AlterNet.org: Coverage Areas

Behind the Scenes, GEâ€™s Top Exec Confided Credit Woes

Jeff Gerth, ProPublica — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:00:01 PST

Hank Paulson's new book details a very different recollection of events that persuaded FDIC Chair Sheila Bair to help guarantee over $70 billion in GE debt.

Shadow Elite: How the World's New Power Brokers Are Upending Our Democracy

Janine Wedel, AlterNet — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:01 PST

Wedel argues in her new book that a group of corrupted elites are destroying the principles that define modern states, free markets and democracy itself.

Flaws in Iraqi Police Contract Raise Questions About Afghan Effort

Christine Spolar, The Huffington Post Investigative Fund — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:00:01 PST

A recent report by the special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction deems Iraq's $2.5 billion reconstruction effort "vulnerable to waste and fraud."

Starbucks' Cop-Out to Gun Nuts: Customers Served Coffee While Strapped

Liliana Segura, AlterNet — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:01 PST

Starbucks has become a popular gathering spot for some Second Amendment crusaders, but the company is pretending it doesn't have the power to keep them out.

Dennis Kucinich vs. Glenn Greenwald: Is Citizens United a Deathblow for Democracy or a 1st Amendment Victory?

Amy Goodman, Democracy Now! — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:00:01 PST

Rep. Kucinich warns, "This is something that Jefferson feared, something that Lincoln feared."

ACORN Smear Collaborator Claims Persecution to Raise Money for Her Legal Troubles

Liliana Segura, AlterNet — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:01 PST

In a bizarre fundraising appeal, James O'Keefe's co-conspirator Hannah Giles claims ACORN is trying to 'destroy' her -- and invites you to donate $35 to $5,000 to her legal fund.

Obama Wants More Money for the Failed Drug War?

Phillip S. Smith, Drug War Chronicle — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:00:01 PST

The Obama drug budget largely maintains the roughly two-to-one imbalance between spending on treatment and prevention and spending on law enforcement.

What Young San Franciscans Think of Legalizing Pot in San Francisco

YO! Youth Outlook — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:00:01 PST

San Francisco Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi proposed a June ballot measure to make SF the first city to legalize the sale of marijuana -- a collection of reactions from young people.

Tending 'the Grow': Marijuana at a Crossroads

Michael Polson, In These Times — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:01 PST

Free-market libertarians and social justice progressives have made common cause on decriminalization, but what happens after that is an open question.

False Profits: We Will Be Suffering from Greenspan and Bernanke's Ineptitude for a Long Time

Dean Baker, PoliPoint Press — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:01 PST

An $8 trillion housing bubble fostered by the Federal Reserve has burst, and with it much of the wealth of America's middle class.

Wealthy CEOs Conspire to Influence Elections for GOP

Raw Story — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:01 PST

Wall Street CEOs have formed a group to take advantage of new fundraising possibilities opened up by the Supreme Court decision to end the ban on corporate election spending.

Hey Congress -- Stand up to Wall Street!

Robert Reich, Robert Reich's Blog — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:00:01 PST

Lobbyists aren't the only people working against financial reform. The lawmakers who accept their campaign cash deserve the same blame.

Trial Begins for Activist Who Fought to Protect Federal Lands from Drilling -- Join the Protest

Naomi Klein, Bill McKibben, Terry Tempest Williams, James Hansen, AlterNet — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:00:01 PST

Tim DeChristopher is facing 10 years in jail for a profound gesture made on behalf of all of us and our future. It's time to show our solidarity with him.

California Carbon Trading Allows Timber Companies to Sell CO2 Credits for Their Worst Logging Practices

Eddie Scher, AlterNet — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:00:01 PST

California's race to be the first state to develop a carbon-trading program comes at an unacceptable cost for Sierra forests.

How to Answer the Dumb Things Climate Deniers Say

Joshua Frank, AlterNet — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:00:01 PST

Below are a few responses to some of the more frequent statements these deniers toss our way.

How a Foodie Got Duped and Seduced By Mass-Market Produced Fast Food

Deirdre Heekin, Chelsea Green Publishing — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:01 PST

Seduced by KFC's Original Recipe, one foodie set out to discover the roots of this tasty chicken -- and the other ingredients on the KFC menu.

