With breathtaking clarity, renowned University of Massachusetts Economics Professor Richard Wolff breaks down the root causes of today's economic crisis, showing how it was decades in the making and in fact reflects seismic failures within the structures of American-style capitalism itself. Wolff traces the source of the economic crisis to the 1970s, when wages began to stagnate and American workers were forced into a dysfunctional spiral of borrowing and debt that ultimately exploded in the mortgage meltdown. By placing the crisis within this larger historical and systemic frame, Wolff argues convincingly that the proposed government “bailouts,” stimulus packages, and calls for increased market regulation will not be enough to address the real causes of the crisis - in the end suggesting that far more fundamental change will be necessary to avoid future catastrophes. Richly illustrated with motion graphics and charts, this is a superb introduction designed to help ordinary citizens understand, and react to, the unraveling economic crisis.

Tell Congress to Say 'NO' to the Panama FTA

Your help is needed! During this time of economic downturn and continuing job losses, we need to reiterate our opposition to trade deals left over from the Bush Administration, such as the Panama Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Panama FTA is modeled after the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and should not be approved by Congress. Congress should not continue the Bush legacy of bad trade agreements, which cost jobs and hurt families.

The Rick Smith Show is offering Offical Rick Smith Show "Buy American" T-shirts for a $20 donation.  Please send checks to PO Box 1026 Carlisle PA 17013-1026 or make a donation via the show's Pay Pal account.  Show the World you Buy American when you wear this beautiful American Made product.  This shirt was created by American Union members and Printed by American Union members.  Show your pride.  Support America's Unionized workforce. Sizes M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL

Sunday on the Rick Smith Show Adam Green co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee told Rick about their campaign to fund the GOP's demise.  The idea is for porgressives to donate a single dollar a day until Former MN Republican Senator Norm Coleman and the obstructionist GOP stops denying Senate Elect Al Franken to be seated in the senate where he belongs. 

From Adam Green at Open Left.  Yesterday, I posed the question: "Is the Chamber of Commerce Using Bailout Money to Attack Workers?"

The Chamber took to their blog and ambiguously wrote, "No. No we are not."

It's well documented by Sam Stein at The Huffington Post that bailout recipients have been asked to funnel money to groups that are running anti-worker ads like the ones announced yesterday by the Chamber.

So I wrote, "Let me pose a more specific question: Is the Chamber actively rejecting money from bailout recipients?"

www.teamstermagazine.com/teamsters-turn-volume

Although he is a burgeoning celebrity in central Pennsylvania, Rick Smith says he is an average man—and that might just be what makes him so popular.

A truck driver for Roadway Express, Smith is a member of Local 776 out of Harrisburg. On the weekends when he’s not on the road, Smith can be found in the studios of WHYL AM 960, broadcasting his voice—and his opinions—over the airways.

Host of a self-titled radio show, Smith provides the listeners in his area with something he calls unique and different—the perspective of a working-class, union man.

“Everything here is very conservative and very far to the right. In our area, my radio show offers a progressive point of view. I look at things through the eyes of a working man because that’s what I am,” Smith said. “I discuss the struggles of keeping a roof over my head and food on my table; I think people can identify with that.”

Over the past few weeks the Rick Smith Show has been looking for a theme song for Jake's labor segment.  A listener, knowing of Jake's reputation as a big eater and lifelong member of the AHA (American Hog Association) thought food related songs would be a big hit.  SO week one saw the introduction of the Cookie Monster singing "C is for Cookie."  Week two was the Warrant song "Sweet Cherry Pie."  The next day came the bounty in the form of a delicious cherry pie and a big plate of cookies.  Jake wasted no time digging into the plate of cookies and struggled to wait the two hour of the show before diving in to the pie.  Thank you Granny Ruth your Sweet Cherry Pie was devoured and the cookies met their match.