Tell Your Senators to Take a Stand Against Shipping Jobs Overseas !

Stop the Bleeding ! Stop our Race to The Bottom !

Before they head off on their election season recess this Thursday, members of the U.S. Senate have the chance to take a real stand against shipping U.S. jobs overseas.

Urge your senators to end the filibuster of the Creating American Jobs and Ending Offshoring Act (S. 3816). Click here.

> http://act.aflcio.org/c/18/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=760 <

You can also click on the title of this article, then follow easy directions to contact your U.S. Senator !

The bill includes critical steps to keep jobs in America. It would:

Give tax incentives to businesses that hire U.S. workers in place of those doing the same work overseas.
End subsidies for companies that move facilities or production offshore.

With unemployment hovering near 10 percent, this is a commonsense step to stop the bleeding of good American jobs.

Don't let your senators head off to campaign without voting now to move this important legislation forward. Thank you for working for working families.

Editorial : Senators Lamar Alexander(R) and Bob Corker(R) Tennessee, will not support this, but, you can ask them too ! Wake up Tennesseans ! These two never support working class families !

Manufacturing in America ? It`s the only way to stop our Race to The Bottom !

Hoyer to Tout Manufacturing Agenda
By Russell Berman - 09/27/10

In a speech Tuesday, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) will tout the Democratic Party’s domestic manufacturing agenda, including a bill that could lead to tariffs on Chinese goods. In the speech to be delivered at the National Press Club, Hoyer will lament the decline in homemade goods during the last three decades and highlight Democratic efforts to promote “Make It in America” policies as the November midterm elections draw closer. “Manufacturing, and the middle-class economy it creates, is a part of the American character that we must not give up,” Hoyer plans to say, according to an excerpt released Monday. House Democrats are using the “Make It in America” theme to reach out to middle-class voters, particularly in Rust Belt states that have been hard hit by outsourcing. A centerpiece of the House agenda this week is a bill that targets China’s currency policy, which Democrats and the Obama administration have criticized as manipulative and unfair to American workers. “By deliberately keeping the value of its currency low, China is able to sell its goods in the United States at an artificially low price—which helps put American manufacturers out of business,” Hoyer plans to say. “The bill we vote on this week will help level the playing field for American businesses and Workers.” The China bill would allow the Commerce Department to consider a country's currency policies in calculating anti-subsidy duties. Another bill the House is expected to pass this week would require American flags purchased by the federal government to be domestically produced. The speech is one in a series of policy addresses Hoyer has given in recent months as he boosts his visibility in the Beltway. If Democrats lose the House in November, some expect he would rise to minority leader if Speaker Nancy Pelosi steps aside. Hoyer has taken the lead on the “Make It in America” agenda. He has previously spoken out in favor of spending cuts and entitlement reform to reduce the deficit.

Editorial : It`s all about Fair Trade not Free Trade ! This would be a step in the correct direction ! Without fixing Trade, we continue our race to the bottom !

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension...It`s a Matter of Life & Breath/Death !

Lungs

Heart for Transplant

( LtoR) Dr. Robbins ~ Dr. Hemnes ~ Dr. Wigger ~ Dr. DiSalvo
Vanderbilt`s Finest !

Shortness of Breath...Not Much Fun !

by Don Jones

9/27/10

This writer has said for sometime now, That I have Pulmonary Hypertension. I`ve learned recently that Vanderbilt Pulmonary is now, not sure of my diagnosis ! I visited Vandy Pulmonary September 23, 2010 My appointment was with Dr. Anna Hemnes, Pulmonary Specialist. I also saw my PH Nurse, Amy Mulican. After a long interview and going over the medicines I take. Dr. Hemnes arrived in my holding room. She sat down and we talked for a very lengthy time. The end results, was that she nor Dr. Ivan Robbins, Dr. Robbins is a specialist in Pulmonary Hypertension were sure that my diagnosis was/is correct ? Now, that might upset some, but I was delighted over her honesty and candor ! I have the option of going somewhere else, but, I really see no reason to leave Vanderbilt`s fine medical facility or those two wonderful Dr.`s Hemnes and Robbins ! Please be aware that, I`m a Vanderbilt Heart-Transplant 16 years post ! I`m a total success. I have written a letter of "Thank You" to Dr. Hemnes. I truly believe she is trying to find out what my problem is. I have informed her, how pleased I am with her care and treatment. I also informed her, if I was not too old, I would like Lung Transplant?

