Stories by Karen Dolan

Karen Dolan is a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington D.C. and a contributor to Foreign Policy In Focus. She directs the Institute's Cities for Progress project. subscribe to Karen Dolan's feed

Disgusting: 7 Million Kids and Mothers Suffer Extreme Poverty in the Richest Country in the World

Posted on: May 29, 2012, Source: AlterNet

Despite being the richest country in the world, our poverty rate is one of the highest among highly developed nations.

Letting the 1% Off Easy: Populism and Pain in Obama's Budget

Posted on: Feb 14, 2012, Source: Institute for Policy Studies

The Obama budget is as much a campaign statement as it is a blueprint for where and how to spend -- or not to spend. And he's letting the 1 percent off easy.

Thank you “Super Committee!” You Failed, Now Maybe the Rest Of Us Can Succeed

Posted on: Nov 23, 2011, Source: AlterNet

The “Super-Committee” failed to reach an agreement that would have imposed real hardship on the vast majority of those of us already struggling in a bad economy.

Does the Right Grasp How Desperate the American People Really Are?

Posted on: Sep 16, 2011, Source: AlterNet

It seems that conservatives only support public spending on executions and corporate welfare.

GOP Unveils Radical New Budget Gutting Medicare, Medicaid -- Taking from the Poor, Giving to the Rich

Posted on: Apr 5, 2011, Source: AlterNet

From start to finish, this budget is a smoke screen obscuring a dangerous far-right agenda.

How Incendiary Rhetoric and a Climate of Hate Threaten Us All

Posted on: Jan 9, 2011, Source: AlterNet

How a Climate of Hate Threatens Us All

Posted on: Jan 9, 2011, Source: AlterNet

Not Much to Celebrate with Obama's Tax Deal

Posted on: Dec 27, 2010, Source: Institute for Policy Studies

We'll get no stimulative boost to the economy, but it sure will help some dynasties from dying.

Progressive NGO IPS Counter-Punches Attack Dog Beck in the Gut

Posted on: Nov 18, 2010, Source: AlterNet

Beck can scapegoat all he wants, but the Institute for Policy Studies and other independent organizations will continue to fight the good fight.

We're Doing a Heckuva Job Helping Those Devastated by the Economic Meltdown

Posted on: Dec 6, 2009, Source: AlterNet

Like the levees in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, the safety net is failing Americans battered by the 'Great Recession' of 2008-2009.

Hey Progressives, Join Forces to Fight the Health Insurance Industry!

Posted on: Jun 29, 2009, Source: Institute for Policy Studies

Single-payer and public option advocates are fighting each other. We must remember that we're on the same side.

How My 7-Year-Old Learned About Pre-Marital Sex from John McCain

Posted on: Sep 3, 2008, Source: AlterNet

I wholly believe in educating my child about contraception. But given that he is 7, I could have waited a few years for that particular talk.

U.S. Mayors Mobilizing Against a War with Iran

Posted on: Jun 25, 2008, Source: AlterNet

Thirty-two U.S. mayors have signed a resolution saying "No" to invading Iran. Will the federal government listen?

Your Time Is Up, Mr. President -- the National Guard Is Coming Home

Posted on: Feb 4, 2008, Source: AlterNet

The wisdom from Main Street U.S.A. continues to be vastly better than the "intelligence" propagated by 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Foreign Policy Goes Local

Posted on: Feb 4, 2008, Source: Foreign Policy in Focus

As frustration with the status quo in Washington rises, people are turning to local governments for action.