Economic Benefits of the Employee Free Choice Act

Podcast #95 - Economic Benefits of the Employee Free Choice Act

On this episode, we feature some discussion of the economic benefits of the Employee Free Choice Act, a bill pending in Congress that would reduce barriers to unionization.

Had enough yet?

Debate over 1930s famine in Ukraine continues

From the New York Times:

A New View of a Famine That Killed Millions
By CLIFFORD J. LEVY
Published: March 15, 2009

KIEV, Ukraine — A quarter century ago, a Ukrainian historian named Stanislav Kulchytsky was told by his Soviet overlords to concoct an insidious cover-up. His orders: to depict the famine that killed millions of Ukrainians in the early 1930s as unavoidable, like a natural disaster. Absolve the Communist Party of blame. Uphold the legacy of Stalin.

Professor Kulchytsky, though, would not go along.

The other day, as he stood before a new memorial to the victims of the famine, he recalled his decision as one turning point in a movement lasting decades to unearth the truth about that period. And the memorial itself, shaped like a towering candle with a golden eternal flame, seemed to him in some sense a culmination of this effort.

“It is a sign of our respect for the past,” Professor Kulchytsky said. “Because everyone was silent about the famine for many years. And when it became possible to talk about it, nothing was said. Three generations on.”

The concrete memorial was dedicated last November, the 75th anniversary of the famine, in a park in Kiev, on a hillside overlooking the Dnieper River in the shadow of the onion domes of a revered Orthodox Christian monastery. More than 100 feet tall, the memorial will eventually house a small museum that will offer testimony from survivors, as well as information about the Ukrainian villages that suffered.

Read the whole article...

Sen. Bernie Sanders introduces bill to limit credit card interest rates

From the Los Angeles Times:

Bill would limit loan, credit card rates
David Lazarus
March 15, 2009

Since the beginning of the year, millions of credit card customers have been hit with higher interest rates -- in many cases from lenders that have received billions of dollars in bailout cash from taxpayers.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, responded last week with legislation that would impose a 15% cap on rates for all consumer loans, including plastic.

And you know what? It just might work.

That's because Sanders' bill would trump a 1978 Supreme Court ruling that allowed banks to set credit card rates at whatever their home state allowed. Banks, in turn, high-tailed it to places like South Dakota and Delaware, which abandoned their usury laws to entice financial institutions into setting up shop.

Read the whole article...

Film Review: "Tokyo Sonata"

World Economic Crisis Links Japan and the U.S.

by Eric Green

This is one film made in Japan that is not made with U.S. filmgoers in mind; or, anyone else outside of Japan. But, it is a film about issues that everybody in the U.S. can relate to. Unemployment and the dislocation and terror that it brings to the smallest of human existence, the family. This a tough film about a tough subject.

The director, Kiyoshi Kurosawa is not unknown to filmgoers who are familiar with Japanese filmmaking. But, he is not related to the great Japanese filmmaker, Akira Kurosawa.

The core plot rather simple: Teruyuki Kagawa plays Ryuhei, the father of a "typical" Japanese family of 4. He gets layed off from a middle level executive position when that section of the company is outsourced to China. He doesn't tell his wife Megumi, played beautifully by Kyoko Koizumi. In fact, he continues to leave his home as if he is still working. This is not unlike what many middle level managers are doing here in the U.S.

Their oldest son, Takashi played by Yu Koyanagi, is already at the point of making a complete break from his rather authoritarian father. This son becomes so despondent about not being able to get a decent job; he actually joins the U.S. army. This is made possible by a little known change in Japanese law allowing their citizens to join an Army. This was apparently done to satisfy George Bush's desire for more non-U.S. troops in Iraq. The Japanese constitution prohibits Japan from fielding an army of its own. The film's creator made a special point of that event. His involvement in the Iraq war is a very special aspect of the film.

Their other son, Kenji played by Haruka Igawa, occupies significant aspects of the film when he confronts the authority figure in his life, his schoolteacher, with the teacher's hypocrisy. This becomes painfully applicable to his father. His happen stance seeing a local piano teacher instructing a young student captures his imagination and sets the stage for an overriding aspect of the film.

If this film were released in the U.S. a few years ago, I don't think it would have the appeal that it now will enjoy.

The worldwide economic financial crisis will unfold with creative expressions. This "Tokyo Sonata" is just one example of the relationship that all workers share in this international crisis.

If the film gets distributed in your area, don't miss it.

1 reason why health care is broken

While you're struggling to pay rising health insurance premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, co-pays and for less and less coverage, these are the amounts some of the current and former top CEOs in in just one single private insurance company have been raking in. Remember, most of this comes from denying claims for care.

