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Happy Labor Day Folks!
Time to relax and celebrate workin’ for a livin’ in the USA!
We are thankful to all Americans who work and take care of those they love for keeping democracy and opportunity alive in America.
Working Americans have built this country, created the opportunities that this country holds for our children and grandchildren, and have sustained the American Dream which has inspired democracy and human rights in other countries around the world.
As much as we should to celebrate all of this, we also need to deal with the biggest challenge to opportunity, democracy, and free enterprise in America.
It’s time we had a national conversation about the integrity, accountability, and standards of competency among our business leadership. Yes, there are many great businesses and business leaders in America. But it is also true that we are living in the golden age of the overpaid and underperforming chief executive. Currently:
- Too many senior executives are rewarded for incompetence
- Too many senior executives are being rewarded for malfeasance
- Too many senior executives blame employees and employee costs for mistakes that they make.
- Our business culture now equates cost-cutting with innovation, often leading to the gutting of once-thriving and profitable companies.
- The stock price of publicly traded companies has become the benchmark of their senior executive compensation, giving incentive to short-term gain and cost-cutting at the expense of the employees, long term company value and brand building.
- Most importantly, too many employees no longer participate in growth of companies that they build. Rather they are often rewarded with pressure to cut their own compensation and increase their workload; while senior executives are rewarded with higher and higher compensation packages.
In view of the above, it is not an accident that America’s once thriving industries such as automobile manufacturing, airline travel, healthcare, and technology have become symbols of America’s decline and lack of competitiveness.
Too often, our business leadership’s response has been to loudly whine about employee costs, demand more tax breaks, and maneuver for less responsibility to American citizens who have created and maintained the political, social, and economic infrastructure that has given American companies protection and opportunity.
We can do better.
We can celebrate Labor Day by thinking of ways to change these circumstances and make this conversation a national conversation – especially in our nation’s electoral politics. AND we need to put our money where it counts – in businesses who treat their employees, communities, consumers and taxpayers with fairness, dignity, and respect.
No better time than the present for this discussion! Have a great Labor Day!
-Jim Dean
Chair
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Since Edwards has an insurance based system my guess is the "mandatory" health care you were fussing over on the last thread is mandatory coverage.
Unions are first today The folks that brought you weekends, deserve a holiday.
Me, I'm working.
Sitka
Mon, 09/03/07
3:03 am
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Its been my observation that many Americans eat for the sake of...........eating. Very naughty.
We can fix alot of our own problems however............take me, my blood cholesterol thaks to poor family history mainly hovers around the 200 range(borderline hi)...............
I tried quiting fast food entirely until my nxt check up and BAM...........185...............it was hard to do, and I missed Manuel, Rosaria and this weird teenage girl with a earring in her nose but I would occasionally get a fruit parfait instead.....................
I still smoke a cigar on vactions and holidays..............like tonite.
66%
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No. These theories are absurd and disrespectful -- especially to those who lost their lives on 9/11.29%
I'm not sure.5.3%
Edwards proposes a Medicare-like program for those that cannot afford health insurance.
As far as 9/11 conspiracy theories...
I think they are nutty. Bush is guilty of incompetence but not 9/11 conspiracy.
The right wingnuts want to see us diverted away from real isues of governance and into areas where only those who live under rocks live.
The theory about 9-11 I believe is that Bush/Cheney were in charge of National Security in the months leading up to it and they failed miserably in that task.
and you know that they knew al Queda was behind it by how quick they escorted bin Ladin family members out of the country while Americans were grounded
That they brought out Iraqi war plans within hours even though they knew it was bin Ladin means that they were happy to wait for a "terrorist incident" as a pretext.
and that is the conspiracy I believe
they weren't in on it, but they let it happen so they could go to war
my guess is they were looking for a car bomb to kill 30 not the massive attack that killed a hundred times that
but the facts since back up the logic of my "conspiracy" theory
they "conspired" to take us to war in Iraq
Just as now they are awaiting another pretext to take us to war with Iran, and Congress has so wimped out they don't even think they need to bother asking another authorization.
just a few short years
and we have lost our form of government, which was also part of the "conspiracy"
Phil Specht
Mon, 09/03/07
8:43 am
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Posts 8,9,10,1 and 12 all fair...........I concur.
