Newmania Media » Press Releases

Big Three automakers must deliver more fuel-ffficient vehicles

Joe Newman — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:26:49 +0000

Before American taxpayers once again come to the rescue of the U.S. auto industry, Congress must require the industry to make vehicles that are more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly and safer – products the public both wants and needs, Public Citizen President Joan Claybrook told a House committee today.

Americans expect a return on their investment, which can be achieved only by fundamentally changing the way the Big Three automakers do business, Claybrook told the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.

Federal court should reject attempt to identify anonymous critics

Joe Newman — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:34:04 +0000

An attempt by two landlords to identify two dozen people who posted comments anonymously about the apartment buildings where they live is nothing more than an effort to intimidate critics and should be denied, Public Citizen and the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Northern California said in a federal court brief filed today in California.

Fundraiser gives incoming lawmakers inappropriate intro to money in politics

Joe Newman — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:36:24 +0000

The incoming Democratic freshmen of the House of Representatives are about to get their first lesson in good old boy politics. Unfortunately, the example being set by Reps. John Dingell (D-Mich.) and Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) is exactly the kind of initiation these new members don’t need.

Dingell and Rahall are hosting a Washington, D.C., fundraiser Wednesday to help the newly elected Democrats retire their campaign debt. According to the invitation, political action committees (PACs) are encouraged to contribute $20,000 apiece, while individuals are asked to consider chipping in $10,000 each.

What’s wrong with this picture? Before they’re even sworn in, these 23 lawmakers will be exposed to the quid pro quo relationship between elected officials and their wealthy benefactors – lobbyists and corporate power brokers.

Letter to President-elect Obama

Joe Newman — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:40:08 +0000

On behalf of our members, staff and program directors, we offer our enthusiastic and heartfelt congratulations to you and Vice President-elect Joe Biden on your momentous achievement. You inspired millions of new public citizens across our nation – people young and old of all races and creeds who breathed life into the ideal of American democracy by passionately engaging in this election.

We share in the country’s tremendous pride at the extraordinary accomplishment your election represents – a testament to our common belief that America is a land of limitless opportunity, where hard work and steadfast purpose give each and every one of us an opportunity to fulfill our dreams.