of a consumeristic marketing industry was that Americans were made incapable of anything but getting high and getting laid or of any patience, concentration or discipline.
No doubt this is a reason for the many mass shootings that are so in the current vogue. As their lazy, narcissistic, self indulgent expectations are increasingly upset and thwarted, that is the only revolution or rebellion contemporary Americans can manage to pull off.
We are like the prostitutes who are pimped by the drug dealer. We can't get free from our slavery because of our addictions.
#3
Another reason for the mass shootings is the general nastiness of our society. Just as Columbine made us aware of the problematic aspects of bullying in youth and adolescence so should we be aware that the bullying phenomenon is not confined to youth and adolescence but that ours has become a bullying society in general.
That, combined with the prevalent selfishness and unconcern and intolerance for others, makes the result easily predictable.
#4
The enemy is already inside the gates, anybody want to fight back?....doesn't seem like it!
#5
That, combined with the prevalent selfishness and unconcern and intolerance for others, makes the result easily predictable.
A combination of factors led to this. Technology, for one, which gives us access to people's "anonymous" thoughts - things they would never say in real life - doesn't help. It's so easy for people on the fringes to find others like them, so they feel like they are in fact the normal ones, and everyone else has it wrong. So much of what is said online would never be said face-to-face.
#6
The enemy is already inside the gates, anybody want to fight back?....doesn't seem like it!
There was an article on Yahoo news a few days ago, about what cities had the highest concentration of millionaires. These were people with assets, not including their house, of over one million dollars.
According to that article, there are 6,200,000 millionaires in this country.
That number meant a lot to me. For all the bad news about the economy, for all of the crap I keep hearing from both sides about how the American dream is unattainable - there are still that many people who seem to have achieved it.
I know you all will see things differently, but it actually made me proud to be an American. The conditions here are still ripe for success.
Anyway, I relate that to your quote because it's hard to ask people who are doing just fine to even believe there is some sort of "enemy in the gates". That's a whole lot easier for people who have little or nothing to lose to believe.
#7
Mark, as usual you're spot-on, with your no-nonsense bluntness. Living in a society as sick as this one sure gives us a lot to talk about.
Just a couple hours ago I saw a young man having a nervous breakdown, right in the middle of the grocery store. It was a little scary, because he's a big guy. He was just starting to get worked up when I walked past him, and then all hell broke loose. He began yelling that he was having a heart attack (which I doubt), flailing his arms and thrashing around. By the time I'd finished gathering my stuff and paying the tab, there was a fire truck and an ambulance parked in front of the store. This poor guy was in handcuffs, sitting on the sidewalk, surrounded by a bunch of firemen and police officers, still yelling "Help! Help!" He obviously needed help. What seemed just as obvious was that the kind of help he needed wasn't what he was getting right then.
Anyone acting out like that in public would have to be severely disturbed and in a whole lot of pain. I wonder if that young guy is a war veteran, suffering from PTSD and having a flashback. Wouldn't surprise me one bit. One could return from war without a scratch and still be mentally destroyed.
I felt so sad for him, I wanted to cry. - AIW
#8
I just hate to see people making things up out of whole cloth. Americans are not fat and happy. Nobody I knew in the 1960s and 1970s lived any kind of life like the one you describe. There is not the slightest bit of evidence.
Must be a republican. They like to make things up.
#9
Here we go again, Thom! Another jumbo-size GOP temper tantrum… Has it been too long since their diapers were changed?
I just had a brilliant idea. Why don't I get the mailing addresses for all the Repugs in Congress and send 'em each a pacifier smeared with oil, along with a little note that says "Suck this!" - Aliceinwonderland
#10
Are you equally proud of the fact (U.S. Census Bureau) that 16% of Americans live in poverty--that is over 50 million people.
There is a direct link between the amount of poverty in this country and the growth of millionaires and billionaires. The economic "recovery" was mostly for the rich. The top 1% captured 121% of the gain; the rest of us didn't do very well--only a few percentage points improvement.
Those millionaires and billionaires aren't getting rich by working hard. They are getting rich by paying low wages and no benefits, by putting their "headquarters" offshore (a p.o. box in Cayman Islands or cash in a Swiss bank account), by mergers, and by various nefarious, unethical, and even illegal (how many financial people and banksters who caused the great recession actually went to jail for their felonies--and they were felonies?) Our government isn't interested in trying to stop this. Guess why? The rich own the elected officials.
Wake up. Quit spouting nonsense and read the facts.
#11
According to the article, most of those millionaries were small business owners who grew their wealth over three or four decades, and are now retired or close to it. "Small Buisiness Owners" includes private-practice lawyers and doctors.
