From PBS.org resources. Copied here for archiving:
Here are some excellent general Internet resources for Politics and Economy: Government: Executive Agencies — Independent Government Agencies — Legislative Groups — Think Tanks
We also have annotations on the following topics: FCC and Media Deregulation —Civil Liberties — Campaign Finance — Cuba — Energy — Focus on Iraq — Freedom of Information Act — Gun Control — Hunger in America — The Middle East — NAFTA — Public Opinion Polls
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Department of Commerce
U.S. Department of Defense
Department of Education
Department of Energy
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Department of Justice
Department of Labor
U.S. Department of State
Department of Veteran Affairs
Department of the Air Force
Department of the Army
Department of the Interior
Department of the Navy
Department of the Treasury
U.S. Marine Corps
The White House
Independent Government Agencies
Commission of Civil Rights
Environmental Protection Agency
Export - Import Bank
Federal Communications Commission
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Federal Election Commission
Overseas Private Investment Corporation
Peace Corps
United States Postal Service
Central Intelligence Agency
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Archives and Records Administration
Securities and Exchange Commission
Agency for International Development
United States Supreme Court
Congressional Budget Office
General Accounting Office
Library of Congress
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Senate
(* Think Tanks that appear are the most widely cited institutions in newspaper, radio, and TV transcripts and are given their ideological label from a FAIR report, which can be found at: Think Tanks
The Liberal/Left
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Center for Defense Information
The Centre for Economic and Policy Research
Economic Policy Institute
Institute for Policy Studies
Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
The Urban Institute
World Watch Institute
Centrist
The Brookings Institution
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
The Council on Foreign Relations
Freedom Forum
Institute for International Economics
Progressive Policy Institute
Conservative/Right
American Enterprise Institute
Cato Institute
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Competitive Enterprise Institute
Heritage Foundation
The Hudson Institute
International Institute for Strategic Studies
The Manhattan Institute
Progress and Freedom Foundation
The Rand Corporation
Below are sites which contain more information about the issue of media deregulation and ways to take action on either side of the issue. The FCC site provides an area to make views on deregulation known, and provides contact information for the agency.
Colombia Journalism Review: Who Owns What?
Consumer Federation of America
Consumers Union: Nonprofit Publisher of Consumer Reports
Economic and Political Consequences of the 1996 Telecommunications Act
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The Telecommunications Act of 1996
FRONTLINE: The Merchants of Cool - Media Giants
Media Access Project
What's Wrong With This Picture?
The American Conservative Union on Campaign Finance Reform
Common Cause
The Bill of Rights Defense Committee
The Department of Homeland Security
Homeland Security, Homeland Profits
How the USA Patriot Act Puts the CIA Back in the Business of Spying On Americans
Preparing the U.S. Army for Homeland Security
Seizing Dictatorial Power - William Safire
The Sons and Daughters of Liberty
USA Patriot Act
USA Patriot Act Includes Provisions on Student Records
Watching You: Systematic Federal Surveillance of Ordinary Americans
Task of a Terror Czar
CIA World Factbook: Cuba
It's Time, Finally, to End the Cuban Embargo
What's Life Really Like In Cuba?
Online NewsHour: Life in Cuba
The H.R. 4 Bill
American Enterprise Institute
US Department of Justice
Americans for Gun Safety (AGS)
Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC)
National Instant Criminal Background Check System
The New American: Issues in Focus - Gun Control
Almanac of Policy Issues
Articles by Barbara Ehrenreich
There are numerous American mainstream news outlets offering coverage of events in the Middle East. The following links provide the perspectives of Israelis and Palestinians, as well as other media and organizational resources. BBC News
Ha'aretz Daily Newspaper
Israel-Palestine Center for Research and Information
The NAFTA Secretariat
PollingReport.com
FCC and Media Deregulation sites:
Center for Digital Democracy
The Web site of the Center for Digital Democracy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving media diversity, provides information regarding the issue of media concentration. The Center highlights the 1945 Supreme Court decision (Associated Press v. United States) which maintains that mergers that narrow the dissemination of information are unconstitutional. Other features include press headlines, articles, and resource links.
"Who Owns What?" by the Colombia Journalism Review (CJR) features a list of media conglomerates and what they own. The page also provides a selected list of articles from the CJR archive on media concentration.
The Consumer Federation of America provides press releases, studies, brochures, and testimony to educate the American public about telecommunications issues and to advocate for pro-consumer policies.
The Consumers Union Web page, devoted to telephone-telecommunications regulation, provides a long list of articles, studies, and research describing how the deregulation of the telecommunications industry in 1996 has hurt consumers.
Thomas Hazlett of the American Enterprise Institute argues that the 1996 Telecommunications Act resulted both in benefits to consumers and in "megamergers" that have benefited stockholders and market function. He contends that increased competition in the market had an effect on the political process, where the Telecommunications industry outspent all other industries in political contributions.
The Federal Communication Commission is an independent government organization accountable to Congress. The FCC regulates "interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable" within U.S. jurisdiction. The FCC Web site features a special section on media ownership which includes information on the Broadcast-Newspaper Cross-Ownership Rule and the Local Radio Ownership Rule in the form of announcements, press releases, and policy studies.
This Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Web page is devoted to the landmark Telecommunications Act of 1996, which promoted deregulation of the telecommunication industry (cable, long distance telephone service, local telephone service, and broadband) to create a competitive communications market and deliver better services and prices to consumers. The Web site features the complete text of the legislation and provides relevant FCC materials related to the implementation and guidelines of the Act.
On PBS.org, the FRONTLINE Web site features a diagram of the seven largest media conglomerates and their numerous holdings. This information is provided within a larger context, asking how media mega-mergers and the products they sell affect children's psychological development.
The Media Access Project (MAP) is a public interest telecommunications law firm dedicated to promoting what they call "the public's First Amendment right to hear and be heard on the electronic media of today and tomorrow." MAP covers a broad spectrum of issues concerning electronic media, including media consolidation, broadband access, Internet governance, promoting civic discourse, and protecting free speech. MAP's Media Consolidation Web page provides an overview of the telecommunications industry and its regulator, the FCC, and documents recent attacks on media-ownership limits and why the repeal of these limits harms citizens.
US Capitalism and the Public Interest: Restoring the Balance in Electricity and Telecommunications
Dr. Marc Cooper of the Consumer Federation of America argues that the deregulatory effort of the 1990s in the electricity and telecommunications industries has upset the delicate balance between private interest and public responsibilities. Dr. Cooper concludes that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must reassert their regulatory responsibilities to salvage public interests.
Crispin Miller of THE NATION magazine describes and analyzes the media cartel that has integrated all cultural industries into a few large corporations. Miller fears that American culture will become more homogenous with less dissent and fewer independent voices..
The American Conservative Union (ACU) commissioned this report, Who's Buying Campaign Finance Reform? to shed light on where the anti-First Amendment campaign 'reform' movement gets its money and what its leaders, followers and funders really want for America.
Campaign Finance Reform
This page on conservative U.S. politics asks if campaign finance reform is solving a problem or restricting free speech by providing bulleted lists of reformers' views and opponents' views, and links to resources.
The Center for Responsive Politics
The Center for Responsive Politics is a non-partisan, non-profit research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics, and its effect on elections and public policy. The site outlines the contributions of Enron and Andersen to Congress, including a breakdown of Enron's top individual donors.
This Common Cause Guide to the Enron Collapse features articles which illuminate the course of events and regularly publishes investigative studies on the effects of money in politics and reports on a variety of ethics and integrity-in-government issues. Also on this site, an extensive section on campaign finance reform.
In Depth on Campaign Finance Reform
A consortium of over 80 top public policy organizations and advocacy groups, the Electronic Policy Network provides timely information and leading ideas about policies and politics. Inside this site, EPN offers up-to-the-minute information on new releases from member organizations; the latest columns and editorials from policy debate shapers; and includes a catalog of articles on topics of soft money, financial disclosure, campaign finance reform and free speech, clean money, and other related topics.
Public Campaign
Public Campaign is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to sweeping reform that aims to dramatically reduce the role of special interest money in America's elections and the influence of big contributors in American politics. Public Campaign works with various organizations, particularly citizen groups around the country that are fighting for change in their states. On the site, frequent updates and press releases give you the latest news on campaign finance reform.
Money and Politics
The Cato Institute seeks to broaden the parameters of public policy debate to allow consideration of the traditional American principles of limited government, individual liberty, free markets and peace. In the articles on this web site, Cato scholars explain why the various proposals for extensive new regulations on campaign finance are unconstitutional, based on faulty assumptions and destined to result in unintended and undesirable consequences.
Civil Liberties and the Patriot Act:
Not for profit grassroots group concerned with American civil liberties. The site contains updates on local civil liberties actions, tools for activists, a legislation watch and policy briefs on the Patriot Act.
