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    • Racism as Reflex: Reflections on Conservative Scapegoating

      Posted by Shemuses

      If hypocrisy were currency, conservatives would be able to single-handedly bail out the nation's free-falling financial system in less than a week, without the rest of us having to front so much as a penny. So on the one hand, folks like this always tell others--especially the poor and people of color--to take "personal responsibility" for their lives, and not to blame outside factors (like racism, or the economic system) for their problems. But on the other hand, these same persons then demonstrate that their own ability to blame others for their personal setbacks, or the nation's problems, knows no rival.

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    • Can The Economic Crisis Advance Racial Progress?

      Posted by Shemuses

      A bad economy can sow racial division, as people in dire straits cast about for scapegoats. This year may be different. The events of the past two weeks have exposed Sen. John McCain's self-proclaimed lack of understanding about economics. Further, he undermined his own experience argument as Sen. Barack Obama offered a far more steady and reassuring presence in the midst of crisis, while McCain's flashy gambits fell flat. At this point, it's practically become a given that Obama is the superior candidate on economic matters. And for those voters uncomfortable with the notion of a president who isn't white, but unable to tolerate four more years of this economy, it's a real gut check moment.

      1 comment

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      Veep Debate: Expectations Game…Wink Wink

      Posted by Shemuses

      Neither Biden nor Palin crumbled, but who won? She winked. He smiled. They each played to their strengths and side-stepped their weaknesses. Neither one lost. But the question of who won last night's one and only vice-presidential debate, is an entirely more complicated question that rests on the more intangible and variable measure called expectations. The extent to which the candidate could meet or exceed the standards viewers had coming into the debate, dictated how their performaces were perceived.

      2 comments

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      Vote-scam fliers target black neighborhoods

      Posted by Shemuses from Philadelphia Inquirer

      With just weeks to go before the presidential election, voter intimidation has reared its ugly head. An anonymous flier circulating in African-American neighborhoods in North and West Philadelphia states that voters who are facing outstanding arrest warrants or who have unpaid traffic tickets may be arrested at the polls on Election Day. Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Everett Gillison, who learned of the flier last week, said that the message is completely false.

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      From Slingshots to Solutions: Goals for Organizers

      Posted by Shemuses

      Over the last few weeks I've returned to graduate school and campus organizing. While both classes and activist meetings last far too long for my tastes, at least classes have a somewhat organized feel. I recently sat down with Young People For's (YP4) Calvin Williams to discuss the Republican National Conference (RNC) demonstrations. We agreed that activist disorganization and chaos in St. Paul illustrated how young progressives need clearer organizing strategies and better communication.

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    • Mortgaging the Nation: The Bitter Fruits of Deregulation

      Posted by Shemuses from Counter Punch

      Remember the good old days when the economic threat was mere recession? The Federal Reserve would encourage the economy with low interest rates until the economy overheated. Prices would rise, and unions would strike for higher benefits. Then the Fed would put on the brakes by raising interest rates. Money supply growth would fall. Inventories would grow, and layoffs would result. When the economy cooled down, the cycle would start over. The nice thing about 20th century recessions was that the jobs returned when the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates and consumer demand increased. In the 21st century, the jobs that have been moved offshore do not come back. More than three million U.S. manufacturing jobs have been lost while Bush was in the White House.


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  1. thumbnail

    littleowl comments on:

    It Is Time to Change from Fighting Against Something to Fighting for Something

    There is information on the internet you may not be aware of, that is answering this need. For example: http://www.the-alternative.org.uk is offering over 800 pages of relevant information - all available for free download. Have a look!

     

    Reply »

    3:05 pm 11/14/08
  2. thumbnail

    dogwood comments on:

    Canada to seek climate deal with Obama

    This sounds like a good news story but iin reallity the Canadian government wants to secure concessions for that massive greenhous gas emmitter called the tar sands. They want to play America’s energy security worries off of climate change to ensure that the growth of the oil sands can continue unabated under supposedly tighter carbon emmissions restrictions.

    Reply »

    10:24 am 11/11/08
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    okami comments on:

    Jobless Rate Highest in 14 Years - NYTimes.com

    though my memory may be faulty, i do believe that the last time it was so high, the Clinton Admisitration worked with Congress to get it all fixed.

    . . .but the wheel turns around. . .deja vu all over again. . .

     

     

     

    Reply »

    2:48 am 11/08/08
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    venez1 comments on:

    You cannot be a Christian and vote for Obama

    I agree with Okami again: freedom of speech is the most important issue.

    However, as they are free to say whatever bull**** they want, still we are free not to waste our time on them! As I said, I am not that optimistic about Obama, but let’s see whether he has got any idea behind his smile, especially as welfare and international politics are concerned…

    Reply »

    2:40 am 11/07/08
  5. thumbnail

    rhoadesb comments on:

    On the waning days of madmen in the media

    the days of craziness I fear are numbered

     

    Would it were true.

    Reply »

    2:20 am 11/07/08
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    okami comments on:

    You cannot be a Christian and vote for Obama

     . . .gonna be a while. . .got a helluva lotta damage to undo. . .and if this is really gonna be a ‘free’ country, it’s gonna pop up again and again. . .it has to, otherwise, there’d be no freedoms.

    i don’t like it. . .now one whit. . .but if this is truly ‘free’ country, we must expect that we will encounter thngs like this.  otherwise it negates the very principle of freedom.

    Reply »

    12:42 am 11/06/08
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    Damianmann comments on:

    You cannot be a Christian and vote for Obama

    Good thing Obama won, huh? Now we can send this type of garbage to the trash heap where it belongs.

    Reply »

    9:20 pm 11/05/08
  • Just Said
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  1. thumbnail

    Shemuses

    Member since Dec 2008

    Jodie lives, plays, and blogs in Vancouver, BC. Her day job at ONE/Northwest puts her talents to work supporting social change strategies for greening our world.

    Vancouver


  2. thumbnail

    okami

    Member since Dec 2008

    former US Marine, retired police. . .nothing of interest. . .

    Commerce


  3. thumbnail

    VincebusEruptum

    Member since Dec 2008

    No city


  4. thumbnail

    theangryindian

    Member since Dec 2008

    “The Angryindian” is an internationally recognized Indigenist activist and outspoken critic of U.S. colonialism practised against Aboriginal societies in America and abroad. He is editor of IntelligentaIndigena Novajoservo and the host of Radyo Inteligentaindigena, an independent, non-partisan international Indigenist podcast.

    Indian Country


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    angliss

    Member since Dec 2008

    No city