Alas, she informed me, I`m too old ! Would I have the Surgery ? In a Heartbeat(no pun intended)I also asked her not to give up on me, as I was not going to give up on myself or her ! This is a very sensitive matter. In her honesty and candor, (most would call it COPD and let it go at that) She chose to tell it, like it is, and for that I am most thankful. I once had a Pulmonary Dr. inform me that, we know a lot, but, we don`t know everything. I`m hoping that they have a monkey that they are trying out a new drug on and are having success with, I will volunteer to be their first human to try it on ! Life is a precious thing, I know that, and Vanderbilt is aware that. I`m not a hero, But Vanderbilt Medical Center and Hospital definitely are ! Vanderbilt is on the cutting edge of most medical treatments and new procedures, they develop them all of the time. Dr. Anna Hemnes, Pulmonary, is a great Dr. and human being. Dr. Ivan Robbins, Pulmonary is not only smart, but caring. Dr. Mark Wigger, Heart-Transplant Director and my Dr. is of the same cut. Dr. Thomas DiSalvo, Heart-Transplant is out of the same mold ! I`m not going to another facility unless Vanderbilt recommends it ! Why go somewhere else, when you`ve had the very best ? If I get a new diagnosis, I will pass it on to you. In the meantime, I am a mystery man !

Cong. Steve Cohen~District#9~Tennessee on Health Care

Cohen for Health Care ! Starts September 23, 2010

Dear Friend`s,

Today is the effective date for the historic and popular series of consumer protections under the Affordable Care Act, including what President Obama calls the Patient’s Bill of Rights. The Affordable Care Act was designed to put you, not the health insurance companies, back in charge of your health care. The Patient’s Bill of Rights will stop the worst insurance company abuses.

Under the new federal health reforms that take effect today:

Your health coverage cannot be arbitrarily cancelled if you become sick

Your child cannot be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition

Your child up to age 26 can stay on your health plan

Your health plan cannot put a lifetime limit on your health coverage

Your health plan’s annual limits are phased out over three years

You have the right to key preventative services without deductibles or co-payments

You have the right to both an internal and external appeal

You have the right to choose your own doctor

You have the right to access out-of-network emergency room care at in-network cost-sharing rates

As always, I remain,

Most sincerely,

Steve Cohen
Member of Congress, District#9~Tennessee

Editorial : Thank You Congressman Cohen ! And the Republicans will repeal this ! I think not !

Today`s Republican Party...Bad News !

Clyburn: New GOP 'Pledge' like a 'Plague' on Taxpayers
By Russell Berman - 09/23/10

A top House Democrat likened the new Republican “Pledge to America” to a “Plague” on taxpayers and families. “If this is implemented, what we are going to see is the infliction of a plague on America,” the House majority whip, Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), told reporters on Thursday after a Democratic caucus meeting.
Clyburn used the word “plague” as a refrain to describe the GOP platform, highlighting Republican plans to repeal healthcare reform and cut taxes for the wealthy. The House Democratic caucus chairman, Rep. John Larson (Conn.) chimed in, saying the GOP “programs seem to be focused on denying essential freedoms,” such as key protections in the healthcare law enacted six months ago.
Republican leaders unveiled the party's governing agenda at an event Thursday morning in Virginia, and Clyburn said Democrats would mount a “rigorous” response to the proposals. Democrats have been flogging the agenda all week, and are planning a formal response to the roll-out this afternoon.

Editorial : The Republicans of today, have lost their way ! Where are the Eisenhowers, Lincolns and Nixon`s ? They certainly are not at a Tea Party Meeting !

They Call it Obama Care...I Love It !

Working Families Benefit from New Health Care Rules Effective Today
by Mike Hall, Sep 23, 2010

Government Health Care > www.healthcare.gov/

Today marks the six-month anniversary of the day President Obama signed the landmark health care reform law and also is the start date for several important provisions that will make quality health care more accessible and affordable for working families.

Starting today:

•Insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage for children with pre-existing conditions (though some are trying to dodge the new rule);
•Insurance companies will not be allowed to drop people, from coverage when they become sick;
•Young people will be able to stay on their parents’ policy until 26 years of age;
•Insurance companies cannot put a lifetime cap on benefits;
•Consumers who join a new plan will be able to keep their own doctors;
•Preventive care must be covered; and
•Consumers will have expanded rights to appeal insurance company decisions.
Also, early retirees with high cost cases will have assistance from a new program that will allow plans to continue to provide benefits for 55 to 64 year olds. And rates for Medicare drug plans and Medicare Advantage will remain stable in 2011, compared with 15 percent increases this year.

