Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
At Davos, Debating Capitalism’s Future - NYTimes.com
At Davos, Debating Capitalism’s Future - NYTimes.com
"Indeed, in Davos this week, I will look around the room and ask myself who pays taxes at a higher rate — those eating the soup or those serving it?
"Indeed, in Davos this week, I will look around the room and ask myself who pays taxes at a higher rate — those eating the soup or those serving it?
In my country, I believe that changing the rules of capitalism will mean a change of government. But more generally, it will require a change in what citizens expect and ask of politics. The question is not so much whether 20th-century capitalism is failing 21st-century society but whether politics can rise to the challenge of changing a flawed economic model."
Thursday, January 26, 2012
What a wonderful world, the Earth in high definition (Blue marble NASA image) - Capital Weather Gang - The Washington Post
What a wonderful world, the Earth in high definition (Blue marble NASA image) - Capital Weather Gang - The Washington Post
Via NASA: A ‘Blue Marble’ image of the Earth taken from the VIIRS instrument aboard NASA’s most recently launched Earth-observing satellite - Suomi NPP. See bigger. (NASA/NOAA/GSFC/Suomi NPP/VIIRS/Norman Kuring)
U.S. to Iraq: don't blow this opportunity | Reuters
U.S. to Iraq: don't blow this opportunity | Reuters
Iran has to come transparent to get out of the rogue nation group.
Suffocating sanctions and the drumbeat of war cannot sound like better options to them.
The UN already respects their sovereignty. They can prosper without nuclear weapons.
It is in their best interest to come transparent and join the modern league of nations.
I implore Iranian citizens to demand that Ahmadinejad and their leaders help bring their country back from the brink.
Iran has to come transparent to get out of the rogue nation group.
Suffocating sanctions and the drumbeat of war cannot sound like better options to them.
The UN already respects their sovereignty. They can prosper without nuclear weapons.
It is in their best interest to come transparent and join the modern league of nations.
I implore Iranian citizens to demand that Ahmadinejad and their leaders help bring their country back from the brink.
Warren Buffett: In tax war, rich people have "nuclear bomb"
Warren Buffett: In tax war, rich people have "nuclear bomb" - Political Hotsheet - CBS News
Greed begets greed, and this is not central to the American dream.
The unchecked consolidation of power and wealth away from everyday people was the reason we became an independent country in the first place.
The issue has come under the microscope in recent days in light of Mitt Romney's having released his tax returns, showing that he paid less than a 15 rate on more than $40 million in acquired wealth over the past two years.
"I don't blame Governor Romney for paying the tax rate he paid," Buffett said. "I blame the U.S. Congress."
"So, if this is a war - I wouldn't call it a war, I'd call it a struggle - but, if this is a war, my side has had the nuclear bomb." He added: "We've got K-Street, we've got lobbyists, we've got money on our side in terms of lobbyists. Deb does not have a lobbyist. She doesn't have anybody remotely that's representing her.But, believe me, plenty of rich families have lobbyists that are working like crazy to get rid of estate taxes, lower capital gain taxes, whatever it may be. So, if there has been a war going on, the war has been waged by the people who are very well to do who are trying to shift the burden onto people like that and away from themselves."'
Greed begets greed, and this is not central to the American dream.
The unchecked consolidation of power and wealth away from everyday people was the reason we became an independent country in the first place.
It is in the American fabric to address this disproportionate wealth creation aided by lobbyist-biased government. Obama addressed this reasonably and well in his State of the Union speech.
Now we all have to follow suit and support fair tax codes, legislation and reform.
Now we all have to DEMAND fair tax codes, legislation and lobbyist reform.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Sen. Bernie Sanders: We the People
Sen. Bernie Sanders: We the People
Re: Citizen's United decision and need for a constitutional amendment to overturn it.
Sanders is the real deal. Read it... he's elaborating on the thoughts you are having.
Re: Citizen's United decision and need for a constitutional amendment to overturn it.
Sanders is the real deal. Read it... he's elaborating on the thoughts you are having.
The New Student Activism - NYTimes.com
The New Student Activism - NYTimes.com
The Kids Are Alright.
They are hip to the Occupy Movement, Wall St. national embezzlement, and a sense of what Arab Spring populism can bring to pass.
The next generation of college students are progressive, nuanced, and not apathetic.
"...People in positions of power, I think they believe nothing is going to happen,” she said. “We’re just going to yell and scream and hold up signs and nothing’s going to change. But you’ve got an entire generation of people that realize something is wrong and something has to change because the system is wrong. There’s more of us than there are of them.”
"...“I’m not sure it would’ve happened if Occupy Wall Street wouldn’t have started,” said Marina Keegan, of the Morgan Stanley protest at Yale, where she is a senior. “Definitely people are starting to think more critically about their choices after graduation and how they affect not just themselves, but the world.”
I encourage you to read the whole story and get a glimpse of where the future and next generation will take us.
The Kids Are Alright.
