Washington and Wall Street: A ‘Democracy’ in Denial

Some Americans get all bent out of shape when they hear someone label the United States a ‘plutocracy.’ But if we have an honest-to-goodness democracy, where the people really rule, then how can we explain Goldman Sachs?

A New Yardstick for Greed in the Suites?

The lackluster financial reform bill now nearing a floor vote in the U.S. Senate includes a surprising provision that could help reframe and revitalize the struggle against outrageously excessive CEO pay. Read more . . .

For a ‘Living Wage’ America, Cap the Top

The White House wants to require firms that do business with the government to pay decent wages. That could work — if we go after all pay that’s indecent.

A Democracy in Deep Disrepair

In contemporary American political life, only the rich can afford to be politically impatient. The big question: How long will the rest of us tolerate our starkly unrepresentative political status quo?

When Will the White House Wake Up?

Congress may be gridlocked, but the Obama administration has the power, even without congressional action, to take on the CEO set — and the windfalls that are so enraging average Americans.

Against Wall Street, Prosecutors Are Striking Out

Unfortunately, lawmakers aren’t doing too well either — and the big bank bonus grab has once again shifted into overdrive.

A Do-It-Yourself Giant Does It to Workers

Amid double-digit joblessness, two top U.S. corporations cut still another mega merger deal that enriches executives and tosses workers, by the thousands, out onto the street.

Banker Bonus Bingo: Every Card's a Winner

Can excess on Wall Street ever be ended? Maybe. Some lawmakers in France have a plan that could end it.

Mending America’s Torn Social Fabric

In a new network of ‘Common Security Clubs,’ activists are stitching together a challenge to Tea-Bagger rage — and the staggering inequality that breeds it.

Watch Out Wall Street, Here Come the Dutch!

All the big banks in the Netherlands, pressed on by the Dutch finance minister, have agreed on a serious plan to restrain banker bonuses. And now the Dutch want the rest of the world to sign on.