Of course, having a six-figure income, and no student loan debt because you went to college a long time ago, and a house that's paid-off probably doesn't hurt when it comes to building that kind of nest-egg.
It's only when you start talking about the multi-millionaries and billionaires that you get into the "get rich by offshoring, buying politicians, etc..." stuff.
In the comments on the original story, a lot of people were saying that having a million dollars doesn't even make you rich any more, just upper-milddle class. I'm not sure if i would go that far though.
#12
Just trying to look at the positive side of things. Everything in politics and on the internet seems so negative. Trying to set a good example by pointing out success, I guess.
I know people, including one relative, who are in their 20s and have more or less given up trying to find a career, own a house, etc... A lot of it has to do with the fact that all they've been hearing is how impossible those things are to achieve now. "The American Dream is dead..." and variations of that. If you hear something like that enough, you start to believe it.
Maybe some positive reinforcement is in order, for a change.
#13
I worked my ass off for forty years and have retired independently wealthy...but that doesn't mean my brain stopped working Matt my boy, billionaire sponsored social injustice is out of control.
When the Teabaggers figure out their being jerked around by fools like you, maybe then we'll see real change.
#14
I'll say this, I'm disgusted by the wimpiness of my "side", I relate more to the angst of my Teabagger sister and brother in law...I just can't get them to pull their heads out of the Koch's big ass.
#15
Getting your beauty sleep Matt?
#16
Huh?
I'd say I'm shocked that the minute anyone has something positive to say, they get attacked. But I'm not really shocked. It's a statement about the way things are today. Both sides think that if you're not angry/sad/negative/depressed or whatever, then you're not paying attention or you're just plain stupid.
#17
Hell, I'll keep going. When will we call healthcare reform what it really is.....private health insurance windfall? But let's be polite and call it healthcare reform....my doctor didn't get reformed WTF?
#18
Are you equally proud of the fact (U.S. Census Bureau) that 16% of Americans live in poverty--that is over 50 million people.
Of course I'm not proud of that. But will you admit that that means that 84% of people live above the poverty line, and, when compared to most other countries, that's actually pretty good?
Everything I can find online says that half of the world's population - 3.5 billion people - live in what is considered "poverty" for their country. Can we not be a little proud of the fact that the American system has kept so many Americans relatively wealthy, especially when compared to the rest of the world?
We both agree that a 16% poverty rate is unacceptable. The solutions are where we disagree. Because the system isn't perfect, does that mean it needs a complete overhaul?
#19
Matt, have you noticed the little concentration of wealth problem?....not to mention big Koch oil over throwing what was left of our representative democracy? I have no idea if you have grandchildren, but if you do, they're going to be F'd as the planet continues to Koch-a-fy.
#20
Matt, have you noticed the little concentration of wealth problem
What is an acceptable level of wealth, before it becomes too much?
And, when the masses determine someone has "too much" wealth, what should be done about it? Higher income taxes would only hit incomes - not savings and other wealth.
#21
Both sides are the same.......say it matt!
Who cares about the congressional voting record....it's just a fairy tale.
Burp!!
#22
I wouldn't say they are the same. I would say that they tell their constituents what they want to hear. Some people want to hear that the government is the problem, so those politicians from areas with a lot of those people say that and vote accordingly. Some people want to hear other things, so that's what they get.
Actually, when you think about it, the representatives really are doing just that - representing the thoughts of the people who elected them. If you really want to change the system in a major way, you need to win over the voters first, not the representatives who are already there.
#23
Too much wealth occurred right after reagan pulled his trickle down lie.....it's that simple Matt!..... Reply to #21, let's be clear!
#24
But seriously, how much is too much? Both wealth and income. Is there a maximum income that people should not be allowed to pass?
Let's say for an average family, with two working adults and three children, living in a normal city, how much should their combined income be allowed to be?
#25
The republicans use the media to tell people what to f'nn think they want to hear...you know that, don't tell me otherwise....it's called brain washing.
#26
Both sides distrust the media, for different reasons. It's one of the things righties and lefties can usually agree on.
#27
Are you serious, right wing media controls over 90% of corpse political outlets...LOL....they're called billionaires!
#28
That max income/wealth should be determined by the real wealth creators......the "workers." After a minimum of cost of living pay, cost of living pensions, and health coverage for the workers , fair taxation on the out of control collectors of unending wealth and their abuse/pollution of the commons is all calculated, then and only then, we'll talk a max wealth.
