Anytime anyone proposes even the most modest tax increase on multimillionaires, minions of Grover Norquist religiously recite their time worn mantras: "You can't tax the job creators" and "Why do you want to punish success?" Well, I believe the literal interpretation of their doctrine may be sound but there is a disconnection between the theory and practice.
I agree that it is antithetical to the American way to punish those who have achieved success through their own hard work. I enthusiastically advocate prosperity for everyone who creates American jobs. But, if we reward their success we should also penalize their failure.
For more than three decades, we gave disproportionate tax breaks to the top one percent under the guise that they would use their increased liquidity to create jobs. They assured us that we too would benefit from the vague effect they called "trickle-down" and so we paid homage to them. We allowed them to have their dessert as the first course in exchange for a promise that they would eat their vegetables later. However, instead of creating jobs in the United States, they exported our jobs to the Pacific Rim. As the ranks of our unemployed swelled, CEO's grew fat on a feast of Chinese Pizza and Oriental Fries.
Contrary to most of his issue positions, Rick Perry is somewhat of a moderate on border security. Or at least he was.
When it comes to immigration and the border, he's supported some fairly moderate and pragmatic policies, like allowing undocumented Texans to receive in-state tuition at public universities through the 2001 Dream Act. But now that Perry is trying to secure the votes of the right-wing Republican base nationwide, and especially in states more hostile to immigrants, he's trading his formerly moderate stance for newly minted hardline positions.
As governor, and until as recently as September 3 of this year, Perry opposed efforts to build a militarized fence along the border. He recognized that not only is it costly, but also would not actually prevent illegal movement across the border. By October, Perry changed his mind.
In light of the news of an Iranian-backed terror plot in Mexico, Perry has called for a militarized border fence, complete with predator drones. And he recently argued that no meaningful immigration reform can take place until the border is completely secure, in stark contrast to his views from September. He also now supports sending U.S. Troops to Mexico to combat narco-terrorism - against Mexico's wishes.
As Perry shifts from governing a state with a Latino population nearing 40% to reaching out to the Tea Party base in places where xenophobes far outnumber recent immigrants, it's a gamble to predict where Perry's position on border security may go next.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently granted preliminary approval of Texas' waiver implementing a new Medicaid managed care plan switching pharmacy, among other health care services, to a managed-care model. This move would be disastrous to Texas pharmacies, and would hurt the quality of patient care.
Pharmacy Choice and Access Now (PCAN)--a coalition of consumers, local businesses and pharmacists across the nation and Texas committed to preserving quality and affordable health care--believes CMS should reject the State of Texas' proposed Section 1115 waiver now pending before the agency, citing a precipitous decline in reimbursement rates that will force pharmacies out of business, as well as threaten patient services and access to care.
The proposed implementation of the managed care model will drastically reduce reimbursement rates for local pharmacies that fill prescriptions and could force some out of business altogether--and even more out of the Texas Medicaid program. Currently, pharmacies receive reimbursement for Medicaid prescriptions through the Vendor Drug Program regulated by the state and open to all pharmacies. Under the new plan, they will be subject to rates set by pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) and managed care organizations, for-profit firms that will administer the managed care pharmacy program.
Independent pharmacies across Texas have already begun receiving contracts from at least one PBM that represents an 80% reduction in reimbursement rates per prescription dispensed for Medicaid patients. Such drastic cuts are unsustainable for many pharmacies, particularly those in under-served rural and urban areas where prescription volume is heavily geared toward Medicaid recipients.
Further complicating matters, the managed care model is inappropriate for many segments of the Medicaid population, including the blind and disabled, who rely heavily on special services and counseling provided by pharmacists in addition to prescriptions.
Concerned citizens may sign the Texas Pharmacy Protection Petition at www.rxchoiceandaccess.com.
In a state whose GOP leaders are still fighting to criminalize homosexuality and flirting with abolishing Medicaid, a leader with a great deal of skill, commitment, and persistence is often the only hope for even remotely progressive legislation.
