'ALEC, GOP undermine our constitutional guarantees'

Here's a candidate for best Letter to the Editor Ever. 

Nancy Staples wrote about ALEC, the corporate escort service for state lawmakers, in a well-reasoned letter to StAugustine.com. She began,

Our United States Constitution was a compromise between many very strong willed men who often held opposing views about government. 

They had the courage to look at both points of view and find a solution. Not so today. 

The wisdom and reason that has allowed this nation to function for over 200 years, is missing, and the word compromise does not exist.

She reminds us of what we all know: That political discussion in this country is divisive and vitriolic, and the words "freedom" and "patriot" are used to demean opposing points of view.

And she calls out the Republican Party and ALEC:

The Republican party I belonged to for many years was inclusive, but it has been usurped into a corporate shill for the wealthy, with the American Legislative Exchange Council as its guide. Our Republican representatives use ideology rather than reason for every law they make and every vote they cast. 

They disrespect, not only our president, but the very institution of government which they claim to represent and swear an oath to protect. 

I respect people who do not share my personal political and spiritual beliefs or ethical standards. But that idea of having respect for our differences died and has been replaced by vitriol.

And she nails the problem on the head:

As long as self-interest (Gerrymandered districts), greed (unlimited campaign contributions) and PAC and corporate influence (Heritage Foundation, Koch brothers) wield the power over decisions our representatives make, “We The People”, will never have what our constitutional guarantees.

True that.

Today's Teamster News 09.04.12

$2.6 Trillion for 2 Million Jobs (opinion)  Economic Populist   ...Anyone find these economic stimulus packages put out by the government and the Federal Reserve ridiculous at this point?  The reality is a direct jobs program would be much cheaper and much more effective to get the economy moving...
Why Do Americans Hate the Media? Just Watch the Conventions.  (opinion)  The Atlantic   ...the "watchdogs" are essentially saying to their flock: "Look at how well connected we are with the wolves we are here to protect you against!" Does that make you feel better protected? Me neither...
Fears Rising, Spaniards Pull Out Their Cash and Get Out of Spain  New York Times   ...Mr. Vildosola is among many who worry that Spain’s economic tailspin could eventually force the country’s withdrawal from the euro and a return to its former currency, the peseta. That dire outcome is still considered a long shot, even if Spain might eventually require a Greek-style bailout...
90,000 Citizens reports for property-insurance discounts rejected  Palm Beach Post   ...Gov. Rick Scott has pushed state-run Citizens to raise premiums, reduce coverage, shrink its risk exposure and help drive customers to private competitors. A lawsuit against Citizens by customers in Palm Beach and Broward counties claims the reinspection program is a “subterfuge” to raise premiums, alleging coordinators withheld payment to inspectors until they changed reports to deny credits...
Unions march in solidarity in Massena parade  Watertown Daily Times   ...Teamsters Local 687 was celebrating its 75th anniversary and ordered special shirts and hats for the occasion. The parade “brings people out. It brings awareness to those who are not unionized,” President Brian K. Hammond said. “It shows we’re unified and care about the work force...”
Labor Day marked with parades, political speeches  Associated Press   ...Teamsters Local 687 was celebrating its 75th anniversary and ordered special shirts and hats for the occasion. The parade “brings people out. It brings awareness to those who are not unionized,” President Brian K. Hammond said. “It shows we’re unified and care about the work force...”

Today's Teamster News 12.24.11

The Big Lie Grows (explainer)  informingthe99percent   ...Fannie and Freddie got into the game at some point -- but it was a game that had been invented by Wall Street years earlier...
Chart of the Day: International Manufacturing Compensation Costs Compared  Credit Writedowns   ...Great data from the BLS comparing hourly compensation for manufacturing...
Voters leaving Republican, Democratic parties in droves  USA Today   ...Registered Democrats still dominate the political playing field with more than 42 million voters, compared to 30 million Republicans and 24 million independents. But Democrats have lost the most — 1.7 million, or 3.9%, from 2008...
Justice Department blocks South Carolina's voter identification law  The Hill   ...Eight states have passed similar laws in recent months: Wisconsin, Mississippi, Texas, Kansas, Alabama, Rhode Island, and Tennessee...
'Right to work' will hurt every Hoosier in the workplace (opinion)  South Bend Tribune   ...there is nothing simple or innocent about a proposal with a documented history of cutting pay for workers, reducing the benefits they earn to support their families and reducing safety in the places where they work...
Teamsters’ 3-year pact has 3% hikes  Buffalo News   ...Elma town employees who belong to the Teamsters will get a 3 percent salary increase in each of the next three years and an increased clothing allowance, under a contract ratified this week by the Town Board...