Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
mother earth
mother earth's Journal
mother earth's Journal
June 2, 2015
MORE:
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2015/06/02/clock-ticks-as-greece-refuses-to-kneel-on-its-debt.html
04:44
http://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2015/jun/02/greek-bailout-breakthrough-eurozone-emergency-summit-creditors-live#block-556d6ac0e4b0902b41296685
Helena Smith: Greece rumour mill in overdrive
Helena Smith
There is much chatter in Athens this morning that the country could hold elections if Greece isn’t given the “honourable compromise” that it wants, says our correspondent Helena Smith.
It is indicative of the mood in Athens this morning that even the mild-manned deputy premier Yannis Dragasakis has come out all guns. “As a government neither do we accept ultimatums not do we bow to blackmail,” tweeted the ex communist who is now in charge of the anti-austerity coalition’s economic policy.
If an honourable compromise isn’t reached “then we’ll have elections,” the labour minister, Panos Skourletis, told SKAI TV. “When you are elected you are not given carte blanche,” he said, adding:
“If a deal is achieved that is not deemed honourable and promoting of compromise, the people will have to be asked before we sign it.”
Nikos Filis, the governing Syriza party’s representative in parliament, also insisted this morning that in the event of an agreement not being endorsed by government MPS (but being voted through with the help of the opposition) the country would necessarily have to go to the polls.
The great Greek rumour mill is suggesting that fresh polls could be held on June 28. It should be noted that prime minister Alexis Tsipras’ radical left Syriza party is by far the most popular party - and would almost certainly win an elections hands down. Europe or indeed the IMF would not be dealing with a new face in power!
Plenty more at the Guardian link.
Greece, latest news...Clock Ticks as Greece Refuses to Kneel on its Debt
By: Tanya Talaga Global Economics Reporter, Published on Tue Jun 02 2015
To the dismay of its European creditors, Greece announced earlier this month that it was rehiring 4,000 cleaners, school support staff and civil servants who lost their jobs due to austerity cuts.
A defiant Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis defended the move, reminding lenders that perhaps the nation of 11 million has a different idea of what constitutes “reform.”
The rehiring was cheered in the streets of Athens but Europe was aghast. Greece did exactly the opposite of what the troika of lenders — the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission — wanted, namely real pension reform, reducing the size of government and spending cuts.
No doubt, Brussels felt the slap.
But they probably knew it was coming.
To the dismay of its European creditors, Greece announced earlier this month that it was rehiring 4,000 cleaners, school support staff and civil servants who lost their jobs due to austerity cuts.
A defiant Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis defended the move, reminding lenders that perhaps the nation of 11 million has a different idea of what constitutes “reform.”
The rehiring was cheered in the streets of Athens but Europe was aghast. Greece did exactly the opposite of what the troika of lenders — the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission — wanted, namely real pension reform, reducing the size of government and spending cuts.
No doubt, Brussels felt the slap.
But they probably knew it was coming.
MORE:
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2015/06/02/clock-ticks-as-greece-refuses-to-kneel-on-its-debt.html
04:44
http://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2015/jun/02/greek-bailout-breakthrough-eurozone-emergency-summit-creditors-live#block-556d6ac0e4b0902b41296685
Helena Smith: Greece rumour mill in overdrive
Helena Smith
There is much chatter in Athens this morning that the country could hold elections if Greece isn’t given the “honourable compromise” that it wants, says our correspondent Helena Smith.
It is indicative of the mood in Athens this morning that even the mild-manned deputy premier Yannis Dragasakis has come out all guns. “As a government neither do we accept ultimatums not do we bow to blackmail,” tweeted the ex communist who is now in charge of the anti-austerity coalition’s economic policy.
If an honourable compromise isn’t reached “then we’ll have elections,” the labour minister, Panos Skourletis, told SKAI TV. “When you are elected you are not given carte blanche,” he said, adding:
“If a deal is achieved that is not deemed honourable and promoting of compromise, the people will have to be asked before we sign it.”
Nikos Filis, the governing Syriza party’s representative in parliament, also insisted this morning that in the event of an agreement not being endorsed by government MPS (but being voted through with the help of the opposition) the country would necessarily have to go to the polls.
