Tag Archives: Detroit

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General Motors Is Alive – a reminder


| By ThinkProgress War Room

The article below was posted in October 2012

The Rescue of the Auto Industry — By the Numbers

At the height of the financial crisis, some people, including Mitt Romney, said we should “let Detroit go bankrupt.” And Bain Capital was one of the many private investors that refused to invest in the auto industry when it stood on the brink of collapse.

Fortunately, President Obama saved the U.S. auto industry and now it’s roaring back. For example, just today we learned that General Motors is adding another 2,000 jobs in Michigan. These jobs are coming to Michigan as part of larger effort to insource thousands of jobs at the world’s largest automaker.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s a look at the auto rescue — by the numbers.

  • More than 1 million: Jobs saved by the auto rescue.
  • $85 billion: Totalspent by the U.S. government on the auto rescue.
  • $60 billion: Amount the government will likely recover.
  • $7.2 billion: Savings to taxpayers from reducedunemployment, Social Security, and other benefits in 2009 and 2010.
  • $97 billion: Estimated losses in personal incomes prevented by the auto rescue.
  • 26 percent:Remaining stake (of the initial 61 percent stake) held in GM by the government.
  • 0: Number of Chrysler shares currently held by the government.
  • 167,000: Number of jobs the automakers and their suppliers are forecasted to add by 2015.
  • 2.5 million: Number of people employed by the U.S. auto industry today, up from 2.3 million in August 2009.
  • 3.3 million: Cars and light trucks sold by GM and Chrysler in the past 12 months, up from 2.9 million in the previous period.

Figure 1

BOTTOM LINE: Mitt Romney said to “let Detroit go bankrupt,” but we didn’t do that and now the auto industry is helping to fuel the recovery in states across the country, particularly Michigan and Ohio.

Evening Brief: Important Stories That You Might’ve Missed

Leading GOP voter suppression expert says voter IDs laws are “a favor” for poor people.

Big Bird stars in a campaign ad and he greeted Mitt Romney today in Iowa.

Leading Democratic Senator says we “ought to scrap” tax reform that lowers tax rates.

After one Arkansas Republican lawmaker called slavery “a blessing in disguise,” another suggests that Jesus condoned it.

Mitt Romney’s tax plan: defeated by arithmetic. (Again.)

Another fail on foreign policy from Mitt Romney.

Billionaire CEO threatens to fire employees if Obama wins.

Buckle up: Super PAC spending is about to explode.

Australia’s female prime minister delivered a blistering speech on sexism and misogyny.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

In Memory of Renisha McBride …


EqualityToday,  … a guest post

A Message from Britain on the Death of Renisha McBride

I am a middle-aged White British man who lives in Harlow, a town approximately 22 miles Northeast of the centre of London. I am a writer (so far without any commercial success).

I read about the tragic case of Renisha McBride last Friday in a British newspaper called The Guardian, and wrote the following verses in response. Anyone who feels that my composition may be useful is free to use it in any form they see fit. I ask only that my authorship is acknowledged.

The following verses are also attached to this email in the form of a Word document, to facilitate their use.

I hope that justice can be served in this case, those responsible punished, and the law changed.

Regards and Best Wishes

Paul T Kegan

== The Dear Folk of Dearborn Heights

There’s a suburb of Detroit City Goes by the name of Dearborn Heights Where householders stand their ground Where they know their Goddamn rights

Their idea of assistance Is a bullet in your head If you’re young and Black and female They’ll probably shoot you dead

The highway of compassion It bypasses Dearborn Heights On blistering August days And cold November nights

Renisha McBride crashed her car At the tender age of nineteen Early one Saturday morning On streets unfriendly and mean

She knocked on his door and asked him for help He picked up his gun and he fired As from his house she turned away And on his front porch she expired

“The local police aren’t racist!” I imagine the outraged cries How then do we explain Their filthy racist lies?

