;)
Monday
Jul292013
The Commentariat -- July 30, 2013
Steve Holland of Reuters: "President Barack Obama will propose a 'grand bargain for middle-class jobs' on Tuesday that would cut the U.S. corporate tax rate and use billions in revenues generated by a business tax overhaul to fund projects aimed at creating jobs. His goal, to be outlined in a speech at an Amazon.com Inc facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is to break through congressional gridlock by trying to find a formula that satisfies both Republicans and Democrats." ...
... Obama Welcomes Chinese-Style Labor Conditions in the U.S. Alec MacGillis of the New Republic wants to know why Obama is making his speech at an Amazon warehouse. MacGillis points to a story about working conditions in an Amazon warehouse "west of the Mississippi." Conditions, according to the report & another account of conditions at the Chattanooga facility where Obama will speak, were brutal. ...
... CW: I don't think the answer MacGillis got from the White House is satisfactory. Moreover, the reports MacGillis cited aren't the worst I've read about how Amazon treats it workers. Here are links to the Lehigh, Pennsylvania Valley Morning Call's investigation of a warehouse there. If you never read the original story, I urge you to read it now. Evidently, this is what the White House means when it applauds Amazon for "bringing back jobs from overseas." Deputy press secretary Amy Brundage said yesterday, "The Amazon facility in Chattanooga is a perfect example of the company that is investing in American workers and creating good, high-wage jobs." We might as well have voted for Romney; at least we KNEW this is what Romney had in mind for us woebegone little people. ...
... PLUS. Stephanie Condon & Jill Jackson of CBS News: "The CEO and board of directors of the [American Booksellers Association], which represents independent booksellers, called Mr. Obama's trip 'greatly misguided' and accused Amazon of driving bookstores out of business and killing jobs. 'While Amazon may make news by touting the creation of some 7,000 new warehouse jobs (many of which are seasonal), what is woefully underreported is the number of jobs its practices have cost the economy,' ABA CEO Oren Teicher and the group's board of directors wrote in a letter to the president Monday." ... CW: Oh, seasonal. See. The lazy bastards want to sit around most of the year collecting unemployment insurance & buying filet mignon & caviar with their food stamps. ...
... "A 'Fun, Fast-Paced Environment.'" Dave Jamieson of the Huffington Post has more on those new jobs in Chattanooga. Yup, Amazon is advertising for temps. CW: The whole post is worth a read. I wonder if the workers who appear as part of the scenery for Obama's speech will get paid for the time they spend lolling about in chairs.
As the GOP attempts to weave the Weiner-Filner-Spitzer stories into a Democratic-war-on-women meme, Katrina vanden Heuvel, in a Washington Post column, explains what war on women actually means: "Consider what the [Republican] party stands for: Allowing bosses and insurance companies to discriminate against women; forcing raped women to carry their rapist's fetus; requiring insurance coverage for Viagra but not for the pill; defunding Planned Parenthood, Head Start, childcare, and services for domestic abuse victims; conscripting doctors to violate women with medically unnecessary (and thus punitive) procedures; and redefining rape so more rapists walk free."
Gene Robinson: "Edward Snowden's renegade decision to reveal the jaw-dropping scope of the National Security Agency's electronic surveillance is being vindicated -- even as Snowden himself is being vilified."
Jonathan Chait of New York: "The current jostling between Larry Summers and Janet Yellen to become the next head of the Federal Reserve has introduced a new ... primal fear into the minds of the hard-money cranks: the trepidation that their monetary essence will be drained by a woman." ...
... Matthew O'Brien of the Atlantic: "Larry Summers Should Absolutely Not Be the Next Fed Chair." O'Brien prefers Christina Romer, but is sure Janet Yellen is second-best. Larry, not so much.
President Obama & former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had lunch yesterday.... Carrie Dann of NBC News: "For President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, friendship is what's on [Monday's] menu. The two Democrats and former rivals met for lunch Monday at the White House, spawning a frenzy of predictable media speculation about whether they might be putting their heads together about Clinton's much-rumored 2016 run.... Clinton is now also scheduled to have breakfast Tuesday with Vice President Joe Biden, considered a top potential rival for the Democratic nomination."
Rachel Weiner & David Nakamura of the Washington Post: "The Senate has confirmed James Comey as the new director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation by a 93 to 1 margin. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) had placed a hold on Comey's nomination over questions about the bureau's use of drones on U.S. soil.... After receiving a response to his concerns from the FBI detailing the 'limited' use of surveillance drones, Paul released his hold.... He was the only senator to vote against Comey's confirmation; two senators voted 'present.'"
