Editorial: Be sure to vote Nov. 8
On Tuesday, Nov. 8, voters have the opportunity to give the teetering Humpty Dumpty Bush administration and the Bushettes a shove toward their well-deserved final splatter. This Election Day, voters will be selecting mayors, city and town councils and school boards, and deciding on a wide variety of propositions. It’s at this level of government that the ultra-right/corporate coalition organized its base to attack our democratic norms. They started with local school boards and ended up pulling the trigger in Iraq, stealing billions from children, working families and the elderly. This cabal abandoned Americans on the rooftops of New Orleans.
The prescription drug law ripoff
We just saw, courtesy the Toledo Union Journal, the most coherent explanation yet of who pays how much under GOP President George W. Bush’s Medicare prescription drugs law. Since the law takes effect Jan. 1, and since W is already pushing it with taxpayer-paid radio and TV ads — and trying to get the credit — we thought we’d summarize the explanation so seniors would know what they’re getting into.
Capitalism in hot water
As this is being written, Hurricane Wilma has just ravaged Florida after doing a number on Mexico and Cuba. At the same time, scientists are warning of massive die-offs of Antarctic fish and the melting of the polar ice cap. What do these seeming unconnected events have in common? The short answer is hot water. The long answer is rising sea temperatures caused by global warming.
Canadas public health care system under assault
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Canada’s universal access health care system is envied by many worldwide. However, Canada is moving in the direction of adopting the profit-driven U.S. health care model.
New survey: Fund storm aid, not war
A poll released late last month sheds dramatic new light on Americans’ priorities for use of their country’s resources, and reveals contradictory views on poverty and race in the United States.
World Notes
Africa: Doctors move to wealthy countries; Germany: Iraqi unionists denied entry; Nepal: Media rights attacked; Venezuela: Gov’t, employers talk; Greece: First Call Center Conference
Asia earthquake relief effort racing against time
A massive relief operation is under way following the devastating earthquake that hit Pakistan and parts of India on Oct. 8, but all involved say the operation faces unprecedented challenges.
Growing worldwide support for the Cuban 5
On Sept. 12, five Cuban nationals completed their seventh year in U.S. jails. Their “crime”: trying to foil terrorist attacks on Cuba emanating from right-wing groups in Miami.
Poll: Calif. govs initatives losing
As California’s Nov. 8 special election approached, the fortunes of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s pro-corporate agenda were continuing to slip.
Trick or treat protests hit GOP budget cuts
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Rep. Nancy Johnson’s (R-Conn.) staff members scowled as Halloween-costumed “Fat Cats” crowded into her office to say “thanks” for $70 billion in tax giveaways to millionaires, while billions of dollars are cut from food stamps, Medicaid, student loans and child support.