The Department of Homeland Security offers information about Homeland Security legislation, the President's Homeland Security proposal, and analysis of the department. Other features include transcripts of speeches given by Governor Tom Ridge at the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation 2002 Service to America Summit and President Bush's Address to the Nation concerning homeland security. Online chat transcripts with Governor Ridge are also included.
On the Corpwatch Web site (a corporate watchdog group), Wayne Madsen argues that corporations are standing to make billions from selling "surveillance and information-gathering systems to government agencies and the private sector." Madsen cautions that this technology will be utilized to intimidate and squelch dissent.
In this issue brief, the American Civil Liberties Union argues that the USA Patriot Act includes domestic espionage against American citizens. According to the ACLU, the USA Patriot Act "permits a vast array of information gathering on U.S. citizens from school records, financial transactions, Internet activity, telephone conversations, information gleaned from grand jury proceedings and criminal investigations to be shared with the CIA (and other non-law enforcement officials) even if it pertains to Americans."
In this Rand Corporation publication, the organization analyzes the security threats facing the U.S. and helps to clarify the U.S. Army's core responsibilities in preventing and responding to attacks on the U.S. homeland.
In this New York Times op-ed, journalist William Safire admonishes the Bush Administration for usurping "dictatorial powers" in the prosecution and sentencing of suspected terrorists. Safire trumpets a clarion call for all "conservative iconoclasts and card-carrying hard-liners to stand up for American values."
Village Voice correspondent Nat Hentoff reports on 300 citizens of Northhampton, Massachusetts that organized a community meeting to resist the USA Patriot Act. Under the banner of Northhampton Bill of Rights Defense Committee, Hentoff describes the town's activism as a "new American Revolution."
The Northampton Bill of Rights Defense Committee
The Northampton Bill of Rights Defense Committee (NBORDC) is a grassroots initiative that organized to resist the U.S.A Patriot Act. The NBORDC Web site provides helpful tips to individuals and groups interested in creating their own Bill of Rights Defense Committees in their communities. The Web site also includes an issues page which analyzes provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and Federal Executive Orders in thecontext of the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution.
Thomas is the legislative search engine provided by the Library of Congress. Thomas allows users to read the complete text of the USA Patriot Act, follow its path through Congress and its many committees, review its co-sponsors in Congress, and much more.
The American Council on Education(ACE) highlights provisions in the USA Patriot Act that authorizes the ability of the U.S. government to collect detailed information on foreign students. According to ACE, the USA Patriot Act also directs the U.S. Attorney General to implement an electronic database to store and track foreign students from selected countries. Those educational institutions that fail to authorize the intelligence network can be denied the ability to accept foreign students.
A Cato Institute issue brief, "Watching You," documents the push to enact a federal tracking system to monitor U.S. citizens in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. If this federal tracking program is instituted, the Cato Institute warns that the government "will have perverted its most fundamental mission and destroyed the privacy and liberty that it was supposed to protect."
Robert Maginnis of the Family Research Council makes recommendations to ensure the effectiveness of the Gov. Tom Ridges' Department of Homeland Security.
The Posse Comitatus Act: Can We Maintain American Freedom Without It?
In this essay, C. T. Rossi responds to Homeland Security head Tom Ridges' attempt to repeal the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878. The Posse Comitatus Act barred the U.S. military from serving as a civilian police force, effectively protecting the right of states and local communities to police themselves. Its repeal, argues Rossi, "would open the door to old abuses" and concentrate undue power in the federal government.
The CIA World Factbook provides a brief profile of Cuba, including information relating to the Cuban geography, people, government, economy, communication, transportation, military and transnational issues affecting the Cuban people. Visuals include a large map of Cuba.
Aaron P. Lukas, of the Cato Institute, argues that there is a multitude of reasons to end the Cuban embargo. He argues that Cuba is neither a terrorist or security threat to the United States, the embargo punishes innocent Cubans and according to Cuban dissidents maintains Castro's rule, and finally it punishes U.S. export industries that lose out on $684 million to 1.2 billion in trade to Europe and Canada. All combined, Lukas concludes the embargo has outlived its purpose.
U.S. - Cuba Relations
This policy brief from the State Department recounts the more than 40-year history of opposition to Communist Cuba. Included in this policy brief is an outline of the U.S.'s current strategy to end Castro's rule and bring American-style democracy to Cuba.