Texas has such a leader in Democratic state Rep. Garnet Coleman, a DLCC Board of Directors member, who capped off a multi-year fight with two critically important legislative victories this session: a new suicide-prevention law and a law to dramatically increase access to health care in rural areas.
SB 984, the rural health care bill, solves a problem that has been vexing hospitals in rural communities for decades: how to ensure there are enough doctors. Enrique Rangel of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal explains the solution:
Last year I wrote about Congressman Paul Ryan's Roadmap for America's Future Act of 2010 and how it would increase the tax burdens on working and middle class Americans and make significant cuts to the social safety net. Earlier this month Ryan released the Path to Prosperity, which would dramatically reduce taxes on the wealthy and corporations while making draconian cuts in the social safety net. While the Roadmap and the Path are both radical conservative proposals, apparently Ryan left his Roadmap to go on a Path where the laws of arithmetic do not apply.
If you were told that anti-gay slurs had caused a Texas political party officer to resign his post, you might be thinking that Democratic Party Chair Dan Ramos had finally decided to do the right thing. But you would be incorrect.
Charlie McCaslin, chairman of the Texas College Republicans, has resigned his position after calling opponents of National College Republicans candidate (and current National College Republicans Vice-Chair) Alex Schriver "nerds and fags" in a video recorded of a toast made by McCaslin on Shriver's behalf. Shriver responded to the remark in the affirmative, toasting "To Charlie!" in reply.
Watch the video for yourself.
Charlie McCaslin posted his resignation letter online which apologizes mildly for his actions. Schriver called McCaslin's comments 'inappropriate and highly offensive,' and warned that 'it is possible that some could incorrectly interpret my actions to be supportive" of McCaslin's remarks for which he expressed regret and apologized.
Schriver's opponent for NCR Chair Jonathon Snyder has called for Schriver to resign his position and drop out of the race stating that "Having a Chairman who is willing to accept and then toast degrading remarks about women, homophobic slurs and juvenile behavior against anyone is unacceptable. For the sake of the CRNC, our candidates, and party I am calling on Alex Schriver to resign his post with the CRNC and end his campaign to become the next national chairman effective immediately. Were Alex Schriver sitting in the Chairmanship of the CRNC currently, this would permanently damage the organization's integrity and trust with both donors and the Republican community at-large."
Lost among much of the back and forth of apologizes is the fact that the Texas Republican Party Platform gives Homosexuality a section of its own and reads as follows.
Homosexuality - We believe that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society, contributes to the breakdown of the family unit, and leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases. Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country's founders, and shared by the majority of Texans. Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable "alternative" lifestyle in our public education and policy, nor should "family" be redefined to include homosexual "couples." We are opposed to any granting of special legal entitlements, refuse to recognize, or grant special privileges including, but not limited to: marriage between persons of the same sex (regardless of state of origin), custody of children by homosexuals, homosexual partner insurance or retirement benefits. We oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction, or belief in traditional values.
This sort of behavior isn't acceptable from any Party officer. While some credit can be given to the Republicans involved for their apologies and resignations (more than can be given than say Dan Ramos), it highlights the continuing credibility problem the GOP has with regard to tolerance and GLBT issues. It's sad that even the younger members of the Republican Party continue to cling on to the bad habits of their elders.
The BP Oil spill was one of the worst natural disasters to take place in US history. The resulting drilling moratorium that was imposed on the oil industry has only doubled the economic impact that the tragedy has had on those gulf state residents who rely on this industry to make their living and provide for their families. Permits for new drilling have only just begun and things are moving slowly. BP is not living up to its promises and the policies in place are only making things tougher on those affected by the tragedy.
One Gulf state resident, Thomas Clements the owner of Oilfield CNC Machining, in Broussard, LA has been outspoken about the impacts the BP spill and resulting moratorium have had on his small business. Mr. Clements recently did a piece that he has given permission to repost here so that he can express a firsthand account of this continuing tragedy to us. It is BP that should be held responsible and punished not people like Mr. Clements.