The great Greek rumour mill is suggesting that fresh polls could be held on June 28. It should be noted that prime minister Alexis Tsipras’ radical left Syriza party is by far the most popular party - and would almost certainly win an elections hands down. Europe or indeed the IMF would not be dealing with a new face in power!
Plenty more at the Guardian link.
May 31, 2015
-----------
"Large majorities", yeah, that's right. We are THE large majority. It is not up to MSM to frame a horse race, WE are the framers. We need to shout it from the rooftops and spread the word far and wide, amongst our independent and, yes, gop'er friends and family and everyone we know. We are the MAJORITY. We are fed up, we have a disappearing middle class & only the wealthy have done well during these economic times.
Where is our recovery? More importantly, where is our voice in gov't? Where are the laws to tear down what's been strangling families and driving social and economic inequality?
I know where I see our voice, it is fast becoming crystal clear, if you don't get, you soon will. Give 'em hell, Bernie!
Yeah, this video is from 2012, and what has changed? The Anger has grown, WE ARE THE MAJORITY. Deal with it. We aren't going quietly, it ends with us. WE are the framers, let them look back on this time & understand one thing. We are done with the corporate coup. We do not support the oligarchy.
It is time to ask one question, do you support the people? Do you enable the people? Or do you support and enable the oligarchy?
Democrats should be wooing progressives, not scolding them.
http://www.commondreams.org/views/2015/05/30/search-democratic-soulIn Search of the Democratic Soul
Democrats should be wooing progressives, not scolding them (by Richard Eskow)
A Google search for the phrase "soul of the Democratic Party" yields thousands of hits, because the struggle for that soul has been a perennial subject of debate. I've probably used the phrase myself.
But after a week spent tracking the independent left's political progress, I've become even more convinced that politicians should seek the soul of the country instead. Tap into that, and the rest will follow.
Still, the debate over the Democratic soul continues. Political strategist Robert Creamer said this week that progressives have already won it. He dismisses the notion of a split between the party's "Hillary Clinton" and "Elizabeth Warren" wings, and says Democrats now largely agree on economic problems and their solutions.
"There are still pro-Wall Street, corporatist -- and even socially conservative -- elements in the Democratic coalition," Creamer acknowledges. But, he says, "it's hard to tell the difference between a Clinton speech and a Warren speech when it comes to most economic questions -- and particularly ... the overarching narrative."
(Edited to meet DU copyright standard. For full article click above link. )
Democrats should be wooing progressives, not scolding them (by Richard Eskow)
A Google search for the phrase "soul of the Democratic Party" yields thousands of hits, because the struggle for that soul has been a perennial subject of debate. I've probably used the phrase myself.
But after a week spent tracking the independent left's political progress, I've become even more convinced that politicians should seek the soul of the country instead. Tap into that, and the rest will follow.
Still, the debate over the Democratic soul continues. Political strategist Robert Creamer said this week that progressives have already won it. He dismisses the notion of a split between the party's "Hillary Clinton" and "Elizabeth Warren" wings, and says Democrats now largely agree on economic problems and their solutions.
"There are still pro-Wall Street, corporatist -- and even socially conservative -- elements in the Democratic coalition," Creamer acknowledges. But, he says, "it's hard to tell the difference between a Clinton speech and a Warren speech when it comes to most economic questions -- and particularly ... the overarching narrative."
(Edited to meet DU copyright standard. For full article click above link. )
-----------
"Large majorities", yeah, that's right. We are THE large majority. It is not up to MSM to frame a horse race, WE are the framers. We need to shout it from the rooftops and spread the word far and wide, amongst our independent and, yes, gop'er friends and family and everyone we know. We are the MAJORITY. We are fed up, we have a disappearing middle class & only the wealthy have done well during these economic times.
Where is our recovery? More importantly, where is our voice in gov't? Where are the laws to tear down what's been strangling families and driving social and economic inequality?
I know where I see our voice, it is fast becoming crystal clear, if you don't get, you soon will. Give 'em hell, Bernie!
Yeah, this video is from 2012, and what has changed? The Anger has grown, WE ARE THE MAJORITY. Deal with it. We aren't going quietly, it ends with us. WE are the framers, let them look back on this time & understand one thing. We are done with the corporate coup. We do not support the oligarchy.
