07
August 1, 2008
Voters Want Renewable Energy, Not Drilling
Public Opinion data show that voters in four key swing states overwhelmingly favor renewable energy over drilling to solve our energy problems.
July 31, 2008
Consumers Suffer as Health Insurers Consolidate
CAPAF's David Balto testifies on Pennsylvania health mergers before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights.
July 31, 2008
Think Again: Sources Need Protection
Anonymous sources serve a critical role in journalism and deserve to be protected, but determining the limits of protection is more complicated.
July 31, 2008
Stimulus Begins to Work, But More May Be Needed
Economy grows in second quarter, but details in the data releases today may point to the need for another stimulus package, writes Christian E. Weller.
July 31, 2008
U.S. Aid by the Numbers
The United States is a generous contributor of foreign assistance, but too much goes toward reacting to problems instead of dealing with the factors that create them.
July 31, 2008
Young People Want Progressive Economic Change
David Madland on how do young people think about the economy and what role their economic views will play in the elections.
July 31, 2008
Aid for the Future
CAPAF's Reuben Brigety testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the military's role in development assistance.
July 30, 2008
It’s Easy Being Green: The Secret to a Greener Lawn
Gas-powered lawn mowers account for 5 percent of our air pollution. The solution? Go electric (or hand- or animal-powered).
July 30, 2008
Elderly Poverty: The Challenge Before Us
The elderly are disproportionately suffering in the economic downturn. It's time to help.
July 30, 2008
America's Middle Class Still Losing Ground
Christian E. Weller and Amanda Logan update their analysis of middle class security; there's no doubt that the middle class is now taking an ever harder hit.
July 30, 2008
Zero Hour on Credit Cards
House Committee considers landmark legislation that would mandate a higher level of fairness in credit card terms.
July 30, 2008
Crisis in Waiting
The warning signs are growing that Pakistan is probably the crisis that will test the leadership of the next administration, writes Brian Katulis.
July 29, 2008
Moving Beyond the Carter Doctrine: The U.S. Military Presence in the Persian Gulf
In the nearly three decades since the United States declared its vital interests required U.S. military forces to maintain security in the Persian Gulf, the American military footprint—and engagements—in this volatile region have multiplied. As military planners and political decision-makers look beyond the region’s current crises, what will America’s longer-term security posture be in the Gulf? Lawrence Korb, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and former assistant secretary of Defense, makes recommendations in "Moving Beyond the Carter Doctrine: The U.S. Military Presence in the Persian Gulf," a new report for The Century Foundation.
July 29, 2008
Seven Counts for Stevens and One Win for Muckrakers Everywhere
Sen. Ted Stevens was indicted today on seven counts of making false statements for failing to disclose hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gifts.
July 29, 2008
Wealth Mobility and Volatility in Black and White
A new report finds that wealth may be more fundamental to upward mobility in the United States, and differences exist by race.
July 28, 2008
Want to Help 13 Million Children?
The Child Tax Credit currently leaves out many low-income families who need the help most, but a new law would help change that.
July 28, 2008
The Week in Congress 7.28.08 - 8.1.08
CAP has the resources you need to stay on legislation concerning energy, taxes, and equal pay.
July 28, 2008
Issue Brief: The Child Tax Credit
Making the Child Tax Credit fully refundable would lift some of the barriers that prevent low-income families from getting the help they need.
July 28, 2008
The Kirkuk Impasse
Iraq's unresolved ethnic and sectarian conflicts continue to fester, threatening renewed violence, write Brian Katulis and Peter Juul.
July 28, 2008
Bush Meets With Pakistan's Leader
President Bush has met with Pakistani Prime Minister Yusaf Raza Gilani. The two leaders' brief public remarks were cordial, but analysts say the private conversations most likely centered on the need for Pakistan to intensify the fight against extremists.
July 28, 2008
Preying on Retirement Savings
401(k) debit cards are a costly and unnecessary feature of retirement savings accounts, write Christian E. Weller and Virginia Graves.
July 28, 2008
Competing with a Progressive Growth Policy
A more integrated global economy has led to unprecedented growth. More people around the world today benefit from international trade than at any time in the past. Will Straw offers a progressive approach to globalization.
