ByteStyle

Dodd's Finance "Reform" Bill: "The Federal Reserve is the big winner"

Tue, 04 May 2010 10:10:55 -0700

A New Attack on Small Farms

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:26:55 -0800

5 Scary Reasons to Kill the Senate Healthcare Bill

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:34:19 -0800

Top 5 reasons to kill the senate healthcare bill: 1. Forces you to pay up to 8% of your income for health insurance -- whether you want it or not (source) 2. Many of the taxes that will pay for the bill will start now, but the benefits won't start until 2014. How is that helpful? (source) 3. Grants monopolies to drug companies to prevent generic versions of high tech drugs from coming to market. Not sure how that's going to lower costs... (source) 4. Under this bill, the cost of medical care will continue to RISE an average of 1000 a year for a family of four. (source) 5. The minor detail that it's not constitutional! Congress does not have the authority to enact this legislation, yet they don't seem to care. The people we have elected in both parties recognize no limitation on their power, and it's up to us - all of us - to stop this. (source)

TAKE ACTION

Sign this petition at FireDogLake Use DownsizeDC.org's fast & easy tool to send a letter to your representative.

Open Government Directive Promises More Public Data

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:55:08 -0800

New ACTA Leak Confirms Major Threat to Internet

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:55:26 -0800

Leave My Internet ALONE!!!

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:13:23 -0800

Read the leaked document here

Will Open Source Bring Transparency to the Whitehouse?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:39:59 -0800

More at http://bytestyle.tv

Should Marijuana Be Legal?

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:05:03 -0800

Read Glenn Greenwald's article, "Drug Decriminalization in Portugal: Lessons for Creating Fair and Successful Drug Policies" here Excerpt: More significantly, none of the nightmare scenarios touted by preenactment decriminalization opponents — from rampant increases in drug usage among the young to the transformation of Lisbon into a haven for "drug tourists" — has occurred. The political consensus in favor of decriminalization is unsurprising in light of the relevant empirical data. Those data indicate that decriminalization has had no adverse effect on drug usage rates in Portugal, which, in numerous categories, are now among the lowest in the EU, particularly when compared with states with stringent criminalization regimes. Although postdecriminalization usage rates have remained roughly the same or even decreased slightly when compared with other EU states, drug-related pathologies — such as sexually transmitted diseases and deaths due to drug usage — have decreased dramatically. Drug policy experts attribute those positive trends to the enhanced ability of the Portuguese government to offer treatment programs to its citizens — enhancements made possible, for numerous reasons, by decriminalization.

Marijuana Facts

From NORML: Marijuana is the third most popular recreational drug in America (behind only alcohol and tobacco), and has been used by nearly 100 million Americans. According to government surveys, some 25 million Americans have smoked marijuana in the past year, and more than 14 million do so regularly despite harsh laws against its use. Our public policies should reflect this reality, not deny it. Marijuana is far less dangerous than alcohol or tobacco. Around 50,000 people die each year from alcohol poisoning. Similarly, more than 400,000 deaths each year are attributed to tobacco smoking. By comparison, marijuana is nontoxic and cannot cause death by overdose. According to the prestigious European medical journal, The Lancet, "The smoking of cannabis, even long-term, is not harmful to health. ... It would be reasonable to judge cannabis as less of a threat ... than alcohol or tobacco."

RESOURCES:

Marijuana Decriminalization Since the 1970s, more than a dozen government-appointed commissions have examined the effects of marijuana, and made public policy recommendations regarding its use. Marijuana and Health Learn the health impacts of marijuana. Marijuana Arrests See who's getting busted and who's not. Get arrest data on your state or county. The Economics of Marijuana and Marijuana Prohibition "Follow the money," and find out how loosening marijuana laws could help save taxpayers money. Driving and Marijuana Read NORML's position on marijuana and driving, and research the effect of marijuana usage on psychomotor skills. Marijuana as a Cash Crop Remarkably, despite being illegal for nearly 65 years, domestically grown marijuana is one of the top cash crops in the U.S. Check your state's estimated crop output. Marijuana Related Surveys and Polling Information Check the state of public awareness on marijuana law reform.

Action Alert: FCC to Vote on Net Neutrality Thursday

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:39:22 -0700

Does More Federal Spending = Better Education?