Tal Kopan of Politico: "Sen. Ted Cruz believes Republicans can defund 'Obamacare' if they stand together, but he said 'scared' Republicans are standing in the way. 'What I can tell you is there are a lot of Republicans in Washington who are scared. They're scared of being beaten up politically,' Cruz (R-Texas) told Glenn Beck ... radio show Monday." ...
... Jonathan Bernstein in the Washington Post: "Why, yes, Ted Cruz is a demagogue." It's all he's got. ...
... Steve Benen ran his list last week, but might as well remind ourselves, via Zoe Carpenter of the Nation, just how many ways and how far Republicans are willing to go to sabotage the Affordable Care Act, a federal law upheld by the Supreme Court.
Local News
If you like gossip, here's a story about the Clintons & Huma Abedin by Maggie Haberman of Politico that is less purple than some of the other stories about the Clintons & Huma Abedin, yet sums up the gossip stuff. ...
... AND if you want to know what Anthony Weiner thinks about stuff, Denis Hamill of the New York Daily News has the interview. Here he is on the women with whom he was sexting: "These are people who I thought were friends, people I trusted when I communicated with them. But who knows what they might do now. But none of it is new. It's all old stuff." CW: yes, Anthony, there are means girls out that who will betray and victimize you. So unfair. ...
... Brenda Edwards of Politico: "New York mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner has plummeted to fourth place in the running, with opponent Christine Quinn firmly vaulting into the lead, according a new poll. In a Quinnipiac University survey released Monday, 53 percent of likely Democratic Primary voters polled said the former congressman should drop out, and only 40 percent saying he should remain in the race." ...
... Here's one guy who says he won't vote for Weiner:
... MEANWHILE -- David Chen of the New York Times: "Alarmed by Eliot Spitzer's momentum in his unexpected bid to win citywide office, an unlikely coalition of business leaders, women's groups and labor unions is vowing to finance an ambitious effort to thwart the former governor's ambition.... Now, they are pledging to raise and spend at least $1.5 million on advertising, direct mail and field work in an effort to persuade voters that Mr. Spitzer would be a poor choice for comptroller...."
Analyzing Mitt. Mitt Never Said What You Lazy Freeloaders Heard Him Say. David Corn of Mother Jones: Mitt Romney is in "deep denial" about his 47-percent remark. "... the fellow who wanted to lead the United States cannot look at reality squarely and own what he said. Months after being rejected by American voters -- winning the support of, uh, only 47 percent -- Romney still cannot take responsibility himself." In case you've forgotten the detail, Corn has them.
News Ledes
AP: "U.S. home prices jumped 12.2 percent in May compared with a year ago, the biggest annual gain since March 2006. The increase shows the housing recovery is strengthening."
BBC News: "The train driver in last week's crash in Spain was talking on the phone when it derailed, investigators say. The train was travelling at 153km/h (95mph) at the time, investigators at the Court of Justice of Galicia said. Francisco Jose Garzon Amo was speaking to members of staff at the state-owned railway company, Renfe, they added.... The speed limit on the sharp bend where the train derailed was set at 80km/h (49mph)."
USA Today: "Three former Penn State University officials, including ousted former president Graham Spanier, were ordered to stand trial Tuesday on criminal charges related to an alleged cover-up that temporarily shielded convicted child predator and former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky from law enforcement scrutiny. Following two days of testimony, a Pennsylvania judge ordered Spanier, former athletic director Tim Curley and former university vice president Gary Schultz to face charges on perjury, conspiracy, failure to report suspected child abuse and other related charges in a decision that opens another grim chapter in a scandal that rocked the state's largest university."
New York Times: "Eileen Brennan, a smoky-voiced actress who had worked in show business for more than 20 years before gaining her widest attention as a gleefully tough Army captain in both the film and television versions of 'Private Benjamin,' died on Sunday at her home in Burbank, Calif. She was 80.
New York Times: "An appeals court on Tuesday unanimously upheld a decision striking down New York City's restrictions on the sale of large, sugary drinks, dealing a serious blow to Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's hopes of reviving the rule before his term runs out."
NBC News: Judge found Bradley Manning not guilty for aiding the enemy, guilty of releasing classified documents knowing they would be accessible to the enemy. Could amount to total sentence of 154 years. Judge may take several weeks to sentence Manning. No link. ...
