Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Banking On Bankruptcy: Emails Suggest Negotiations With Detroit Retirees Were Designed To Fail
Banking On Bankruptcy: Emails Suggest Negotiations With Detroit Retirees Were Designed To Fail: pAttorneys including the man now in charge of Detroit finances considered bankruptcy inevitable before he was appointed./p
North Carolina On Cusp Of Passing Worst Voter Suppression Bill In The Nation
North Carolina On Cusp Of Passing Worst Voter Suppression Bill In The Nation: A significant roadblock to the legislation was removed last month when the Supreme Court guttedthe Voting Rights Act
The Rich Feel Poor If They Have Less Than $5 Million
The Rich Feel Poor If They Have Less Than $5 Million: Rich investors say that it takes at least $5 million to feel wealthy, according to a new investor sentiment report from UBS. Meanwhile, two-thirds of millionaires don’t consider themselves to be wealthy. They also define being wealthy not as having a certain amount of money, but having “no financial constraints on what they do.” That [...]/p
ALEC in 2013: Rightwing Legislative Group Fuels Race to the Bottom in Wages and Worker Rights | Common Dreams
ALEC in 2013: Rightwing Legislative Group Fuels Race to the Bottom in Wages and Worker Rights | Common Dreams
"At least 117 bills introduced in 2013 fuel a "race to the bottom" in wages, benefits, and worker rights and resemble "model" bills from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), according to a new analysis by the Center for Media and Democracy (CMD), publishers of ALECexposed.org."
"At least 117 bills introduced in 2013 fuel a "race to the bottom" in wages, benefits, and worker rights and resemble "model" bills from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), according to a new analysis by the Center for Media and Democracy (CMD), publishers of ALECexposed.org."
‘Moral Monday’ Protester Arrests Hit 900
‘Moral Monday’ Protester Arrests Hit 900: Seventy progressive protesters were arrested outside of the North Carolina General Assembly on Monday, bringing the total number of protester arrests during this year’s legislative session in the state to about 900. The protesters were taking part in ‘Moral Monday’ protests — massive demonstrations that have flown largely under the radar of the national press. [...]/p
It’s Time to Investigate Boehner, Issa, and the Republican Criminal Conspiracy
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/23/time-investigate-boehner-issa-republican-criminal-conspiracy.html
"Throughout the President’s first term in office, Republicans made little secret their goal in preventing economic recovery and keeping Americans unemployed was to deny Obama a second term. However, their criminal activity has continued unabated well into the President’s second term and it is further proof the not-so-secret conspiracy is emasculating the economy to allow their wealthy Wall Street and corporate donors the ability to privatize the federal government."
"Throughout the President’s first term in office, Republicans made little secret their goal in preventing economic recovery and keeping Americans unemployed was to deny Obama a second term. However, their criminal activity has continued unabated well into the President’s second term and it is further proof the not-so-secret conspiracy is emasculating the economy to allow their wealthy Wall Street and corporate donors the ability to privatize the federal government."
Monday, July 22, 2013
Group Focused on Goverment Ethics Puts Scott Walker on List of “Worst Governors in America”
Group Focused on Goverment Ethics Puts Scott Walker on List of “Worst Governors in America”
"The criteria CREW used when assessing the nation’s governors were the following: corruption, transparency, partisan politics, pressuring public officials, cronyism, self-enrichment, scandal and mismanagement."
"The criteria CREW used when assessing the nation’s governors were the following: corruption, transparency, partisan politics, pressuring public officials, cronyism, self-enrichment, scandal and mismanagement."
TEPCO Admits Radiation Leaking Into Sea For Past Two Years
TEPCO Admits Radiation Leaking Into Sea For Past Two Years
"I wonder what they're not telling us? Because it's a little odd that this isn't front page news in America"
"I wonder what they're not telling us? Because it's a little odd that this isn't front page news in America"
Rand Paul's White Supremacy Double Game | Alternet
Rand Paul's White Supremacy Double Game | Alternet
"Paul's aide Jack Hunter says he’s leaving to protect his boss and clear his own name -- but there's plenty of reason not to buy it."
"Paul's aide Jack Hunter says he’s leaving to protect his boss and clear his own name -- but there's plenty of reason not to buy it."
Social Mobility Much More Difficult in Red States, Study Shows
Social Mobility Much More Difficult in Red States, Study Shows
"This isn't surprising. We already knew the Red States are poorer, less educated, have higher rates of teen pregnancy, divorce and gun deaths. So, it makes sense that the American Dream is harder to come by there."
"This isn't surprising. We already knew the Red States are poorer, less educated, have higher rates of teen pregnancy, divorce and gun deaths. So, it makes sense that the American Dream is harder to come by there."
Meet the Republicans who vote against food stamps while getting millions in farm subsidies
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/07/22/1225571/-Meet-the-Republicans-who-vote-against-food-stamps-while-getting-millions-in-farm-subsidies
"The most outstanding hypocrite hitting the lowest low, of course, is Tennessee Rep. Stephen Fincher, who's gotten $3.5 million in subsidies over the years, but is on a pseudo-biblical crusade against SNAP—a program 22 percent of the people in his home county rely on. But he has company in his "farm bill money for me but not for thee" voting record, including California's Rep. Doug LaMalfa, who's gotten $1.7 million in farm subsidies."
