Unemployment Rate Falls Below 8%

Via the Los Angeles Times:

WASHINGTON— The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 7.8 percent last month, dropping below 8 percent for the first time in nearly four years. The rate declined because more people found work, a trend that could have an impact on undecided voters in the final month before the presidential election.  

The Labor Department said Friday that employers added 114,000 jobs in September. The economy also created 86,000 more jobs in July and August than first estimated. Wages rose in September and more people started looking for work.  

Stacking the Deck

Bloomberg: "Wall Street Aristocracy Got $1.2 Trillion in Secret Loans at Lowest Rates"

New York Times: "Eric T. Schneiderman, the attorney general of New York, has come under increasing pressure from the Obama administration to drop his opposition to a wide-ranging state settlement with banks over dubious foreclosure practices, according to people briefed on discussions about the deal."

Washington Post: "Corporations pushing for job-creation tax breaks shield U.S.-vs.-abroad hiring data"

Think Progress: Republicans, who favor every and all tax cuts have suddenly found one they can't abide: They're against an extension of the payroll tax holiday -- one that benefits middle and working class Americans.

Paul Ryan Seeks To Privatize His Congressional Seat

Not satisfied with just trying to privatize Social Security, Rep. Paul Ryan (That'llCostYou$15-WI) wants to privatize his Congressional seat. According to Politico, "It will cost $15 to ask Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) a question in person during the August congressional recess." To prove he means business (no pun intended), his staffers called the cops on seven unemployed constituents staging a sit-in at his Kenosha office to protest his decision not to hold any free public town halls during the August recess.

We say the moochers should be grateful. His minimum asking price is normally $350..

Song of the Day

NSFW!


Song for the day...for the week...for the year...

(h/t to Sherry at after the bridge)
.

I am nothing if not trendy!

Via the Post-Gazette:

The national unemployment rate ticked up again in May to 9.1 percent, an incremental change from April's 9 percent rate, but the second month of increases, a sign that the jobs recovery may have stalled.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported that the number of jobs increased by 54,000, which is half of what some analysts had predicted. The country needs more than 125,000 new jobs to keep up with population growth every month.

I walked into work yesterday to find out that the company that I was working for was shutting down...that day. (I'm going to miss you guys!)

On the upside, now that I will no longer be working Saturdays, maybe I'll go see the Tom Tom Club performing at the Three Rivers Arts Festival.


(h/t to WARN Act)
.

A Message

A message to a Congress who could somehow even consider extending tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires while they've already let emergency unemployment benefits insurance compensation lapse for millions during a time of record unemployment (not to mention during the holiday season):

NSFW

That is all.
.

EVENTS!

December 1, 2010

Unemployment Benefits Lapse Protest

WHERE: Your local congressperson's office/senator's office.
WHEN: Now
WHAT: Via Susie Madrak @ Crooks And Liars: "Here's what I suggest for anyone who's losing their unemployment payments this week: Grab a blanket and a pillow, and head on over to your local congressperson's office -- or, if you live in a big city, go to your senator's office. Tell them you can't afford to turn on the heat, and you're going to camp out in their waiting room until the congressman or senator has time to talk to you. And since you don't have money for food, either, I suggest you loudly solicit the staff and incoming visitors for cash.

Because I am so goddamned sick of these bastards and the protected little bubbles in which they live. It's time we did what we could to remind them of the consequences of everything they've done -- or failed to do."

(OK, not an actual event, but it should be.)


December 2, 2010

No Millionaire Bailout

WHERE: Downtown, 425 Sixth Avenue (Map) Pittsburgh, PA 15219
WHEN: Thursday, December 2nd, 12:00 PM
WHAT: Via MoveOn: "All across the country, we're organizing "No Millionaire Bailout" speak-outs on Thursday, December 2. We'll all share our own reasons for opposing the extension of the Bush tax breaks for the rich, and then ask our members of Congress to tell us where they stand.

[snip]

"In fact, two million jobless Americans will lose unemployment between Thanksgiving and Christmas unless Congress renews the program.1 So much for "Happy Holidays."

It's just plain immoral to cut off people in need while handing out tax breaks for the rich. And it's especially heartless this time of year."

