How Do You Spend?

In the not-so-distant past, Americans seemed to be much more conscious of how they spent their money. After the Reagan Reaction of the 1980s, it became unAmerican to question bad business practices and governmental policy. Raising issues is considered tedious, at best, and dull, at worst.

I try to spend my money with companies and campaigns that represent (even in some small way) that in which I believe. I like to avoid processed foods. I purchase no products made by Nestle or Nike.

And, worst of all, I like to talk about it.

Please consider the following two matters.

No Sweat is a line of clothing from clothing manufacturer Bienestar International. Their website explains:

Our gear is produced by independent trade union members in the US, Canada, and the developing world. We believe that the only viable response to globalization is a global labor movement.

No Sweat defines the market for goods that support independent trade unions - the only historically proven solution to sweatshops. We market direct to consumers, relying primarily on internet sales for distribution. We provide a competitive product to you and a living wage to our workers.

The products are high quality and worth buying. Please consider supporting No Sweat by using the link below. (Please note: there is always a No Sweat link on the sidebar. Shop often!)

Support Good Business

New York State has been being represented by Hillary Clinton since 2000. Senator Clinton has failed to bring any benefits to New York. In fact, though completely supporting the Administration's conservative agenda, New York receives tiny fractions of the money being distributed for military, infrastructure, and Homeland Security. This year, Clinton faces election.

New Yorkers have an opportunity to send her the message that her Southeast/Midwest Conservatism is unwelcome in our state which is known (even in Republican circles) as progressive, intellectual, vital, international, and an important part of the establishment of America as the greatest nation ever.

Jonathan Tasini has decided to run against Clinton int he Democratic primary. His website states:

For the past 25 years, Jonathan has been a union leader and organizer, a social activist, and a commentator and writer on work, labor and the economy. From 1990 to April 2003, he served as president of the National Writers Union (United Auto Workers Local 1981) During his tenure, the union tripled in size and became one of the most influential forces in the country for protecting the rights of freelance writers. During Jonathan's years as NWU president, his close-up experience with the health insurance crisis for creative workers inspired him to make Medicare For All a central plank of his Senate campaign.

He was the lead plaintiff in Tasini vs. The New York Times, the landmark electronic rights case that took on the corporate mediaÂ’s assault on the rights of thousands of freelance authors. In a historic decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June 2001 that media companies had illegally used the works of writers without their permission. The decision led to a series of class action lawsuits (in which Jonathan served as a principal strategist and negotiator) which resulted in a mass settlement for authors and the creation of an $18 million compensation fund.

Tasini opposes the war in Iraq, insists that Medicare can provide health care for all Americans, opposes NAFTA and other laws that hurt American workers, and wants to build a vibrant economy that raises the quality of life for all Americans.

If you are a New Yorker, please consider voting for Tasini in the Democratic primary. If you are a United States citizen or a permanent resident alien, at least eighteen years-old, and not a federal contractor, you can donate to his campaign by clicking the button below. (A Tasini button will also appear on the sidebar indefinitely.)

Tasini For New York

Thank you for your consideration.