Inequality for All is Showing Courtesy of Pacem in Terris

Inequality for All is Showing Courtesy of Pacem in Terris

Inequality for All is a great documentary that gives Robert Reich an opportunity to explain in great detail how and why the most powerful middle-class on the planet is now shrinking and fighting for survival. I saw this in the fall and it is as entertaining as it is sobering. Pacem in Terris is sponsoring a showing of this film -- so-sponsored with Common Cause Delaware -- Tuesday, January 28th at 7pm at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wilmington. The church is located at 1502 W 13th St, Wilmington, DE 19806. I think the showing is free (somebody confirm?), but they usually ask for a free will donation to help defray costs.
Carper, Coons and Carney vote for Trans Pacific Partnership because NAFTA really didn’t eff things up enough

Carper, Coons and Carney vote for Trans Pacific Partnership because NAFTA really didn’t eff things up enough

Our congressional delegation just voted to give President Obama "fast track trade authority" on enacting the TPP, thereby denying Congress the right to debate or amend the pending trade agreement. Just as NAFTA was rushed through Congress 20 years ago resulting in the loss of 700,000 manufacturing jobs to Mexico, the TPP has been fast-tracked by Democrats because... ? They need the big campaign donations, I guess. NAFTA didn't eff things up enough? I don't know. Actually, the vote hasn't happened yet - but let's face it, Carper, Carney and Coons are going to vote for it.
Be above average – support the Delaware Shakespeare Festival’s “I am Hamlet”

Be above average – support the Delaware Shakespeare Festival’s “I am Hamlet”

You've heard about this campaign, right?
The DSF is in the planning an exciting community-wide discussion of Shakespeare’s most famous play. We’re calling it the “I Am Hamlet” Project and it will lead up to our summer 2014 production of Hamlet. From March to May, DSF will reach into the community to find what this play means to you, how it resonates with your life, what personal reflections it causes, etc. We’ll be doing this through a number of initiatives; Classroom Workshops, Retirement Home Visits, Essay Contest, YouTube Videos, Social Media Campaigns, Town Hall
They've applied for grants to help fund the project, but we need to raise matching funds to bring the "I Am Hamlet" Project to life. Surely, you can kick in a measly $10 or $20 bucks? (Right now the average donation is $39.17 - so all you have to do to be above average is give a measly $39.50)
Monday Open Thread [1.27.14]

Monday Open Thread [1.27.14]

New York Times notes Obama "realizes that he has little chance of major legislative victories this year, with the possible exception of an overhaul of immigration law that Republicans are also making a priority. As a result, aides said, he will present a blueprint for 'a year of action' on issues like income inequality and the environment that bypasses Congress and exercises his authority to the maximum extent." And he should be doing this. He should say tomorrow... "Hey, look, I can't trust this Congress not to send the planet into a self inflicted world wide financial apocalypse. Twice in the last three years, the majority in the House has threatened to do just that if they do not get everything they wanted in budget negotiations. And now they are doing it again. I can't work with these people. They are clinically insane. And I will not have the business and progress of our nation delayed or impeded simply by the unfortunate reality that they hold one House of Congress. So I am going to do what I can, under my existing executive authority, under existing laws, to do good for the American people. To create jobs. To save the environment. To provide those who need it with affordable healthcare. And if Congress wants to join me in this effort, they are more than welcome. But America cannot rely on the Majority in the House."
Should liberals vote?

Should liberals vote?

The knee-jerk response to the question above is, "Of course. What if Republicans win more elections because liberals don't vote?" In this very interesting and provocative clip Russel Brand takes a different point of view and makes a pretty good case for not voting. He points out that voting in a system as rigged and corrupt as ours is nothing more than meek acquiescence. It is collaboration. If you accept the premise that too much water has flowed over the damn to be fixed by voting for the LEAST corrupted candidate, then not voting becomes the only valid alternative. Voting for Democrats is a "relief valve" that makes some people feel as if they've done some good for the world, when really they've only endorsed a completely corrupt system. I know many will comment on this thread without watching the entire video - but watch it.