Category: Domestic Policy
Will President Obama Betray Senate Democrats in State of the Union Speech?
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has ruled out Social Security cuts in any plan to replace the sequester. In the State of the Union address, President Obama can either stand with Harry Reid and Senate Democrats–or betray them.
Three Arguments Progressives Are Using to Defend Social Security Cuts and Why They’re Wrong
Some progressives are still bending over backward to whitewash the chained CPI — a Social Security cut that President Obama has offered Republicans in the past and remains on the table for the next fiscal deal. It is important to know the arguments these progressives are making and why they do not hold water.
Existing Smart Gun Technology Would Have Blocked Adam Lanza
As our leaders begin the uncertain political debate over gun control, there is a simple and straightforward policy solution right now that would uphold gun owners’ 2nd amendment rights and still keep our kids safer.
It’s called “smart gun technology.”
Obama and lawmakers are talking, but they aren’t close to a ‘fiscal cliff’ deal
Listen closely and you can hear the sounds of a “fiscal cliff” deal NOT coming together. The first week of the lame-duck Congress brought multiple pledges of bipartisan cooperation from President Obama and congressional Republican and Democratic leaders. But there has been very little – if any – movement in the two sides’ positions, which, in fact, may be hardening prior to the serious negotiating sessions expected to begin after Thanksgiving.
The Reagan-O’Neill Myth of Bipartisan Social Security Reform
As far as 80s trends go, the resurgent popularity of Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill rivals that of skinny jeans and Members Only jackets. But were Reagan and O’Neill really as chummy as some people would have us believe?
Foreground: President Ronald Reagan (seated) shares a laugh with House Speaker Tip O'Neill at the signing of the Social Security Reform Act of 1983. Alan Greespan and Sen. Bob Dole (R, KS) are among those pictured behind them.Source: Newsday.
This post is based on an analysis I provided on the November 17 episode of Take Action News with David Shuster in the last 5 minutes of Hour 3. Podcast available here. Continue Reading
In Coney Island Public Housing, People’s Relief & Local Residents Fill Void Left by Government
Public housing high-rise building in Coney Island. Photo: Matt Richter.
The new grassroots organizing group People’s Relief and local residents have taken control of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in several Coney Island public housing developments where government agencies’ performance has been inadequate or inconsistent, according to multiple resident association presidents, community members and People’s Relief volunteers. (People’s Relief works closely with Occupy Sandy and shares their resources, but is a separate, independent organization.)
Get ready for the lame-duck session of Congress
The 112th Congress will reconvene Nov. 13th
The 112th Congress reconvenes Nov. 13 with nothing less than the fate of the U.S. economy on the line.
In play in November and December: the expiring Bush tax cuts, an expanding alternative minimum tax poised to capture more and more middle class taxpayers, the expiring payroll tax cut that has been a boon to middle class households during the recession, cuts in physician reimbursements under Medicare, and the looming budget “sequestration,” which will automatically cut just under $50 billion in federal spending beginning in January and $500 billion over 10 years.
Hurricane Sandy’s Silver Lining: A Reaffirmation of Progressive Principles
Rescue workers in Little Ferry, NJ. Photo: Chicago Tribune
At a time when the country is still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the storm has reaffirmed progressive principles that have been under attack in recent years. Sandy has, in fact, brought together a trifecta of progressive policy vindications: the dangers of climate silence, the importance of a strong and responsive federal government, and the necessity of collective bargaining rights for workers.
Who killed King Coal: the EPA or cheap natural gas?
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DNC Attendees Skeptical of Compromise on Social Security & Medicare
- Attendees of the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC. Picture courtesy of New York Magazine.
Democratic Party delegates interviewed on the floor of the Democratic National Convention hall in Charlotte, NC, last week, were skeptical of a compromise that would cut Social Security and Medicare.
