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Outrageous Words, Outrageous Deeds

April 16, 2007
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Now that the Don Imus flameout has once again demonstrated that vile words energize many activist groups and many media more than do devastating deeds, it is useful to revisit this strange dimension of public furor. The latest three word outburst in Mr. Imus’ practice of sexist and racist remarks may be compared with the…

Phone Tax Refund

April 6, 2007
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The IRS has a $10 billion tax credit for 140 million American taxpayers. But the deadline is April 17th — unless you file for an automatic extension. On May 25, 2006 the U.S. Treasury Department decided to stop fighting successful litigation over a federal excise tax on long-distance service first imposed on wealthy people owning…

Time Running Out to Claim Largest Tax Refund in U.S. History, Says Nader:

April 5, 2007
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Average Taxpayers and Small Businesses Could Potentially Lose Out on Billions of Dollars FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Ralph Nader, 202-387-8030 Washington, DC. — April 5 — The average American family may miss out on getting a minimum of $30 to $60 and perhaps much more back on their federal income tax, said consumer advocate Ralph Nader.…

Community Garden Decontamination

April 2, 2007
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Years ago, when leaded gasoline was what gas stations sold to motorists, I would be driving through the fertile valleys in California and see the crops growing right up to shoulders of the narrow blacktop roads that coursed the expansive fields. “Doesn’t this lead coming out of many vehicular tailpipes get into the soil and…

No Thank You!

March 26, 2007
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Was Connie Leas, the author of The Art of Thank You: Crafting Notes of Gratitude (Beyond Words Publishing, 2002) engaged in a thankless task? For the most part, probably. For conveying “thank yous” these days seems to be a vanishing art. This impression is nourished with everyday experience by just about everybody who says they…

Ralph Nader & League of Fans ask LeBron James to help workers in Nike factories

March 21, 2007
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Today, Ralph Nader and the sports reform project League of Fans sent a letter to NBA star LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers asking him to help improve conditions for the workers who make the Nike products he endorses. The letter follows. —– March 21, 2007 LeBron JamesCleveland Cavaliers Dear Mr. James: Congratulations on your…

Ban the Cluster Bomb

March 16, 2007
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The global movement to ban cluster munitions received a big lift last month when forty-six nations at the Oslo Conference agreed on an action plan for “developing a new international treaty on cluster munitions by the end of 2008.” Neither the United States, China, Russia nor Israel — manufacturers of cluster bombs — were participants…

Sacrifice in Iraq

March 9, 2007
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On many occasions, President George W. Bush has lectured the American people that “amidst all this violence and bloodshed” in Iraq, “is the sacrifice worth it? It is worth it, and it is vital to the security of our country. Well then, why don’t his daughters, 25 year olds Barbara and Jenna join the armed…

Republicans Flummoxed by Senator Clinton

March 3, 2007
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Just as the Democrats could never seem to get a handle on Ronald Reagan in his sixteen years as Governor of California and President, the Republicans cannot get a handle on Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. No matter what they tried—and they were admittedly timid—the Democrats could neither upset, mire, or throw Ronald Reagan on the…

Asymmetrical Warfare in Iraq

February 26, 2007
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The invasion-occupation of Iraq has been described as a classic case of asymmetrical warfare. Unable to begin to match the modern land, aerial and sea weaponry of the United States, the insurgents are fighting back with roadside IEDs, rifles and grenades to sow chaos, death and destruction. Many of these attacks have been in civilian…