Bear Left!

Fact of the Week

**Fact of the Week**
According to an analysis conducted for the New York Times, the 1990s economic boom was a bust for the middle class and poor in the United States. In Washington, D.C., for example, the average income of families in the wealthiest fifth of the population, once adjusted for inflation, grew to 24 times the average in the bottom fifth, up from 18 times. The Bush Administration and Republicans in Congress have responded to these changes in income by cutting the taxes of the rich, increasing the national debt and tapping social security reserves to cover budget deficits. Source: New York Times, 31 August 2001.

New Accusations of a Vatican Role in Anti-Semitism: A new book argues that the Vatican laid the intellectual foundation for Anti-Semitism in the 19th and 20th centuries (Emily Eakin, New York Times).
Slavery in the 21st Century: There are 27 million people enslaved today, more than ever before (Sydney Morning Herald).
Bush's Energy Plan Bares Industry Clout: The findings of Dick Cheney's task force boosted the interests of the corporate executives it consulted (Judy Pasternak, Los Angeles Times).
Reflections on a Gelded Donkey: Rather than a commitment to principles, the Democrats have shown little more than a will to win at any costs. (E. C. Fish, TheSpleen.com).
Painted Black: The billionaire founder of Black Entertainment Television would like you to think that he speaks for all African-Americans (Jonathan Chait, The New Republic).
A Fair and Free Election: There is finally some good news from East Timor (John Aglionby, The Guardian).

"Bear left!"/"Right, Frog!" (Kermit and Fozzie, The Muppet Movie)

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