Category Archives: ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Special report: ‘They treated us like slaves


 

Los Angeles Times
Dear Readers:Imagine a workplace where bosses would strip people of their shoes to prevent them from running away. Or one where workers would be put on a no-pay list if they got sick. And a job site where bosses tied a worker to a tree and then beat him.
Earlier this week, we told you about unbearable conditions for workers at Mexican mega-farms, which now supply a huge portion of the tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant and other produce consumed by Americans.
Today, we invite you to read our second installment in the “Product of Mexico” series. Our story offers an inside look at Bioparques, one of Mexico’s biggest tomato exporters and a supplier to Wal-Mart.
Financed by the World Bank, Bioparques was honored as a “socially responsible company.” But for fieldworkers, whom Bioparques described as the “backbone of all company operations and partners in every success,” the company’s labor camp was a virtual prison.
Our reporter, Rich Marosi, reports that Bioparques’ continued operation speaks to the impunity of Mexican agribusiness.
Read: Desperate workers on a Mexican mega-farm: ‘They treated us like slaves’
Davan Maharaj, Editor
P.S. Many readers are sharing their opinions of the story. See what they’re saying and weigh in with your own thoughts.latimes.com
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

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VoteVets.org

This weekend volunteers with Wreaths Across America will continue their visits to Arlington National and cemeteries across the country to lay wreaths before the headstones of fallen veterans.

Each wreath costs about $15 to produce and ship, and the effort is powered almost exclusively by individual contributions and volunteers.

So far, VoteVets has raised almost $12,000 towards that effort. First thing in the morning, they hope to write a $30,000 check to Wreaths Across America to cover the cost of 2,000 wreaths.

Add your $15 contribution to mine to cover the cost of a single wreath that will be placed this Saturday afternoon.

I’ll announce the final tally during the next airing of my MSNBC program, Taking the Hill this Sunday, December 14th at 1:30 on MSNBC.

Thanks for contributing to make this program an annual success.

Patrick Murphy
Former Congressman, Iraq War Veteran
VoteVets.org Senior Advisor

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Wal-Mart 10 Years Later


Ten years ago we released Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price to shine a light on the then-shocking business practices of one of the world’s largest and most profitable retailers.

We have made progress, but there is a lot more to be done. End corporate welfare!

Watch the full documentary film here!

 

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Due to demand we re-released the entire movie on YouTube. Share and subscribe here!

Help keep this fight alive.Thanks for all that you do.Robert Greenwald, President
Brave New Films

P.S. Still looking for the perfect gift for a special someone? Stay away from Wal-Mart and give the gift of media that makes an impact! Donate $100 or more today and get the Brave New Films 10th Anniversary Activist Collection.

Brave New Films

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

GOP Senate Majority To Raise Retirement Age, Cut Medicare


campaignForAmericaLgo

The Republicans have made big promises to their ultra-wealthy financial backers: Should they take the Senate, they promise to cut ‘entitlements’ and pass the savings on with more tax cuts for the 1%.

 

This isn’t fear mongering. This is taking them at their word. Republicans have promised to raise Medicare age and cut Social Security benefits.

 

  • Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, who would become chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, proposed legislation to raise the retirement age to 70 and supported President Bush’s plans to privatize the system.

 

  • Representative Bill Cassidy, who hopes to replace Mary Landrieu as senator from Louisiana, has pledged to raise the retirement age to 70 and turn Medicare into a voucher program.

 

  • Senators Ron Johnson and Ted Cruz both refer to Social Security as a “Giant Ponzi Scheme.” Cruz went further, going on the record with the Texas Tribune for privatization. As Texas solicitor general, he even sued the federal government to strike down Medicare’s prescription benefit.

 

  • Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona said he’d prefer “savings in entitlement programs rather than defense spending.”

 

 

 

Campaign for America’s Future has defeated similar bad ideas before. We’ve done it when Democrats are in charge, and we’ve done it when Republicans held all three branches of government.

 

Can you make a donation of $15 today to help us in this fight? We are now pushing to EXPAND, not cut Social Security. And we are gearing up the alliances, and strategies needed to meet the coming attacks. We will not accept any cuts to benefits older Americans have earned.

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In 2010, Representative Paul Ryan and House Republicans tried to use their new majority in the House to raise the retirement age and cut benefits. We fought back and prevented a “Grand Bargain.” Right-wing GOPers wore their folly around their necks in the 2012 election and it helped re-elect Barack Obama.

In 2015, the assault is likely to be a retirement age of 70 and yet another attempt to replace Medicare with vouchers.

We will not let them savage Americans who are vulnerable because of retirement or disability.

To do this, we need your help. Can you contribute $15 to help us gird for the fight we face? Join us as we work for a country that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and privileged.