State budget crises and Mr. Holland's sorrow
In the coming year, states face a combined shortfall likely to exceed $112 billion.
Poem of the week: Emily Dickinson and the Republicans
The Republican takeover of the House of Representatives can be viewed, almost poignantly, as a death in the neighborhood, and Emily Dickinson provides a commentary.
Thank goodness for the GOP
I'm so glad the Republicans on the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission have set me straight.
Estate tax versus Woody Guthrie
Republicans demanded "liberalization" of the estate tax on inherited wealth as the second part of their payback to the rich ... what would Woody say?
Government wage freeze — a bad idea
Obama announced his proposal for a two year wage freeze for all non-military government workers. The proposal is a terrible idea. It's bad for the economy and feeds into racist, anti-worker stereotypes of the "lazy" public worker.
Tea party movement's new politics: dangerous shape-shifting
The usual norms of political discourse would emphasize a party's ability to ask pertinent questions and provide salient answers; to probe facts, poll members and seek solutions based largely on consensus or majority sentiment. Today's politics seem based on contradiction, on a party-constituency dynamic that turns the norms of political discourse on its head.
Latin America in Republican cross hairs
The strengthening of the Republican Party is particularly dangerous for Latin America.
Austerity is wrong medicine for bleeding economy
What is delaying an economic recovery is not too much spending and a growing deficit, but not enough federal spending.
Historic voter mobilization blocks Republican takeover of Illinois
In the face of a horrible economic crisis and torrent of secret outside money, progressive forces blocked a complete takeover of Illinois state government by Republicans.
Wall Street doesn’t hurt when Main Street bleeds
The main sections of capital, like right-wing extremism that does its bidding, are comfortable with a slow-growth economy - but they can be beat.