One Company Thinks They've Created Fast Food With a Conscience -- Are They Right?

Tara Lohan, AlterNet — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:01 PST

Chipotle has a great record when it comes to buying more sustainable ingredients, but it has done one thing that has human rights activists howling.

How Shopping Carts May Be Our Greatest Weapon in the Health Care Fight

Robyn O'Brien, AlterNet — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:01 PST

Including the USDA in health discussions could lead to better subsidies for organic farms -- and healthier Americans.

'Removal Process' For Immigrants in the U.S. Is Riddled With Staggering Problems

Beth Werlin, Immigration Impact — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:00:01 PST

A new study by the American Bar Association confirms what many advocates already feared: Our country's removal process fails to offer even a glimmer of due process.

Pregnant and Shackled: Hard Labor for Arizona's Immigrants

Valeria Fernandez, New America Media — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:00:01 PST

Undocumented immigrants like Miriam Mendiola Martinez are forced to give birth while wearing "soft restraints."

Supreme Court Protects Immigrants' Right to Court Review

Beth Werlin, Immigration Impact — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:00:01 PST

The decision not only preserves federal court review as a necessary check on executive powers, but it also affirms the basic principle that immigrants are entitled to fair process.

The Other Side of the Super Bowl: Congressional Fundraising Blitz

Marcus Stern, Sebastian Jones, ProPublica — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:00:01 PST

Even when the venue is Americaâ€™s most public sports spectacle, politicians largely succeed in remaining invisible, especially when their activities include fundraising.

Business Gears Up to Battle New Obama Workplace Safety Rule

Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:00:01 PST

A new regulation would force employers to identify when a workplace-related injury is caused by repetitive stress. The Chamber of Commerce says it'll cost employers millions.

How Lobbyists and Charlie Rangel Diverted Money From Schools Into Tax Breaks for a Liquor Conglomerate

Marcus Stern, ProPublica — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:00:01 PST

Rep. Charlie Rangel helped divert billions of dollars for schools and environmental restortation in Puerto Rico a tax break for one one of the world's largest liquor conglomerates.

New York Times 'Stands Behind' Its Contested Reporting on the ACORN 'Pimp'

Brad Friedman, Brad Blog — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:00:01 PST

The Times maintains its claim that James O'Keefe wore a pimp suit into ACORN offices -- despite an attorney general's report that says otherwise, and no corroborating evidence.

It Takes a Village to Raise a Racist

Sonia Scherr, SPLC Intelligence Report — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:01 PST

Researches have found that kids don't necessarily get their prejudice from their parents -- it is the community that fosters tolerance or prejudice.

New Orleans Revels in Saints' Superbowl Victory

Dave Zirin, TheNation.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:01 PST

Four years ago, it seemed Katrina had destroyed the Big Easy. The New Orleans Saints are now the Super Bowl Champs and the city is feeling fearless.

Electing a New Mayor and Winning the Superbowl Aren't Enough to Rescue New Orleans

Jordan Flaherty, RaceWire — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:01 PST

The city needs federal support and visionary leadership from all branches of government. Only time will tell if those needs will be met.

Insider Report Blames White House's First Year Failures on Emanuel and the Obama's Inner Circle

Steve Clemons, The Washington Note — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:01 PST

Rahm Emanuel, Robert Gibbs, Valerie Jarrett and David Axelrod are the subject of a juicy report on what's gone wrong in the Obama White House,

Our Democracy No Longer Works and the Problem Is Congress

Lawrence Lessig, The Nation — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:01 PST

At the center of our government lies a bankrupt institution: Congress. The US Congress has become the Fundraising Congress.

Could Your Cell Phone End Up Killing You?

Daniela Perdomo, AlterNet — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:00:01 PST

A new debate is raging over whether prolonged cell phone use poses serious health side effects.

Americans Are Learning Medicine the Cuban Way

Julia Landau, East Bay Express — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:01 PST

The Bay Area is a hub for new doctors who want to practice family medicine and help the poor, yet had to leave the country to learn how to do it.

As Health Files Go Digital, Patients May Spot Unpleasant Surprises

Fred Schulte, The Huffington Post Investigative Fund — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:00:01 PST

As medicine goes digital, sensitive questions arise about access to online medical data.

