In the Public Interest
In the category of things that have been taken for granted for too long, try the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO). For years millions of Americans have ordered or used the numerous pamphlets, reports, hearings and other government documents, led by the all-time government bestseller — “Infant Care.” But now, hard times have befallen both…
Read MoreWhile consumers are worried about today’s high energy prices, the giant oil industry cartel is planning for tomorrow’s price spiral by moving to control all energy sources. Already in control of natural gas, which comprises nearly a third of U.S. energy consumption, the oil companies dominate over half of the uranium reserves and twenty percent…
Read MoreAlmost daily, big industry’s top executives are demanding a moratorium or drastic slowdown in the country’s efforts to advance the health and safety of its citizens. Albert W. Turner was once an executive with Southern California Gas Co. Today, as chairman of the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board, he has lashed out at…
Read MoreAlmost daily, big industry’s top executives are demanding a moratorium or drastic slowdown in the country’s efforts to advance the health and safety of its citizens. In the process of excusing their own mismanagement and shortsightedness, these corporate bosses are coordinating a powerful drive to make the peoples’ health and safety the first area of…
Read MoreCan consumers in Michigan change the position of Sen. Robert Griffin (R-Mich.) against the consumer protection bill (S. 707) in time to enact this important inflation-fighter before Congress goes home this month? This interesting experiment in democracy is now going on throughout Michigan with our support and encouragement. Petitioners are asking citizens to sign manifestos…
Read MoreThe retail price of antifreeze has tripled between 1973 and 1974, soaring from approximately $1.90 a gallon to $5.50 a gallon. Bewildered consumers want to know why. Wouldn’t you think that somewhere in a federal government that is supposedly committed to fighting inflation and anti-competitive practices there would be a coherent report or explanation? Well,…
Read MoreEd and Joyce Koupal, the indefatigable leaders of the People’s Lobby in California, think Americans should rediscover those mechanisms of self-government—the initiative, the recall and the referendum — and they’re taking their skilled signature-gathering experience nationwide to build support for a constitutional amendment establishing a national initiative and national recall. Last June the Koupals were…
Read MoreBefore it is possible to expect effective anti-inflationary policies to come out of Washington, the Ford administration will have to ask itself if it is willing to oppose some old or proposed pro-inflationary practices. Here is a handy checklist of pro-inflationary directions which many elected and appointed politicians would rather not talk about with citizens…
Read MoreOn a TV talk show at the end of October, Phil Donahue, the earnest host of the syndicated Daily Talkfest, asked former General Motors president Edward Cole whether he thought the oil companies were profiteering by charging too high prices. Cole looked unconvincing when he delivered the customary auto industry line on its fraternal petroleum…
Read MoreThe safe drinking water bill is in trouble. Buffeted by the combined efforts of that stolid fraternity — the oil industry and the White House — the bill, H. R. 13002, has moved with glacial slowness through the House Commerce Committee. The Senate has already passed similar legislation. At every opportunity its opponents have hacked…
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