Politics & Economy in the US

February 16, 2010  |       Like this article?Join our email list:Stay up to date with the latest headlines via email.       if (typeof window.GA_googleFillSlotWithSize == 'function') { GA_googleFillSlotWithSize('ca-pub-5155643920455169', 'AlterNet_Economy_300', 300, 250); }   This is Part II of David DeGraw's report, "The Economic Elite vs. People of the USA."

Eric Platt

46.2 million Americans are under the poverty line — that's 15.7 percent of the country

1-in-15 American households earned less than $11,406, the second highest percentage since 1967

t’s time to Occupy Democracy

Through a system of legalized bribery — campaign finance, lobbying and the revolving door between Washington and the most powerful global corporations — our government has devolved into a rigged system of exploitation.

we will focus our energy on striking at the root of evil by ending the system of political bribery that holds our future hostage.

Czech, B., Krausman, P. R., & Devers, P. K. (2000). Economic associations among causes of species endangerment in the united states. Bioscience, 50(7), 593-601. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/216449524?accountid=32521

 According to that brief, over the last 50 years, the average effective tax rate for the top 0.1% (including both income and payroll taxes) has fallen from 51% to 26%, while the middle quintile’s average burden has risen slightly from 14% to 16%.

t is unclear, however, if the fairness issue is the political winner the White House believes it to be.  According to a new poll of independent voters in swing states commissioned by Third Way, a centrist Democratic group, an “opportunity” theme resonates with these voters more than a “fairness” argument does. When given a direct choice in the poll, 51% preferred a candidate who emphasizes “an economy based on opportunity” while only 43% opted for one who pushes “an economy based on fairness.” The report notes: “Swing Indepen

Walmart Foundation chief Sylvia Mathews Burwell was nominated to head the Office of Management and Budget, Ernest Moniz was named to lead the Energy Department, and assistant EPA administrator Gina McCarthy was Obama's choice for the Environmental Protection Agency.

The two sides have failed to reach an agreement to avert mandatory, across-the-board spending cuts that took effect Friday. In addition to the cuts -- which amount to $85 billion through the next seven months of the current fiscal year -- a possible government shutdown looms at the end of this month

would remem