Pentagon Proposed Pretexts for Cuban Invasion in 1962
These declassified papers from the Joint Chiefs of Staff tells highlights a set of covert proposals to on Cuba titled OPERATION NORTHWOODS. "Justification for U.S. Military Intervention in Cuba," tells how certain elements of the U.S. government fabricated pretexts to justify a U.S. invasion of Cuba.
Unfriendly Neighbors
The NEWSHOUR with Jim Lehrer presents a brief history of U.S.-Cuban relations beginning with the U.S. occupation of Cuba after the Spanish-American War, through the 1959 Revolution, to the present-day diplomatic stalemate between the Castro government and various U.S. Administrations. Other features include an examination of the massive migrations of Cubans to Florida and descriptions of daily life in Cuba.
BBCNews offers a description of life in Cuba and the contradictions between the revolutionary ideology and the desire for American-style prosperity.
A recent report from NewsHour describes the impact of the Soviet Union's fall and the recent moves to "dollarize" the economy on the lives of Cubans. This site includes an examination of how the market-style reforms have reverberated throughout Cuban civil society, Cuban education and ideology, and migration outside of Cuba.
Energy Policy/H.R. 4 Web Sites:
Legislative history of the H.R. 4 energy bill.
Download the Bill
Printable version of the bill.
Alliance for Energy and Economic Growth
The Alliance for Energy and Economic Growth is a broad-based coalition of a thousand members representing consumer and community groups, energy companies involved in all phases of energy exploration, production and transmission, and business and labor organizations in every state — all united in support of a comprehensive energy plan.
Halliburton
Halliburton Energy Services is a provider of products, services and integrated solutions for oil and gas exploration and production.
"The Disappearing 2001 Surplus: Tax Cuts, Budget Increases, and the Economy" by Richard Kogan and Robert Greenstein
An article from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (a nonpartisan research organization and policy institute that conducts research and analysis on a range of government policies and programs, with an emphasis on those affecting low- and moderate-income people)
General Motors
General Motors (NYSE: GM), the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide.
Grist Magazine
Environmental news and humor daily
Public Citizen (founded by Ralph Nader)
National non-profit public interest organization "protecting health, safety, and democracy"
Recent trends in U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Scientific report on the controversial "greenhouse effect" including charts and graphs. Report prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Report of the National Energy Policy Development Group
This report, presented on the official White House energy page, represents current administration thinking on energy policy.
Sierra Club
The Sierra Club works to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources; educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.
U.S. Public Interest Research Group
Public advocacy group.
Founded in 1943 and located in Washington, D.C., the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research (AEI) is one of America's largest and most respected "think tanks." At AEI's annual dinner in February 2003, President Bush delivered a historic address on the need for a new government in Iraq and the role it could play in spreading democracy in the Middle East. Video, audio, and text of the speech are available on the AEI site.
The Gulf War
A FRONTLINE in-depth examination of the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf crisis in which more than one million troops faced off against each other in the deserts of the Gulf states. From the Allied coalition's air war, to the ground assault, to the liberation of Kuwait, and the fallout of Saddam Hussein's retaining power, "The Gulf War" deconstructs what really happened, how it happened and why.
Iraq Resource Information Center (IRIS)
IRIS is a comprehensive, categorized, multi-media, Internet database of various Iraqi topics and issues based on eyewitness testimonies, human rights reports, reference sources, official government documents, notable editorials, maps, chronologies, bibliographies, photographic images, audio, and video related materials.
Iraq Special Collection
The Center for Nonproliferation Studies, providing information and analysis to combat the spread of weapons of mass destruction, features a hub page for recent articles on Iraq, research on Iraq's missile programs, international reactions to past action in Iraq, and more.
Iraq: What Next?
The Brookings Institution provides a page of Iraq resources, including current commentaries and selected readings.
"Is Truth a Victim?"
In an interview with the BBC's NEWSNIGHT, Dan Rather of CBS, says the U.S. media has stopped asking tough questions of the Bush administration since 11 September and he blames a climate of extraordinary patriotism. The CBS anchorman says that fear of offending the politicians "keeps journalists from asking the toughest of the tough questions" and adds: "I do not except myself from this criticism."
The Middle East Institute
The Middle East Institute was founded in 1946 and is the oldest organization of its kind. The Institute does not take policy positions, but publishes the quarterly Middle East Journal, where policy briefs, and programs are presented scholarly objectivity and tolerance on issues where passions are often intense. The Institute also offers an intellectual hub, an extensive library, resident experts, cultural and political programs and a forum for the exchange of ideas between analysts, scholars, and officials from the U.S. and around the world.
