From NBC’s The West Wing: “Somebody came along and said ‘Liberal’ means soft on crime, soft on drugs, soft on communism, soft on defense, and we’re gonna tax you back to the Stone Age because people shouldn’t have to go to work if they ‘don’t want to.’ And instead of saying, ‘Well, excuse me you […]
Author Archives: Jake White
For over 40 years, MIT linguists professor and activist, Noam Chomsky, has been a powerful voice of dissent in the United States and around the world. The New York Times has called him, “perhaps the most important intellectual alive.” He has published over one-hundred books, is the most quoted living scholar. His most recent book, […]
I occasionally need a break from the news, to just celebrate life, culture, and the goodness of people all over the world. I put this video together for anyone else who needs such a break. I hope you like it.
Can you pass the citizenship test that is required for all immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship? Give it a try…
During the 2008 presidential campaign, Obama’s message of a people-first public policy inspired people all over the world. His rhetoric was a breath of fresh air, especially copared to the unilateral approach of his predecessor. Many of us were looking for a return to New Deal-style governance, a truly progressive leader who would improve democracy in America. So has he lived up to his promises? What can we say about Obama after his first year-and-a-half? Has “change come to America,” or have we been short-changed?
What does is mean to “hold BP accountable”? We have heard this phrase over an over during the past month, as the Federal government responds to the Gulf crisis. We heard figures like $20 billion “slush fund for claims.” We even heard BP’s CEO, Tony Hayward, get grilled before a congressional committee hearing. But is this accountability? As I listened to the hearing on C-SPAN, my sense was that this was a slap on the wrist. Mr. Hayward took his punishment (6 hours of lecturing), and had about five responses ready; and he found a way to use these responses in just about every question. We need more from congress.
Ford’s gas caps recommend BP. They want consumers to make a connection between the two companies. Connection made.
What economic policies lead to greater economic health? And what political policies will lead to better economic outcomes? These are complex questions, and can be difficult to test scientifically. However, it is useful to look at case studies in an effort to understand what policies work and what policies lead to disaster. Let’s take a […]
I just finished watching an excellent documentary called, “The End of Poverty?” The film explores how international poverty has been perpetuated by corrupt capitalism, through multinational corporations and the U.S. government.
This is a great new song about the oil spill, by the great singer/songwriter, David Wilcox.