Punish BP, Not U.S. Energy Production and Economic Growth
By Thomas Clements
The President's Oil Spill Commission co-chairs will testify before Congress this week on their findings. Commission chief counsel Fred Bartlit released a report last month on the sinking of Deepwater Horizon in which he characterized the April 20 incident as "an entirely preventable disaster." His conclusions confirm what many have suspected all along: that BP has been an irresponsible safety outlier in American energy production for decades.
Mr. Bartlit's report details what personnel described as a "by the seat of our pants" mentality onboard the Deepwater Horizon. Employees were feeling pressure to hurry operations on a project already 38 days behind schedule and $58 million over budget. The report made clear that BP was more focused on finishing their assignment than with implementing standard safety protocols, or providing employees the training and information they needed to safely drill and operate the well.
This revelation of irresponsible, potentially criminal behavior by BP should act to acquit the rest of the oil and gas industry, and put the Gulf back to work. Yet the Obama Administration has issued only two deepwater permits, and to add insult to injury, one went to a well BP stands to substantially profit from as the majority owner. BP was also allowed to drill two relief wells after the spill in the Gulf, meaning they've played a part in all Gulf water drilling following the spill, while permits remain frozen for the safe and responsible players in the industry. While they profit, the future of Gulf businesses and others who appear to have been deemed collateral damage of the spill remain in limbo.
Now, this company which caused the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history appears primed to skirt any real accountability.
At a Houston Conference, BP CEO Bob Dudley apologized on behalf of the entire energy industry, trying to clean up their image by dragging everyone else into the mud. After the spill, instead of owning up to their responsibilities, BP invested $100 million in an image campaign to "Make it Right". Yet, despite these claims, it demonstrated callousness towards desperate workers and small business owners by forcing them to waive their rights to sue for paltry payouts of as little as $5,000 in hush money and refusing to compensate those affected by the moratorium altogether.
Unfortunately, instead of recognizing this blatant pandering and neglect by isolating the outlier for punishment, the federal government's industry-wide moratorium is costing our entire country jobs and economic activity. In fact, scrapped plans to develop additional U.S. energy resources following the spill will cost the country 250,000 jobs and $500 billion in economic activity; completely separate of the moratorium damages. Now, with the growing uncertainty in places like Egypt and Libya, the policies enacted as a response to the spill are jeopardizing our energy security as well.
Fuel prices are now near $3.50 a gallon across the country, yet potential production of 1.5 million barrels per day in areas already 'technically' open to exploration remain under federal lock and key. Instead of shrinking the energy industry, policymakers should be seeking ways to expand it. Increasing domestic production adds to the world supply of oil, ensuring that the international oil market does not experience extreme price fluctuations when a relatively minor producer faces political turmoil. And the benefits extend to the government as well.
A recent study by the research firm Wood MacKenzie suggests expanding offshore drilling has the potential to increase government revenue by up to $150 billion over five years. With all the debate in Washington regarding the deficit, the idea of more funding without higher taxes should be welcomed with open arms. Yet the disaster in the Gulf has ensured that these beneficial plans are off the table for the next half decade.
Lawmakers and regulators must finally end this saga of unnecessary damage to the economy by lifting the ban on energy workers and domestic energy development in the Gulf, and instead impose a drilling moratorium where it belongs: on BP.
Nearly four years after the Texas Youth Commission was overhauled after a sex abuse and cover-up scandal, four leading advocacy groups for incarcerated youths said Tuesday that little has changed. Widespread unsafe conditions and various forms of abuse and mistreatment continue to plague the agency, they say.
