Don’t petition the White House, Use Change.org

Nov 18, 2012 Aaron Krager No Comments

Secessionists. I first want to say thank you for finally learning something from history. The last time so many desired to rid themselves of a tyrannical president they declared war on the Union. Thus, your use of a peaceful means through petitions on the White House’s site is commendable. Furthermore, each state now finds themselves represented by a petition and signatures from people possibly wanting to secede from the United States. Texas leads the way with more than 100,000 people asking the White House to address the issue. This is the same state governed by Rick Perry who drummed up his base of supporters with calls for seceding prior to his Republican bid for President. The irony seemed lost on him. Governor Perry is obviously not a viable option to lead the cause. He hardly put up a fight against a weak group seeking his party’s nomination. I also question...

The Country Moved to the Left Last Night

Nov 7, 2012 Aaron Krager No Comments

The whole campaign season did not just depend upon the presidential race that finally came to an end last night. Yes, the country voted clearly to give Barack Obama another four years in the White House. He received more than 50 percent of the vote and won handily in the electoral college. Yet, it is what happened down the ballot that shows the nation’s move toward progressive values. It appears that Democrats will pick up a couple seats in the lower chamber but the real change happened on the senatorial level. Voters said no way to Republicans Todd Akin and Richard Mourdock after they attempted to scapegoat women and downplay the trauma of rape and sexual abuse. Furthermore, women won in Massachusetts, North Dakota, Hawaii, and Wisconsin for their first terms. All four of them will be more progressive legislators than their predecessors. In Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin will be the...

Republicans, Rape, Life, and Control of Women

Oct 24, 2012 Aaron Krager No Comments

During last night’s Indiana Senate debate the Republican candidate, Richard Mourdock, did more than stick his foot in his mouth. I believe life begins at conception. The only exception I have for to have an abortion is in the case of the life of the mother. I struggled with myself for a long time but I came to realize life is that gift from God, even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape. It is something that God intended to happen. Mourdock joined a club made exclusively of Republicans but a club that seems to be growing as the November election nears. Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh made a reprehensible comment about exceptions for the life of the mother following his debate. “There is no such exception. With modern technology and science, you can’t find one instance.” Complete crap as this woman explains. Of course who can forget Missouri...

Disabled & Home Care Workers Face Arrest to Protest CME

May 23, 2012 Aaron Krager No Comments

Fifteen people, comprised of home care workers and people with disabilities faced arrest this morning protesting outside of the Chicago Board of Trade building. The rally and protest, organized by Stand Up! Chicago, drew more than 100 people in the morning rush to demand that CME Group return the tax breaks it received after the company threatened to leave the state. According to the organization CME’s blackmail of the state will cost it more than $75 million just this year while state legislators may cut $73 million to home care services in the next budget.

“We’re here to show CME officials how much it costs the 99 percent when billion-dollar corporations demand tax breaks they clearly don’t need,” said home care consumer Rachel Siler in a statement. “When the state pampers greedy corporations, it punishes working families. People like me lose vital services like home care, and taxpayers have to spend more on nursing homes.”

Governor Pat Quinn proposed to cut $210 million in programs that go to home care services for elderly and the disabled. The massive budget cuts could force 90,000 seniors and disabled into nursing homes. A boom for the nursing home industry but in the long run a high cost for the state for saving in the present. Penny wise and a dollar foolish!

Protesters chanted “give it back” referring to the company’s massive tax breaks that now threaten basic services for the poor and disabled. CME can claim some good will towards the public when they returned $15 million in TIF funds last fall following public outrage and shaming from the same advocacy groups.

The day’s actions coincide with the multi-billion dollar ($1.9 billion in profit last year alone) exchange’s annual shareholder’s meeting this afternoon. Local activist organizations hope to draw thousands to protest outside while proxy shareholders will attempt to ask direct questions of the company’s executives.

More to come today including video and pictures. Current wi-fi connection is way too to upload even small files.