Says AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:

Today we are one step closer to achieving quality, affordable health insurance for everyone in America. The legislation will help people who were previously uninsured and strengthen the protections offered to those who are already insured.

Speaking at a backyard health care gathering in Northern Virginia yesterday, Obama said:

All these things are designed not to have government more involved in health care. They’re designed to make sure that you have basic protections in your interactions with your insurance company; that you’re getting what you pay for; that you have some basic measures of protection in interacting with the health care system, which means that you’re not going to go bankrupt, you’re not going to lose your house if, heaven forbid, you end up having an accident, and you’re able to get the quality care that you need.

Over the next 10 years, the new law will cover 32 million uninsured Americans and reduce the federal budget deficit by $143 billion. Click Below to see how it has helped seniors already !

Click here> http://blog.aflcio.org/2010/09/21/seniors-join-biden-in-medicarehealth-care-reform-conference-call/#more-36371 <

Editorial : I would have liked to see a National Medicare Health Care Program for all Americans, like the one, in place in Canada ! I did`nt get it ! This is better than what we had ! I believe that every ones insurance premium$ will be reduced by this program. Better stop listening to the Republicans !

President Leo W. Garard, USWA Appointed to Trade Advisory Panel

President Leo W. Gerard, USWA~ Named to Trade Advisory Panel
by James Parks, Sep 20, 2010

President Obama last week appointed United Steelworkers (USW) President Leo W. Gerard to his Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. You only have to read what Gerard has written and said about trade to know this is a good appointment for working people. In recent days, Gerard, who chairs the AFL-CIO Public Policy Committee, has taken on the Chinese government and its deliberate currency manipulation to maintain an unfair advantage over its trading partners, especially the United States. China’s rapid economic growth has ended poverty for millions of its workers. Here in the United States, however, China’s flouting of international trade law is destroying the lives of millions of workers. The Economic Policy Institute estimates that 2.4 million American jobs have been lost or displaced since 2001 as a result of the trade deficit with China. American workers celebrate their Chinese counterparts’ improved quality of life, but they condemn the government of China for accomplishing that with beggar-thy-neighbor trade practices. You can read the entire column, “China’s Currency Manipulation: Flipping Off America,” here. > http://blogs.alternet.org/speakeasy/2010/09/16/chinas-currency-manipulation-flipping-off-america/ <

The trade policy advisory committee is part of a private-sector advisory system established by Congress in 1974 to ensure that U.S. trade policy and trade negotiating objectives adequately reflect U.S. commercial and economic interests.

News of Interest From District#9~Memphis TN

District#9~Tennessee - Memphis TN

Dear Don,

Fifty years ago today I took a photo of Senator John F. Kennedy visiting Memphis. Vice President Richard Nixon was also in Memphis that day -- the only time both men were in the same location at the same time during the 1960 Presidential campaign. In the photo -- which hangs in my Congressional office in Washington -- you see JFK seated on a moving car smiling and waiving at the crowd. In the background is the historic Union Avenue Methodist Church located on the corner of Union Avenue and Cooper Street, which has been the subject of a heritage/zoning issue. Then Governor Buford Ellington is seated in the car with JFK. I was 11 years old when I took this photo and it has served as an inspiration to me over the years. It is vital that young people are inspired to dream and to achieve and that is why I have invited President Obama to visit us in Memphis next year. A Presidential visit would be a great inspiration to Memphis’ children and working families.

As always, I remain,

Most sincerely,

Steve Cohen
Member of Congress, District#9-Tennessee > http://www.cohen.house.gov/ <

Senator Bob Corker (R) Tennessee...You Oughta be Ashamed !

Senator Bob Corker Tells Whopper: ‘I Saved the Auto Industry’
by Mike Hall, Sept. 20, 2010

And Pigs Can Fly !