R.S.V.P. HERE


Councilman Peduto’s Third Annual Holiday Fête


WHERE: Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Fifth & Shady Avenues (Map)
WHEN: Thursday, December 2, 2010, V.I.P Reception: 7:00PM - 8:00PM, Holiday Party: 8:00PM - 10:30PM
WHAT: V.I.P Reception: Live Music by The Joe Negri Trio, Performance by The Renaissance City Choirs, Complimentary Valet Parking, Full Open Bar, A Taste of Pittsburgh Featuring The East End's Best Restaurants And More! Suggested Contribution: $250 per person.

Holiday Party: Performances by The Deryck Tines Gospel Singers, Live Music by The Old E. Allstars, Dancing with D.J. Doug Marshall, Local Brews, Wine & Snacks. Suggested Contribution: $50 per person.

More details here. Pay at the door (cash or check) or via card here.
(Disclaimer: Yes, I am a member of Peduto's cyber staff.)


UPDATE:

December 5, 2010

Chevy Road to the Playoffs Steelers Tailgate Party/Holiday Drive for CHS

WHEN: Sunday, December 5, 2010 6-10pm, 6pm: Tailgate Party Starts, 8:20: Kick Off Steelers Vs. Ravens
WHERE: Double Wide Grill, East Carson and 24th Streets, South Side, Pittsburgh 15203
WHAT: "Come down to Double Wide Grill to watch the Steelers game, test drive Chevy vehicles, donate gift cards to CHS and win prizes

Please consider bringing an extra gift card to donate to the CHS Holiday Drive (http://www.chscorp.org//Holiday%20Giving.htm ) Scroll down for additional gift card info.
Everyone who attends will receive an entry to the raffle for Steeler’s Gift BAskets and Double Wide Gift Certificates. For each $5 in gift cards donated your will receive another raffle entry."

RSVP @ Facebook here.


December 12, 2010

Rock for Anne Feeney: Benefit Concert & Tribute at Mr. Smalls

WHERE: Mr. Smalls, 400 Lincoln Ave, Millvale,
WHEN: Dec. 12, doors open 6 PM. $20 donation
WHAT: "Anne Feeney, a stalwart of Pittsburgh Folk Music, has been touring relentlessly for close to a decade, spreading her gospel of peace, love and justice. Now Anne has been stricken with small-cell cancer on her lungs and heart. She not only has no stable source of income, but has an avalanche of medical bills her insurance does not cover. Come together for a diverse night of music to help support Anne Feeney in her time of need. Friends and bands are donating all of their services and Mr. Smalls Theatre is donating their music venue so all proceeds will benefit Anne Feeney.

See an All-star cast of Pittsburgh Musicians in a Tribute to Anne Feeney. Featuring Billy Price, Joe Grushecky, Liz Berlin of Rusted Root, Justin Sane of Anti-Flag, Hermie Granati, Mike Stout and the Human Union, Newlanders, Tres Lads, Joe Munroe. Special guest appearance by Anne Feeney, and many who have accompanied her."

Tickets Online: www.ticketweb.com/mrsmalls • Charge by phone: 866.468.3401. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting Senator Jim Ferlo/Mikhail Pappas. For more information: 412.621.3006 or senatorferlo@gmail.com
.

Republicans Wage War On Christmas!

Republicans hate Christmas. They hate it so much that they don't want millions of Americans to be able to celebrate it. No toy train for little Johnny. No pretty dolly for sweet Sue. No Christmas turkey or ham. No Christmas lights. Maybe they think because Santa wears red and has a beard that he's a Communist.

There's no other conclusion to draw.

By voting no to extend emergency unemployment to millions of Americans during the holiday season at the same time that they refuse to extend tax cuts to millions more middle class Americans (unless they can give themselves huge tax breaks) they are saying no to holiday cheer and waging war on Christmas.

Instead of kids writing a letter to Santa this year, they need to write to Congress and ask them why they want St. Nick to skip their house.

[If Democrats can't sell this they don't deserve to be in office.]
.

As we await the Senate vote on extension of unemployment benefits...

...Remember two things:

1) While Republicans say that unemployment benefits must be fully paid for, they only care about deficits when Democrats are in power:


2) Despite what your average GOPer will tell you, massive tax cuts for the rich have never and will never pay for themselves:



That is all.
.

New Tom Corbett Video (Sashay Shante)

Republican gubernatorial nominee Tom Corbett -- refusing to back down on his claim that the jobless in Pennsylvania are having too good a time living the high life on unemployment to get up off their lazy butts and get one of the jobs that "are there" -- upped the ante today releasing the following web-only video to PA residents:



You better work, PA bitchez !
(Now, turn to the Right.)
Capitol Ideas looks deeper into Corbett's remarks here.
.