They are hip to the Occupy Movement, Wall St. national embezzlement, and a sense of what Arab Spring populism can bring to pass.
The next generation of college students are progressive, nuanced, and not apathetic.
"...People in positions of power, I think they believe nothing is going to happen,” she said. “We’re just going to yell and scream and hold up signs and nothing’s going to change. But you’ve got an entire generation of people that realize something is wrong and something has to change because the system is wrong. There’s more of us than there are of them.”
"...“I’m not sure it would’ve happened if Occupy Wall Street wouldn’t have started,” said Marina Keegan, of the Morgan Stanley protest at Yale, where she is a senior. “Definitely people are starting to think more critically about their choices after graduation and how they affect not just themselves, but the world.”
I encourage you to read the whole story and get a glimpse of where the future and next generation will take us.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Gov. Brown Asks Calif to Dream Big, Approve Taxes - ABC News
Gov. Brown Asks Calif to Dream Big, Approve Taxes - ABC News
Brown is bullish on California. I like this. It is practical, and a solid investment in California's future.
"Brown's proposal aims to raise income taxes on individuals who make $250,000 a year or more and boost the state sales tax by half a cent. The governor also said the state needs massive investments in mega-projects such as renewable energy, education, high-speed rail and water — all of which are exceedingly expensive."
Brown is bullish on California. I like this. It is practical, and a solid investment in California's future.
"Brown's proposal aims to raise income taxes on individuals who make $250,000 a year or more and boost the state sales tax by half a cent. The governor also said the state needs massive investments in mega-projects such as renewable energy, education, high-speed rail and water — all of which are exceedingly expensive."
"Putting our fiscal house in order is good stewardship and helps us regain the trust of the people. It also builds confidence in California as a place to invest and to realize one's dreams," Brown said. "Contrary to those critics who fantasize that California is a failed state, I see unspent potential and incredible opportunity."
*The web, activism, and rock and roll: plight of orangutans highlighted with new rock song
Featured video: plight of orangutans highlighted with new rock song
Yes, meaningful content in art - shared immediately, viscerally.
Shining a light for all to see.
Yes, meaningful content in art - shared immediately, viscerally.
Shining a light for all to see.
SOPA Will Take Us Back to the Dark Ages
SOPA Will Take Us Back to the Dark Ages
Or not, because the President - in his good judgment - has threatened to veto anything that unnecessarily undermines the freedom of the internet.
Anti-piracy legislation can be crafted that is not as onerous and potentially censoring of free speech in America and on the net.
Or not, because the President - in his good judgment - has threatened to veto anything that unnecessarily undermines the freedom of the internet.
Anti-piracy legislation can be crafted that is not as onerous and potentially censoring of free speech in America and on the net.
ABC News Keystone XL pipeline application rejected by Obama administration
Statement by the President on the Keystone XL Pipeline | The White House
This is a victory for the environment, the people, the states, and the future.
The XL Pipeline, if ever, would "light the last fuse" for the climate bomb.
And pollute the states it would have traversed over, and delay us from greening our energy sources and becoming energy independent.
This is a victory for the environment, the people, the states, and the future.
The XL Pipeline, if ever, would "light the last fuse" for the climate bomb.
And pollute the states it would have traversed over, and delay us from greening our energy sources and becoming energy independent.
Monday, January 16, 2012
* Year of Global Uprisings, from the Arab Spring to Occupy Wall Street: A Special Look Back at 2011
Year of Global Uprisings, from the Arab Spring to Occupy Wall Street: A Special Look Back at 2011
That was a big year.
Hope you participated in some meaningful way...
And/or at least supported in your heart the soul of these crucial historic movements....
That was a big year.
Hope you participated in some meaningful way...
And/or at least supported in your heart the soul of these crucial historic movements....
Apple juice made in America? Think again
Apple juice made in America? Think again. - Yahoo! Finance
Have we/I mentioned lately that it's good to buy local, and/or organic when possible?
"Did it blow you away that low levels of a fungicide that isn't approved in the U.S. were discovered in some orange juice sold here? Yawn. Or was it the news that Brazil, where the fungicide-laced juice originated, produces a good portion of the orange pulpy stuff we drink?..."
"...Overall, America's insatiable desire to chomp on overseas food has been growing. About 16.8 percent of the food that we eat is imported from other countries, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, up from 11.3 percent two decades ago. Here are some other facts: ..."
Umm, have we/I mentioned lately that it's good to buy local, and/or organic when possible?
Have we/I mentioned lately that it's good to buy local, and/or organic when possible?
"Did it blow you away that low levels of a fungicide that isn't approved in the U.S. were discovered in some orange juice sold here? Yawn. Or was it the news that Brazil, where the fungicide-laced juice originated, produces a good portion of the orange pulpy stuff we drink?..."
"...Overall, America's insatiable desire to chomp on overseas food has been growing. About 16.8 percent of the food that we eat is imported from other countries, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, up from 11.3 percent two decades ago. Here are some other facts: ..."