Renisha she was dumped That was what they said On the porch of an innocent man She was already dead

The Prosecutor vetoed arrest In Wayne County it wasn’t a crime To shoot in the back of her head A woman, unarmed, in her prime

Because killing Blacks is legal It’s written in Michigan law They’re free to gun you down If you knock upon their door

Black folk can expect no sympathy In good ol’ Dearborn Heights Where householders stand their ground Where they know their Goddamn rights ■ Paul T Kegan 10 November 2013

In memory of Renisha McBride.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Demand Justice for Renisha McBride

2 Comments

Renisha McBride was killed while seeking help after a car accident, but the man who shot her has not been arrested or charged with a crime.Justice for RenishaCall on Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy and the Dearborn Heights police department to fully investigate Renisha McBride’s killing and bring the shooter to justice.Take Action

The tragic killing of unarmed 19-year-old Renisha McBride has left her family and supporters across the country seeking answers and demanding justice. More than a week after Renisha’s death the shooter has not been arrested and he may not face proper prosecution because of Michigan‘s so-called “Stand Your Ground” or “Shoot First” law.1

Shoot First laws have been under intense scrutiny since the tragic killing of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman – who “got away with murder” – because Florida’s Shoot First prevented a proper investigation and controlled the instructions given to the jury.2 These laws, when combined with the daily reality of deep-rooted racial prejudice, create a culture of fear and violence where Renisha McBride — a young Black woman perceived as a threat — can be killed without consequence.

Renisha’s family deserves justice and an end to a culture that does not value Black lives. Please join us in calling on Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy and the Dearborn Heights police department to fully investigate Renisha McBride’s killing and bring the shooter to justice.

Shortly after the news of Renisha’s death broke, local residents of Detroit and nearby areas rallied for justice — condemning racial profiling and violence against women. Demonstrators referred to Dearborn Heights as a “sundown town”, a mostly white suburb outside of Detroit that has a history of being hostile to Black folks.3

Michigan enacted “Stand Your Ground” in 2006 and its law closely resembles Florida’s.4 In this case, the law can protect Renisha’s shooter from criminal prosecution if he believes that he was in danger, even if his belief is wrong and rooted in racial bias. But this tragedy and the countless others like it are preventable, if enough of us continue to speak up and demand justice.

Demand that Wayne County Prosecutor and the Dearborn Heights police department fully investigate and bring Renisha’s killer to justice. And when you do, please ask your friends and family to do the same.

Thanks and Peace,

–Rashad, Matt, Arisha, Kim, William, and the rest of the ColorOfChange team    November 11th, 2013

Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU—your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don’t share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way.

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References

1. “Michigan’s ‘stand your ground’ law mirrors Florida law more than any other state,” Michigan Radio, 7-15-13 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/3078?t=9&akid=3186.1689899.7lphca

2.”7 Mind Blowing Moments From Zimmerman Juror B37′s First Interview,” ThinkProgress, 07-16-13 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/2799?t=11&akid=3186.1689899.7lphca

3. “Detroit activists demand justice for Renisha McBride,” The Grio, 11-08-13 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/3079?t=13&akid=3186.1689899.7lphca

4. See reference 1.

~ FDA/USDA ~~ Alerts & Safety

FDA Alerts & Recalls


11/01/2013 02:12 PM EDT
The recent expansion of the Reser’s Fine Foods product recall for potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination has impacted select prepared foods offerings sold at Giant Eagle, Inc. locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and West Virginia. As a result, Giant Eagle has implemented a voluntary recall of Diced Summer Slaw, Diced Summer Salad and several Grab and Go combo meals that may include Diced Summer Slaw.

 

 

The Perrigo Company announced that it has initiated a voluntary, nationwide product recall to the retail level of 18 batches of its acetaminophen infant suspension liquid, 160 mg/5 mL, sold in 2 oz. and 4 oz. bottles with syringes in a box under store brand products including Babies R Us, Care One and more  (refer to the Firm Press Release for full list of affected brand names and products).

English: Logo of the .
English: Logo of the . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
10/31/2013 06:36 PM EDT: On September 16, 2013 PENTAX Medical Company initiated a voluntary nationwide recall of 76 PENTAX Gas/ Water Valves, model OF-B194. The valves were offered as a separate purchase for use with PENTAX GI Video Endoscopes (90i/90k series and i10/k10 series).
10/31/2013 09:11 PM EDT
World Class Distribution of Fontana, California is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Trader Joes Southwest Salad (SKU 56077) with a Use by Date11/2/13, because it may not list soy in the ingredients. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. No illnesses have been reported to date.

Updated information Maryland Firm Recalls Broccoli Salad Kits for Possible Listeria Contamination (Oct 25, 2013) / Maryland and Texas Firms Recall Broccoli Salad Products with Dressing for Possible Listeria Contamination (Oct 29, 2013).