From Crain's Business Detorit:

Here was the compensation last year for several of the top executives at Blue Cross, according to documents filed with the state Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation:

• CEO Dan Loepp earned total compensation of $1.79 million in 2008. Loepp, who became CEO in July 2005, received $910,000 in base pay,$727,000 in bonus and $160,000 in other compensation. He earned $1.65 million in 2007.
• CFO Mark Bartlett earned $1.2 million in total compensation. Bartlett received $571,000 in base salary, $559,000 in bonuses and $108,000 in other compensation. He earned $1.17 million in 2007.
• D. Robertson, vice president of innovation and emerging markets, earned total compensation of $1 million. He earned $439,000 in 2007.
• Darrell Middleton, senior vice president of business efficiency and human performance, earned total compensation of $995,000. He earned$580,000 in 2007.
• Jean Carlson, senior vice president of subsidiary operations, earned total compensation of $960,000. She earned $707,000 in 2007.
• Kevin Seitz, executive vice president of health care value enhancement, earned total compensation of $936,000. He earned $877,000 in 2007.
Four other former Blue Cross executives received large retirement packages:
• Les Viegas, former executive vice president, received $3.46 million in total compensation. He earned $998,000 in 2007.
• William Smith, former executive vice president of operations, received$2.06 million. He earned $943,000 in 2007.
• John Austin, former senior vice present and chief actuarial officer, received $1.49 million. He earned $802,000 in 2007.
• Jann Cantelon, former vice president of group servicing and support, received $1.34 million. He earned $341,000 in 2007.

Is it any wonder your premiums seem to go up faster than your paycheck?

Support Call for National Cesar Chavez Holiday

From United Farm Workers:

http://www.ufwaction.org/campaign/chavezholiday09/i7wxue4q7685new?

Join the Petition Drive for a National Cesar E. Chavez Holiday!

As UFW Founder Cesar Chavez? March 31st birthday approaches--an official holiday in eight states and dozens of cities and communities throughout the nation--we want to ask for your support in making Cesar's March 31st birthday a national holiday.

Sen. Robert F. Kennedy called Cesar, "one of the heroic figures of our time." He led the historic non-violent movement for farm worker rights and dedicated himself to building a movement of poor working people that extended beyond the fields and into cities and towns across the nation. He inspired farm workers and millions of people who never worked on a farm to commit themselves to social, economic and civil rights activism. Cesar's legacy continues to educate, inspire and empower people from all walks of life.

"Chavez left a legacy as an educator, environmentalist and a civil rights leader. And his cause lives on. As farmworkers and laborers across America continue to struggle for fair treatment and fair wages, we find strength in what Cesar Chavez accomplished so many years ago. And we should honor him for what he's taught us about making America a stronger, more just, and more prosperous nation. That's why I support the call to make Cesar Chavez's birthday a national holiday. It's time to recognize the contributions of this American icon."
--Barack Obama

"I have been a farm worker since I was 8 years old. Even now, working in the fields is hard work, but before Cesar it was so much harder. Cesar made such a difference to the farm workers out in the fields. He unified us all, not just Mexicans, but Filipinos, Black, White and other all other races. He gave us the courage to fight for our rights. He made many huge changes for the people who work in the fields. He got us breaks, bathrooms, unemployment insurance, the ALRB and so much more. He also got rid of many dangerous pesticides and he not only worried about farm workers but for all people so that their food would be safe. Cesar deserves a holiday and so much more."
--Josephina Flores

"He evoked a spirit and a challenge to all of us to do what was right for its own sake...A national holiday honoring Cesar Chavez would secure his profound legacy."
--Martin Sheen

The Cesar Chávez National Holiday Coalition is gathering signatures asking Congress to designate March 31--Cesar's birthday--as Cesar Chávez Day. The United Farm Workers and the Cesar E. Chávez Foundation are proud to support the grassroots efforts of the Cesar E. Chávez National Holiday Coalition.

Please help us ensure all Americans learn about Cesar's life and work by signing the petition asking Congress to designate March 31 as Cesar Chavez Day.

Sign the petition today! Go to: http://www.ufwaction.org/campaign/chavezholiday09/i7wxue4q7685new?

New Mexico set to repeal death penalty

Yesterday, the New Mexico Senate passed the death penalty repeal measure, by a vote of 24 to 18. Upon being signed into law, capital offenders will be punished with life without parole. The bill now goes to Gov. Bill Richardson for a signature.

Governor Richardson's office has set up a hotline to receive the opinions of New Mexicans (and anyone else) on the issue. That number is 505-476-2225. Those wishing to weigh in via e-mail can do so through the governor's web site and clicking on "Contact the Governor."

Theatre Review: Theatre in Struggle

Theatre in Struggle

The Theatrical Industry is in Deep Trouble
in NYC, Around the Country, and the World

The Actor, Director and Production Unions Must Lead the Way Out of the Crisis

by Eric Green

A few weeks ago I reviewed, "August: Osage County" with the great performance of 81-year-old Estelle Parsons. [PA Blog, Feb 11th] Well you can add a few more "Older" actors to the honor roll of theatrical giants working on Broadway. This issue of age and gender is one topic of this blog.

The overriding issue is the worldwide Capitalist financial crisis; and, how it will affect the arts.

Clearly, it will take the entire theatrical world to struggle and survive the Wall Street financial crisis. The world wide reach of the crisis will directly affect international support for theater whether it is in London, New York, and every other stage around the world. Every continent has its theatre.

