Secretary Ben Carson made a comparison to slaves coming to the United States as immigrants, saying America was the only country “big enough” to allow them to realize their dreams.

The following column by Michael Hiltzik was posted on the L.A. Times website March 6, 2017:

After weeks of expectations — actually, nearly seven years of expectations — House Republicans on Monday released their proposal to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Elements of the proposal, which was kept under lock and key last week — have been dribbling out for a few days. The text of the bill encompassing the GOP plan validates much of that reporting. On the whole, however, it’s a nastier, more consumer-unfriendly proposal than even close followers could have expected. Continue reading “Secretary Ben Carson made a comparison to slaves coming to the United States as immigrants, saying America was the only country “big enough” to allow them to realize their dreams.”

Ben Carson Compares Slaves to Immigrants in First HUD Address

From the NBC News website:

Secretary Ben Carson made a comparison to slaves coming to the United States as immigrants, saying America was the only country “big enough” to allow them to realize their dreams.

There’s … nothing … to …. say …

White House aides struggle to defend Trump wiretap claims

The following article by Ashley Parker and Jenna Johnson was posted on the Washington Post website March 6, 2017:

The White House on Monday attempted to defend President Trump’s unfounded claim that former president Barack Obama wiretapped Trump Tower near the end of the presidential campaign, sending out several administration officials — both on and off camera — to reiterate the assertion without providing supporting evidence. Continue reading “White House aides struggle to defend Trump wiretap claims”

Tourist areas fear a worker shortage under visa rules

The following article by Deirdre Fernandes was posted on the Boston Globe website March 7, 2017:

COREY HENDRICKSON FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE
Jorge Ayala is an H-2B worker at the Stratton Mountain Club.

Every spring, thousands of workers from Jamaica, the Philippines, and Mexico flood into New England, providing the backbone of the region’s summer economy. They wash dishes in clam shacks on the Cape, clean hotel rooms in Bar Harbor, Maine, and mow lawns from Rhode Island to New Hampshire.

But changes to the seasonal worker visa program, a logjam in the federal approval process, and the Trump administration’s sharp rhetoric about immigration have business owners across the region worried that they won’t be able to hire enough workers.

“We’re all fearful, based on personnel changes on the federal level, that they’re going to process applications less favorably,” said Sam Bradford, chief financial officer of Mac’s Seafood in Wellfleet. “Without this program, the tourism industry implodes.” Continue reading “Tourist areas fear a worker shortage under visa rules”

Trump Can’t Govern

The following article by John Stoehr was posted on the US News and World Report website February 28, 2017:

I’m on record saying I believe President Donald Trump is a threat to democracy. The waves of antisemitism crashing around the nation are sufficient evidence, as are the president’s repeated attacks on the press, the courts and democratic norms.

While we should be vigilant, I’ve been thinking: Are we seeing fascism where there is first plain ordinary incompetence? This may be a moot distinction since one thing can beget another, but in terms of a communication strategy, it’s important to understand what’s going on. This White House talks a good game. It has crowed about the return of “alpha males.” But when it matters, it chokes.

More than exposing Trump for his white nationalist sympathies, the best way forward may be stressing what’s emphatically evident: Trump can’t govern.

Continue reading “Trump Can’t Govern”

Obamacare “Replacement”

The following article was posted on the TrumpAccountability website March 7, 2017:


The Republicans released their replacement of Obamacare Monday afternoon. Here are the most important takeaways:

  1. The plan includes tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans
  2. There will be less financial support for older and poorer Americans
  3. Because there is less money raised in taxes, many Americans will effectively lose their coverage
  4. Republicans crafted the plan in secrecy (even their own members didn’t know the full details)
  5. The full impact of the plan is not clear because it has not been scored by the Congressional Budget Office

Winners: Wealthy Americans and insurance companies

Losers: Older and poorer Americans

Call your representatives to demand that full hearings and town halls be held to review the impact of the bill before it’s too late.

Permitless Carry AND Stand Your Ground bills HERE in Minnesota!

The following letter to the editor was submitted to the Plymouth Sun-Sailor March, 2017:

There are bills at play in the Minnesota legislature that would be a risk to public safety. One is HF 188 (Author: Nash) which would make it easier for people to carry a gun without a permit. Included in this bill is an expansion of “public places” where guns could be carried. This would make it impossible to ban guns in schools, court building, hospitals and the State Fair grounds. (Protect Minnesota). Already 7 children die daily in the US from firearms and one Minnesotan is killed by a gun. (Protect Minnesota). To pass a permitless carry law would only increase risk. At the same time there is a bill (HF 238 by Nash and SF 292 by Ruud) to allow anyone to use deadly force whenever they believe their life to be threatened. This is particularly dangerous for minorities who are often under suspicion simply because of their race or any of our kids who look suspicious to someone. Minnesota needs neither of these laws. They would both put more guns on the street and make it easier to use them and not be held accountable. Contact your representative today to voice your concern for our state’s safety!

K. Anderson

A Day in the U.S. Economy Without Women

The following article by Kate Bahn and Annie McGrew was posted on the Center for American Progress website March 7, 2017:

On March 8, International Women’s Day, women worldwide are planning to strike in the name of equal rights. Dubbed “A Day Without A Woman,” the strike encourages women to take a day off from both paid and unpaid labor. Women comprise almost half of the U.S. workforce and thus could make a large economic impact by taking off work.

How exactly would a day without women affect the economy? According to the Center for American Progress’ calculations based on the labor share of the gross domestic product, or GDP, and women’s relative pay and hours of work, women’s labor contributes $7.6 trillion to the nation’s GDP each year. In one year, women working for pay in the United States earn more than Japan’s entire GDP of $5.2 trillion. If all paid working women in the United States took a day off, it would cost the country almost $21 billion in terms of GDP. Moreover, women contribute many millions of dollars to their state’s GDP each day, making their work crucial to the health of their local economies as well. (see Methodology for more detail) Continue reading “A Day in the U.S. Economy Without Women”