From "Some Assembly Required"

A few comments from "Some Assembly Required" -- please follow link to original
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Just So: “Wall Street is like the mafia…”

Always the Low Price Wages, Always: Walmart employees working less than 24 hours a week will no longer be able to get health insurance through the company. Those working 24 – 33 hours weekly will no longer be able to have their spouse on the plan. Full time employees (34 or more hours) will pay up to 40% more for their coverage. Employees who smoke will pay an additional $90 a pay-period. The company said that ever-rising premiums were the reason for the increases. Nationwide in 2011, the annual premiums for an average family's health care coverage is up 9% to more than $15,000 – more than the after-tax income of a minimum wage earner working 40 hours a week

Let's Make A Deal: Wannabe Rick Santorum says he would be willing to “die” in the fight against marriage equality. I don't think it'll work but I'm willing to let him try.

Your Turn: How, in the midst massive unemployment, did the deficit become the most important issue in the nation? And why, given the overwhelming evidence that austerity measures raise unemployment and hinder economic growth, are budget cuts the main preoccupation of politicians? Who is pushing austerity, and why? Will there be a special place in hell for them?

Take the Money and Run: If your bank is going to charge you a monthly fee just to have a debit card, find a smaller local bank that doesn't. Ditto if your bank suddenly invents fees for what used to be basic services. If your current bank wants to charge you a “termination fee”, pay it and leave, it will be one of the best investments you can make. Don't wait – the big banks know it will be inconvenient. They're banking on it.