Absence May Make For The Better


The last Congress was known as the 'Do Nothing Congress' for good reason. It's record of accomplishment was at, to say kindly, minimal standards. While no one person can be blamed for the dysfunction that has gripped the Beltway the last few years it can't help be thought that the recent electoral removal of certain personages that haven't exactly shone as bright ethical lights might not hurt any sort of effort to obtain a functional legislative environment. Some are better known than others and the NY Times has a good compilation in the link below, detailing some of the lesser luminaries. A few, like Lincoln Chafee, will be missed, but very few fall into the category of someone who has left a positive impact on the Washington scene, either as a legislator or as a representive. But, for old times sake, here's a few whose absence can only lead to a more co-operative, constructive environment.




Some Lawmakers Will Be Missed on Hill - New York Times



Some are in jail. Some are awaiting indictment and trial. Some are just vanquished to political pasture wondering what the hell happened. But more importantly, none are going to be in Washington in the near future. Unless it's to testify. And that bodes well for a better environment to get things done. One that might encourage co-operation, not obstruction.

A Better Climate For Labor?


The last few years have not been good for either the Union's or workers in general. Those that wish to maximize exploitive employment conditions have had a favorable climate in recent years, all the while eroding working conditions and wages. Unions have seen, at a time when they are most needed, their membership and influence diminishing as the corporate governance that has prevailed has wreaked mayhem on the average worker and the Middle Class. The Republican Congresses and current administration have stood by idly, or in silent concurrance, as livlihoods were shipped off in bulk to offshore employers not bothered by such details as a living wage. In return the American worker got a chance to be employed at Wal Mart and have an employee discount on crappy goods made offshore.

Pretty bad deal all around. FDR gave the New Deal. The Republicans gave the Bad Deal. All that, however, may be about to change. There is reason to be hopeful of change in these destructive policies and a reason for unions to feel a new empowerment. But there is a lot of work to be done and a lot of ground lost that needs to be regained. For more check the link below.

Unions Hope Democrats Will Counter GOP Policy Changes - washingtonpost.com



Time for labor to fight back

A Surprising Change--- And Today Of All Day's


Remember Bob Barr? Georgia Republican? Started the whole Clinton impeachment mess? He's back in the news. It seems he's a tad uncomfterable with the direction the party has been moving in in the last
little while. He has, in fact, left the party, turned in his card and parking privilages, scraped off the bumper stickers and is now billing himself as a
Libertarion. You have to think these guyd have a problem when former kool aid drinkers like Barr no longer feel they have a place. Makes you think about who is left to run the shop.


Elections 2006- Clinton Impeacher Quits Republicans - AOL News

Last Republican Standing?

More on Wal Mart

Feeling a little bit of heat from various groups questioning their commitment to their employees, correction' Associates' wellbeing the
execuweasles that run the mega corp have decided to take bold steps to address the problem. From now on they will reward 20 years exploitation with a Polo brand shirt that denotes their service. As if anyone would want to proclaim 20 years of serfdom in public. Of course they
kept all of these for themselves. Not at all surprising. For
the full details of Wal Marts overwhelming genorosity and trailblazing labor relations check out the link below.


With a Shirt and Discounts, Wal-Mart Says Thank You to Workers - New York Times

The Wal Mart approach to employee housing.