UNC System at risk

Asheville Progressive Posted on by

The tumultuous political changes that have swept over North Carolina this decade have not spared the state’s public universities. The 17-campus UNC system stands out nationally, especially in the South, for its quality, affordability and independence. It boasts the nation’s first public university; the prestigious N.C. School of Science and Mathematics for the state’s brightest high school students; more public historically black colleges than any other state; and campuses that … Continue reading →

My name is Alicia Tolbert, Finance Director for Dan Blue III, Democratic Nominee for North Carolina State Treasurer

Asheville Progressive Posted on by

My name is Alicia Tolbert, Finance Director for Dan Blue III, Democratic Nominee for North Carolina State Treasurer. I wanted to introduce myself and provide you with some information about Dan; please see attached extended biography. Also, Senator Terry Van Duyn is hosting a reception for Dan Blue III in Asheville on June 2nd. Please let me know if you are interested in attending and/or becoming a sponsor. This is … Continue reading →

This is a big deal.

Asheville Progressive Posted on by

Because of a new overtime regulation issued this week by the Labor Department, over 13 million workers will get a raise. Starting on December 1, most salaried workers earning up to $47,476 a year will receive time-and-a-half overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours during a week. The previous cutoff for overtime pay, set in 2004, was $23,660. Democracy for America members played an important role in helping … Continue reading →

The inventor of the 401(k) says he created a ‘monster’

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Published: May 19, 2016 9:38 a.m. ET They {401(k)’s} were originally (and ominously) dubbed “salary-reduction plans.” “If the boss suggests you take a pay cut, don’t panic,” began a 1982 Wall Street Journal article. The plans had grown so overcomplicated and so fraught with hidden fees and opportunities for bad decisions that they were better at enriching the financial industry than the actual savers http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-inventor-of-the-401k-says-he-created-a-monster-2016-05-16?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo Tom Kociemba Ashevilleprogressive.com

Rick Bryson for 11th District NC Congress

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For those in the NC 11th Congressional District who do not see the Smoky Mountain News (published in Waynesville), you may want to read the attached article that appeared in the 5/18 issue. Titled, “Democratic candidates face off in congressional election,” it essentially outlines the positions of Tom Hill and myself. What you see is a cut-and-paste job. I made the copy as large as possible, for easiest reading, but … Continue reading →

This is how fascism comes to America

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Robert Kagan is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a contributing columnist for The Post. The Republican Party’s attempt to treat Donald Trump as a normal political candidate would be laughable were it not so perilous to the republic. If only he would mouth the party’s “conservative” principles, all would be well. But of course the entire Trump phenomenon has nothing to do with policy or ideology. It … Continue reading →

Brownie Futrell for NC Senate

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My campaign for the North Carolina Senate is about promoting a mainstream and common-sense vision for Northeastern North Carolina. For the past six years, the leadership in the General Assembly has pushed an extreme political agenda that has divided our state and put North Carolina on the wrong track for a successful future. Many Republicans know that Raleigh politicians have gone too far with a divisive agenda that has hurt … Continue reading →

Andrew Barnhill For NC Senate

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Dear Friend, We were serious about talking to everyone in the district. It hasn’t been done before, but this week we enlarged our field team to make that happen. The importance of talking to voters over the phone and in person can’t be overstated. As we knock on every door and call every phone in the district, we need your help. Running a field program takes commitment from a community … Continue reading →

But even as he branded himself as Social Security’s defender, he warned voters that Democrats “want to increase it. They want to actually give more. And that’s what we’re up against.”

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During the Republican primary, Donald Trump stood out from his competition by promising not to cut Social Security benefits. But now that Trump has the nomination in hand, he’s changing his tune to appeal to Paul Ryan and his billionaire donors. At an annual meeting convened by Pete Peterson – a Wall Street billionaire who has spent 30 years and pledged more than $500,000,000 crusading to cut Social Security – … Continue reading →

Bernie Sanders for President

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Hey Friends…you must watch Norm Chomsky’s “Requiem For The American Dream”. The video is on Netflix, but it’s probably out there in other places. It totally confirms all of our ‘conspiracy’ feelings. This is a real revolution and we owe it to ourselves, children, and the planet, not to sleep through this one. It is critical mass at this point, but the good news is there’s a wise Senator from … Continue reading →