National Media Corps

New EPA limits on mercury and other emissions are gambles in crucial coal states, which foes say will see energy-sector layoffs.

December 22, 2011|Neela Banerjee, latimes.com

"WASHINGTON — The Obama administration has adopted tough new limits on mercury and other toxic emissions from power plants, winning praise from environmentalists and public health advocates but sparking warnings from industry groups that contend the new regulations are too expensive and will place dangerous pressure on the nation's electrical grid."

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/dec/22/nation/la-na-epa-mercury-2011122...

By GLENN CLOSE & JESSIE CLOSE | 11/16/11 10:02 AM EST

"We are committed to combating a serious public health problem – mental illness – and reducing the stigma that surrounds it. This stigma prevents those suffering from mental illness from getting diagnosed and treated; stops loved ones from acknowledging and addressing the problem, and keeps the public from understanding that mental illnesses require the same attention as illnesses like cancer and diabetes.

"Tough economic times are now forcing state and federal leaders to make difficult budget decisions, but we can’t allow this stigma to metastasize into the policymaking process. Our leaders should know that further cuts in mental health care services don’t just affect those suffering from mental illness — they affect us all."

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1111/68478.html#ixzz1e6YuFRru

By JAMES LIVINGSTON
Published: October 25, 2011

"AS an economic historian who has been studying American capitalism for 35 years, I’m going to let you in on the best-kept secret of the last century: private investment — that is, using business profits to increase productivity and output — doesn’t actually drive economic growth. Consumer debt and government spending do. Private investment isn’t even necessary to promote growth."

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/26/opinion/its-consumer-spending-stupid.h...