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:41:08 -0700

Read more here: ByteStyle.tv Here's the chart, from Cato: And here's "Federal Spending by the Numbers 2008"

Markey Pushes New Net Neutrality Regulations

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:09:49 -0700

More at ByteStyle.tv Read HR 3458 "The Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2009" here Markey's campaign contributions on OpenSecrets here and here. From Campaign For Liberty: Net Neutrality Regulation vs. Internet Freedom From Tech Liberation: It’s no coincidence that the Internet, a sanctuary of governmental restraint, has spawned such unparalleled innovation. In the relentlessly fast-moving digital age, regulatory intervention is a recipe for entrenching the status-quo. From Digital Society: The US leads the world in innovation on the Internet and all of its related technologies and continues to do so under the current regulatory regime. Yet in the absence of market failure or any materialization of dire predictions from Net Neutrality regulation advocates 3 years ago, why is now a good time to pass radical new changes to the regulatory landscape to enforce an experimental version of the Internet that has never been tried? Why destroy existing business models that have flourished on the Internet today in favor of hypothetical businesses that may never materialize? NOW supports HR 3458: http://www.boingboing.net/2009/09/25/national-organizatio-1.html

Secret FDA Memos Reveal Concerns About Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs)

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 09:35:58 -0700

PLEASE READ:

Read the FDA Scientist Memos here Jeffrey Smith's article:You're Appointing Who? Please Obama, Say It's Not So!

SOURCES & MORE RESOURCES:

What are GMOs? (Wikipedia)Non-GMO Shopping Guide (PDF)How to Avoid GMOs in Restaurants 17 Ways to Avoid GMO Food GreenMuze: How to Avoid GMOs Aaron's Environmental: Organic Certifications, Labels, and What They Mean Top 5 Ways to Avoid GMOs in Your Food Fox News Kills Monsanto Milk Story The World According to Monsanto* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

TAKE ACTION:

Take the No-GMO Challenge Take the "Replace Roundup" Challenge and help divert millions in revenue from Monsanto!* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The current broken food system exists only through our economic participation... so let's vote with our wallets!

"Revised" Cybersecurity Act of 2009 is Total Crap Sandwich (S. 773)

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:28:47 -0700

http://bytestyle.tv Introduced by Senators Rockefeller and Snowe, The CyberSecurity Act of 2009 is a total crap sandwich.

Last spring, Senators Rockefeller and Snowe introduced The Cybersecurity Act of 2009. The bill claims to improve security for critical technology systems within government AND private sectors. They've just submitted a revised version of the bill, which doesn't seem to have changed much. It still empowers the president to declare a cybersecurity emergency and shut down various critical infrastructures at will - public or private. It also creates a federal certification program for cybersecurity professionals. This certification would be mandatory for certain systems and networks within the private sector.

So, essentially, what's happening here is that we're giving the people with the worst technology track record full authority and control over our critical technical assets. Government consistently gets failing grades when it comes to cybersecurity, yet this bill would look to them to define standards and certify who's qualified to manage private technology networks? It's just absurd.

Nothing in this bill addresses the true cause of most cyber-insecurity - basic computer hygeine issues like poor network management, failure to install patches or a lack of appropriate encryption protocols. Instead, it's just one more example of legislation that vastly expands the role and power of government. There is absolutely zero benefit to this bill in its current form, and it represents a significant threat to our personal freedom and privacy.

Why I Want to End the Federal Reserve!

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:06:34 -0700

Just out from Bloomberg:Aug. 24 (Bloomberg) -- The Federal Reserve must make public reports about recipients of emergency loans from U.S. taxpayers under programs created to address the financial crisis, a federal judge ruled.This is in relation to a lawsuit filed by Bloomberg LP against the Federal Reserve on November 7, 2008, in Southern District of New York (08-09595), in which Bloomberg sought material loan and collateral data in relation to emergency loans released by the Fed, and which were previously claimed to be non-FOIAble.This is a large blow against the Fed and specifically against organizations using FOIA loopholes from providing critical information, specifically in cases involving trillions of taxpayer dollars bailing out huge, systematically and politically embedded financial organizations.The conclusion from the order just issued by District Judge Loretta Preska is as follows:* * * * *The Board's Motion for Summary Judgment is DENIED, and Bloomberg's Motion for Summary Judgment is GRANTED. Specifically:1. The Board shall produce forwith the Remaining Term Reports within five business days of the date hereof;2. The Board shall search forthwith records at the FRBNY that constitute "Records of the Board" within the meaning of 12 C.F.R. # 231.2(i)(1); and3. The parties shall confer following their review of the results of the search and inform the Court by letter no later than September 14, 2009 how they propose to proceed.* * * * *The beneficial outcome means that many more FOIA-based lawsuits against the Federal Reserve will now spring up, and with case law on their side, the outcomes of most will likely be on behalf of the plaintiffs. This could detour any short-circuit attempts by either Congress or Senate to prevent a Fed audit, as it may suddenly not be necessary, now that there is this alternative venue to get various pieces of information, previously not available to the general public.Read the rest hereThanks to @jd_nyc for the tip!