Middle East Media and Research Institute
MEMRI, an independent, non-profit organization providing translations of the Arabic and Farsi media and original analysis and research on developments in the Middle East.
Middle East News Online
Middle East News Online (MENO) is the companion site to the Middle East News Service Inc., which syndicates news and information about the Middle East and North Africa regions. The site and service specializes in information related to the political, economic, social and cultural realities of the Middle East and North Africa, with particular emphasis on economic and financial coverage and policy analysis. MENO aggregates a massive amount of constantly updated information obtained from over 120 sources, and offers daily local and regional news content. The online news can be read in English, French or Arabic and is organized according to both country and topic.
UN News Service
The United Nations News Service features the latest statements from the Secretary-General and news on current UN talks and actions.
The White House
The web site of the White House contains information about the President of the United States, the Vice President, the West Wing and more. Current news updates provide details on the President's actions regarding the situation in Iraq.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA):
The Department of Justice's Office of Information and Privacy (OIP) is the principal contact point within the executive branch for advice and policy guidance on matters pertaining to the administration of the Freedom of Information Act.
The National Security Archive
An independent non-governmental research institute and library located at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., the Archive collects and publishes declassified documents acquired through the Freedom of Information Act..
Access Reports
For more than 25 years, Access Reports has been the news source of choice for professionals concerned with access to government information
The General Accounting Office (GAO)
The GAO is the investigative arm of Congress. GAO exists to support the Congress in meeting its Constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and accountability of the federal government for the American people.
Judicial Watch, Inc.
Judicial Watch, Inc. was established in 1994 as a non-partisan, non-profit foundation to serve as an ethical and legal "watchdog" over the US government, legal, and judicial systems. The organizationâs site provides more information about current lawsuits, many of which are filings under the Freedom of Information Act, as well as documents from previous suits.
Ashcroft Memo
The text of Attorney General John Ashcroftâs memo to all government agencies concerning the Freedom of Information Act, published in October.
Gun Control:
Americans for Gun Safety is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that advocates moderate gun control, and respects the rights of law abiding citizens to own guns, while keeping firearms away from criminals and children. The AGS Web site features a media and press center, volunteer and advocacy opportunities, and contact information.
Jim Brady, former press secretary for Ronald Reagan, now runs an organization that advocates and lobbies for tough, sensible gun laws. The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence Web site features facts, briefs, research, and statistics on a variety of gun issues; topics range from an "Assault Weapon Ban Q & A" to a "Guns in the Home" issue brief. The Activist page provides step-by-step instruction in how to become a gun control activist within 10 minutes. Additionally, the Legislation section allows concerned citizens to monitor their elected officials' voting records on gun control issues at the state and federal level. Other features include a portal to the Brady Center, another Jim Brady-founded non-partisan, grassroots organization committed to ending gun violence without banning all firearms.
Gun Truths
GunTruths.com believes all persons have the inalienable right to bear arms. The GunTruths.com Web site is separated ideologically into two major sections: the first is for Second Amendment advocates, the second for gun control advocates. For Second Amendment advocates, GunTruths.com offers historical documents as proof of the right to bear arms. They also provide research and statistics that allegedly show gun control actually increases violent crime. The page for gun control advocates cites various historical examples, such as the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, Guatemala, in an effort to demonstrate how gun control can concentrate too much power in the hands of the State.
Join Together Online
Join Together Online, a project of the Boston University School of Public Health, explores the issue of gun violence. The Web site features an array of resources, including the latest news concerning gun violence, an "Inside the Issues" primer, funding news, and a "Take Action" page for volunteer and advocacy opportunities. Under the "Featured Resources" section, Join Together Online provides two useful documents: "Blueprints for Violence Prevention" and "Preventing Handgun Violence."
The National Crime Prevention Council's mission is to inspire people to create safe neighborhoods by addressing the causes of crime. The NCPC Web site describes ways citizens can organize community-based prevention initiatives to combat crime in their neighborhoods. The "Training and Tools" section gives citizens ideas about how to implement their own neighborhood prevention initiative. The "What You Can Do" section describes the many activities in which concerned citizens can participate to help combat crime. The Crime Prevention Library provides many resources for continuing education on the topic of crime prevention.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation provides a quick overview of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The NICS, by means of background checks on prospective gun purchasers, helps ensure that people legally prohibited from buying guns cannot purchase them.