 10/26/2013 08:47 AM EDT
Kraft Foods Group is voluntarily recalling some varieties of Kraft and Polly-O String Cheese and String Cheese Twists products. These products may spoil before their “Best When Used By” code dates, leading to product discoloration.
10/26/2013 09:29 PM EDT
Reser’s Fine Foods of Beaverton, Oregon is voluntarily expanding its October 22, 2013 recall of refrigerated ready-to-eat products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria is an organism which can cause serious and sometime fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and individuals with weakened immune systems
10/07/2013 08:35 AM EDT
Orange County Produce, LLC (“OC Produce”) is voluntarily working with the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”) to coordinate a recall of fresh red and green Bell Peppers for potential contamination with Salmonella. The FDA has advised that a random sample of OC Produce Bell peppers has tested positive for Salmonella.
10/01/2013 05:45 PM EDT
Mandy Star Trading Inc., located at 349 Maujer Street Brooklyn NY 11206 is recalling “Good Taste” brand Plum, because it contains undeclared sulfites and unallowed E124 (Acid Red 18) dye. People who have a severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic-like reactions if they consume this product.
10/04/2013 07:42 PM EDT
Atossa Genetics Inc. (NASDAQ: ATOS) initiated a voluntary recall to remove the ForeCYTE Breast Health Test and the Mammary Aspiration Specimen Cytology Test (MASCT) device from the market. This voluntary recall includes the MASCT System Kit and Patient Sample Kit.
10/04/2013 07:39 PM EDT
Hospira, Inc.(NYSE: HSP), announced today it has initiated a voluntary nationwide recall of one lot of 1% Lidocaine HCI Injection, USP, 10 mg/mL, 20 mL Multiple-dose Fliptop Vial, NDC 0409-4276-01 Lot 25-090-DK (the lot number may be followed by 01 or 02).
10/03/2013 08:21 PM EDT
OnTime Distribution Inc. of Brooklyn, NY, is voluntarily recalling PRAN brand Spice Powder TURMERIC because it was found to contain high levels of lead that could cause health problems to consumers, particularly infants, small children, and pregnant women if consumed. Recent analysis of the product found that it contained lead levels as high as 28 and 42 parts per million (ppm).
10/04/2013 05:29 PM EDT
On August 27, 2013, H&H Medical Corporation initiated a nationwide recall of 6,619 units of the H&H Emergency Cricothyrotomy Kit. The product has been found to show the potential for a defective cuff balloon on the provided endotracheal airway.
10/08/2013 10:37 AM EDT
Today Dräger issued a statement regarding its voluntary recall on specific Fabius anesthesia machines. Dräger initiated this voluntary action in August of 2013 as a result of an internal investigation into devices that did not pass the high voltage test portion of the final production test.
10/15/2013 08:55 AM EDT
Yoder’s Country Market, is recalling custom gift boxes distributed in December 2012 because they may contain 11 oz. bags of honey roasted peanuts which contain undeclared milk and wheat. People who have allergies to milk or wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the honey roasted peanuts. No other components of the gift boxes are affected.
10/11/2013 04:36 PM EDT
Barrel O’ Fun Snack Foods Co. of Perham, MN is recalling one specific lot of Safeway Snack Artist BBQ Potato Chips (UPC 21130-29106) because they contain undeclared milk. People with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.
10/07/2013 02:34 PM EDT
Turkey Hill Dairy of Conestoga, Pa., is recalling specific packages of 1.5 qt. (48 oz./1.42L) of Fudge Ripple Premium Ice Cream and 1 Pint (16 oz./473 ml) packages of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Premium Ice Cream, and Moose Tracks Stuff’d Frozen Dairy Dessert due to the possibility that some packages may contain metal shavings.
10/15/2013 04:39 PM EDT
B. Braun Medical Inc. (B.Braun) is voluntarily recalling one lot of 1g Cefepime for Injection USP and Dextrose Injection USP (Lot H3A744, catalog 3193-11) to the consumer level. The 1g Cefepime for Injection USP and Dextrose Injection USP lot has been found to contain visible organic particulate matter in a reserve sample unit
10/02/2013 10:25 AM EDT
Hospira, Inc. (NYSE: HSP), announced today it initiated a voluntary nationwide recall of one lot of Metoclopramide Injection, USP, 10 mg/2 mL (5 mg/mL), NDC 0409-3414-01, Lot 28-104-DK and two lots of Ondansetron Injection, USP, 4 mg/2 mL, (2 mg/mL), NDC 0409-4755-03, Lots 29-484-DK and 29-510-DK. This action is due to a confirmed vial defect where glass particulate matter (glass strands) were identified as being affixed to the inside of the vial walls. There is potential for the glass particulates to dislodge into the solution.
10/09/2013 03:09 PM EDT
B@B Trade, Inc., Florida is voluntarily recalling all lots of Slim Fortune, Lidiy, and Slim Expert to the consumer level. The FDA laboratory analysis of these dietary supplements found to contain undeclared Sibutramine.
10/08/2013 03:54 PM EDT
Asia Cash & Carry Inc. of Maspeth, New York is voluntarily recalling PRAN brand Spice Powder TURMERIC, Net Wt. 8.82 oz. (250 gm) jars, because it was found to contain high levels of lead that could cause health problems to consumers, particularly infants, small children, and pregnant women if consumed. Recent analysis of the product found it contained 28 parts per million (ppm).
10/16/2013 09:13 AM EDT
BEST VALUE, INC. of Detroit, MI is voluntarily recalling PRAN TURMERIC POWDER because it was found to contain high levels of lead that could cause health problems to consumers, particularly infants, small children, and pregnant women if consumed. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product contained high levels of lead (53 ppm) based on sampling by Food and Drug Administration.
10/16/2013 03:51 PM EDT
GE Healthcare has initiated a voluntary field corrective action for the Engström ventilator and Aespire View, Aisys, and Avance anesthesia machines due to a potential safety issue. The affected units were manufactured between the dates of April 23, 2013 and July 22, 2013.
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

