Republicans, tea partiers and other rightwing ideologues are against raising taxes on those with incomes exceeding $200,000, who they have re-branded as "Job Creators", because such action would allegedly discourage them from creating jobs.  However, near record low taxation of upper income individuals and corporations has not motivated these job creators to actually create jobs (at least in this country), as official unemployment (8.5 percent in December 2011) and true unemployment (15.2 percent in December 2011) remain catastrophically high.

Even in boom times full employment has been elusive, as millions are always out of work or underemployed, regardless of the nation's prosperity level. This is why we need a comprehensive jobs program, not a mere crisis Band-Aid, to put America back to work permanently and approach what should be any just society's ultimate economic goal; providing jobs for all who want them.  read more »

2010 saw a surge in green energy investment as well as solar energy finally reaching parity with older energy production in some areas. Further, despite right wing Republican/teabagger opposition, California is finally starting to lead the way in linking clean energy and jobs.

First, from the Union of Concerned Scientists:

Broad and Bipartisan Support for Clean Energy and Job Creation

In a bold move to bolster one of the few bright spots in California’s economy and set a precedent for strong renewable electricity standards nationwide, the California Legislature today approved a bill that would require utilities in the state to obtain at least 33 percent of their electricity from clean, renewable sources, such as the wind and sun, by 2020. Promoted by the governor and legislative leaders in both houses as part of a green jobs stimulus package, the bill would create the most aggressive renewable energy requirement in the country and position California as a national leader in clean energy investments.  read more »

Watch Anthony explain in less than a dozen words why health care reform is not just good for the people but it's necessary for the economy because it is jobs.

Josh Skaller, community organizer and candidate for the 39th Council District, just articulated exactly what I have been thinking as I see more and more glossy Bloomberg mailers:

All that is certain in New York these days are death, taxes, and propaganda from Michael Bloomberg.

While the city's working families face the worst budget crisis since the Great Depression, their mailboxes are stuffed with mailings from the Mayor hyping his five-borough economic plan that claims it will create or save 400,000 jobs - and the airwaves are crammed with countless advertisements repeating the same claim.

City Council candidate Josh Skaller is tired of big talk. He wants results - jobs for New Yorkers and a clear plan to get the City out of its current crisis.  read more »

As Bloomberg and the City Council refuse to make wealthy New Yorkers pay their share and prepare to lay off 7,000 city workers, I can only imagine how city services are going to suffer. This is the statement made by city council candidate David Galarza on Bloomgberg's proposed cuts:

Brooklyn, NY — April 10, 2009 — At a time when most City public sector workers are already doing more with less, if Mayor Bloomberg thinks laying off 7,000 workers in this economy is a good idea then he truly is out of touch with the people of New York City.

The Mayor is playing politics with the lives of workers and the professional and essential services these workers provide to millions of New Yorkers. As a Council Member, I will always fight to make sure workers are not turned into scapegoats for failed economic policies enacted by misguided politicians.  read more »