Stories by Erik Loomis

Erik Loomis is a professor of labor and environmental history and a blogger at Lawyers, Guns and Money. subscribe to Erik Loomis's feed

The Hidden Progressive History of Income Tax

Posted on: Sep 7, 2012, Source: AlterNet

The income tax was the most popular economic justice movement of the early 20th century. What happened?

8 Ways America's Headed Back to the Robber-Baron Era

Posted on: Jul 2, 2012, Source: AlterNet

We are recreating the Gilded Age, a period when corporations ruled this nation, buying politicians, using violence against unions and engaging in open corruption.

Rainforest Destruction by a Corrupt Industry: Why Obama Should Not Include Palm Oil in Renewable Fuel Standard

Posted on: May 17, 2012, Source: Lawyers, Guns & Money

Environmental Protections Help Workers More than Greedy Corporate Bosses

Posted on: Apr 22, 2012, Source: AlterNet

It makes little sense for UMWA President Roberts to side with the coal companies on the EPA or anything else. The coal companies continue to treat workers’ lives as expendable.

Making $2.13 an Hour and the Boss Skims Tips? How We Can Fight Exploitation in Restaurants

Posted on: Mar 20, 2012, Source: AlterNet

Tipping catches workers between customer whims and employer exploitation. But some states and businesses are changing their ways.

The Strange, Fascinating History of the Vibrator

Posted on: Mar 9, 2012, Source: AlterNet

The sex toy has its roots in the prude Victorian era -- but its history tells us a lot about the current attack upon women’s sexuality.

5 Amazing Places in the US in Danger of Being Destroyed by Dirty Energy

Posted on: Feb 7, 2012, Source: AlterNet

We've won a temporary reprieve from the Keystone XL Pipeline, but there are still places greatly at risk in the country.

Government Treats Working People With Basic Dignity, Conservatives Freak Out

Posted on: Jan 31, 2012, Source: Lawyers, Guns and Money

Chicago Cardinal Tries to Walk Back Crazy Comment About Gay Rights Advocates "Morphing" into the KKK

Posted on: Dec 26, 2011, Source: Lawyers, Guns and Money

Is The End of the Liberal Arts at Public Universities Near?

Posted on: Oct 11, 2011, Source: Lawyers, Guns and Money

8 Union Victories Progressives Should Be Watching--And Learning From

Posted on: Aug 10, 2011, Source: AlterNet

It might be too early to call it a resurgence, but organized labor has been marking some big victories lately.

United Steelworkers Report Offers Six Ways To Build A Progressive Economy

Posted on: Jul 29, 2011, Source: AlterNet

A new report spearheaded by the United Steelworkers and the New America Foundation lays out a commonsense plan for fixing the economy.