Lets ake a trip down memeory lane though that we dont hear much about............1990.........saddam hussein has a beef with kuwait about territory, Bush 1 sends April Glasspie to tell saddam "the US government has no opinion with regard to your dispute with your neighbours" or something to that effect.....................sadam invades kuwait..........the US sends soldirs to saudi arabi, thus inflaming those like OBL and there ya go..............the first step toward 911.....................toss in the I/P dispute, american aid to you know who....................
factor in US foreign policy overall since 1945, look a Iran circa 1953 and the Shah..........and we have alot of dirty toilet paper that hasnt been flushed and mesy hands to boot..................
I think I see Phil's point.
Bush/Cheney wanted a super-powerful central government and decided a horrible national crisis would give it to them. They were hoping to use Sadaam as their foil and along came bin Laden. The conspiracy was to create a "King" and 9/11 gave them their excuse.
That is my point.
I don't even think they were looking for a "horrible" national crisis, any old attack would have worked, which is why they were side tracked into Afganistan, when the oil fields were the targets all along. The monstrosity of the attack threw them off their stride. For their purposes it couldn't have worked better because the country was seeing red, but I don't believe they were "in on" the attacks on the Towers.
The facts back me up, which is why Conyers putting Impeachment back on the table is appropriate, especially for Cheney who I believe to be the architect. Bush is the front man brought in late,but not smart enough or strong enough to call a halt to the whole scheme when the August 8th alarm about planes as missles was brought to his attention while on vacation.
They have plenty of culpability for the loss of life any day after that af course which is why it is ridiculus to think the American people will rally around Republicans with the next attack.
Their behavior allowed the last one.
Good Morning all, and happy Labour Day.
I remain discouraged by the lack of focus and purpose among Democratic legislators, some of whom, incredibly, were taken in by the Pentagon's dog-and -pony show during their visits to Iraq. To quote once again from Stan Goff:
"Democrats!!! You will not get away with reformulating what we want with this weasel-wording. We don’t want a “change of direction” in Iraq. We want United States armed forces OUT of Iraq… NOW… every single one of them.
Since this “changing direction” is the manipulation mantra of the campaign, and since it is a cynical attempt to stay in Iraq indefinitely, while pumping sunshine up our collective posterior (until you Democrats can get elected), every time this furtive phrase is uttered we need to call them out.
Call and response…
CALL: “…changing direction”
RESPONSE: “Bullshit!”
Phil,
I don't think a minor attack would have worked because not enough Democrats wouild have supported mobilizing the military for war. They needed something big they could link to Sadaam, get enough Dems to support, and allow us to grab their oil.
What I find really frightening is the Iran war drums. Dems are standing around waiting for the bombs and the press already has their headlines written. The million dead Iraqis, our dead, and the many soon to die are already written off.
The monstrosity of the attack made their plan a "slam dunk"; they would have went forward with a much smaller one.
Out. Now.
All it took was the Saudi bosses to call Cheney in for a little tasking and the war against the Sunni baathists has ended.
If those pesky Iranians would just hand over their oil there would be peace in the meadow and we could all just enjoy today's picnic.
Labor in Fighting Trim
Washington Post
Keep on truckin' – back to Mexico!
Posted: September 3, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
We've been had.
In fact, the American people got the shaft last Friday evening. Twice, in fact, and it came from San Francisco's liberal federal courts. There were two decisions favoring illegal aliens, big business, border destruction and sympathetic politicians on both sides of the aisle.
One allows Mexican trucks free travel across our border and throughout our country. The second stops the Departments of Homeland Security and Social Security from sending notice letters to employers to check on employee legality.
http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=57437
Attacking Iran does two thinks for Bush/Cheney
1 - Removes Iran as a threat to Israel.
2 - Iran will no longer be the most important country in the ME.
Either goal can be done peacefully but AIPAC won't allow it.
Order of attack
1. Afganistan, Iraq, and the NW Territory of Pakistan
2. Hamas
3. Hezbollah
4. Iran
After all, we are at war, right. Sure we are; just ask Cheney.
Well, it's Labor day and I see that our fearless leader is laboring today --
-- no, not clearing more b(r)ush at his Crawford, Tx ranch, rather, he's in Iraq doing a surprise visit (I do love surprises, don't you ?);
I just hope if he does another photo op with the troops (if that is part of his iterniary) at mealtime that he doen't drag out another fake turkey:
Imn2Paine
Mon, 09/03/07
9:55 am
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The US has lost already.......................millions of pissed off muslims from hundreds of countries vs a couple of hundred thousand soildiers and a questionig populace at home..........................
