Business & Economy

Land of Broken Dreams

Eugene Robinson / Truthdig Nov 23, 2007 We think of the United States as a land of unlimited possibility, not so much a classless society, but as a place where class is mutable -- a place where brains, energy and ambition are what counts, not the circumstances of one's birth. But three important new studies suggest that Horatio Alger doesn't live here anymore. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Was Ross Perot Right?

David Sirota / Truthdig Nov 23, 2007 "Ross Perot was fiercely against NAFTA. Knowing what we know now, was Ross Perot right?" It was a straightforward query about a Clinton administration trade policy that polls show the public now hates, and it was appropriately directed to a candidate who has previously praised NAFTA. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

‘Colbert’ Writers Score Big With Strike Parody

Staff / Truthdig Nov 17, 2007 There's one big built-in advantage that many striking WGA members have over the studio honchos they're feuding with: real creative talent. This clip, made by "Colbert Report" writers, showcases their flair for parody, reminding producers why they're indispensable while mercilessly lampooning the executives. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The Winter of Writers’ Dissed Content

Staff / Truthdig Nov 15, 2007 It can be confusing to follow the ongoing WGA strike, what with all the picketing, accusations from both sides, and rampant speculation about whether Ellen DeGeneres is a traitor or just trapped in a rock-versus-hard-place career conundrum. Here, striking staffers from "The Daily Show" helpfully explain their side of the issue. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Oil Is King

Staff / Truthdig Nov 12, 2007 The Mosaic Intelligence Report investigates who is benefiting from record oil prices and whether there's more to the Saudi king's European tour than meets the eye. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The Rise and Fall of Stan O’Neal

Eugene Robinson / Truthdig Oct 30, 2007 It's not surprising in the cutthroat world of Wall Street to see a big-time CEO such as Stanley O'Neal float out of the boardroom with a golden parachute. What is significant is that this grandson of a slave managed to become one of the "Masters of the Universe" in the first place. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

She’s Just Like Barbie, With a Muslim Makeover

Staff / Truthdig Oct 11, 2007 Does playing with Barbie dolls encourage young girls to adopt Barbie's (Western, secular, shopping-obsessed) values? An enterprising Indonesian woman concerned about that possibility took the basic Barbie formula and added some elements she believes will make the "Salma" doll a healthy alternative for Muslim girls. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Inside the Military-Industrial Complex

Staff / Truthdig Oct 11, 2007 Former Assistant Secretary of Defense Philip Coyle knows a thing or two about the "staggering" amounts of money the U.S. funnels into the military-industrial complex, and why it is so difficult to stanch the profiteering. Dig deeper ( 12 Min. Read )

Blue-Collar Challenge for Democrats

E.J. Dionne Jr. / Truthdig Sep 28, 2007 The GM-UAW labor contract could prove to be a victory of innovative thinking in the private sector. Now politicians should be clear on how they would attack the deepening problems that confront working people. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Rather Bites the Hand That Stabbed Him

Eugene Robinson / Truthdig Sep 24, 2007 Some might dismiss Dan Rather's $70 million lawsuit against CBS as an attempt to repair his legacy, but it is also a much-needed (and knowledgeable) indictment of the danger of corporate media. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

If It’s Broke, Fix It

Marie Cocco / Truthdig Sep 18, 2007 Hillary Clinton's health care proposal won't please progressives looking to do away with corporate insurance or conservatives who prefer unaffordable micromanaged care to government "bureaucracy," but at least it's a step in the right direction. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Scahill on the Blackwater Backlash

Staff / Truthdig Sep 18, 2007 "Blackwater" author Jeremy Scahill sounds off on the security firm's recent rampage and the impunity of America's private militias. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )