When wealth creates poverty.

Hoarding the wealth created by the working class:

http://www.forbes.com/billionaires/

The wealth they hoard amongst such massive poverty across the world is not the end of their criminality... it is their ownership and control of the mines, mills and factories where workers collectively labor to continue producing this wealth that is the real crime.

The crime is capitalism.


The criminals are the parasitical Wall Street capitalist coupon clippers who hoard this tremendous wealth they derive from exploiting labor and raping Mother Nature--- the only two sources of wealth.

Minnesota Democrats have declared war on those who hoard junk when we should be declaring war on those Minnesota millionaires and billionaires who hoard wealth.

A look at the companies listed on the various stock exchanges gives us a better understanding of who owns the wealth created by the working class but the very fact that a political and economic system of capitalism which enables the few to hoard such massive wealth while so many people who create this wealth live in such poverty without even the access to the very necessities of life as articulated in the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights is what we need to be considering: http://unudhr.blogspot.com/

Justice requires these billionaires should be behind bars for grand theft but most people would be satisfied just to see them relieved of their wealth and provided with a job working alongside those they have been exploiting daily with their wealth and all future wealth being used to improve the lives and livelihoods for the rest of the people in the world.

There simply is no excuse for the continued toleration of this kind of obscene and insane hoarding of so much wealth, which, ironically--- and as this rotten capitalist system works--- creates so much poverty.

Something to think about:

These billionaires are so wealthy BECAUSE so many people are so poor.

Question:

What is the definition of "insanity?"

Answer:

Doing something over and over expecting different results
-Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein presented the solution to this "insanity" over 60 years ago in his essay--- Why Socialism?

http://socialismtheoryandpractice.blogspot.com/2009/04/why-socialism.html

What are we getting from the Democratic super majority here in Minnesota?

Except for higher taxes what are working people getting from the Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor Party's new super majority?

Perhaps if we put them on the Minimum Wage, locked them out of the State Capitol, and brought in replacements from the ranks of the unemployed and made them work as servers in a smoke-filled casino without any rights under terms of at-will employment for a couple years they might come back and do what is right and just by working people by:

•   Passing a Minimum Wage that is a real living wage based on all cost of living factors indexed to inflation.
•   Passing anti-scab legislation.
•   Passing anti-lockout legislation.
•   By legislating an end smoking in casinos like all other workplaces.
•   By Rescinding and repealing "At-will Employment" legislation.

And, what about Affirmative Action? Why does this MNDFL super majority refuse to enforce Affirmative Action? Does this MNDFL super majority not have a responsibility to people of color, women and the handicapped?

And, guess what?

None of these reforms would require a tax increase because none of these very modest reforms would cost tax-payers one single penny.

So; why would a party with "labor" and "democratic" in its name, if it were for democracy and working people, not use its newly handed super majority status to make these reforms for the majority--- the working class?

Plus, the simple act of raising the Minimum Wage to a real living wage based on all cost of living factors would solve ALL budget problems the state is experiencing while enabling tax decreases because tens of thousands of working people would be paying taxes based on their improved standard of living rather than being liabilities costing tax payers money.

Interesting; Democrats are CHOOSING to squeeze the working class just like the Republicans do--- kind of makes you wonder if they aren't both working for the same class which profits from the exploitation of labor?

I could ask why these same Democrats with their new super majority have not chosen to substantially increase the taconite tax and stumpage fees on the mining and forestry industries like former governor Rudy Perpich proposed when these Democrats decided to start calling him "Red Rudy" and helped the Republicans drive their own Democrat from office.

The bronze monument on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds honoring Minnesota's first socialist governor, Floyd B. Olson, stands as an example of the kind of socialist politicians we need if we are going to win real meaningful reforms to improve the livelihoods and rights of working people as we gear up to get rid of this rotten capitalist system.

• This MNDFL super majority could also lead the Nation by passing a resolution calling on Obama and Congress to put an end to militarism and these dirty imperialist Wall Street wars squandering the wealth of our Nation.
  
  See: http://www.mnasap.org/
  
• This MNDFL super majority could also pass a resolution calling for Congress to pass a real "Full Employment Act" to make it mandatory the president and Congress attain and maintain full employment consistent with all these campaign promises of "jobs, jobs, jobs."
  
  See: http://fullemploymentnow.blogspot.com/

Again, none of this requires one single penny from Minnesota tax-payers so what is preventing the MNDFL with its super majority from acting?