National Rifle Association (NRA)
The National Rifle Association is widely considered the foremost defender of Second Amendment rights. The NRA Web site features NRA news, national news, reports on gun-related politics, legislation news and updates, a list of affiliated clubs and associations, and a directory of NRA field agents by region. Other features include safety and training resources, the Eddie Eagle program that seeks to prevent children from handling firearms, and a portal to the non-profit NRA foundation.
On this "Issues in Focus" Web page, New American magazine tackles the issue of gun control, arguing through articles, research, statistics, and testimonials that guns save lives and that any effort to ban firearms in unconstitutional.
Violence Policy Center
The Violence Policy Center, a national non-profit organization, seeks to refocus the gun violence debate from its strict concentration on crime to one more concerned with gun violence as a public health problem. The Violence Policy Center Web site features background reports, research studies, and topical issue briefs detailing the cost of gun violence on American society.
Hunger Resources:
A project of Policy News Publishing, The Almanac of Policy Issues provides comprehensive links and background information on major U.S. public policy issues. The site contains this entry on "Food and Nutrition" as well as links to related sites, issues, and articles.
America's Second Harvest
America's Second Harvest is the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization. The site includes in-depth fact sheets on hunger in America, a section focusing on childhood hunger, an in-depth treatment of public policy, and information on finding your local food bank or food-rescue program.
Center on Hunger and Poverty
The Center on Hunger and Poverty, part of The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University, promotes policies that improve the lives and developmental capacities of low-income children and families in the nation. Center programs fall into two categories: The Food Security Institute, which includes federal and state data, a guide to recent studies, and explanations and definitions of various elements of Food Security Measurement; and the Asset Development Institute, which contains information on events and initiatives, and copies of publications.
Food Security in the United States
The Economic Research Service (ERS) is the main source of economic information and research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, intended to inform and enhance public and private decision making on economic and policy issues related to agriculture, food, natural resources, and rural development. The site provides explanations, complete with graphs and charts, of conditions and trends, measuring food security, household survey tools, community food security. Also available are links to recent reports and recommended reading.
Hunger in the US
This site is from the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). FRAC is a nonprofit and nonpartisan research and public policy center that serves as the hub of an anti-hunger network of thousands of individuals and agencies across the country. Sections of the site include: Federal Response to Hunger; Hunger & Poverty; Health Consequences of Hunger; Public Attitudes Toward Hunger; National Statistics; Recent Hunger Studies.
Oregon Food Bank
The Oregon Food Bank provides statistics about hunger in Oregon and related information on income and poverty levels. The site also includes details on the Food Bank's work to make a difference.
World Hunger Notes
Hunger Notes is a quarterly print, and online publication of World Hunger Education Service. The site offers a fairly large catalog of recent articles about hunger issues.
"The Myth of Widespread American Poverty"
The Heritage Foundation, September 18, 1998
Barbara Ehrenreich:
Links to online versions of articles written by Ehrenreich for Salon.com, THE NATION, TIME and other publications.
A National Survey of American Attitudes Towards Low-wage Workers and Welfare Reform
Complete text of study conducted by in 2000 by Lake Snell Perry & Associates for Jobs for the Future, a Boston-based employment research organization.
The Middle East:
BBC news presents this in-depth section on Israel and the Palestinians, with updates on the latest news, analysis of current events and issues, a history told through maps and timelines, and a feature on Jerusalem's holy sites.
Ha'aretz is an independent daily newspaper based in Tel Aviv covering both domestic issues and international affairs. The paper is perhaps best known for its Op-ed page, where its senior columnists - among them some of Israel's leading commentators and analysts - reflect on current events.
The Israeli Government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents a news flash section, headlines divided into categories such as Diplomatic Contact and Palestinian terrorism and the Israeli response, as well as the opportunity to learn more about Israel in sections such as Facts about Israel, Foreign Affairs, Peace Process, and Culture.
IPCRI, founded in Jerusalem in 1988, is the only joint Palestinian-Israeli public policy think-tank in the world. It is devoted to developing, what is described as, "practical solutions" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Web site includes articles and research findings such as "Israeli-Palestinian Youth Encounter Workshops in the Framework of IPCRI Educational Peace" and "A New American Peace Initiative: Can it Work?"
The Jewish Telegraphic Agency
The Jewish Telegraphic Agency is an international news service that provides up-to-the-minute reports, analysis and features on events and issues of concern to the Jewish people. The JTA correspondents in New York, Washington, Jerusalem, Moscow and 30 other cities around the globe provide coverage of political, economic and social developments affecting Jews in North and South America, Israel, Europe, Africa and Australia. View the JTA Web site for daily reports on news and politics in Israel.
