Category: Take Action News
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.
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.)
President of Public Housing Development in Hard-Hit Coney Island Calls Occupy Sandy a “Godsend”
Coney Island residents picking up aid supplies at Occupy Sandy's hub at Gospel Assembly Church. Photo courtesy of Sam Deitch.
Occupy Sandy was a “Godsend” for Coney Island public housing residents who were stranded without power, food or water after Hurricane Sandy, according to Deborah Franklin-Reed, the president of the residents association for the public housing development Coney Island houses. Franklin-Reed credited the People’s Relief, field volunteers working with Occupy Sandy, with helping pioneer distribution methods that the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is now planning to make available to other public housing developments in Coney Island. Continue Reading
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.
Resources on voter rights from
The Brennan Center for Justice
Get information and learn how you can take action on voter rights and legislation impacting elections from The Brennan Center for Justice
http://www.brennancenter.org/content/section/category/voting_rights_elections/
PA State Voters and the Voter ID Law
Take Action and Protect Your Right to Vote
Get information on the controversial Voter ID law in Pennsylvania, NOTE: Per the recent PA court decision, although you may be asked to show an ID, you are NOT REQUIRED to present an ID in order to vote. Learn more about the law at VotesPA.com
The Newseum’s Shame
Newseum, Washington DC
The Newseum is supposed to honor freedom of the press. So when a Presidential candidate takes questions at an event there, reporters get to cover it, right? Wrong.
