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The world’s largest pharmaceutical company, Pfizer, has just agreed to pay $2.3 billion in a settlement for healthcare fraud. The Justice Department’s announcement of the largest such settlement in its history, is the result of lawsuits by private whistleblowers in three states, accusing Pfizer of fraudulent marketing of drugs. Part of the settlement is a $1.2 billion criminal …

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Frederick Douglas Escapes Slavery

Back in the day on September 3rd, Frederick Douglas made his escape from the bondage of slavery. The great African-American abolitionist, editor and orator boarded a train to his freedom. Dressed in disguise as a sailor with a borrowed Seaman’s Protection Certificate, Douglass nervously approached the train conductor who held his fate in his …

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The highest compact we can make with our fellow is – “Let there be truth between us two forevermore.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson …

We’ll hear about a recent documentary on the pharmaceutical industry called “Money Talks: Profits Before Patient Safety.” And, we’ll examine renewed efforts to tax junk food as a way to improve health, and increase tax revenues. Plus, a new study reveals widespread wage violations among low-wage workers. …

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The EPA has drafted rules for vehicle fuel efficiency that sets a minimum standard of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. The agency is taking this step as part of its effort to begin regulating carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, EPA head Lisa Jackson just announced that she plans to formally declare a so-called …

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Glenn Beck, the boycott-beleaguered Fox News television host once again took aim on Monday at White House special adviser Van Jones. Reiterating claims made consistently on his program, Beck claimed that Jones was a “self-avowed Communist,” and part of a “silent revolution,” in the Obama administration. The focus on the White House green jobs adviser has intensified recently …

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Before Sonia Sotomayor, there was Dolores “Lolita” Lebron. Born in Puerto Rico, the nationalist figure’s actions in support of liberation for the island provoked controversies more fervent than ‘wise Latina’ remarks. Lebron, a former beauty queen, joined the New York Chapter of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party during the 1940’s after having moved to the United States. She quickly …

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The Hague Congress of the First International

Back in the day on September 2nd 1872, the Hague Congress of the First International convened. The gathering of delegates was the fifth such congress of the International Workingmen’s Association and undoubtedly its most contentious. Ahead of the meeting at the Hague, the clash between radical philosophers Mikhail Bakunin and Karl …

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“Change means movement. Movement means friction. Only in the frictionless vacuum of a nonexistent abstract world can movement or change occur without that abrasive friction of conflict.” — Saul Alinsky …

We’ll look at the bold move anticipated by the EPA to declare carbon dioxide a pollutant and begin regulating the greenhouse gas without waiting for Congress to take action. And, we’ll hear about a new play capturing the dramatic life-story of Lolita Lebron, Puerto Rican independence activist. Plus, a look at Glenn Beck’s hysterical rants about racism, tyranny, and a coup in American politics – you might want to prepare yourself for some of the …

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