Vagina Monologues Author Begins Her Quest For a "Girl Revolution"

Marianne Schnall, The Women's Media Center — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:00:01 PST

11 years after the launch of V-Day, Eve Ensler sets out to do for girls what she did for women -- uncover the truth of their experiences and create a global dialogue.

Radical Homemaking: Why Both Men and Women Should Get Back In Kitchen

Shannon Hayes, YES! Magazine — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:00:01 PST

A glance into Americaâ€™s past suggests that homemaking could play a big part in addressing the ecological, economic and social crises of our present time.

It's Cervical Health Awareness Month: Are You Protecting Yours?

Morganne Rosenhaus, RH Reality Check — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:00:01 PST

We must encourage women of all ages the ways to maintain a healthy cervix.

How the Latest Abstinence Findings Could Turn Into a Classic Sex-Ed 'Bait and Switch'

Amanda Marcotte, RH Reality Check — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:01 PST

The religious right is rallying around a study that supposedly proves their legitimacy. In reality, the findings just demonstrate how important comprehensive sexual education is.

Why I Had to Stop Making Hardcore Porn

Sam Benjamin, SeXis Magazine — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:00:01 PST

As a director of heterosexual porn, I came to learn that while my overt task was to make sure the girls got naked, my true responsibility was to make sure the girls got punished.

'Reality' Show Lets You Decide If Women Get Abortions?

Sarah Seltzer, AlterNet — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:00:01 PST

A new show lets viewers weigh in on whether the characters have abortions. Is it a smart way to spark discussion about abortion, or tone deaf and callous?

Between Hope and Despair: Martin Luther King, Barack Obama and War

Medea Benjamin, AlterNet — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 12:00:01 PST

Obama gave us hope when he promised global cooperation, re-engagement with the Muslim world and respect for international law. But his actions speak another language.

The Disaster of the Century: How to Help Haiti

Don Hazen, AlterNet — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:01 PST

A guide to the best ways your aid can immediately help save lives, protect the survivors and rebuild Haiti.

Take Your Money Out of the Hands of the Banking Oligarchs

Arianna Huffington, Rob Johnson, Move Your Money — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:00:01 PST

How? For starters, you could move your money to a small bank.

Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein and Alice Walker Reflect on the Death of Howard Zinn

Amy Goodman, Democracy Now! — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:00:01 PST

Remembering the lifelong dissident and peace activist and historian, who joined many of the struggles for social justice over the past fifty years.

Will More Enforcement Staff Overseeing Gas Drilling in Pennsylvania Be Enough to Ensure Safety?

Sabrina Shankman, ProPublica — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:01 PST

Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection will double its enforcement staff, open a new office closer to the drilling action and release new drilling regulations.

The War on Tap: Stadium Where Cleveland Cavaliers Play Has Removed Water Fountains

Peter Gleick, Pacific Institute — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:00:01 PST

The only way for thirsty fans to get water now is to wait in line at the concessions counter for a free small cup or pay $4 for bottled water.

Coca-Cola Puts on Green Guise for the Winter Olympics

Stephanie Rogers, EcoSalon — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:00:01 PST

Critics point out inconsistencies in Cokeâ€™s approach to the environment including its opposition to city efforts to support public water and to bottle recycling bills.

Vancouver's Games Will Be the Gayest Olympics Ever

Vanessa Richmond, AlterNet — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:01 PST

With the opening of Olympic Pride Houses and more openly gay atheletes than ever, and Olympics are finally coming out of the closet.

The Bizarre Terror Conviction of Pakistani Scientist Aafia Siddiqui, And Why There's a Good Chance She's Innocent

Amy Goodman, Juan Gonzalez, Democracy Now! — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:00:01 PST

Human rights groups say that Siddiqui, who has been found guilty of attempted murder, was forcibly disappeared by Pakistani officials in 2003 and tortured at the behest of the U.S.

Ahmadinejad Hints at Possible Prisoner Exchange for 3 U.S. Hikers; State Department: "We're Not Interested"

Omid Memarian, IPS News — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:00:01 PST

Six months after three U.S. citizens mistakenly crossed the Iran-Iraq border, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Iran could be willing to exchange them for Iranians imprisoned in the U.S.