The United States of Corporate Welfare

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:23:21 -0700

5 Easy Ways to Save Money in a Recession

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:01:57 -0700

1. Bring back the Barter system

Use your skills & time as currency: I have a friend who owns a hair salon, and trades haircuts for all sorts of things - her website, artwork for her salon, even legal work. I trade my tech services for everything from free drinks at the local pub to free petcare at the vet. Estimated value of bartered services/month: $200+ 2. Grow your own food

It's 3.99 for one red bell pepper in the grocery store... it's free in your back yard garden. Enough said. Estimated savings/month: $30 3. Buy day old baked goods from your local bakery My bakery sells their day old items for $1. Even a day old, their bread is fresher and better than the stuff they sell in the grocery, plus about $4 cheaper for a loaf. Estimated savings/month: $20 4. Cancel Your Cable TV Most shows on network tv are available online for free, and if not, you can always have viewing parties at a friend's house or the local bar. Estimated monthly savings: $125 - $175 5. Cowpool If you're a meat eater, buying a share of a whole cow from a local farmer is less expensive than buying individual cuts of meat from the grocery. Typically, You'll get a variety of cuts, with the average price per pound around $3. Plus you get the benefit of knowing where your meat is coming from, and what practices are used. Estimated savings per 50 lb. of meat: $150 Oh, and added bonus? If you do these things, you'll be opting out of systems that are dysfunctional - like the mainstream food system - and supporting new and/or local systems that are better for all of us. Also cool: you don't pay taxes on things you barter ;) So, what are YOUR tips for saving money? Leave a comment at http://ByteStyle.tv/node/109 to let us know!

Health Insurance Mandates: I'm Paying for WHAT!?

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:03:57 -0700

Details at ByteStyle.tv

State mandates on health insurance are a major factor in the high cost of coverage. I did some research to find out what I'm paying for (and don't want or need):

State: Maryland
Cost of Coverage: about $500/month

Here are just a few of the dozens of things I'm paying for:

In-Vitro Fertilization - accounts for 3-5% of my premium
Morbid Obesity Treatment - accounts for 1-3% of my premium
Smoking Cessation - accounts for 1-3% of my premium
Well Child Care - accounts for 1-3% of my premium
Alcoholism/Substance Abuse - accounts for 1-3% of my premium
Hair Prosthesis - accounts for 1% of my premium

I'm not morbidly obese, I don't smoke, I don't have kids (nor am I looking to get pregnant any time soon, sorry mom!), and I'm pretty sure I don't need rehab.

If I tally it up, these items are responsible for up to 18% of my premium. That's almost $100/month I'm paying for coverage I absolutely do not want or need.

I also learned that there are nearly 2,133 mandates like these, which are responsible for group health insurance premium increases of 20 to 50 percent.

So... maybe there's a good reason for these mandates?

Nope!

J.P. Wieske, director of state affairs for the Council for Affordable Health Insurance (CAHI), says "For state legislators, [mandates are] used as a special interest tool to reward lobbyists with a specific mandate and let someone else pay for it"

So, I have a question for Congress and President Obama: Can any of you tell me why this isn't being discussed as part of your health care reform plan?

It seems pretty logical to me: Don't make people pay for coverage they don't need, then when premiums are significantly lower, won't millions more Americans be able to afford healthcare?

FIND OUT YOUR STATE'S HEALTH INSURANCE MANDATES , thanks to the Council for Affordable Health Insurance .

Here's a more in-depth explanation of mandated benefits .

The most common state mandates: >
Alcoholism/substance abuse treatment
Breast reconstruction
Diabetic supplies
Emergency services
Mammography
Maternity minimum stay
Mental health parity
Source: Council for Affordable Health Insurance

Unusual mandates: >
Athletic trainer
Circumcision
Hair prosthesis
Midwife
Naturopath
Oriental medicine
Pastoral counseling
Port wine stain elimination (birthmark removal)
Residential crisis service
Source: Council for Affordable Health Insurance

TAKE ACTION!

Let Congress know what you think:
Downsize DC's Affordable Health Insurance Campaign Tool

Top 6 Ways to Identify Genetically Modified (GMO) Foods

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:53:13 -0700

Grassroots Heroes: Tell Us What YOU'RE Doing to Spread the Message

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 09:11:53 -0700

The Federal Reserve is Out of Control!

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:52:57 -0700

How to Reduce Healthcare Costs by 80% Overnight (Without Spending $2 Trillion)

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:49:19 -0700

Congress doesn't bother to read 1500 page Cap and Trade bill before voting it into law... WHAAAT?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:27:00 -0700

2 ways you help Monsanto every day (without knowing it)

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:04:21 -0700

The End of Small Farms? What you should know about HR 875, HR 759, NAIS & Monsanto

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:28:07 -0700