Some lies are just tiny fibs, reshading the truth just a little bit, something all of us—except for the purest of heart—have done. Then there is the whopper, the bald-faced lie that completely blots out the truth. Just like what Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said the other day. Thanks to the 2009 federal loan agreement to help General Motors and Chrysler stay afloat, both companies have dug themselves out of deep financial holes and are restoring jobs. Last week at a ceremony at GM’s Spring Hill, Tenn., plant to celebrate the rehiring of 483 workers to build a line of fuel-efficient EcoTec engines, Corker, who ranted and railed against the government help to save the auto industry, took credit for the government help to save the auto industry. Here is what he said. Really.
At the end of the day we all have to feel good about what we did, I contributed to strengthening the auto industry in this country. Politicians do have a vastly different truth formula than the rest of us use, but even so, Corker’s claim to saving the auto industry is as far from the truth as Saskatchewan is from Rio de Janeiro in miles (6,285) and culture (use your imagination). Corker’s self-serving auto salvation claims didn’t go over well with the UAW members in the audience who, reports Jalopnik’s Justin Hyde, let loose with a round of boos. They surely remembered Corker was one of the loudest voices in the fight against saving GM and Chrysler and used the Senate debate as a platform to push his union-busting, wage-cutting schemes. Many of the UAW members a the Spring Hill event also took part last February in delivering more than 1,400 Valentine’s Day cards and other letters to Corker’s office, taking him to task for his anti-union, wage cut stands. Next time the workers get a raise, don’t be surprised if Corker takes credit for that, too—as long as it’s an election year.

Editorial : Senator Bob Corker (R) Tennessee is and always has been and anti-union, anti-worker politician ! He proved that when he had all those illegals working for him in Chatanooga TN. He voted against the minimum wage bill. Senator Corker, if I loved a liar, I hug you to death !

Get Rid of the Bush Tax Cuts for the Wealthy !

Robert Reich : Former Secretary of Labor

September 19, 2010

The Defining Issue: Who Should Get the Tax Cut -- The Rich or Everyone Else?
Not a bad issue for Democrats to run on this fall, or in 2012.

Republicans are hell bent on demanding an extension of the Bush tax cut for their patrons at the top, or else they'll pull the plug on tax cuts for the middle class. This is a gift for the Democrats. But before this can be a defining election issue in the midterms, Democrats have to bring it to a vote. And they've got to do it in the next few weeks, not wait until a lame-duck session after Election Day. Plus, they have to stick together (Ben Nelson, are you hearing me? House blue-dogs, do you read me? Peter Orszag, will you get some sense?) Not only is this smart politics. It's smart economics. The rich spend a far smaller portion of their money than anyone else because, hey, they're rich. That means continuing the Bush tax cut for them wouldn't stimulate much demand or create many jobs. But it would blow a giant hole in the budget -- $36 billion next year, $700 billion over ten years. Millionaire households would get a windfall of $31 billion next year alone. And the Republican charge that restoring the Clinton tax rates for the rich would hurt the economy -- because it would reduce the "incentives" of the rich (including the richest small business owners) to create jobs -- is ludicrous.
Under Bill Clinton and his tax rates, the economy roared. It created 22 million jobs. By contrast, during George Bush's 8 years, commencing with his big 2001 tax cut, the economy created only 8 million jobs. And as the new Census data show, nothing trickled down. In fact, the middle class families did far worse after the Bush tax cut. Between 2001 and 2007 -- even before we were plunged into the Great Recession -- the median wage dropped. It's an issue that could also be used to expose the giant chasm that's opened between the rich and everyone else -- aided and abetted by Republican policies. As I've noted before, in the late 1970s, the top 1 percent got 9 percent of total national income. By 2007, the top 1 percent got almost a quarter of total national income. These figures don't even count in taxes. The $1.3 trillion Bush tax cut of 2001 was a huge windfall for people earning over $500,000 a year. They got about 40 percent of its benefits. The Bush tax cut of 2003 was even better for high rollers. Those with net incomes of about $1 million got an average tax cut of $90,000 a year. Yet taxes on the typical middle-income family dropped just $217. Many lower-income families, who still paid payroll taxes, got nothing back at all. And, again, nothing trickled down. As I've emphasized, the U.S. economy has suffered mightily from the middle class's lack of purchasing power, while most of the economic gains have gone to the top. (The crisis was masked for years by women moving into paid work, everyone working longer hours, and, more recently, the middle class going into deep debt -- but all those coping mechanisms are now exhausted.) The great challenge ahead is to widen the circle of prosperity so the middle class once again has the capacity to keep the economy going. In other words, this is the right issue. It's the right time. It allows Democrats to explain what the Bush tax cuts really did, why supply-side economics is bogus, and the economic challenge ahead. Even if Democrats feel they have to respond to the Republican charge that taxes shouldn't be raised on anyone when the employment rate is 9.6 percent, they have a powerful fallback: Extend the Bush tax cuts for everyone through 2011, then end them for the rich while making them permanent for the middle class.
Get it, Democrats? Please don't blow it this time.