The planes, ships, guided missiles and smart bombs are very pretty, but man on man we are only held to a stalemate.................a draft wont do uit either as the rich wont go, the poor will get roped into serving and the middle class will flee.............somehow
As we approach Labor Day, the American labor movement is reinvigorated and working for profoundly important things: the continued existence of the middle class and our national safety. I'm proud that the 1.4 million members of the Teamsters Union are at the forefront of this effort.
Drive by -- CSPAN is live in NH waiting to hear from Obama if anyone is interested.
http://washingtontimes.com/article/20070903/NATION/109030033/1001
"That's one of the things I'm proudest about our leadership is the swift action," he said. "It was best for himself, best for his family and best for the institution of the Senate."
Mr. Craig of Idaho said he intended to resign from the Senate Sept. 30 after it was reported last week that in June, he pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly conduct in a men's restroom after a police sex sting at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport.
Meanwhile, the Senate Democratic campaign chairman said Mr. Craig's arrest showed Republicans are not serious about combating corruption within their own ranks.
"What the American people are looking for is not a blame game, but who is trying to clean it up," Sen. Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, said on "This Week." "For six years, there was no ethics reform."
Despite pleading guilty, Mr. Craig said that he did nothing wrong and that he intends to fight the charges.
Some Democrats have accused the Republicans of hypocrisy for pressuring Mr. Craig out while not also calling for the departure of Sen. David Vitter, Louisiana Republican.
I was on stage with Hodges in NH for the Kerry rally on Halloween 2004 positioning the Teamsters logo over Kerry's (and other VIP speakers) right shoulder. {what a freakin' gas)
Someone in the rally audience called out to Barak
"We love you!"
Sen Obama responded
"I love you back /;)
Mrs Obama speaking first
she is campaigning because Barack has been CONSISTENTly for working and regular folk since she first met him
"work toward building for the fouture for what it should be
we are at the center of our solutions
Consistent
Obama tips his hat to Paul Hodges' representation of NH and his advancement of Progressive values
"When it comes to America's problems... the American people are not the problem, the American people are the solution"
"We can be one people...that is why we are here: we need a new direction"
1. Obama is a lefty (handed).
2. Sitka I quit smoking much as you did so it works. Still haven't concurred food tho.
3. Seashell, I hope Edwards is mandating coverage and not checkups -- I'm afraid he has lost my vote (which he never had) if he is mandating checkups.
4. Ultimate conspiracy theory -- say crop circles are from other intelligent beings and they are 'running the show ' - ie, Bush et al are just doing as they're told. Problem with this theory -- I like to think the ET's are 'good guys' -- would intervene just to save us from ourselves. That movie (Crop Circles) talked about 'balls of light' around the crop circles. People have seen (and photo'd) the balls of lights.
38. concurred s/b conquered -- d*mn homonyms
#23,
#4 supposedly supports #2 and #3.
There is almost no discussion of Iran from the many church leaders that were against the Iraq War. Either they think it won't happen or they have been beaten down by an ignoring public, press and government.
I mention this because at our last church council, I proposed a public statement asking for diplomacy in resolving the Middle East conflicts. We did sign a statement from the National Council of Churches trying to stop the invasion of Iraq and are joining a national interfaith fast calling an end to the Iraq War which will be held on October 8.
But except for charging those who wish war as irresponsible, churches are not offering joint courses of actions with other denominations. These preceded the Iraq invasion. The public and press were not concerned then and the Christian community has not taken strong enough action to aid the Iraq civilian population. They seem to be afraid of criticism instead of understanding that one can judge their effectiveness by those that complain.
The concerns churches now have deal more with health care and immigration.
Do you believe any of the conspiracy theories suggesting the U.S. government was somehow involved in 9/11?
I don't disbelieve it. The Bush Regime has shown that they will do anything to advance the NeoCon agenda.
Do you believe any of the conspiracy theories suggesting the U.S. government was somehow involved in 9/11?
I don't disbelieve it. The Bush Regime has shown that they will do anything to advance the NeoCon agenda.
"fundamental belief ...
that I am my brother's keeper"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Obama really speaks to my heart.
18.
What I find really frightening is the Iran war drums.
dog,
It is imperative for Congress to cancel the Authorization for Use of ilitary Force Against iraq Resolution of 2002.