... NBC News Update: "Pfc. Bradley Manning, the former Army intelligence officer who was branded as both a whistle-blower and a traitor after he sent 700,000 secret government documents to WikiLeaks, was acquitted Tuesday of aiding the enemy but convicted of most other charges. Manning was convicted of 20 of the remaining 21 counts, including leaking intelligence knowing it would be accessible to the enemy, releasing classified information and disobeying orders. Aiding the enemy was the most serious charge and carried a potential life sentence. The judge in Manning's court-martial, Col. Denise Lind, found that Manning had no intent to provide the enemy with classified information but was negligent in releasing the documents. The charges of which Manning was convicted carry a total of 154 years in prison. Manning will be sentenced later."
Orlando Sentinel: "Roads near a gas plant in Lake County, [Florida,] were littered with twisted pieces of propane canisters early Tuesday, hours after explosions that injured at least eight people and forced the evacuation of residents up to a mile away. Just before 7 a.m. Tavares Fire Chief Richard Keith told reporters on the scene that, 'we don't think there was any act of sabotage or anything like that.' Instead, 'It was probably a human or equipment error,' he said.
Reuters: "Egypt's rulers allowed an EU envoy to meet deposed President Mohamed Mursi, the first time an outsider was given access to him since the army overthrew him and jailed him a month ago, and she said she found him in good health."
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This posting relates to yesterday's section on War and Remembrance.
One of the great benefits, as was pointed out by James, rising from the aftermath of WWII was the passage and implementation of the GI Bill.
Returning soldiers were able to go to school, get an education, learn a trade, prepare for readjustment to civilian life, and secure low cost home loans.. All highly desirable, and not just for those GIs and their families. It was a given that all of society benefited from proper treatment of those who put so much on the line. A better educated work force, better jobs, better living conditions for families, better head start for children. Everyone benefits.
Not today. Not anymore. Not in an America sickened by conservative pathogens permanently resistant to treatment by logic, empathy, or an appreciation for the dignity and well being of others.
The re-establishment of the GI Bill in 2008 was staunchly opposed by both John McCain (surprisingly) and George W. Bush (not surprisingly). It eventually passed in the Senate 75-22. The 22 who voted against it were all conservative Republicans (the more moderate Republicans who crossed the lines and voted for it are mostly gone now, punished by teabaggers for "compromises" like this one).
Conservative Republicans killed a recent jobs bill that would have put thousands of returned veterans to work. Sorry boys and girls, thanks a lot for putting your lives on the line, returning home damaged and debilitated, but we need that money for our rich buddies. And those of you who never came back, well, that saves us even more money.
It's a lead pipe cinch that had these jamokes been in power at the end of WWII there would have been no GI Bill in the first place. After all, that would constitute a hand out and the only ones deserving of hand outs are people like the Kochs. Wall Street bankers. Corporate CEOs. And Paul Ryan and Ayn Rand (nearly anagrams of one another).
The signal difference is a view of what this country is about and a rejection of the notion that we are all in it together. Now it's every person for themselves. Unless you're rich, white, and Republican.
War, in addition to its notable ability to grow its own epistemology, its own source of meaning (a nod here to Chris Hedges: "The rush of battle is often a potent and lethal addiction, for war is a drug" and to Patrick who offered a similar observation yesterday), also seems able to bring out the best and worst in both citizens and soldiers. The GI Bill and what returning vets like James made of it, was an excellent example of the best.
Contemporary conservatives demonstrate some of the worst. A macho, action figure love of war, uninformed by exposure to combat referenced by Barbarossa and Patrick, but a distaste bordering on aversion for dealing with its after effects. Or paying the bills.
"An America sickened by conservative pathogens", now that is a good line AK.
Conservatives, and many liberals, don't think workers can contribute meaningfully to 'worker directed businesses'; this is very much like how the nobility and church didn't think the people could handle democracy a couple hundred years ago in Europe. So says economist Richard Wolfe.
This pathogenic nature of modern GOPers, is that nothing new is possible. Nor should anything new be tried. Or as Nino S might say, what would the framers have intended Apple, Nike and Exxon to do?
The Corn piece on the Rat's denial of what he said, even though it's all there on the video, pries open a window into the deeply dysfunctional brain of the wealthy sociopath who wanted to be president.
Someone else shot himself in the foot like Romney did, I'd be inclined to feel a little sorry for them, coming so close to the brass ring and falling so spectacularly off the horse.