If we can't expect and count on these very basic and simple initiatives from the Democrats what can we expect from them?

(Above) Monument on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds dedicated to socialist Minnesota Governor Floyd B. Olson's legacy of dedication to improving the lives of workers and farmers.

In memory of Hugo Chavez.

Hugo Chavez' death is very sad; but Chavez did everything he could to make sure the socialist revolution in Venezuela will continue... an all too short life but a life fully and courageously lived.

Alan L. Maki

Statement of condolences about the passing away of the President of the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías

The World Peace Council expresses its profound grief and sorrow about the physical disappearance of the leader of the Bolivarian Revolution and President of Venezuela Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías.

The entire membership of the WPC and its leadership wish to convey the condolences of the peace loving people and their organisations to the people and government of Venezuela, to our member Organisation, the “Comité de Solidaridad Internacional- COSI” and the family of the late President.


Hugo Chavez served and led the Venezuelan people firmly, improving the life of the workers, peasants, women and  youth, using the natural resources of the country for the benefit of the people and proving genuine internationalist solidarity with the peoples of Latin America and the world against the aggressiveness and domination of Imperialism.

With the massive support of the Venezuelan people he resisted the subversive actions and manoeuvres of the local oligarchy and of imperialism, got 4 times elected President of State.

During all his terms the WPC stood by in solidarity with Hugo Chavez, supported the achievements and advances of the peoples’ movement, denouncing the plans and actions like the Coup d’ état of 2002 organized by local and foreign reactionary forces.

Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela stood on the side of the International Anti-imperialist Movement all these years, hosting dozens of international congresses and events, amongst them the Assembly of the WPC where we proclaimed with Hugo Chavez Caracas as the “Capital of Peace and anti-imperialist
struggle” in 2008.

Hugo Chavez will be remembered always by the peoples of world as a genuine and dynamic leader by the future generations.

We express our feelings of sympathy and condolences to his family, the government and people of Venezuela.

Secretariat of World Peace Council
Athens 6th March 2013

A Wisconsin Democratic Party politician, Kelley Dee Albrecht, tries to defend the hideous Indian Gaming Industry.

Would you vote for a politician like Kelley Dee Albrecht who won't stand up for worker's rights as human rights, and defends casino managements?



Alan Maki

Is there a reason not one single progressive in Wisconsin has raised their voices objecting to another 3,000 casino workers being forced to work in loud, noisy, smoke-filled casinos at poverty wages and without any rights under state and federal labor laws as a bunch of corrupt tribal politicians conspire with a bunch of mobsters who own all the slot machines and table games run off with the profits as most Native Americans are forced further into the abyss of racist, genocidal poverty?

Has silence in the face of this kind of massive injustice become a characteristic of what passes for "progressivism" in Wisconsin?

Just asking...

Alan L. Maki
Director of Organizing,
Midwest Casino Workers Organizing Council

http://www.jsonline.com/business/any-of-states-11-tribes-can-veto-offreservation-casino-gov-scott-walker-7g8vf4k-193869241.html

Any of state's 11 tribes can veto off-reservation casino: Gov. Scott Walker

www.jsonline.com

Any of the 11 Wisconsin tribes can veto an off-reservation casino proposal - including the Menominee plan to open a massive gambling hall in Kenosha, Gov. Scott Walker said Thursday.

Like · · · Share · Sunday at 3:11pm

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• Dee Ives likes this.
  
  
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  Kelley Dee Albrecht your comments are not factual - "Native American tribal casinos sometimes get excluded from federal laws because the casinos fall under Indian Tribal Government laws. But most federal labor laws do apply to casinos run by the tribes.
  
  Read more: Federal Labor Laws That Apply to Native Casinos | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6603181_federal-laws-apply-native-casinos.html#ixzz2MbzkksNp"

  
  

  Federal Labor Laws That Apply to Native Casinos

  www.ehow.com
  

  Native American tribal casinos sometimes get excluded from federal laws because the casinos fall under Indian Tribal Government laws. But most federal labor laws do apply to casinos run by the tribes. To keep up to date, tribal employers should carefully review these laws and ensure that all policie...

  Yesterday at 4:14pm · Like · 1
  
  
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  Alan Maki No; you are wrong. Don't give me articles, give me cases. You just go work in a casino and try to get the United States Department of Labor to enforce any law.
  