Can I Own A Canadian ? Now This is Funny !

Subject: Can I Own a Canadian ?

In her radio show, Dr. Laura Schlesinger said that, as an observant
Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus
18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance.

The following response is an open letter to Dr. Laura and posted on
the Internet. It's funny, as well as informative:


Dear Dr. Laura:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I
have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that
knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend
the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that
Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination ... End of
debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other
elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and
female, provided they are from neighboring nations. A friend of mine
claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you
clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her
period of Menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how
do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a
pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors.
They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus
35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated
to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an
abomination, Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than
homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there
'degrees' of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I
have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading
glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room
here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair
around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.
19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes
me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two
different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments
made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also
tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go
to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them?
Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family
affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev.
20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy
considerable expertise in such matters, so I'm confident you can help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and
unchanging.

Your adoring fan.

James M. Kauffman, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus,
Dept. Of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education
University of Virginia

PS (It would be a shame if we couldn't own a Canadian)

(Authorship of above letter is not known. See Snopes:)
http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/drlaura.asp

Editorial : Now, if you did`nt think this was funny ? You need to lighten up a tad ! There is a message here. Beware the interpreter ! Thanks to my good friend Steve Sauter, for this one ! Keep`em coming, Steve.

Steve Cohen District#9~Tennessee Recent Actions

Steve Cohen District#9-Tennessee Recent Actions !

This week the subcommittee I chair presided over the approval of legislation I authored to restore fairness in student lending by treating privately issued student loans in bankruptcy the same as other types of unsecured debt.


Student Lending:

On Wednesday the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law approved legislation I authored to restore fairness in student lending by treating privately issued student loans in bankruptcy the same as other types of unsecured debt. Those who seek higher education to better their futures should not be dissuaded from doing so by the threat of financial ruin. The bankruptcy system should work as a safety net that allows people to receive the education they want with the assurance that, should their finances come under strain by layoffs, accidents, or other unforeseen life events, they will be protected. My bill takes a modest but important step toward achieving this goal.

Infant Mortality:

On Monday I spoke at the 2010 Memphis Infant Mortality Summit at the University of Memphis. The summit was hosted by the Governor's Office of Children's Care and Coordination, the City of Memphis, and Shelby County Government. The event was one of many planned across Tennessee during September to remind people of the importance of preconception and prenatal care in reducing the number of infant deaths across the state. I discussed legislation I authored – the NEWBORN Act – to address the growing problem of infant mortality through a national pilot program to promote pre-natal care, community outreach and youth education. I am pleased that this bill will be voted on in the House this work period because Memphis has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country. I enlisted the help of Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland for when the bill makes it to the Senate.

Bankruptcy Judges:

Another bill that is moving forward is the Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2010, legislation I authored to increase the number of federal bankruptcy judges to handle the recent growth in personal and corporate bankruptcies. My bill -- which passed the House and is currently in the Senate -- would create 13 new bankruptcy judges, including one for the court that hears cases from the 9th District. I spoke to Sen. Lamar Alexander about the Bankruptcy Judgeship Act this week. Sen. Alexander and Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont -- who I have good working relationships with -- have been very helpful in pushing this measure forward in the Senate. In the last year, the number of personal bankruptcy claims increased 32 percent from 2008, in large part because of job loss, medical bills and home foreclosures. Many constituents in the 9th District have been adversely affected by this increase and need help.

Emery Franklin:

Memphian Emery Franklin loaned me a beautiful portrait he painted of President Obama. Emery is a talented artist who was commissioned in 1998 to create the cover for the Memphis Black Heritage Calendar, an annual event in Memphis. His art has been featured at the Civil Rights Museum in 2004 and the Vesta Home Show in 2006. His paintings and prints can be found throughout Memphis in local art galleries, offices and homes. State Representative Larry Miller joins us in this photo.

House Floor:

This week I managed three Judiciary bills on the House floor. One bill recognized the 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote and in which Tennessee played an instrumental role; another bill recognized law enforcement dogs and their handlers for the vital work they do protecting us; and the final bill enabled House members to administer the oath of allegiance to applicants for naturalization.