July 28, 2008
The Progressive Generation: How Young Americans View Economic Issues and Why It Matters
Every presidential election season, it seems like we hear rumblings about why the youth vote matters. And this year, politicians’ main focus may be on the economy. A May 2008 survey and report that I co-authored for the Center for American Progress shows that voters under 30—often known as the Millennial generation—have decidedly progressive views on the economy, possibly more so than any previous generation, especially compared to the more conservative views of Generation X.
July 28, 2008
Why We Never Need to Build Another Polluting Power Plant
Suppose I paid you for every pound of pollution you generated and punished you for every pound you reduced. You would probably spend most of your time trying to figure out how to generate more pollution. And suppose that if you generated enough pollution, I had to pay you to build a new plant, no matter what the cost, and no matter how much cheaper it might be to not pollute in the first place.
July 28, 2008
Making Medicare Better for Patients and Doctors
Karen Davenport on what Congress' latest Medicare bill will mean for senior citizens and doctors and what we can do to improve Medicare's long-term financial health.
July 28, 2008
Raising the Roof to Provide a Floor
Bill provides much-needed help to states so they can restore foreclosed properties to productive use. Interactive map shows estimated funding breakdowns for states.
July 25, 2008
The Week in Photos 7.21.08 - 7.25.08
CAP turned its lens on expanded learning time, telecommuting, the minimum-wage raise, and more.
July 25, 2008
Public Opinion Snapshot: A Tale of Two Wars
On the decision of whether to prioritize Iraq or Afghanistan, conservatives’ views are completely opposite from the American public.
July 24, 2008
Helping Hands
Churches address rising home foreclosures—even before the housing crisis hit their communities, writes Lindsay Barrett.
July 24, 2008
Think Again: Gore in the Funhouse
Al Gore's speech last week offered a plan for solving the climate crisis that has been largely misinterpreted and misunderstood.
July 24, 2008
Minimum Wage Goes Up, But Families Still Squeezed by Rising Prices
The minimum wage goes up today, but it still won’t be enough to cover costs for those who need it most.
July 24, 2008
Ministro de la Defensa de Colombia
July 24, 2008
Irresolution: The U.N. Security Council on Darfur
The U.N. Security Council has an opportunity to demand real change in Sudan, but history suggests they won't act in time.
July 24, 2008
Colombian Defense Minister Speaks at CAP
Colombia’s Minister of Defense spoke about the hostage rescue operation on July 2, and commented on the broader situation in Colombia
July 23, 2008
Russia's Mojito Squadron
The Russian newspaper Izvestia reported Monday that Russian bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons could be deployed to Cuba in response to U.S. plans to install a missile defense system in Eastern Europe.
July 23, 2008
Using Neuropharmacology to Improve Interrogation Techniques
Calmatives agents are in theory an attractive approach not only for national security purposes but also for domestic policing. However, the time lag between the release of a substance and its effect on targeted individuals makes currently available opiates such as fentanyl poor candidates for such uses. It is not well understood, for instance, why the group holding the Moscow Theater hostages did not react when it became apparent that something was going on in the confines of the building, but perhaps they were so overcome with exhaustion that they did not register events quickly enough. Whatever the explanation, there is no assurance that future hostage-takers bent on suicide could be managed in this way.
July 23, 2008
Solutions to a Global Climate Crisis
European energy policymakers share their lessons for energy solutions in the United States in the absence of federal policy and leadership.
July 23, 2008
The Prosperity Agenda
New book from Nancy Soderberg and CAP Senior Fellow Brian Katulis outlines a strategy to revive America's position in the world and keep us safe, prosperous, and secure.
July 23, 2008
Relief from High Oil Prices
CAPAF's Joseph Romm testifies before a House Select Committee about the need to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
July 23, 2008
What History Tells Us About the Strategic Petroleum Reserve
A look at how oil prices have dropped after past releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve shows that prices could drop by about $25 a barrel within days.
July 23, 2008
It's Easy Being Green: Save Money, Save Emissions—Work from Home
Part-time telecommuting can reduce carbon emissions, ease highway congestion, and improve worker productivity.