Umm, have we/I mentioned lately that it's good to buy local, and/or organic when possible?
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Scientists Say Cut Soot, Methane to Curb Warming - ABC News
Scientists Say Cut Soot, Methane to Curb Warming - ABC News
Let's do this. Have you ever heard of a solar stove? It's a small, sun-driven metal or foil lined contraption, some with a glass lens, that can cleanly cook or boil water just from the sun's rays.
It can help replace the burning of scarce firewood, coal, and dung -- which as heating sources all also pollute rather badly. Many organizations are trying to distribute these. Take note, and help when you can.
"...Methane comes from landfills, farms, drilling for natural gas, and coal mining. Soot, called black carbon by scientists, is a byproduct of burning and is a big problem with cook stoves using wood, dung and coal in developing countries and in some diesel fuels worldwide..."
"...All 14 methods — capturing methane from landfills and coal mines, cleaning up cook stoves and diesel engines, and changing agriculture techniques for rice paddies and manure collection — are being used efficiently in many places, but aren't universally adopted, said the study's lead author, Drew Shindell of NASA..."
Let's do this. Have you ever heard of a solar stove? It's a small, sun-driven metal or foil lined contraption, some with a glass lens, that can cleanly cook or boil water just from the sun's rays.
It can help replace the burning of scarce firewood, coal, and dung -- which as heating sources all also pollute rather badly. Many organizations are trying to distribute these. Take note, and help when you can.
"...Methane comes from landfills, farms, drilling for natural gas, and coal mining. Soot, called black carbon by scientists, is a byproduct of burning and is a big problem with cook stoves using wood, dung and coal in developing countries and in some diesel fuels worldwide..."
*Income Inequailty: What GOP Don’t Want to Talk About
What They Don’t Want to Talk About
"Mitt Romney and the Republican Party fear talking about income inequality in the campaign."
And the preserving of the environment and making hugely profitable companies cap their pollution.
And why corporations have tax loopholes, and the rich have Bush-era tax breaks.
(See previous NYT post: "Of the 1 percenters interviewed for this article, almost all — conservatives and liberals alike — said the wealthy could and should shoulder more of the country’s financial burden, and almost all said they viewed the current system as unfair."
But education grants, national parks, and other mainstream American programs are getting the ax.
Et cetera.
*The 1 Percent
The 1 Percent Paint a More Nuanced Portrait of the Rich - NYTimes.com
"Of the 1 percenters interviewed for this article, almost all — conservatives and liberals alike — said the wealthy could and should shoulder more of the country’s financial burden, and almost all said they viewed the current system as unfair."
"Of the 1 percenters interviewed for this article, almost all — conservatives and liberals alike — said the wealthy could and should shoulder more of the country’s financial burden, and almost all said they viewed the current system as unfair."
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
**Nuclear "Doomsday" Clock Moves Closer to Midnight
Nuclear "Doomsday" Clock Moves Closer to Midnight
Self-preservation, tolerance, and a sense of global community have to become big issues in 2012.
And compassion, for others, and ourselves, for those that are different and similar, with much or little. We are on this planet together. We should start putting down and burying the weapons, starting with the biggest, if we are ever to live in peace, truly free, and without fear.
Self-preservation, tolerance, and a sense of global community have to become big issues in 2012.
And compassion, for others, and ourselves, for those that are different and similar, with much or little. We are on this planet together. We should start putting down and burying the weapons, starting with the biggest, if we are ever to live in peace, truly free, and without fear.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
China airlines refuse to pay EU carbon charge - Yahoo! News
China airlines refuse to pay EU carbon charge - Yahoo! News
This is awesome. The EU is on the forefront of the good guys cutting climate change and emissions pollution.
Good for the EU~!!!
This is awesome. The EU is on the forefront of the good guys cutting climate change and emissions pollution.
Good for the EU~!!!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
12 Things You Should Stop Paying for in 2012
Yahoo! Finance - Financially Fit
Incandescent light bulbs, disposable water bottles, credit checks, landline phones, baby food, and more... some good stuff/information...
Incandescent light bulbs, disposable water bottles, credit checks, landline phones, baby food, and more... some good stuff/information...
Iran nuclear crisis: Sanctions 'beginning to bite'
BBC News - Iran nuclear crisis: Sanctions 'beginning to bite'
Good. More, tougher sanctions please. See the sidebar on the left of this blog: ever-increasing sanctions, equally as devastating as bombs, until Iran complies with full UN transparency and access. And not a drop of blood shed.
"The US has said threats by Iran to restrict Gulf shipping in the event of further sanctions shows international pressure is having an effect...."
Good. More, tougher sanctions please. See the sidebar on the left of this blog: ever-increasing sanctions, equally as devastating as bombs, until Iran complies with full UN transparency and access. And not a drop of blood shed.
"The US has said threats by Iran to restrict Gulf shipping in the event of further sanctions shows international pressure is having an effect...."
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Sunset, Venice 12/20/2012
