Jobs, wages and the Goldilocks economy
In the business pages of newspapers last month, there was cautious talk of a Goldilocks economy: “neither too hot nor too cold, but just right for steady growth.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics had just released employment figures for February, showing an “unusually strong” gain of 262,000 jobs, according to a New York Times story. Another story quoted the chief economist at Bank of America Securities saying the job growth shows “the U.S. economy is growing solidly.”
Bush offers retirees option of serving in Iraq
After receiving only muted support for his sweeping proposals to overhaul Social Security, President George W. Bush attempted to sweeten the pot today, offering all retirees the opportunity to serve in Iraq.
Motorcycle clubs oppose Patriot Act
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Northern California Confederation of Clubs, representing 41 motorcycle clubs — including the Hell’s Angels and the Vagos — is asking its members to send letters to their senators opposing the USA Patriot Act. They also oppose California’s Gang Abatement Act and a similar measure now before Congress (S 155, HR 970).
Medical student debt endangers health care
Mounting medical student debt and increased difficulty in repaying this debt is a problem that threatens American health care. According to the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), over 80 percent of medical school graduates carry educational debt. Median debt for graduates is $115,000 and one-quarter of students with debt have a principal of over $150,000. Some report a principal of over $350,000. These amounts do not include credit card debt, which often is in the thousands of dollars.
Remembering workers killed on the job
Commentary It is only a misdemeanor to kill a worker by willfully violating safety laws. The maximum sentence is six months in jail. The recent killing of 15 refinery workers and the injury of more than 100 in the BP oil refinery explosion in Texas, the drowning of four boatman in the towboat accident on the Ohio River, as well as the recent increase in serious accidents and deaths in the steel industry makes this year’s observation of Workers Memorial Day all the more meaningful, important and poignant.
Battle over evolution
“Scientific creationism” came on the scene when the Christian right reared its ugly head in the 1984 Reagan campaign. It was part of the effort by ultra-right ruling class elements to whip up a backlash against the people’s movements.
My day on Capitol Hill with Gladys Marin
The death of Chilean Communist Party leader Gladys Marin at age 63 brought back memories of a day in 1974 that I spent with her and her interpreter on Capitol Hill visiting the offices of senators and representatives.
Unionism doesnt mean go it alone
The opposite of unionism is “go it alone.” According to some recent suggestions in the American labor movement, that’s what some top office-holders would like to see. They want to lessen their financial commitment to the AFL-CIO federation, ostensibly so that they can spend more money on organizing projects.
English Only ambushes democracy
“Pressure building for a national language,” screams the headline in the ultra-rightist Washington Times. The article summarizes a report by US English, Inc., which tells us that 322 languages are spoken in this country. Of these, 24 are spoken in every state and the District of Columbia.
Hopeful signs on public education
As a former teacher, I follow education news with great interest. Recently, I’ve had reason to feel hope for the future of public education in this country.