Made in America :

I voted to boost the American manufacturing industry and create jobs by requiring the Congress and Department of Homeland Security to purchase products that are made in America. The two bills, the Congressional Made in America Promise Act and the Berry Amendment Extension Act, are part of the Democratic “Make it in America” national manufacturing strategy to create the high-skill, high-wage jobs of the future -- promoting American competitiveness, innovation, and exports.

Helping Schools:

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Tennessee $67.8 million to help low achieving schools improve. The funds were made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which I supported. Our children deserve the best education possible. We live in a rapidly changing, highly competitive world. These new federal funds will give our schools the tools they need to help our children succeed.

Grant Announcements:

Each week, I send a list of new grant announcements released from federal agencies. These federal funding opportunities will be posted on my website and includes a link that will provide additional information about the grants including eligible entities and submission deadlines. To see this week’s grant announcements, please click here. > This week the subcommittee I chair presided over the approval of legislation I authored to restore fairness in student lending by treating privately issued student loans in bankruptcy the same as other types of unsecured debt.

Diversity Procurement Webinar:

I would like to bring your attention to a Diversity Procurement Opportunity Webinar sponsored by the Committee on House Administration (CHA) on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 from 9.00am to 2.00pm. This webinar will explain how to qualify for small and minority business contract lists and provide information on how to navigate the Federal contracting and bidding processes. In order to participate, please visit the CHA website .

Jesse Ventura:

Yesterday I met former Governor Jesse Ventura in my Washington office. We shared stories about our mutual friend, legendary singer-songwriter Warren Zevon. Jesse joined Warren singing a rendition of “Werewolves of London” during Ventura’s inauguration.

Elizabeth Warren:

Today the President announced that he is appointing Elizabeth Warren as an Assistant to the President and Special Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. I am glad the President made this appointment. Elizabeth is a consumer protection expert and I look forward to working with her.

Wishing you a happy and safe weekend,

As always, I remain,

Most sincerely,

Steve Cohen (D)
Member of Congress, District#9-Tennessee

Social Security, Work Longer, Draw Less ! I Think Not !

New York Times Spotlights Perils for Older Workers if Retirement Age Increased

This week the New York Times ran a powerful portrait of life on the job for many older Americans, showing just how devastating a retirement age increase would be for millions of workers [ http://nyti.ms/cy4CHz ] . Against a backdrop of House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) pledging that a Republican-led Congress would increase the age to 70, the Times told the stories of several workers - an airline baggage handler, a nursing assistant, and a tire maker - including one who noted that at work, "dessert with lunch is ibuprofen." A recent study by the Center for Economic Policy Research found that one in three workers over age 58 works a physically demanding job [ http://bit.ly/cZnt6k ]. Older Workers have a chance to prevent this nightmare for older workers. Please click here http://bit.ly/aXlAGA to urge your elected officials to support two efforts in Congress to save Social Security for current and future retirees. The first is a resolution by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) to oppose an increase in the retirement age, and the second is a letter from Representative Grijalva to President Obama opposing any cuts in benefits or any form of privatization that would turn Social Security over to Wall Street.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Health Law Has New Benefits for Seniors, Young Adults

Recognizing the difficulty many young workers are having in affording their own insurance, the new health reform law will now allow those up to age 26 to stay on their parent's health insurance programs. For more information, check out http://bit.ly/c8R1nH. "Please encourage your family and neighbors to learn more about these exciting new benefits," said Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling, who added that "for retirees the new law will help them better afford to fill a prescription, see a doctor, and obtain free life-saving tests and screenings for many diseases." Over one million seniors in the Medicare Part D "donut hole" coverage gap have already received $250 checks to offset this hardship. For more information on benefits for retirees, see Alliance fact sheets at http://bit.ly/cQTDL9. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) told the Cincinnati Enquirer this week that one of his goals if he were to become Speaker would be to deny the Obama administration the funding to implement the new health law's benefits. "They'll get not one dime from us. Not a dime." Boehner told the paper.

Editorial : Hey Senior`s, better Wake Up ! Hey That`s me ! It seems that good ole John Boehner (top right), does`nt care if you eat dog food ! As long as his fat cats on Wall-Street get your Social Security !

What Part of No, Don`t You Understand ? Hands Off Social Security !