July 22, 2008
26 Million and Growing
Interactive map shows the rising number of internally displaced persons worldwide, and Natalie Ondiak offers a three-step plan for addressing the issue.
July 22, 2008
Your First Car Loan: Know Before You Go
So, you’re finally on your own with a new job. If you’re like most Americans, a car is a necessary item—88 percent of Americans use their car to get to work. The path to getting an auto loan is full of pitfalls that can extract extra money over the course of the loan. And with the price of gas at record levels, getting a car that will serve your needs and fit into your budget may require some planning.
July 22, 2008
401(k) Financial Planning
Borrowing from retirement savings is sometimes necessary, but families shouldn't have to tap these funds now due to poor health or unemployment, says Christian E. Weller.
July 22, 2008
A Critical Look at Expanding Learning Time
Panelists at CAP presented research on expanding learning time, discussed how the measures could be funded, and examined the potential for government support of ELT.
July 22, 2008
Six of One, Half Dozen of the Other
As consumers are less able to access home equity loans, they are turning to credit cards to continue their consumption—meaning it’s more important than ever to improve credit card terms.
July 21, 2008
Seeking Justice for Zimbabwe
ENOUGH and Impunity Watch make a case for accountability against Robert Mugabe and others.
July 21, 2008
Do You Want to Know What Your Genes Say?
Rick Weiss talks about the pros and cons of being able to send in a spit sample and find out what your medical future may hold.
July 21, 2008
Taking Stock of the Fiscal Costs of Expanded Learning Time
Report provides a framework for policymakers and practitioners to identify the key cost components involved in expanding the school day.
July 21, 2008
Help Is on the Way
The communities most battered by the foreclosure crisis may soon receive some much needed federal assistance, providing Congress and the president stay the course.
July 21, 2008
Let Unions Work for U.S.
July 21, 2008
Expanded Learning Time in Action
Report examines whether and how high-poverty and high-minority schools and districts are rethinking the school calendar with expanded learning time.
July 21, 2008
This Week in Congress 7.21.08 - 7.25.08
CAP has the resources you need to stay on top of housing, appropriations, energy, and infrastructure this week.
July 21, 2008
Doha’s Last Gasp for 2008?
Jake Caldwell outlines what needs to happen to salvage the Doha Round negotiations as the World Trade Organization meets this week in Geneva.
July 20, 2008
Contrasting Goals in Iraq
With Friday's announcement by the White House that the United States and Iraq have agreed to set a "general time horizon" for a US troop withdrawal, it is increasingly obvious that Iraqi political leaders are calling the shots when it comes to a future role for the United States, and that President Bush has not learned anything about Iraq in the last five years.
July 20, 2008
What You Should Know Before You Spit Into That Test Tube
Rick Weiss talks about the dangers and benefits of genetic testing in the Washington Post.
July 20, 2008
How the Next President Can Improve Homeland Security
Given terrorist attacks associated with recent political transitions in Spain, Britain and Pakistan, it is possible that someone inspired by al Qaeda will make another attempt in the United States over the next 18 months. While Sen. Barack Obama discussed the intersection of terrorism and technology earlier this week in Indiana, homeland security has not been a significant campaign issue thus far. But since terrorism could present the next president with his first crisis, there are a number of steps the next president should take, beginning literally the day after the election.
July 18, 2008
Gore’s Clear Energy Vision
Gore's ambitious and optimistic speech is a breath of fresh air after weeks—and years—of inaction and bad news on global warming, writes Daniel J. Weiss.
July 18, 2008
Forgotten No Longer
New signs of deteriorating conditions in Afghanistan are appearing every day. The insurgents aren’t going away, things aren’t getting better, and it’s time to pay attention.
July 18, 2008
Making Health Care More Efficient
CAP's Jeanne Lambrew joins other experts at House Budget Committee hearing to testify on how health care value can be improved.
July 18, 2008
The Week in Photos: 7.14.08 - 7.18.08
CAP turned its lens this week on rising violence in Afghanistan, what the public really wants on science, and public opinion on Iraq.