In the U.S. the attack by the Republican Party right wing against funding of the National Endowment of the Arts and the NE of the Humanities is just one aspect of the struggle. Fortunately, the new Administration is keeping those financial support systems in the budget.

But more will be needed. After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Broadway almost went dark with peoples' fears of traveling. This crisis is far more dangerous, now, since it will affect all theatres across the country; including regional theatres. The whole Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway companies face going out of business completely. Off and OFF-OFF Broadway productions are where there are the most progressive productions.

The recent production of "Terre Haute," [PA blog Feb. 6th] the vitally important play, based on Gore Vidal's expose' of the ultra-right wing bomber, Timothy McVey, is the kind of production that will have very hard time getting produced

The "August: Osage County" piece from Steppenwolf, in Chicago, is also the kind of out-of-NY production that will also find it hard to keep going on the level that is needed in these times. The ACT Company is San Franscisco is another centerpiece of theatre that must saved and built up.

While the pressure to keep federal funding at the highest possible level, local and state governments will have to step up and provide financial support. Theatregoers will have to continue to attend and support their local theatre companies.

In fact, this is th time to establish a New Federal Theatre movement that establishes theatre companies across the country, similar but broader than the 1930s theatre movement.

Jane Fonda; Jeremy Irons; Andre' de Shields

Recent productions in NYC show the real value of theatre.

Jane Fonda, who hasn't worked in live theatre for over 46 years, is now in the Broadway run of "33 Variations" a truly creative production about the Ludwig Beethoven's "Diabelli" 33 Variations. Ms Fonda is 71 years of age and going strong. Anyone who is a Beethoven enthusiast will love this production. And, of course, Jane Fonda has a special spot in the hearts of peace and justice activists. The NY Times review by Ben Brantley [NYT Mar 10, 2009.] gave her about the highest rave that is possible.

Moise's Kaufman, a Venezuelan playwright and director, is in charge of this play and does a very good job.

"Impressionism" a play by the Michael Jacobs, directed by Jack O'Brien, stars Jeremy Irons, the great English actor, well know to moviegoers; but it is on stage where he really excels; and excels he does. Irons just turned 60. Joan Allen plays opposite Irons and does a great job. Allen is in her '50s. Marsha Mason, also a well know film star, is in the production. She is very good. Ms. Mason is 67 years old.

But, its when Andre' de Shields comes on stage that the production livens up. At 63, de Shields has a long theatrical resume'. It is great seeing him on the stage again, in a major Broadway production. De Shields is an African American actor is has worked every level of stage in NYC and across the country; and, has taught in many colleges and universities. He truly personifies live theatre production. His first major success was the 1097 production of "The Wiz." He achieved theatrical fame in 2001 in his role in the, "the Full Monty."

This eagerly awaited production has been having serious difficulties in previews. In fact, so difficult that they canceled one preview nite. They took a two-act play, and reduced it to one act. A very good move. This preview production was not just interesting, but also very entertaining.

Why do I point out the age, gender and race of these actors? Simple, while age discrimination against older actors, male and female, is rampant in Hollywood filmmaking; and gender and race bias is still rampant in films, there is greater fairness in the legitimate theater world.

This is similar to the anti-communism that gripped the film industry in the 1950s and into later years; the theatrical world resisted that illegal, vicious, inhumane and undemocratic activity. The economic crisis will surely put added pressure in both the film and theater industries. It will be up to the actor, director and production unions to lead the way against unscrupulous producers who might want to use the crisis to the own ends.

We can all do our part in supporting those unions: SAG; AFTRA; NABET; IATSE; Teamsters; Actors Equity; American Fed. of Musicians, and the others.

Affording Theatre Tickets

Don't be discouraged with the price of theatrical tickets. The recent years theater prices have gone through the roof. Well, that ticket prices are coming down, but they are still very high.

Every theater company has special prices for their tickets. Go to their websites to find out what they are. In New York City, the Theatre Development Fund [TDF] offers special prices for almost all Broadway shows; and Off Broadway theatrical productions. Check out their website to see if you qualify. Also, in NYC, on Broadway at about 48th Street there is a Same Day ticket purchase, which also offers good ticket prices. Theatres across the country are making the same offers.

Media Tries to Undermine Obama Agenda

From BeyondChron:
By Randy Shaw
BeyondChron - March 10, 2009
(San Francisco's Alternative Online Daily)

Barack Obama has been President for eight weeks, and much of the traditional media remains incapable of making sense of his agenda. In one corner we have hosts like Hardball's Chris Matthews, who appears to be compensating for pro-Obama campaign comments by giving excessive voice to the president's critics. Or we have CNN's John King, who appears almost willfully ignorant in describing Obama's budget plans. The media appears hellbent on 'proving' two points: first, that Obama is breaking his campaign promise to chart a new direction, and second, that his economic recovery plan is suspect. The most common media shortcoming is intentional forgetfulness, as it downplays or entirely ignores the GOP's own nonsensical budget plans, as well as Republican's responsibility for the current economic crisis. Fortunately, polls continue to show the public tuning out the media chatter. The average person understands the causes and solutions of our crisis far better than the punditry, who remained trapped in an echo chamber of their own making.

Read the whole article here