#29
Matt, whether intended or not, you come across so arrogant. In your own words: "It's hard to ask people who are doing just fine to even believe there is some sort of 'enemy in the gates'. That's a whole lot easier for people who have little or nothing to lose to believe." So goddam smug. Your whole message seems to boil down to something along these lines: "Why should we who are content, happy and prospering within the status quo want to change it, and why should we have to give a flip about those who've been left out?" Yeah Matt, you're a lot more genteel about it than I've got it paraphrased here… but that's the basic message I'm getting from so many of your posts: "We're happy; yeah too bad for you." As for the overworked and underpaid, the unemployed, the unemployable, let charity take care of them (or "it". Ahem, ahem...) If some kid is diagnosed with leukemia and the governor of his state just happens to be a Republican, and his parents don't happen to be billionaires, then we'll have a bake sale. Right, Matt? Charity is the answer! Charity is how we deal with these (ahem) disparities within that status quo you love so much and wish to maintain.
So you're proud this country has 6,200,000 millionaires. Six million fuckiing millionaires in America, Matt, compared to over fifty million U.S. citizens living in poverty! If you think that's something to crow about, buddy boy, there's something wrong with you.
Have you read Historywriter's post (#11) yet? If not, by all means, do. It seems to me that anyone who hasn't grasped the reality Historywriter describes would have to have his head in the sand, or stuck up his… well never mind. I've said my peace, for now… - Aliceinwonderland
#30
They are having panic/heart attaks because their Party ois SCREWING them.
#31
When the coal production is adequate for the electricity production and the oil and gas is being produced in excess of your needs but the prices keep rising, there is a need for control of the commodity pricing management system. We are producing gasoline for export and raising the prices of gasoline here in the UK.S. Something is wrong with our pricing system, not our production system.
#32
Please pardon me for getting off-topic here, but I'd like to invite you guys to check out two new posts (#81 & #82), on Thom's thread of March 12th, the one titled "It's Time To End All Drug Testing". Anyone interested in this particular issue is in for one helluva exchange, which may or may not continue beyond the post I just finished.
As recently as May 29th, that thread was bombarded by some horse's ass who came swooping in from nowhere to write a lengthy rebuttal to Thom's position, stated in the introductory post Thom had submitted. I can't even remember how I stumbled into this, being such an old thread. But it flipped my switch. I was up all friggin' night, countering Mr. Jaroszewski's pompous assertions. Check it out, if you're inclined to gravitate to this particular topic! - AIW
#33
Well said Matt sounds like a ' self satisfied' I've got mine ' guy. And GOP anti middle class follower. who buys into the far right agenda hook line sinker . If folks have financial problems It must be their fault ! How convenient for them . Reality is Millions have worked hard- paid their dues , saved regularly, lived simply and were screwed by out of what they earned - worked for. . My husband and I both worked. His hard won pension was slashed . The 3 legged stool ' ? BS We saved , we planned to live on our savings, SS & pension . Boom That disappeared . Too bad we were not a Wall St bank. GOP Policies and US laws greatly favor wealth - billionaires, and greedy Corps. They get huge taxpayer paid loopholes, subsides, corp cuts- lobbyist bribes . Roberts court pased Citizens United WE pay for failed un funded wars and those huge corp loopholes, subsides. Taxpayers bailed out of crooked Wall ST bankers. GOP says Money is speech Corps are persons . NO NO NO US is sinking into a second 'Gilded age' We are on wrong track and it began in 1981 ( with adviser U of C 's economics Proffessor Milton Friedman ) who pushed for Reaanomics , 1981 deregulation- open markets -
c orp tax cuts- TOP tax rate went from 75 % down to ....28 % . Reagan busted unions . Implemented 401 K so CO would not have to provide pensions . Sold guns to Iran contras, along with a deal to get US hostages out of Iran in 1979 . Reagan gave 1986 total amnesty with open borders Many millions came and are still coming. If we really wanted to stop illegalls WE would access large fines on employers who hire illegals BUT we do not Corps love cheap labor. Econ 101
#34
And also off topic:
Quote computerworld:Cybercriminals compromise home routers to attack online banking users
Attackers changed the DNS configuration of vulnerable home routers to mount man-in-the-middle attacks against users in Poland
Many banks use SSL encryption for their online banking systems, but not their entire websites. In most cases, users first connect to the bank's main website over plain HTTP and then click on a button or link to access the log-in page for the secure part of the site where SSL is enabled.
It is at this point that attackers prevented the secure connection from being established. Their rogue proxy server established an encrypted connection with the online banking site, but kept the connection between the user and itself unencrypted.
The vulnerability allows attackers to download a file containing the router's configuration without authentication. The file can then be unpacked and parsed to extract the password for the router's administrative interface.