It is time to ask one question, do you support the people? Do you enable the people? Or do you support and enable the oligarchy?
May 30, 2015
Bernie Sanders - The President We Need
May 29, 2015
Published on May 27, 2015
http://democracynow.org - As negotiations continue, WikiLeaks has published leaked chapters of the secret Trans-Pacific Partnership — a global trade deal between the United States and 11 other countries. The TPP would cover 40 percent of the global economy, but details have been concealed from the public. A recently disclosed "Investment Chapter" highlights the intent of U.S.-led negotiators to create a tribunal where corporations can sue governments if their laws interfere with a company’s claimed future profits. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange warns the plan could chill the adoption of health and environmental regulations.
Democracy Now! is an independent global news hour that airs weekdays on 1,300+ TV and radio stations Monday through Friday. Watch our livestream 8-9am ET: http://democracynow.org
Please consider supporting independent media by making a donation to Democracy Now! today: http://democracynow.org/donate
Julian Assange on the TPP: Secretive Deal Isn’t About Trade, But Corporate Control-Democracy Now!
Published on May 27, 2015
http://democracynow.org - As negotiations continue, WikiLeaks has published leaked chapters of the secret Trans-Pacific Partnership — a global trade deal between the United States and 11 other countries. The TPP would cover 40 percent of the global economy, but details have been concealed from the public. A recently disclosed "Investment Chapter" highlights the intent of U.S.-led negotiators to create a tribunal where corporations can sue governments if their laws interfere with a company’s claimed future profits. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange warns the plan could chill the adoption of health and environmental regulations.
Democracy Now! is an independent global news hour that airs weekdays on 1,300+ TV and radio stations Monday through Friday. Watch our livestream 8-9am ET: http://democracynow.org
Please consider supporting independent media by making a donation to Democracy Now! today: http://democracynow.org/donate
May 21, 2015
Published on May 21, 2015
Via Ring of Fire: http://www.youtube.com/golefttv
The Public Hates SCOTUS, the tool of the wealthy...
Published on May 21, 2015
Via Ring of Fire: http://www.youtube.com/golefttv
May 18, 2015
Published on May 18, 2015
Robert Reich says, "Wall Street screwed you once." Don't let it happen again.
Discussed: Dodd-Frank Act, Resurrect Glass-Steagall Act, Small Fed. Transaction Tax on Trades, Anti-Trust Laws.
I'll add one they forgot, jail time instead of fines.
(Note: I understand the lack of interest in this video, we are so used to being screwed & some of the solutions have been discussed ad nauseum, they are well known, and nobody seems to be listening, these are working solutions, so why aren't our "reps" listening & acting? We know why, it's that damned revolving door, it's too good & profitable to close for good.)
The Big Picture: Tame Wall Street
Published on May 18, 2015
Robert Reich says, "Wall Street screwed you once." Don't let it happen again.
Discussed: Dodd-Frank Act, Resurrect Glass-Steagall Act, Small Fed. Transaction Tax on Trades, Anti-Trust Laws.
I'll add one they forgot, jail time instead of fines.
(Note: I understand the lack of interest in this video, we are so used to being screwed & some of the solutions have been discussed ad nauseum, they are well known, and nobody seems to be listening, these are working solutions, so why aren't our "reps" listening & acting? We know why, it's that damned revolving door, it's too good & profitable to close for good.)
May 17, 2015
BBC/April 7, 2015
An Uncompromising Message, Against Corruption & Austerity...Spain's Podemos
BBC/April 7, 2015
May 15, 2015
by Richard Wolff and Barry Herman.
Published on May 14, 2015
Development, Thought and Policy Lecture Series: Austerity and Neoliberalism in Greece, sponsored by the Julien J. Studley Graduate Program in International Affairs, at the Milano School for International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy. Professors Richard Wolff and Barry Herman share their insights.