July 18, 2008
Public Opinion Snapshot: It’s Time to Go
New public opinion data clearly shows that the public thinks we should leave Iraq, and that we don’t have to stay in Iraq to succeed against terrorism.
July 17, 2008
Think Again: “Nowhere-istan”
Increased attacks in Afghanistan have garnered more media attention, but there is still a lack of journalistic manpower in the country.
July 17, 2008
The Changing Face of Culture
A panel of experts on arts policy stressed the necessity of forming a new way of life and culture.
July 16, 2008
Robbing Tomorrow to Pay for Today
Report finds that economically squeezed families are increasingly turning to easily accessible loans from their 401(k) plans to help them make ends meet.
July 16, 2008
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program By the Numbers
A by-the-numbers look at the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program shows that a new bill proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders would provide much-needed help with energy costs for low-income families.
July 16, 2008
America's Immigration Lesson to Europe
Europe's low birthrates pose a serious threat to its economic security, making immigration crucial to its survival.
July 16, 2008
Getting Better Value in Health Care
CAPAF's Jeanne Lambrew testifies before the House Committee on the Budget about how to get better value in health care for Americans.
July 16, 2008
The High Cost of Nuclear Power
Nuclear power may look like an attractive option now, but ultimately, it's own limitations will constrain its growth.
July 16, 2008
What the Public Really Wants on Science
Polls show that the public is more than just excited about science—they overwhelmingly think that it can make our lives better and that scientists should have a larger role in public policy decisions.
July 16, 2008
Are You Saving Smartly for Retirement?
Christian E. Weller testifies to Congress, offering solutions for how to stabilize families so they don't feel pressured to borrow from their retirement to cover current expenses.
July 16, 2008
It’s Easy Being Green: It Pays to Recycle
RecycleBank gives people incentives to recycle and helps cities save money on waste management.
July 15, 2008
Insuring the Nest Egg
Retirement income experts at CAP event stress universal coverage and defined benefits plan as key to security.
July 15, 2008
Six Conservative Myths About Health Care
Checking the facts proves that some of the most pervasive conservative myths, from flax taxes to consumer-driven health care, are ill-suited for the United States.
July 15, 2008
Leadership, Not Scapegoats
"America's Leadership Team" blames immigrants and population growth for environmental woes while ignoring the complex truth about these connections.
July 15, 2008
Liderazgo, No Chivos Expiatorios
July 15, 2008
Defining Retirement Plans
A Joint Economic Committee hearing discussed how defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans ensure retirement income and contribute to the economy.
July 14, 2008
Oops! He Did It Again
President Bush again weakened global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at last week's G8 summit, write Dan Weiss and Alexandra Kougentakis.
July 14, 2008
Term Limits: Our National Obsession With Late-Term Abortion
The debate over late-term abortion has lasted long enough. It is a straw man designed to undermine our trust in women.
July 14, 2008
Economic Snapshot for July 2008
Families feel the economic pressure, as the price of basic necessities keep rising. Easing the economic burden will not be easy, writes Christian Weller.
July 14, 2008
The Merits of Justice
Holding people accountable for war crimes is not only the right thing to do from a moral perspective—it directly promotes peace and makes future abuses less likely.
July 14, 2008
Eight Reasons to Release Oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrote President Bush last week to urge him to sell oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Here are eight reasons why that's a good idea.
July 11, 2008
The Week in Photos: 7.07.08 - 7.11.08
CAP turned its lens this week on racial profiling, why more nuclear power is a bad idea, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and retirement plans.
July 11, 2008
The Cost of Reaction
The third in a series of reports on sustainable security examines a new long-term strategy for delivering aid to countries in crisis as opposed to a reactive approach.
July 11, 2008
Public Opinion Snapshot: Americans Deliver Resoundingly Negative Verdict on Bush Economic Policies
The American public overwhelmingly disagrees with the way Bush has handled the economy, especially when it comes to oil and gas prices.
July 10, 2008
Just Vote, Says “Swing Vote”
Kevin Costner may describe “Swing Vote” as a light break from election year tension, but it sends an important political message: vote.
July 10, 2008
Two Takes: The U.S. Needs to End Its Energy Dependence
This dependence is economically unsustainable and dangerous for our children.
