Xenophobia as Excuse to Do Nothing

Saving Lake Olmstead

Georgians Ready for Immigration Reform

Diplomacy of drones and American Amazons

“American foreign policy is not defined by drones and deployments alone,” Senator John Kerry told before a Senate committee on his nomination to become secretary of state, reading from prepared remarks. “We cannot allow the extraordinary good we do to save and change lives to be eclipsed entirely by the role we have had to play since September 11th, 2001, a role that was thrust upon us.”

Farmworkers and ObamaCare

There are an estimated 600,000 crop workers, and an additional 20,000 livestock workers, in California at any given time. Theirs are physically demanding jobs that carry a high risk of occupational injury – yet the vast majority of these workers lack health insurance. That could change in 2014 when the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented, although significant barriers will need to be overcome between now and then, if most farmworkers are to benefit. 

What can you do?

• "The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it – and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." U.S. President John F. Kennedy inaugural address January 20, 1961.
• Today's teen to the parent or guardian: Ask me what else you can do for me. 

A Day of Service at the Harrisburg Garden

US should lead Arms Trade Treaty

The National Rifle Association (NRA) wants to make a "meaningful contribution" to prevent gun violence? Here's one idea: the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The United Nations is preparing to finalize the treaty, which would help stem the flow of weapons to human rights abusers. And world leaders will negotiate and vote on it in March.

Obama's déjà vu

If you’re having political déjà vu as Obama’s second term in the White House gets underway, you’re not alone. The supposedly populist candidate — who won re-election promising to tax the rich, protect Social Security, and make the economy fair — has morphed back into an invaluable ally of the economic elite. Yet again, he’s willing to let you fall under the bus.

Arizona keep control of Medicaid expansion

Arizona’s Jan Brewer became the third Republican governor to accept the Medicaid expansion offered through Obamacare on Monday, accepting one of the key components of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul plan after spending months reiterating her “unwavering” opposition to the law.

Is the opposition dead in Georgia?

ATLANTA, GA - Georgia lawmakers begin a new legislative session Monday. They will wade through hundreds of bills over the next three months. But there’s only one thing they are required to get done. By state law, legislators must pass a balanced budget.

Military guns save us from coyotes

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro has introduced legislation aimed to curb gun violence by creating a tax credit to encourage people to turn-in assault weapons to state or local police. But the Augusta Chronicle reported today coyotes are being blamed for decline in deer donations. The Richmond County Democratic Party also sent a request to Georgia's lawmakers to ban military guns.