What Conservati​ves Don’t Get


Media Matters for America Facebook Twitter
“A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned to walk forward.” Never has that phrase by Franklin D. Roosevelt seemed more apt than when reading the economic musings of the Wall Street Journal editorial page.

John Whitehouse Twitter: @existentialfish

Spending And The Economy

Economists are clear: decreased government spending is the primary culprit behind the slow economy. And experts are still calling for more infrastructure investment to prevent another bridge collapse like the 2007 one in Minneapolis. Albert Kleine fisks the WSJ‘s editorial page to show how economic growth and better jobs growth are possible in the wake of President Obama’s economic speech. http://mm4a.org/13dR749

What To Know About Detroit

Detroit filed for bankruptcy recently. While conservatives are reflexively blaming Obama for the city’s troubles, Joe Strupp spoke with Detroit reporters to get an actual picture of what led to this. http://mm4a.org/17DggJR Related: Fox thinks Detroit is a sign of things to come; Albert Kleine and Craig Harrington spoke with economist Jared Bernstein about why Detroit is a rare case: http://mm4a.org/1aYByXL

Reuters Climate Coverage Evaporates

FEATURED VIDEO

NRA board member and columnist Ted Nugent keeps pushing racism. This is a short video of the worst of Nugent’s hatred. http://youtu.be/WNiCmJpeTP8

LIMBAUGH AND O’REILLY’S BUSINESS MODEL

Rush Limbaugh and Bill O’Reilly have become outraged after President Obama’s remarks about race. Salon’s Joan Walsh examined how they stoke racial tension for cash: http://bit.ly/13fyZHQ

HAYES ON O’REILLY

A lot of what Bill O’Reilly has said about race is wrong. Chris Hayes took on O’Reilly’s “super racist rant” — and it’s well worth five minutes of your time. http://mm4a.org/140I4U0

IMAGE OF THE WEEK

The Minimum Wage Hasn’t Increased In Four Years; What You Need To Know

A new Media Matters analysis finds that Reuters climate coverage declined under Managing Editor Paul Ingrassia, a self-described “skeptic.” This comes after Reuters’ previous climate change corresspondant claimed that Ingrassia was killing stories. Max Greenberg examines the evidence: http://mm4a.org/1653RNn Related: Fox News was happy to push a story claiming the EPA targeted conservatives, but when the story predictably collapsed, Fox ignored it: http://mm4a.org/12fyTVO