Hands Off Social Security

Social Security could be swept up in the fever to reduce the national debt. Reportedly, there are proposals under consideration by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform to raise the retirement age, reduce benefits and COLAs, or even privatize the Social Security system. Congress could act on proposals by the end of the year. Fortunately, we have allies in Congress who are ready to stand against drastic changes. If we act soon. As we all know, Social Security, with a $2.5 trillion surplus, has not contributed to the national debt. Raising the retirement age and cutting benefits unfairly penalizes both current and future retirees who have worked for the benefits they earned. In Congress now, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) is proposing a resolution to stop raising the retirement age. Also, Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) is circulating a letter to be sent to the President opposing privatizing Social Security, raising the retirement age, and cutting benefits. Please take a minute and send this letter to your member of Congress urging them to co-sponsor the Giffords resolution and sign the Grijalva letter.

[Take Action!/ Send a letter] http://afl.salsalabs.com/o/4055/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=716

---
Contacting Your Congressman > link below or above !

> http://www.contactingthecongress.org/ <

Fat Cat Politicians....Fiddle...While the USA Burns !

CUT CONGRESS, NOT FOOD STAMPS !
Friday, September 10, 2010 Posted by Jim Hightower

Sometimes I don't know whether to laugh, cry, or go bowling – and this is one of those times.

America is now in a Great Jobs Depression that has already lasted 10 years and continues to rage unabated across the land, devastating the middle class. Yet it took two months and endless compromises this summer for senate Democrats to woo a few Republican votes needed to pass even a week and meek jobs bill to help deter mass firings of schoolteachers and firefighters by local governments. Pious, purse-lipped Republicans – who have eagerly backed Wall Street bailouts, needless wars, and other budget-busting expenditures – demanded that other programs be cut as the price of saving these essential public-service jobs. So, what program did our stalwart senators choose to loot ? Food stamps ! Yes, even as millions of Americans are stuck in long-term, relentless unemployment, thus increasing the urgent need for family assistance, our well-fed, big-butted solons grabbed nearly $12 billion from the supplemental nutrition assistance program. This puts the "dumb" in dumfounding! Because of the economic collapse caused by the reckless greed of Wall Street bankers, there has been a 50 percent increase in the past two years in the number of Americans relying on food stamps. In the coming months, more and more people – including schoolteachers and firefighters – are going to lose their jobs, and many of them will need the helping hand that Congress has now so stupidly and callously withdrawn.
Instead of stealing funds from our country's essential food stamp program, Congress should get the money for its jobs bill by taxing the multibillion-dollar bonuses that Wall Street bankers are paying out to themselves. And if that's not enough money, cut the pay, pensions, and health-care freebies that congress critters give to themselves – most of them need to go on a diet anyway.

"Safety net catching more in recession," USA Today, August 30, 2010.

"Food stamps found to be too important to be compromised," Austin American Statesman, August 18, 2010.

Fair Trade not Free Trade !

USW Pres. Gerard Gives Testimony Before U.S. House Committee

American workers expect government action on China’s currency manipulation

Washington, DC (Sept. 15, 2010) – Leo W. Gerard, International President(top left) of the United Steelworkers (USW), today testified on behalf of the AFL-CIO before a packed hearing of the Ways & Means Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives on China’s exchange rate. The hearing was led by Chairman Sandy Levin (D-MI), who stated: “There is no real question that China’s deliberately undervalued exchange rate is unfair, contributes to global trade imbalances, and cost the U.S. jobs and economic growth, particularly in the manufacturing sector.” Gerard responded by saying, “The question now is do we have the will to act to level the playing field and provide the support and assistance that millions of American workers and their communities expect and deserve?” He said the American economy remains mired in a deep recession. “Unemployment, underemployment, wage stagnation, foreclosures all paint a grim picture of an economy still struggling to recover.” Describing the past decade of soaring annual trade deficits with China, the USW president said they started from $84 billion in 2001 and have reached $227 billion last year. “This is clearly not the trade profile that the U.S. government predicted as the likely outcome of China’s WTO accession. But it is the result of concerted strategic interventions by the Chinese government over many years – and inaction by our own.” He declared, “These trade deficits are unsustainable and require immediate action. What we desire is a mutually respectful, functional and sustainable bilateral economic relationship.” Strongly asserting that the Chinese government’s practices amount to as much as a 40 percent subsidy for the products they export to the U.S., Gerard adds it in effect is “a tax on products we try to send there, while siphoning investment dollars vital to keeping the U.S. at the forefront of research and development.” In his testimony, Gerard revealed the drag on GDP growth that comes from the bilateral trade deficit has significantly broader economic implications. He said, “Preliminary estimates from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) points to as much as a $500 billion reduction in our nation’s federal budget deficit over the next six years from ending China’s currency manipulation.” He argued before the committee, “Lost manufacturing jobs lead to lost tax revenue and higher budget deficits that limit our ability to invest in our future. This puts substantial pressure on federal, state and local budgets resulting in layoffs of teachers, police and other emergency responders. It doesn’t have to be this way.” The USW president wrapped up his comments by forcefully saying, “American workers, communities and industry have every right to expect their government to take action. It is long overdue. Speaking directly to the full House Committee, Gerard emphatically said: “The time for talk is over. We can create jobs by enforcing our trade laws consistently and proactively. On behalf of the working families of this nation, I urge you to take action now.” Gerard advocated the legislation to stop China’s currency manipulation was the Ryan-Murphy Bill, the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act of 2010 (H.R. 2378).