  In fact, the State of Minnesota was recently cited, as a result of a complaint filed with the United States Department of Labor, for violation of the Family Leave and Medical Act--- the Department of Labor found in their investigation the employer--- the State of Minnesota--- flagrantly not only violated the FMLA but punished workers for availing themselves of the Act. What was done? The United States Department of Labor said they were out of funds and for the workers to hire their own attorney.
  
  I am well aware of how these casinos operate maybe you should go to work in one of these casinos to learn what really goes on instead of running for public office so you know what life is really like for working people.
  
  What is on paper and what is done with what is on paper is two different things.
  
  Try working in one of these hideous casino operations and file a complaint against management with the US Department of Labor and see how long you have a job.

  23 hours ago · Like
  
  
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  Kelley Dee Albrecht Alan you are generalizing and stereotyping as usual. You stated that there are no laws covering casino employees - I gave you the laws.

  23 hours ago · Like · 1
  
  
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  Alan Maki Show me where such laws have ever been enforced. Yes, on paper the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights apply, too. In practice it is another matter.
  
  In fact, the mobsters who own the slot machines and the corrupt tribal politicians who have been bought off just like all the other state and federal politicians who created these "Compacts" creating this hideous "Indian Gaming Industry" from which everyone except Indians profit (oh, yes, you are going to say I am generalizing here, too, because for a few very small tribes every member is a millionaire).
  
  The reason there are NO state or federal laws no matter what is being claimed in the article you posted which cites no enforcement of such laws, is because the Indian Gaming Industry is protected just like the mining, power generating and forestry industries by the "Doctrine of Discovery" backed by the United States Supreme Court ruling of "Johnson versus M'Intosh" which assure and protects the stealing of wealth from Indian Nations--- like all wealth, only labor with quite a little help from Mother Nature, the wealth is created by the labor of those employed in the Indian Gaming Industry.
  
  As such, the "Doctrine of Discovery" enforced by "Johnson versus M'Intosh" renders any and all laws regarding protection of workers in this hideous industry null and void and this is why if you ask the United States Department of Labor to see their records relating to their enforcement of federal laws in the Indian Gaming Industry they can't show you one single enforcement on their part of their own laws, rules and regulations.
  
  You picked up an article on the Internet written and published by someone who, like you, has not an inkling of the situation.
  
  Of course, there is a reason why you and so many Democratic politicians try to distort the truth on this issue: you, personally, like other Democrats and more and more Republicans are receiving campaign contributions from this hideously racist, anti-labor industry.
  
  Why don't you come forward showing all the campaign contributions you and other politicians receive in return for defending and promoting the Indian Gaming Industry?
  
  By the way, if the few laws you brought forward were in fact being enforced, why wouldn't all state and federal labor laws be enforced?
  
  And, since you claim you have found several laws supposedly protecting casino workers, why do you turn your back in indifference knowing none of the other laws are being enforced?
  
  Even if I were to be "generalizing and stereotyping as usual" (quite a generalization in and of itself by you), the fact remains that the injustices in this hideously racist and anti-labor industry remain the norm--- something you are intent on denying; again, why would you do this if you are not gaining something from these injustices you are so intent on covering up that you will pick an article off the Internet without even checking to find out if it is factual and true?
  
  I do hope a real progressive, which you are not, with the courage to stand up against racism and for workers' rights is found to run against Vos.
  
  By the way, what is your position on smoking in these casinos? You don't care about the health of casino workers or casino patrons. Where was your voice when Wisconsin politicians were EXCLUDING the Indian Gaming Industry in banning smoking from workplaces?
  
  Don't show me articles from the Internet you haven't even bothered to check if they are factually correct; just state what you did when you had a chance to make a real difference.
  
  Are you aware the majority of casino employees are young women of child-bearing age? Who suffers the worst consequences from second-hand smoke?
  
  Facts and workers' health don't matter to you; not when your campaign contributions are at stake... another one of my generalizations--- but, very true.
  
  
  
  

  
  
  
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    Kelley Dee Albrecht You are not going to bully me into silence Alan. You said there were no laws, I simply corrected that, I said nothing about whether they were enforced or not, again generalizing and stereotyping.

    about an hour ago · Like · 1
    
    
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    Alan Maki There are NO laws that are enforceable--- that means as far as workers are concerned there are NO laws.

    about an hour ago · Like
    
    
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    Alan Maki I'm curious, Kelley; why haven't you raised your voice to help assure the rights of casino workers are fully protected under state and federal labor laws and this new casino will be smoke-free with the noise levels in accordance with the legal requirements?
    