Part of that resolution reads:
Whereas the President and Congress are determined to continue to take
all appropriate actions against international terrorists and
terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations, or
persons who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist
attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such
persons or organizations;
Whereas the President has authority under the Constitution to take
action in order to deter and prevent acts of international terrorism
against the United States, as Congress recognized in the joint
resolution on Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law
107-40);
Who decides just which organizations, nations or persons? The president!
Time to move and declare the resolution no longer valid.
Dodd 2008
Sitka,
I don't think Bush/Cheney is capable of keeping a secret like that hidden. Too many people have to be involved. If anything, they are guilty of gross negligence.
Everytime a possible smoking gun comes up, they find a scrapegoat (Tenent).
KDKA, PA - 1 hour ago
The Democratic presidential candidate today won the nod from the United Steelworkers and the United Mine Workers of America. A grateful Edwards told the
44,
The rub is you need 60 votes in the Senate.
That never was a problem when Dems were in the minority.
Obama really speaks to my heart.
~~~~~~~
A most gifted orator. Do his brothers that he keeps include Iranians is the question.
I don't think Bush/Cheney is capable of keeping a secret like that hidden. Too many people have to be involved. If anything, they are guilty of gross negligence.
Looking the other way would require less conspiracy.
Obama will have universal health insurance by end of first term and won't let special interests stop it.
"We will have Universal Health care by the end of my first term"
I (Obama) will not allow the insurance (?)industry spend a billion dollars fighting"
An army of new teachers working with them not against them, make college education available to all, use comm coll to bolster America's workers. Let unions do what they do best - organize. Quit giving tax breaks to companies sending jobs overseas.
America has not lost it's moral standing - no greater mission than restoring America's image - starts by ending this war.
The rub is you need 60 votes in the Senate.
Democrats don't need 60 votes to bring bills to the floor and at least force Republicans to take unpopular stands on them while showing the people who put them in power they're on their side. They also don't need 60 votes to not give Bush everything he demands.
We can end this war w/o G Bush and if we don't it'll be the first thing I do as Pres.
I (Obama) will not allow the insurance (?)industry spend a billion dollars fighting"
The Supreme Court may have something to say about that. Advertising is free speech.
Which Obama is showing up?
The community activist Obama who did try to make the lives of poor people better.
Or the Obama that says he will bomb Pakistan and leave nukes on the table?
I find Obama inexperienced in everything.
Biden is clueless about domestic policy and Edwards the same about foreign policy.
Dodd and Richardson are appealing more to me. I see Dennis as a younger Gravel whom I really like.
Hillary really bothers me. For a while she sounds like she has her stuff together then she responds with something like "Lobbyists are people too!" Her candidacy and Presidency are already sold to the highest bidder.
Obama advocates talking to all leaders of nations (...even Cuba and Iran)
Advocates diplomacy, which IMHO answers PHIL'S question @ 48..
Strong pres shouldn't be afraid to talk to our adversaries - that's how smart diplomacy works. I want to go back and say 'America's back!'
Close Gitmo -restore habeas - show world we do not ship prisoners in dead of night - lock prisoners away with no hope - that's not who we are - we liberated a continent from a madman - we are the beacon that has led generations of weary travelers find hope and opportunity (ed note: hope they were legal lol).
I will always tell you what I think and where I stand. Always be honest. Listen to you when we disagree. Open gov't ask you to be involved in your own democracy.
I know what I ask is hard. Politicians have disappointed you - when you walk away the same old politics win every time -- we need you -- can't do this alone -- asking you to trust yourelves - bet on us together - lift our sights - make this campaign the vehicle for your hopes and dreams - work and fight for it -
58. Sitka
>
I hear you. I may have failed to accurately quote Sen Obama, but he may have a strategy to check the free speech of the Washington politics of special interests.
I ask you to believe in this dream that we call America.
If Obama reveals himself as the heir of Dr. Kings message of universal brotherhood will those who use hate as their political stock in trade put such a messenger on the list of enemies of America. Of course.
Sitka,
They can bring anything to the floor but they need 60 votes to overturn anything.
That doesn't mean they shouldn't try and let the public really see who is selling them out. By not even trying, Dems became equal partners in the Iraq War.
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By Susan Rowe on Sep 3, 2007 8:22 AM EDTThe Deans, DFA and the DFA grassroots are first!