Middle East Media and Research Institute
MEMRI, an independent, non-profit organization providing translations of the Arabic and Farsi media and original analysis and research on developments in the Middle East.
Zondervan News Links
Zondervan is an international Christian communications company. Most notably, its site offers links to approximately 100 different religion news services and news wires, including specialized presses, religion pages of mainstream papers, and some religion search engines.
Middle East News Online
Middle East News Online (MENO) is the companion site to the Middle East News Service Inc., which syndicates news and information about the Middle East and North Africa regions. The site and service specializes in information related to the political, economic, social and cultural realities of the Middle East and North Africa, with particular emphasis on economic and financial coverage and policy analysis. MENO aggregates a massive amount of constantly updated information obtained from over 120 sources, and offers daily local and regional news content. The online news can be read in English, French or Arabic and is organized according to both country and topic.
The Online NewsHour
The Online NewsHour is the companion Web site to PBS' THE NEWSHOUR WITH JIM LEHRER. The site features a special subsection devoted to coverage of the Israeli Palestinian conflict. This area offers current and archived information and analysis related to the conflict.
Palestinian National Authority
The official web site of the Palestinian National Authority offers daily headlines, and arranges news and interviews within categories such as Peace Process, On the Ground, Building the State, and Palestine & UN.
The Palestinian Report
The Jerusalem Media and Communications Center was established in 1988 by a group of Palestinian journalists and researchers. The weekly online news digest covers events in the Gaza Strip and West Bank through feature stories, photo galleries and commentary.
PLO Negotiations Affairs Department
The Negotiations Affairs Department (NAD) is an institution of the Palestinian Liberation Organization that was established in 1994 in Gaza in order to follow up on the implementation of the Interim Agreement signed between Israel and the PLO. This site offers an eye on negotiations, a description of the Palestinian position on Jerusalem, settlements, refugees, borders, security, and much more.
The United Nations
Fifty-one countries committed to preserving peace through international cooperation and collective security established the United Nations on October 2, 1945. This URL links to a subsection of the UN site entitled "The Question of Palestine." The area collects a wide variety of materials offering deeper insight on the subjects in question, including a historical overview of the region, an outline of the current obstacles to a resolution of the conflict between Israel-Palestine and a database of U.N. documents discussing aspects of the conflict.
UN News Centre
The United Nations News Centre presents this Middle East section, which includes chronological detail of Security Council action, the Secretary-General's statements, information on UN envoys, and much more.
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Chapter 11 resources:
The NAFTA Secretariat, comprised of the Canadian, U.S. and Mexican Sections, is an unique organization, established by the Free Trade Commission, pursuant to Article 2002, Chapter 20 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It is responsible for the administration of the dispute settlement provisions of the Agreement. The mandate of the NAFTA Secretariat also includes the provision of assistance to the Commission and support for various non-dispute related committees and working groups.
Global Exchange
A human rights organization that describes itself as a group dedicated to promoting environmental, political, and social justice around the world, since 1988. Global Exchange is opposed to globalization and the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA). Their site features a top 10 reasons to oppose the FTAA section, tips on how to democratize the global economy, FAQ, and more.
The Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute - a think tank - whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. Access articles about trade and foreign aid, including articles on the positive impact of agreements such as NAFTA.
Biodiversity Economics Forum
Private Rights, Public Problems: A Guide to NAFTA's Chapter on Investor Rights by Howard Mann. This guide, aimed at a non-technical audience, presents Mann's perspective on the problems with NAFTA's Chapter 11 in easily accessible detail.
Resources from the P.O.V. documentary "Life and Debt."
This site allows visitors to download a reading list on related topics, peruse pro- and anti-globalization perspectives by linking to selected online articles, or link to an array of non-profit organizations active around the issues or offering background information on the subject of globalization, in general.
NAFTA Five Years Report
Official report of the United States Trade Representative on NAFTA after five years. "We recently concluded an operational review of the work program of each of the NAFTA working groups and committees, to fortify the direction and oversight to this complex venture."
The full text of the NAFTA agreement is available online.
Public Opinion Polls
Self described as an "independent, nonpartisan resource on trends in American public opinion." Updated regularly, the site contains a database of poll results that are divided into three main categories: Politics and Policy, Business and Economy, and the American Scene. Allows users to view recent popular polls but does require a paid subscription to access in-depth polling statistics valuable to academics. Recent polls include "A Palestinian State," "Arm Airline Pilots," and "Superman vs. Spiderman."