But not the Rat. He fell off because he deserved to fall off.
It's not so much that he was surreptitiously recorded having a private conversation (which he wasn't), the exposure of which brought him to grief, it was the fact that a strongly held belief of his, that nearly half the country were lazy freeloaders beyond redemption, unworthy of his time and efforts--a belief that is not only false but indicative of a severely warped understanding of the economic and social realities in a country he yearned to lead--came to light and effectively put the kibosh on his grasping quest for power.
Given his apparent disinclination to any form of introspection, it's no wonder he refuses responsibility for his own defeat. The greatest leaders are able to examine their strengths and weaknesses and respond accordingly.
They also don't don't so disdainfully write off half the people they seek to govern.
Mitt's Theme
Larry Summers' sense of infallibility makes my rear end work buttonholes. I look to Elizabeth Warren for wise counsel on the issue of the next Fed. She favors Yellen and indicates that Larry is "too close" to the big banks. Well yeah. Not too mention he's an asswipe of significant proportions.
http://www.businessinsider.com/warren-backing-yellen-for-fed-chair-2013-7
Speaking of denial, hate and drug addict Rushbo Limbaugh is apparently teetering on the edge of cancellation by Cumulus Media.
Advertisers, in response to boycotts engendered by Limbaugh's chronic racist rants and wingnut lies, have been running from Limbaugh and fellow hate monger, Sean Hannity, like picnickers from red ants.
Right wing media, however, doesn't see it that way. The narrative of choice currently making the rounds is that Rush is rejecting Cumulus, not the other way around. Druggie Rush has his own explanation. Ad buyers are all liberal feminist bitches who hate conservatives. That's all you need to know right there, folks.
But never fear, if Limbaugh and Hannity are given the air, the even further right-wing drool radio behemoth Clear Channel say they'll give them a good ol' all-American bigot's welcome. And who owns Clear Channel? Why, Bain Capital, of course, formerly run by that introspective man of the people, Mittens Romney.
It will be a gala day when that happens.
(But as Groucho Marx once said, "A gal a day is about all I can handle")
Talking about war, I heard an interesting interview on the Diane Rehm Show yesterday on NPR with a grade school teacher in Virginia, John Hunter, about his book "World Peace And Other 4th-Grade Achievements" and the "World Peace Game" he developed. To hear the interview and a related TED presentation, use the link below:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2013-07-29/john-hunter-world-peace-and-other-4th-grade-achievements
Also, while the interview with Reza Aslan on Faux News was truly pathetic, much more interesting and unbiased discussions with him can be seen on HuffPost Live and The Daily Show.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/29/reza-aslan-fox-news-vs-hu_n_3673765.html
http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/wed-july-17-2013-reza-aslan
@Unwashed: Thank you for the World Peace game link. I only had time to watch the movie trailer on the link you posted, but, oh, what wisdom from those kids: "There is no right or wrong answer. If you wanted a right answer, choose the one that helps everyone, and then think about yourself." This same student also made this comment: "Other people matter."
If only it were possible to replace the members of Congress with 4th graders . . . .
I have a peripheral relationship with OurWalmart, that loose, so far non-union organization of Walmart workers who have the courage to demand higher pay and benefits and more reasonable work schedules. For those who don't know, one of many mega-corps' tricks is to hire workers part-time to avoid the benefit threshold and furthermore to place many on an ever-changing on-call schedule (particularly onerous for working mothers who have children, baby-sitting and school to juggle) so they cannot take another job. Nothing like being held in thrall.
As expected, there has been employer retaliation against many Ourwalmart members, but the latest trend in the Walmart and Amazon world is to hire both seasonally, as noted above, and to arrange an increasing portion of their hiring through third-party temp agencies, effectually rendering these temp workers both voice- and benefit-less without the possible trouble of pushback from labor. From what I understand, temp hiring has a little higher upfront cost, but the savings down the road more than make up for it. From a business point of view being able to avoid any questions or complaints from workers is ideal, a kind of capitalist utopia--I can hear the ringing encomiums at the Aspen Institute when all the Big Boys (and Girls) get together--that is being born all around us.
The direct and indirect pressures on labor exerted by globalization have not begun to run their course, but we can already see the effects on the American labor market and on American workers, and none of them is good.
I expect a growing spate of stories about inequality, low wages and unemployment on the front page of the Times and other national journals. It's a reality that has been emerging from the shadows for years but is now so stark it can no longer be easily ignored---except by the Right, of course.