In Occasional Planet’s “<100 Words” slot, contributors can cheer for, gripe about, react to, and/or simply muse on the news of the day—as long as they restrict their comments to fewer than—of course–100 words. This box will self-destruct and reincarnate once a week. [Word count for this intro: 50]
Fair wages: Basic decency and empathy tells us to oppose the “right to work (for less money)” movement in Missouri and elsewhere. However, in unique situations, it might be desirable to allow a worker to undersell his services, but it can’t happen because of labor restrictions or worker peer pressure. Occasional Planet recently reported on how “Albert Pujols could hit a home run for fiscal responsibility.” Greed is not just money; it is a state of mind. Just as poorly paid workers are abused at the expense of their peers, it can also happen to the well-paid. – Arthur Lieber
Cutting the cable cord: According to the New York Times, From April Through September, cable and satellite companies had a net loss of about 330,000 customers, which industry analysts blame on the weak economy. Many of the so-called “cord-cutters” are turning to HD rabbit ears, and/or using online streaming services like Netflix or Hulu. Yesterday, I decided to join the cord-cutter’s club. After a chat with my cable provider, I was cut loose. At first, I felt a little panicked. But after a short bout of hyperventilation, I watched a few segments of Rachel Maddow online, and today I’m fine. Really. —Madonna Gauding
Progressive progress: Two developments, one national and one local, that can spell good news for progressives. In Washington, Democrats finally expressed their ire at President Obama for at best not adequately consulting them re. the new tax plan and at worst selling them out. In STL, a new progressive organization, Forward STL, met to coordinate efforts in the blogosphere and elsewhere so make more citizens and members of the mainstream media aware of liberal voices. As Colbert King just wrote in the Washington Post, it would be folly to challenge President Obama in 2012. However, progressives are now focusing more on substance. – Arthur Lieber
Net neutrality: Activist bloggers have an opportunity to make real change by mobilizing for a progressive agenda. Last weekend citizen journalists, activists, and concerned citizens met to discuss the failings of mainstream media and what we can do about it. Imagine an internet without your voice. Imagine an internet where all your news comes from NBC, CBS, or Fox–and nowhere else. This could be the reality if we don’t act to protect net neutrality from the media conglomerates who seek to profit from your silence. Save the internet, keep your voice. –Stacy Mergenthal