"There are many ways to modify DNS entries in home routers, some of them known for years," Jaroszewski said. "It is actually surprising that it's the first time we see it exploited for profit on a mass scale."
Many vulnerabilities that allowed remote access to the administration interface of home routers were found over the years, including in models supplied by various ISPs to their customers.
While routers configured for remote administration over the Internet are obviously more likely to be targeted, Jaroszewski said that he knows of cases where malicious JavaScript code loaded from a website was used to instruct visitors' browsers to send rogue commands to their home routers over the local networks using default credentials. This is known as a cross-site request forgery attack.
"In order to protect a home routers from the attack, any type of remote administration access from the Internet should be disabled," the Polish CERT researchers said. "Default usernames and passwords should be changed to unique ones, not revealed publicly."
http://www.computerworld.co.nz/article/537789/cybercriminals_compromise_...
#35
By the way, Aliceinwonderland, I found that conversation. I am kind of rushed but will probably have to read it again. I guess I didn't quite catch how JJ was so off on his comment. Like I said, I rushed through both his comment and yours. Yes, I believe he is most likely in New Zealand...there are quite a few people with that name...oddly enough....but then I'm not Polish. It could be a very common Polish name.
#36
Quote ChicagoMatt:But seriously, how much is too much? Both wealth and income. Is there a maximum income that people should not be allowed to pass?
In my opinion, too much wealth is when a SINGLE person can directly, or indirectly, affect the economic or political course of an entire nation.
#37
.
#38
Hey PD, it took me awhile just to figure out how to pronounce the guy's name. Anyway you need only read Mr. J's argument a little more closely to see the sunlight through the cracks. Yep, cracks galore. If they're not as obvious to you as they are to me, Palin, I'm happy to break it down into nice bite-size pieces. But wait 'til you've maybe twenty minutes to spare.
One of my favorite pastimes, outside of playing piano and riding my bike, is to unravel and refute the talking points of these establishment types (to say it politely) in their lame, pathetic attempts to sell an ideology and way of life on the rest of us that is authoritarian, that stifles spontenaiety, creativity and intellectual curiosity, that in the process, robs us of our humanity as well as our lives. This is meant both symbolically and literally. Years before blogging was even in our vocabulary, I had to hear those fascist pundits on TV, shilling from their collective soapbox, each sounding like a clone of the other. Made me crazy to endure all those rationalizations, talking points and sound bytes on issues like this, while feeling my head explode with rebuttals and having no way to answer them... like being "all revved up with nowhere to go"! For me this was tantamount to torture. I kid you not folks, having a forum like this, open to everyone, that is public, is a real game changer for us. (Thank you Thom!!) Only since these online exchanges came into being have I enjoyed the satisfaction of dissecting their arguments to death. Bullshit bustin'.... yeah! With net neutrality now under fascist attack, who knows how long it'll be here? Better enjoy it while it lasts my friends, before they come to take that away. Just like they took over our schools, our healthcare, our media, our government… net neutrality's next on the chopping block. Whoopie! - AIW
#39
This might be bit off topic too. I recently read an article about the Republican Christian right wing complaining about the "War on Christianity." They were bo booing about their solid defeat in same-sex marriage and talking about how they intended to come back with the fight against abortion. Yada Yada!!
Anyway, in the comments was this great piece by a dude who just had some simple questions for these holier than thou morons. It's condescending to be sure; however, it also points out how truly ignorant the religious right is in this country in a way that will have you rolling on the floor laughing. (And before you ask, no I didn't write it. Wish I did though.) Enjoy!
From the comment section of Yahoo News article: "Religious right looks beyond gay marriage -- next battlesQuote Dan:Thank's to all you christians for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your postings, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination.End of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to follow them:
When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:19). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20 or is there some wiggle room here?
Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev. 24: 10-16) Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
http://news.yahoo.com/religious-looks-beyond-gay-marriage-next-battles-032703484.html
#40
Good god almighty. Beam me up.
#41
Quote Aliceinwonderland:Please pardon me for getting off-topic here, but I'd like to invite you guys to check out two new posts (#81 & #82), on Thom's thread of March 12th, the one titled "It's Time To End All Drug Testing". Anyone interested in this particular issue is in for one helluva exchange, which may or may not continue beyond the post I just finished.
Aliceinwonderland ~ OK! I added my two cents. There wasn't a whole lot to add to what you said, however, I managed to think of a thing or two. Here is a direct link to the blog if anyone else wants to join in. Thanks for watching our back Alice. You rock!