Public Agenda Online
A nonpartisan, nonprofit public opinion research and citizen education organization founded by Daniel Yankelovich and former Secretary of State Cyrus Vance. The two-fold goal of Public Agenda is to provide understanding of the public's point of view to politicians and leaders on major policy initiatives through critical analysis and opinion studies. Secondly, to help citizens understand policy issues therefore creating a better informed and thoughtful voting public. Public Agenda grapples with all the major issues affecting Americans, from abortion to the social security debate.
The Pew Research Center: For the People and the Press
The Pew Research Center is an independent opinion research group focused on attitudes toward the press, politics and public policy issues. The Pew is mainly interested in five areas of inquiry: The People and the Press; The People, the Press and Politics; The News Interest Index; America's Place in the World; and Media Use. Pew and its services are commonly used by journalists, politicians, scholars, and public interest organizations to track public opinion trends. The site also includes commentary, survey reports, and an "In the News" section. Interesting content includes "Americans and Europeans Differ Widely on Foreign Policy Issues" and "Despite September 11, Interest Still Low in Foreign News."
Taxes
Citizens for Tax Justice (CTJ)
A nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization, CTJ's Web site provides analysis and policy recommendations in the interest of fair taxation at the local, state, and federal levels.
"How to Hide a Million"
From BBC NEWS, this report details how terrorists hide millions of dollars from authorities by using tax havens and offshore financial centers.
National Taxpayers Union (NTU)
A nonprofit, nonpartisan libertarian organization dedicated to laissez-faire principles, the NTU Web site provides information regarding taxes, wasteful spending projects, and limited government. Features of the Web site include "NTU on the Hill," "Commentary," "Congress By the Numbers," and "Grassroots Corner."
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD): Harmful Tax Practices
OECD homepage for Harmful Tax Practices provides background information, press releases, and up-to-date reports on the OECD's struggle to combat tax havens.
"Personal Exemptions and Individual Income Tax Rates, 1913 - 2002" (PDF)
An Internal Revenue Service publication, Personal Exemptions and Individual Income Tax Rates, 1913-2002 provides historical information on income tax rates levied on the lowest and highest income brackets.
Senator Chuck Grassley
Web site for Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley includes constituent services, news of Sen. Grassley, legislative information and biographical information. The Web site also provides access to Grassley's column "Capital Gains and Losses."
"Surge in Corporate Tax Welfare Drives Corporate Tax Payments Down to Near Record Low"
A Citizens for Tax Justice Report that details how the expansion of corporate welfare policies has shifted the tax burden onto ordinary citizens.
Tax Haven Reporter
An advocate of tax avoidance, the Tax Haven Reporter Web site offers information for prospective individuals and corporations seeking tax relief. Features include "Tax Havens in the Real World" and "How to Legally Avoid Millions in Taxes."
Tax Havens: Releasing the Hidden Billions for Poverty Eradication
A policy paper from Oxfam that argues proliferation of tax havens, and their use, have devastating effects on the ability of governments to provide basic social services throughout the developing world.
"U.S. Eases Stance on 'Tax Havens"
A BBC NEWS report from 200l describes U.S. Secretary of Treasury Paul O'Neil's statements against the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's proposal to sanction 35 "potential tax havens" that have failed to comply with financial transparency and information exchange standards.
US Department of Justice
The Department of Justice's Office of Information and Privacy (OIP) is the principal contact point within the executive branch for advice and policy guidance on matters pertaining to the administration of the Freedom of Information Act.
The National Security Archive
An independent non-governmental research institute and library located at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., the Archive collects and publishes declassified documents acquired through the Freedom of Information Act..
Access Reports
For more than 25 years, Access Reports has been the news source of choice for professionals concerned with access to government information
The General Accounting Office (GAO)
The GAO is the investigative arm of Congress. GAO exists to support the Congress in meeting its Constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and accountability of the federal government for the American people.
Judicial Watch, Inc.
Judicial Watch, Inc. was established in 1994 as a non-partisan, non-profit foundation to serve as an ethical and legal "watchdog" over the US government, legal, and judicial systems. The organizationâs site provides more information about current lawsuits, many of which are filings under the Freedom of Information Act, as well as documents from previous suits.
Ashcroft Memo
The text of Attorney General John Ashcroftâs memo to all government agencies concerning the Freedom of Information Act, published in October.
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