It's plain that our nation's health insurance system is broken: 46 million people in America lack health coverage — nine million of them children — and the number of uninsured is growing during the current recession.
Since 2001, the cost of family coverage from an employer has climbed by almost 80 percent, while workers' earnings have risen only 24 percent. And the number of businesses offering employees health coverage is declining. . . .

After more than a quarter century of crafting well-intentioned, but poorly thought out drug laws, there are increasing signs that the nation is finally moving toward adopting more reasonable drug policies.
The most recent evidence comes from a report by the Sentencing Project titled, "The Changing Racial Dynamics of the War on Drugs." The report, authored by Executive Director Marc Mauer, contains the startling conclusion that from 1999-2005, the number of African Americans incarcerated in state prisons for drug offenses declined while the figures for Whites increased over that same period. . . .

Fear is a primary obstacle that prevents people from becoming entrepreneurs. Many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. Fear is a disease. It cripples effective decision-making and most of the time accounts for the illogical actions that ensue. Our country is now deep into a historic financial crisis that has most people in fear of losing their jobs, healthcare, and life savings. Learning to manage your fears can help you weather negative situations during hard times. . . .

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva ... highlighted that the global economic downturn is the result of the irresponsibility and greed of White elites who manipulated markets that provided great short term wealth. Additionally, he noted, this greed has caused disproportionate suffering to the poor of the world, primarily people of color. . . .

There is one serious fault that we have yet to actually address. That is the medieval prison system that we have implemented and have actually enlarged over the last few decades. No other nation imprisons its citizens the way America does. For a free democratic nation we have a system that belongs with some sort of tyranny or oppressive order. It is oppressive and targets people of color – particularly African Americans. . . .

In the last four months, 2.6 million jobs have disappeared from the American economy. About half the people who held those jobs also lost their health insurance. But a job loss doesn't have to mean a loss of insurance coverage, too. A provision in the recently passed economic stimulus bill makes health insurance significantly more affordable for the involuntarily unemployed. The federal government will now subsidize premiums for insurance plans purchased under the terms of a law called "COBRA." . . .

In light of the $9 billion deficit, it appears that no state funded program will be spared. Among those that will suffer the greatest loss will be our children.
While the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs (ECEAP) are often applauded for its high quality kindergarten readiness component, it is also a comprehensive care program that provides families access to other community resources and services. . . .

Two people are released from prison. One of them is from a well-to-do family, which immediately sets him up in a job with a six-figure salary. On Election Day, he watches eagerly to see if the candidates he voted for are elected.
The other person isn't so fortunate. He had little money when he was convicted, and the best job he can land is low-paying. He can't pay off all of the fines associated with his sentence. On Election Day, he is just a spectator. He's been prohibited from voting. . . .

In light of the $9 billion deficit, it appears that no state-funded program will be spared. Among those that will suffer the greatest loss will be our children.
While the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs (ECEAP) are often applauded for its high quality kindergarten readiness component, it is also a comprehensive care program that provides families access to other community resources and services.
The battle is shaping up to be human services or early learning . . .

With so many bikes now on the roads, fees will help fund badly needed bicycle projects. Improving bikeways will ease congestion, reduce friction between cyclists and drivers, and encourage cycling by making it easier and more efficient. Who can argue with that? . . .