#42
Matt. Good effort but trust me I have been trying for years to get a answer to when is enough, enough and you wil never get a answer because Thom and pretty much everyone on this blog is a socialist. It is only enough when your money is shared equally. Where everyone can live the same standard of living No matter how they lived their live.
They believe If you move to Dakota and work 16 hours a day 7 days a week for years in the oil business you should have the same standard of living as a women who has 4 children from 4 different fathers before she is 24. The fact is America still is loaded with opperatunity and people are becoming extremely successful there everyday. What scares me is that if it was up to Thom Americans would pay 90 % tax after a million dollars. Do you think Disney would be what it is if Walt was taxed 90 %. I don't think so. Keep trying though Matt . You never know You may be able to convert one of them one day.
#43
Quote Kend:Matt. Good effort but trust me I have been trying for years to get a answer to when is enough, enough and you wil never get a answer because Thom and pretty much everyone on this blog is a socialist.
Kend ~ We have answered that question many times and in many ways in the past. In fact, stecoop01 has already provided the perfect answer to that question right here on this very blog in post #37. Of course, I know your attention span is severly limited and you are far too lazy to read everything; so, I'll repeat it here for you.
Quote stecoop01:In my opinion, too much wealth is when a SINGLE person can directly, or indirectly, affect the economic or political course of an entire nation.
#44
Kend, wanna hankie? Don't worry, Micky Mouse is here to stay. - AIW
#45
Ok DAnne, I will ask it this way. What is the maximum tax rate a person should pay?
I don't believe anyone no matter how much wealth a Single person has that they can affect the economic or political course of a nation. That's why one person one vote.
#46
Well said Trillions in profits have been made on backs on the poor & lower middle class. ( ilegals too ) Wal mart ,Mc D , BK pay low wages so many workers have to go on medicaid & food stamps. to survive,.at taxpayer expense . Powerful Corps -Billionaires get huge UN funded tax cuts- subsides, giant loopholes. They are the REAL Welfare Queens . War profiteers have a powerful incentive to keep us at war . DC Beltway ' advisors ' who push war ..like Bush Cheney & LBJ 's 'advisors , reap tons of cash , while our young die - become maimed. Lasy 43 years of GOP policies & laws greatly favor the powerful - wealthy- well connected. 1981 Reaganomics Deregulation Citizens United Statesmmmments like' Money is Speech Corps are persons, are all meant to empower the ruling class , keep middle class struggling. My husband worked hard 10 hr days to become Plant Supt ..then boom the CO slashed his promised pension, so his 70 yr widow is S.O.L.
#47
Alice yes Mickey is here to stay but if Walt's money went to taxes instead of reinvestment would Mickey be here in the first place.
#48
Kend, quit your whining. We've heard it all before. Chill out, enjoy your Sunday. 'Bye. - AIW
#49
yes you are right, Alice I will take your advise and go golfing. Enjoy your Sunday as well.
#50
I thought the rest of the story was that if you reinvested any money you made over a million dollars into your company, it would not be taxed. That was the whole idea. To encourage reinvestment. You can spend it all on your company, or give it to Uncle Sam. Your choice.
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 The Thom Hartmann Reader:
"Thom Hartmann is a literary descendent of Ben Franklin and Tom Paine. His unflinching observations and deep passion inspire us to explore contemporary culture, politics, and economics; challenge us to face the facts of the societies we are creating; and empower us to demand a better world for our children and grandchildren."
From The Thom Hartmann Reader:
"With the ever-growing influence of corporate CEOs and their right-wing allies in all aspects of American life, Hartmann’s work is more relevant than ever. Throughout his career, Hartmann has spoken compellingly about the value of people-centered democracy and the challenges that millions of ordinary Americans face today as a result of a dogma dedicated to putting profit above all else. This collection is a rousing call for Americans to work together and put people first again."
From Cracking the Code:
"Thom Hartmann ought to be bronzed. His new book sets off from the same high plane as the last and offers explicit tools and how-to advice that will allow you to see, hear, and feel propaganda when it's directed at you and use the same techniques to refute it. His book would make a deaf-mute a better communicator. I want him on my reading table every day, and if you try one of his books, so will you."
Call e mail www.whitehouse.gov 202 456 1111 Demand Obama listen to the people Not his pro war 'advisers ' Bush & LBj listened and look what DISASTERS that caused... Iraq Afghanistatan & Vietnam . get out of Middle East Too many lives & trillions have been wasted . Afghan Iraqi soldiers have shown they are NOT trainable ' Let Sunni & Shites ' fight their own war . USA gave too much already GET OUT NO MORE WAR NO US SOLDIERS NO DRONES NO BOMBS NO MONEY NO MAIMING BRING OUR TROOPS HOME