Austerity is about shifting the burden of an economic crisis from one part of the population to another. The mass of Greek people did not force Andreas Papandreou to borrow money. The mass of the Greek people didn’t know about or have much to do with fiscal policy at the national level. In fact, governments, bankers, leading industrialists, ship builders, the major players of the Greek economy, got together, as their counterparts did elsewhere, to produce the decisions that then, in the wake of the international collapse of capitalism, became unsustainable, producing a crisis in Greece. Once that had happened, there was only one question left: Who was going to pay the cost of all the debt Greece has run up or all the production decisions made that have left Greece without the capacity to export, with a dependence on imports etc.? And at that point, as has happened in every country – Greece is in no way unique – the wealthy and the business community went to work, with their resources and their business connections, to make sure that they didn’t pay the price. http://www.rdwolff.com/content/austerity-and-neoliberalism-greece
--------------
Bio: Richard D. Wolff is a Professor of Economics Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and currently a Visiting Professor of the Graduate Program in International Affairs at the New School University in New York. He is the author of many books, including Democracy at Work: A Cure for Capitalism, and Imagine: Living in a Socialist USA.
Wolff hosts the weekly hour-long radio program Economic Update on WBAI, 99.5 FM, New York City (Pacifica Radio). More: http://rdwolff.com/content/about
http://www.rdwolff.com
For more info or donations: http://www.democracyatwork.info/
Note: Used by permission of Prof. R.D. Wolff.
Austerity and Neoliberalism in Greece, Richard Wolff & Barry Herman / The New School
by Richard Wolff and Barry Herman.
Published on May 14, 2015
Development, Thought and Policy Lecture Series: Austerity and Neoliberalism in Greece, sponsored by the Julien J. Studley Graduate Program in International Affairs, at the Milano School for International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy. Professors Richard Wolff and Barry Herman share their insights.
Austerity is about shifting the burden of an economic crisis from one part of the population to another. The mass of Greek people did not force Andreas Papandreou to borrow money. The mass of the Greek people didn’t know about or have much to do with fiscal policy at the national level. In fact, governments, bankers, leading industrialists, ship builders, the major players of the Greek economy, got together, as their counterparts did elsewhere, to produce the decisions that then, in the wake of the international collapse of capitalism, became unsustainable, producing a crisis in Greece. Once that had happened, there was only one question left: Who was going to pay the cost of all the debt Greece has run up or all the production decisions made that have left Greece without the capacity to export, with a dependence on imports etc.? And at that point, as has happened in every country – Greece is in no way unique – the wealthy and the business community went to work, with their resources and their business connections, to make sure that they didn’t pay the price. http://www.rdwolff.com/content/austerity-and-neoliberalism-greece
--------------
Bio: Richard D. Wolff is a Professor of Economics Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and currently a Visiting Professor of the Graduate Program in International Affairs at the New School University in New York. He is the author of many books, including Democracy at Work: A Cure for Capitalism, and Imagine: Living in a Socialist USA.
Wolff hosts the weekly hour-long radio program Economic Update on WBAI, 99.5 FM, New York City (Pacifica Radio). More: http://rdwolff.com/content/about
http://www.rdwolff.com
For more info or donations: http://www.democracyatwork.info/
Note: Used by permission of Prof. R.D. Wolff.
May 14, 2015
Bio: Richard D. Wolff is a Professor of Economics Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and currently a Visiting Professor of the Graduate Program in International Affairs at the New School University in New York. He is the author of many books, including Democracy at Work: A Cure for Capitalism, and Imagine: Living in a Socialist USA.
Wolff hosts the weekly hour-long radio program Economic Update on WBAI, 99.5 FM, New York City (Pacifica Radio). More: http://rdwolff.com/content/about
http://www.rdwolff.com
For more info and to make donations: http://www.democracyatwork.info/
Note: Used by permission of Prof. R.D. Wolff.
Prof. Richard Wolff's Global Capitalism: May 2015 Monthly Update
Bio: Richard D. Wolff is a Professor of Economics Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and currently a Visiting Professor of the Graduate Program in International Affairs at the New School University in New York. He is the author of many books, including Democracy at Work: A Cure for Capitalism, and Imagine: Living in a Socialist USA.
Wolff hosts the weekly hour-long radio program Economic Update on WBAI, 99.5 FM, New York City (Pacifica Radio). More: http://rdwolff.com/content/about
http://www.rdwolff.com
For more info and to make donations: http://www.democracyatwork.info/
Note: Used by permission of Prof. R.D. Wolff.
Profile Information
Member since: Wed Nov 10, 2004, 06:08 PMNumber of posts: 6,002