The USW testimony submitted to the US House Ways & Means Committee is at: www.usw.org/.

Editorial : This writer has maintained for sometime now, that it`s TRADE, TRADE, TRADE !

Don`t Mess With Social Security

Do Not Cut Social Security...

Dear Readers,

I have just read and signed the petition: "Don't Cut Social Security"

Please take a moment to read about this important issue, and join me in
signing the petition. It takes just 30 seconds, but can truly make a
difference. Please sign here link below or Click on title of this blog.

http://www.democrats.com/dont-cut-social-security?source=donjones90%40gmail.com

Once you have signed, you can help even more by asking your friends and
family to sign as well.

Thank you !

Don Jones = Underdog

Are Republicans the Enemy ? You Bet`cha

It is time we made our elected officials accountable ! There are some good Republicans, I just can`t think of any at the moment !

It`s Middle Class time Now !

Workers Fired Up About One Nation
by James Parks, Sep 13, 2010

Working families are getting fired up about the One Nation Working Together march Oct. 2 in Washington, D.C. One Nation is our chance to tell the country that working people and civil and human rights activists are turning the discussion away from fear-mongering and deficit doomsaying to renewing the American Dream for everyone. Coming just one month before the fall election, the march could have a huge impact, says Transport Workers (TWU) President James Little: This November’s congressional and state races will decide our country’s direction for years to come and have vital importance for…working Americans. This mobilization will demonstrate the power of our united One Nation coalition, created by forces of goodwill that stand for hope and change. It’s not too late to plan to come to Washington or to plan an event in your city. Click here > http://www.onenationworkingtogether.org/content/main <>

Not Your Friendly Banker Anymore ! You Bet`cha !

BIG BANKS GOUGE CUSTOMERS FOR FUN & PROFIT
September 2, 2010 by Jim Hightower http://www.jimhightower.com/

High-Low is a poker game that I've played in the past, but America's biggest banks have twisted it into a flimflam in which the deck is deliberately stacked against their own customers.

The key to this scam is the fee that bankers assess when your account is overdrawn. Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and others are raking in billions from these fees, and lately they've been dealing a joker called "high-to-low" check clearing that takes even more from unsuspecting customers. It works like this: Let's say you have $200 in your checking account, and you write checks for ten small purchases, totaling $200. Then, at the end of the month, you pay your utility bill of $200. Oops – there's nothing left in your account to cover that, so you owe a $35 overdraft fee for your mistake.
But your bank statement arrives a week later, showing $350 in overdraft fees! What happened ? A little fast shuffling by your friendly MegaBank.
Rather than processing your checks in the order in which you wrote them, the bank cleared your highest-dollar check first, even though you wrote it last. By cashing the $200 check for your utility bill, the bank totally drained your account. This meant that each of those 10 small checks you wrote earlier were cleverly shifted into overdraft status, forcing you to pay a fee on each of them – thus stinging you for $350 rather than the $35 you really owed.

As one victim said of this finagling, "It's crooked."

At least one federal judge agrees, having ordered Wells Fargo to repay $203 million to California customers who were jacked around by the high-to-low scheme, referring to it as "gouging and profiteering." Yes, but highly lucrative! Wells Fargo says it will continue to play the high-to-low gouging game while it appeals the judge's decision.

"'High to low' policy generates overdraft fees, consumer anger," Austin American Statesman, August 22, 2010.

Editorial : This writer has said for a longtime now, Banks are mere Loan Sharks, who wear ties ! Better be careful, not your friend !