The news last week reads a lot like reports of sexual abuse and cover-up from 2005-2007, when it was discovered that drastic acts of sexual abuse of children at the West Texas State School were swept under the rug and ignored by TYC officials, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, and Texas Governor Rick Perry. In fact, Governor Rick Perry claimed he knew nothing about the abuse until he read about it in the paper -- only for it to be later discovered that his office was informed of a stalled investigation into the abuse as early as February 2005, two years before news reports first came out.
In the coming weeks, the most recent scandal at the Texas Youth Commission will be discussed at length. In order to put these allegations at TYC in context, it is necessary to look back at what happened the last time the public learned of misconduct at TYC. The recap below is an attempt to re-tell the TYC scandal from 2007, using facts and quotes gathered from news stories. The following sources are used repeatedly, and are an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the scandal:
If there was one statewide Republican officeholder that I thought would be all over the Prop 8 ruling it was Ag Commissioner Todd Staples, Senate sponsor of HJR 6, the enacting legislation that led to Proposition 2 in 2005, which constitutionally banned recognition of same-sex marriage in Texas after voters approved it by 76%. It took him a few days but he did issue a pointless release to remind people of that.
Athens Review: "In 2005, I authored the state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in Texas. At the ballot box, 76 percent of Texas voters statewide supported it. The federal court ruling from California against a state's right to define marriage is an assault on both traditional family values and states' rights."
Now, there's no reason for Staples to have had to issue any statement. As head of the Department of Agriculture, I can't imagine any application the Prop 8 ruling has on his office unless there has been a sudden rush of marriage applications form the state's cattle and goat populations.
Thankfully Democratic Ag Commissioner nominee Hank Gilbert fired back at Staples with some choice words about what he might focus on instead.
"I've spent the last two weeks on the campaign trail talking about real reform for the Texas Department of Agriculture-from weights and measures to funding to increase agribusiness in Texas to protecting Texans from eminent domain abuses," Gilbert said.
"My opponent, on the other hand, doesn't seem to be focused much on agriculture at all. He's kind of like a kitten playing with a ball of yarn. If you hold an anchovy over his head, he forgets all about that ball of yarn; it is kind of how Todd Staples is with this issue."
Gilbert pointed out that the Agriculture Commissioner has no authority or power over the Texas Family Code with respect to marriage and that Staples is misleading voters about his role in the law's passing in order to, presumably, excite ultra-conservatives. "People elect their Agriculture Commissioner to do something about agriculture, not to serve as the state's de facto bedroom police," he said.
Todd Staples continues to be one of the most useless statewide elected officials. Good riddance.
This week from the think tanks, the narrative was that of an economy under stress, and attempting to recover from the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression. The report this month from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that while employment remained steady at 9.5% the private sector added only 71,000 jobs. While the employment rate is holding steady, the labor market is shrinking as more and more workers drop out of the labor force because they have been unable to find employment. What we can see from the latest reports is that while the government stimulus prevented the economy from falling into a second Great Depression, and according to a report from two leading economists without the stimulus the GDP in 2010 would be about 11.5% lower, and payroll employment would be less by some 8½ million jobs. However, despite this it is clear that the economy needs more economic stimulus and jobs programs to prevent the Great Recession to turn into the Great Depression.
"The primary reason the unemployment rate did not rise in July is that the labor force officially shrank by 181,000 workers. Those that dropped out of labor force were prime-age workers, while the number of young workers and older workers increased. The teen (age 16-19) labor force increased by 70,000, the young adult (age 20-24) labor force increased by 17,000, the prime-age (age 25-54) labor force decreased by 325,000, and older workers (age 55+) increased by 46,000. If the 181,000 workers that made up the decline had instead remained in the labor force and were counted among the unemployed, the unemployment rate in July would have been 9.6%. This points to another ongoing issue in the labor market, the backlog of "missing workers," that is, workers who dropped out of (or never entered) the labor force during the downturn. In the last three months, the labor force has declined by 1.2 million workers, reversing much of the 1.7 million increase in the labor force in the first four months of the year. This clearly shows how the forward momentum from earlier this year has largely evaporated."