    
    

    
    
    
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      Kelley Dee Albrecht Alan, as you have made clear in your attacks on me, you have no idea who I am and what I have "raised my voice" on at all.

      13 minutes ago · Like
      
      
      
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      Alan Maki I know you have defended the Indian Gaming Industry and have NEVER raised your voice in support of casino workers.
      
      If you have stated any support for casino workers post that support right here.
      
      If you have called for the rights of casino workers under state and federal labor laws and that you are for it to be mandatory that this casino be smoke-free with sound levels in compliance with state and federal labor laws post your positions (and those of any other Democratic politicians in Wisconsin) right here for all to see.
      
      Quite frankly, at this point in time, I am not real concerned about anything else you have said other than what you have to say on this specific subject.
      
      And, let me make this very clear; I would not, and have no intent to try to "bully" you into silence. Quite the contrary; I would encourage you to state your position full and completely on the record right here so I can show it to voters should you run again.
      
      You aren't opposed to accountability, are you?
      
      But, whether or not you choose to run for public office, again, you claim to be a progressive public citizen and I am challenging whether or not you are a progressive when it comes to working class concerns, issues and problems since being for worker's rights is the touchstone of progressivism.

      a few seconds ago · Like
      
      
      

      
      
      
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        Kelley Dee Albrecht I did not defend anything Alan, I merely posted a link refuting your claim that casino workers had no rights under state and federal laws. While you live in Minnesota and that may be the case - in Wisconsin Tribal-state compacts recognize the right of tribal casino employees to be represented by a union as their collective bargaining agent.
        People in Wisconsin know full well that I fight every day for progressive issues, which includes workers rights, women's rights, the right to affordable health care, and every other battle we have going on here in Wisconsin. I also stand 100% with the Natives and their sovereign treaty rights.

        53 minutes ago · Like
        
        
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        Alan Maki Kelley; could you post a link to each of these "Compacts" here?

        34 minutes ago · Like
        
        
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        Kelley Dee Albrecht http://www.doa.state.wi.us/section_detail.asp?linkcatid=694&linkid=117&locid=7
        

        
        

        Gaming:   Gaming Compact Agreements

        www.doa.state.wi.us
        

        The State of Wisconsin has entered into gaming compact agreements with all eleve...See More

        32 minutes ago · Like
        
        
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        Alan Maki I am not concerned at this point with what you do every single day.
        
        Where do you find this in the "Compacts:"
        
        While you live in Minnesota and that may be the case - in Wisconsin Tribal-state compacts recognize the right of tribal casino employees to be represented by a union as their collective bargaining agent.
        
        Begin with the Bad River "Compact."
        
        For now I am concerned with what you do about defending the rights of casino workers in Wisconsin. What was your position when these casinos were allowed to remain full of second-hand smoke while other places of employment were designated as "smoke-free?"
        
        As you are well aware there are no unions representing any casino workers in Wisconsin and I can assure you none of the casino managements in Wisconsin allow or tolerate union organizing.
        
        Bring one single casino manager to this discussion stating they will allow casino workers to organize under the laws, rules and regulations of the National Labor Relations Act and agree to engage in collective bargaining should workers vote for union representation.

        5 minutes ago · Like
        
        
        
        

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          Sara Johann Alan, honestly, your Podunk commentary about Kelley Albrecht is nothing but a personal attack and such attacks are not appropriate in a forum like this! I personally know that Kelley Albrecht is a VERY STRONG supporter of workers' rights so your claims are absurd!

          28 minutes ago · Edited · Like
          
          
          
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          Alan Maki Sara; you may think my claims are "absurd" but the fact remains, Kelley Albrecht has INTENTIONALLY brought forward misinformation and outright lies in defense of this hideous Indian Gaming Industry.
          
          I made a post and asked a very simple question.
          
          Kelley Albrecht CHOSE to answer my question with deceit and lies all of her own volition.
          
          For all I know, you may be correct that Kelley Albrecht supports the rights of SOME workers. She definitely does not support the rights of casino workers.
          
          I would note that I can no longer see Kelley Albrecht's comments on here; did she delete her comments or did she block me.
          
          This is not the first time Kelley Albrecht has come forward with this kind of misinformation, deceit and outright lies concerning the injustices casino workers are being subjected to in the Indian Gaming Industry.
          
