Three Stories about Walmart

The National Labor Relations Board issued findings today that Walmart broke the law by firing or penalizing workers who went on strike or tried to unionize. Meanwhile, the company draws criticism for sponsoring a food drive for needy employees. Rather than raise wages, Walmart blames a weak economy for its slow sales rather than a flawed business model. Finally, a senior editor from Fortune magazine makes the case that Walmart can afford to raise wages by 50%.

Capitalism and Unemployment

Richard D Wolff Truthout
Capitalists defend their "right" to hire and fire as an unquestioned "entitlement". Yet it surely should be challenged on grounds of its undemocratic nature and its perverse social results. Employing people in socially useful work is more humane, more productive and less costly. Yet a private profit-driven capitalist system yields the endless unemployment, spiking repeatedly. Except, of course, capitalists want it because it keeps them at top of capitalist society.

Lavrov Reveals Amended Draft Circulated at “Last Moment”

Gareth Porter Inter Press Service
The Obama administration faces a decision whether to press Iran to go along with the changes or to go back to the original compromise when political directors of the six powers and Iran reconvene Nov. 20. That choice will provide the key indicator of how strongly committed Obama is to reaching an agreement with Iran.

House Inaction Escalates Community’s Demands for Immigration Reform

Amanda Peterson Beadle immigration Impact
Blocks from the U.S. Capitol, five religious and labor leaders launched the “Fast for Families” on Tuesday, committing to fast from food and drink until Congress passes immigration reform. Along with the long-term fasters, people are joining as “solidarity fasters,” fasting for a shorter period of time both in D.C. and across the country. Officials and members of Congress have gone to the tent to hear from the fasters about their mission.