Is Social Security In Trouble? – Real Answer Is NO

Watch the short video:  As always, Robert Reich explains things very well and he does it as quickly as possible.  In this short video Prof. Reich says NO, we don’t need to “raise the retirement age” and / or “cut benefits”.  Instead, we can “increase social security benefits” and “insure the solvency of social security” by “eliminating the cap on income subject to social security taxes”.  It simply “isn’t fair that a billionaire pays the same social security tax as someone making $118,500 (2015) a year”.  As Prof. Reich says “SRAP THE CAP” – it is only fair.

 

The FED – What It Does and For Who

Watch this short video and sign the petition:  Ever wonder what the Federal Reserve really does?  The organization Brave New Films has created the short video below to help explain this.  They point out that the “Fed” has the ability to directly affect our economy and who wins and loses.  “Under pressure from big corporations and Wall Street, the Federal Reserve is moving in ways that will stop wage growth and raise interest rates. This is a terrible idea that will hurt millions of low wage workers and unemployed Americans.”  Once again, corporations (those special people) seem to get special / secret treatment.  Watch the video and get involved by signing the petition.

 

Tiny Plastic Beads That Never Go Away

Read this: It is becoming a full-time job to try to keep from consuming petroleum based products in one form or another.  When I read this I actually said out loud “my toothpaste too”.  Yes, among other places, “microbeads” are manifest in the cosmetic industry, including of all things, our toothpastes.  California is the latest state thinking about changes.  “There are other concerns about ingesting microbeads—both from products like toothpaste and from eating fish containing the plastic bits. The Environmental Working Group notes that the plastics that make up some microbeads are suspected to be hormone disruptors, so ‘eating them at your fish fry would not only lend an unpleasant texture to your beer-battered fish but could also add an unhealthy dose of estrogen-mimicking chemicals’.” http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2015/05/microbeads-exfoliators-plastic-face-scrub-toothpaste

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Coal Divestment History Being Made – Not In The US Of Course!

Read this:  More good news from 350.org.  Norway is about to go where no country has gone before.  If completed, it will be “the largest divestment from fossil fuels ever made”.   So why are the Norwegians such a big deal you ask?  “The Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global is not only the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund; it is also one of the top ten investors in the global coal industry.”  That’s a pretty good precedent to be setting! http://350.org/norway-will-make-coal-history/

 

Divestment Efforts Are Catching On

Fossil Free Divestment

Read this:  This article from 350.org makes you feel a little better (just a little).  Canadians are marching for climate and economic justice in Toronto, Canada.  “There are now fossil fuel divestment campaigns at over 300 schools across North America.”  Our numbers are growing fast, we’re learning fast, and we’re winning. Our victories are all over the place – except of course on the news.  Can’t have that! http://350.org/why-students-are-joining-the-march-for-jobs-justice-the-climate/

 

Do The Math Video Review

Watch the video: This is a review of the basic math of climate change, the concept that led to the creation of the environmental group known as 350.org.  As Bill McKibben’s says in the video, “If it’s wrong to wreck the climate, it’s wrong to profit from that wreckage”.  The video simply explains basic scientific math related to the increasing buildup of CO2 and its effects on climate change.

Climate Change 101 for Non Believers

Watch this video:  This is a short video created by a group called It’s OK To Be Smart that was created to help spread the basic science of climate change in 24 easy steps.  Arm yourself with some real facts.

Democracy Not Possible Without A “Move To Amend”

Watch this:  Ever wonder why nothing seems to really get done in congress?  Why so may people are so fed up with government?  Why so many no have no confidence in our democracy?  I, and many others believe it is because our democracy (and many around the world) are bought, owned and run by corporations.  The only way to change that is by amending the constitution, confirming once and for all that “Corporations are not People”.  We need a “Move To Amend” and guess what, there is one in the works.  Watch the video and do the small “d” democratic thing, become a supporter.

 

Bernie Sanders Explains Koch Brothers and Conservative Propaganda

Watch this: In this short excerpt from the Brave New Films documentary “Koch Brothers Exposed” Bernie Sanders explains how the public is slowly convinced to continue to reward the rich at the expense of everyone else.  You can also find links there to watch the full film free.

 

Oh the Dreaded “S” Word – Bernie Sanders Gives Some Thoughts on Socialism

Read this:  This article, from Moyers & Company, recaps an interview with Bernie Sanders (who just entered the Democratic race for the 2016 Presidency).  Here, Bernie does a great job of laying out the real influence “socialism” has had in American politics.  And yes, most of the positive gains we have seen originated with people and groups that were often assaulted with the tag of “socialism”.  Since this is a longer article, I will just say check it out.  Those “S” people and groups ain’t all that bad.  I would say give them control and turn them loose! http://billmoyers.com/2015/05/07/presidential-bid-represents-long-tradition-american-socialism/