          As anyone can see and read for themselves, Kelley Albrecht made the claim the right of casino workers to organize is protected by the "Compacts" in Wisconsin--- I am waiting for someone to show me where this is stated; perhaps you, Sara, would like to point this out?
          
          Someone show me where there is such protection.
          
          I have made no personal attack on Kelley Albrecht; I have responded to her misinformation, deceit and outright lies.
          
          Quite frankly, I see no difference between where Wisconsin Democrats stand in relation to the rights of casino workers than where Scott Walker and the Republicans stand in relation to casino workers and all other workers.
          
          That you and Kelley Albrecht do not like me bringing this forward publicly has no bearing on the facts. The facts are what they are; just as I have stated.
          
          I see no one coming forward to answer my original question nor bringing forward any facts to prove my statements wrong.
          
          This is not the first time Kelley Albrecht has chosen to play this kind of dirty and mean game at the expense of the injustices casino workers are suffering which Wisconsin Democrats have done nothing to correct.
          
          Alan L. Maki
          Director of Organizing,
          Midwest Casino Workers Organizing Council

          a few seconds ago · Edited · Like
          
          
          
          
          
          

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            Richard Schwalb Alan, you and Kelley have a difference of opinion on interpreting laws and policies relevant to the very valid issue that you have raised. That is fine. Please refrain from personal attacks on this page, accusing individuals of lying, etc. Individuals may be misinformed and posting accordingly, or may believe correctly or incorrectly that others on this page are misinformed, and post accordingly. However, everyone active in this group clearly has progressive values at heart, and works in one way or another to promote those values. I don't believe that anyone active in this group is intentionally lying. If you disagree about that, please keep those comments to yourselves. Freely debate the facts and the issues, but please do not impugn each other's honesty or personal character. Many of us are passionate about our progressive activism, but personal attacks and accusations of lying only inflame emotions and divide us. We are attacked more than enough by the enemies of progressivism, and when we go beyond vigorous debate to personal attacks, we help them and hurt ourselves. The 1st amendment protects free speech from interference by government, but these Facebook pages may be moderated in order to keep discussions reasonably civil. As founder of this group, repeated personal attacks will not be tolerated, but I am hopeful that from now on the debate can remain vigorous without such attacks. Please remember, the people united will never be defeated. Solidarity!

            22 minutes ago · Like
            
            
            
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            Alan Maki Ok; I am told Kelley Albrecht has blocked me since several other people tell me they can see her posts. I will leave it to others to judge Kelley Albrecht's very cowardly and intellectually dishonest behavior.
            
            My original question stands as asked:
            
            Is there a reason not one single progressive in Wisconsin has not raised their voices objecting to another 3,000 casino workers being forced to work in loud, noisy, smoke-filled casinos at poverty wages and without any rights under state and federal labor laws as a bunch of corrupt tribal politicians conspire with a bunch of mobsters who own all the slot machines and table games run off with the profits as most Native Americans are forced further into the abyss of racist, genocidal poverty?
            
            Richard; we have been through this previously with Kelley Albrecht and many other Wisconsin Democrats.
            
            Kelley's intent is to deceive. It was Kelley who made the claim that the "Compacts" protect the rights of casino workers to organize.
            
            When I asked her to provide the proof of her statement she plunked down a link to the "Compacts;" for what purpose? Is there any mention of anything to do with the rights of casino workers to organize in any of these "Compacts?" NO there is not; and she knows it but plunked down the link to these "Compacts" anyways hoping people would believe her, and not me, while hoping they would not bother to read hundreds of pages. Do you call this kind of deceit when trying to get at the facts honest?
            
            This kind of trickery might be fine in a high school debate class but in this debate people's lives are the issue.
            
            Please don't suggest there is any basis for unity with those who support these casino managements because this makes a mockery of a very sacred progressive tradition.
            
            As for your suggestion that the "First Amendment doesn't apply here on FaceBook" according to you, I think this is a very sad commentary on your part especially since it was Kelley who started feeding the misinformation and you made no attempt to challenge her.
            
            Where is your responsibility as a moderator who wants to maintain civility when you don't step in to suggest people provide facts?
            
            Where is your warning to Kelley asking her to now provide a reason why she plunked down the link to the "Compacts" knowing the question I asked was not answered in these "Compacts?"
            
            Casino workers are walked all over and treated like crap every single day; to think that a person can't ask the original question that I did without being subjected to this kind of abuse is pathetic.
            
            This is NOT about a "difference of opinion;" this about justice versus injustice.

            a few seconds ago · Like