July 10, 2008
Why Biased Media Coverage Matters
David Madland on how the media portrays economic issues, why biased media coverage matters, and what fair and balanced coverage of the economy would look like.
July 10, 2008
The Best Retirement Plan Ever
CAPAF’s Christian E. Weller testifies on model retirement savings plans—how public sector pension plans can provide efficient and sustainable savings.
July 10, 2008
Think Again: You Don’t Know Jesse
The coverage of Senator Jesse Helms' death has largely ignored unflattering facts about his life and racial attitude.
July 9, 2008
Pay Heed to Pyongyang
The US could have struck a deal with North Korea years ago - it would be foolish to wait with Iran
July 9, 2008
Racial Profiling and Genetic Privacy
Report examines the question of how we reconcile our desire for excellent police work with maintaining criminal investigation protocols that respect the rights of citizens.
July 9, 2008
It’s Easy Being Green: A Bright Idea
Compact fluorescent light bulbs have been around for years, but still aren’t as widely used as they could be. It’s time for a second look.
July 8, 2008
Doing our part to feed the world
The evidence is clear that our global agricultural system is broken and that in our interdependent world, food security is a challenge we must tackle together.
July 8, 2008
10 Reasons Not to Invest in Nuclear Energy
Nuclear power is so expensive that it requires federal subsidies to compete in the energy market. The money would be better spent elsewhere.
July 8, 2008
Killing Itself for the Right to Discriminate
The Boy Scouts' wrong-headed and relentless fight to keep gays out of scouting has devastated the once-inspiring organization, writes Henry Fernandez.
July 7, 2008
Torture Is a Moral Issue
People of faith in the United States have been working for years to eliminate harsh interrogation techniques and believe it violates theological principles.
July 4, 2008
Alarm Bells in Afghanistan
The forgotten war in Afghanistan has once again leapt back into the news with disturbing reports of rising international casualties and large-scale Taliban offensives in the south.
July 3, 2008
The Continuing Fallout: Job Losses Roll On as Economy Struggles
The latest employment numbers mirror the pain of previous months, adding to the anxiety of low- and middle-income workers and their families, writes Christian E. Weller.
July 3, 2008
Think Again: The Quest to Save Red Lion
A Supreme Court case this fall could weaken the FCC's ability to regulate broadcast standards, including enforcement of indecency laws.
July 3, 2008
The Week in Photos 6.30.08 - 7.3.08
CAP turned its lens this week on college student debt, the security risks of climate change, a successful civil-military approach to development, and more.
July 3, 2008
Ask the Expert: President Bush's Last G8 Summit
Daniel J. Weiss on the G8 agenda, whether there is a global solution to high oil prices, and whether the United States will be receptive to emissions reductions.
July 3, 2008
Stagflation, Not Strong Growth, Justifies Pause
It's not an easy time to be a member of the Federal Open Market Committee. You learn in Economics 101 that you tighten interest rates in an inflationary environment and ease on weaker economic demand. When faced with the dreaded "S" word -- stagflation -- there are no sure textbook answers.
July 2, 2008
The Young and the Indebted
High fees, high interest rates, and complex terms that come with credit cards are particularly damaging to increasing numbers of young people who use plastic.
July 2, 2008
It's Easy Being Green: Walking vs. Driving Is a No-Brainer
There's no doubt that walking benefits the environment and human health. But we need to make it a more realistic option.
July 1, 2008
Credit Cards and the College Bottleneck
A House subcommittee hearing examines the need for stricter limits on credit card companies as students struggle to cope with increasing education expenses.
July 1, 2008
The United States Finishes Last
If we're going to effectively tackle global warming, the United States will have to move out of last place in setting and reaching key emission reduction goals.
July 1, 2008
Interviews with Big Think
July 1, 2008
Jobless Workers Receive Long-Awaited Government Relief
President Bush signed into law a war spending bill that includes a much-needed extension of unemployment benefits for millions of long-term unemployed Americans.
July 1, 2008
"Groundhog Day" at the G8
An agreement on global warming will top the G8 summit agenda in Japan, but President Bush is likely to stonewall any reductions...again.
May 30, 2008