"The most outstanding hypocrite hitting the lowest low, of course, is Tennessee Rep. Stephen Fincher, who's gotten $3.5 million in subsidies over the years, but is on a pseudo-biblical crusade against SNAP—a program 22 percent of the people in his home county rely on. But he has company in his "farm bill money for me but not for thee" voting record, including California's Rep. Doug LaMalfa, who's gotten $1.7 million in farm subsidies."
Secrets of the Right: Selling Garbage to Your Fans | Alternet
Secrets of the Right: Selling Garbage to Your Fans | Alternet
"The premium for the racketeers is always on the crazy and hyperbolic, because that’s what sells. “The problem,” as Pareene insightfully noted, is that these hucksters “exert massive influence, and they only ever push the Republican Party to get more extreme…[so] you should still worry about the influence of the scammers.” In other words: if you don’t particularly care about conservative activists wasting their money, it may be time to start."
"The premium for the racketeers is always on the crazy and hyperbolic, because that’s what sells. “The problem,” as Pareene insightfully noted, is that these hucksters “exert massive influence, and they only ever push the Republican Party to get more extreme…[so] you should still worry about the influence of the scammers.” In other words: if you don’t particularly care about conservative activists wasting their money, it may be time to start."
Senator Rand Paul Hopes His Hiring of a White Supremacist Won’t Damage GOP Brand
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/22/senator-rand-paul-hopes-hiring-white-supremacist-wont-damage-gop-brand.html
"This is a real thing, not the Onion, and it should demonstrate just how far off the rails the Republican Party is these days."
"This is a real thing, not the Onion, and it should demonstrate just how far off the rails the Republican Party is these days."
By His Own Measure, John Boehner’s Congress Is Still The Most Counterproductive In History
By His Own Measure, John Boehner’s Congress Is Still The Most Counterproductive In History: House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) raised eyebrows on Sunday when he responded to criticism that he is running the least productive Congress in history by suggesting that House Republicans should be “judged on how many laws we repeal,” rather than pass. Through gerrymandering, the GOP won a 234 to 201 majority in the 2012 elections [...]/p
Welcome to Portage County, the Fracking Waste Disposal Capital of Ohio
www.motherjones.com/environment/2013/07/portage-county-ohio-fracking-waste-disposal-capital-midwest
"Nestled in the northeast corner of Ohio, about halfway between Cleveland and Youngstown, this 500-square-mile county pumped 2,358,371 million barrels—almost 75 million gallons—of fracking brine into 15 wells last year, driving enough liquid into the ground to fill a train of tanker cars that would stretch 37 miles. Most of the waste came from out of state."
"Nestled in the northeast corner of Ohio, about halfway between Cleveland and Youngstown, this 500-square-mile county pumped 2,358,371 million barrels—almost 75 million gallons—of fracking brine into 15 wells last year, driving enough liquid into the ground to fill a train of tanker cars that would stretch 37 miles. Most of the waste came from out of state."
Arizona GOP Pushes For Less ‘Competitive’ Voting Districts Now That Supreme Court Gutted Voting Rights
Arizona GOP Pushes For Less ‘Competitive’ Voting Districts Now That Supreme Court Gutted Voting Rights: Arizona Republicans filed suit Friday to draw new congressional district maps before the 2014 elections, arguing that the U.S. Supreme Court’s gutting of the Voting Rights Act should allow the state to redraw without worrying about protecting minority voting power. After the 2010 Census found massive growth in Arizona’s Hispanic population, the bipartisan Arizona Independent [...]/p
GOP's Attack On Middle Class Continues
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39th Time Not The Charm For GOP In Repealing Obamacare
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New Low: These 14 Republicans Gutted Food Aid While Giving Themselves Farm Subsidies
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/22/naming-names-14-republicans-gutted-food-aid-giving-farm-subsidies.html
"A new low, indeed. Welfare for the wealthy, redistribution for the elite, and nothing for the rest of the country. Republican austerity explained in action."
"A new low, indeed. Welfare for the wealthy, redistribution for the elite, and nothing for the rest of the country. Republican austerity explained in action."
Bank of America's Recipe for Getting Away with Massive Fraud, Racketeering and Money Laundering | Alternet
Bank of America's Recipe for Getting Away with Massive Fraud, Racketeering and Money Laundering | Alternet
"Inside the hypergluttonous megabank, whose criminal conspiracies we’ll all be paying for until the end of time."
"Inside the hypergluttonous megabank, whose criminal conspiracies we’ll all be paying for until the end of time."
The Insanity of Not Having a Financial Transaction Tax | Common Dreams
The Insanity of Not Having a Financial Transaction Tax | Common Dreams
"Why should the rest of us pay up to 10% on the necessities of life while risky derivative purchases aren't taxed at all?"
"Why should the rest of us pay up to 10% on the necessities of life while risky derivative purchases aren't taxed at all?"
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Go See 'Blackfish' Before Sea World Stops You
Go See 'Blackfish' Before Sea World Stops You
"Blackfish isn't showing everywhere this weekend; it's coming out in staggered releases nationally. Check thefilm's screen schedule for a complete rundown."
"Blackfish isn't showing everywhere this weekend; it's coming out in staggered releases nationally. Check thefilm's screen schedule for a complete rundown."
Michigan Officials Stress Pension Cuts Unavoidable While Declining Federal Funds
Michigan Officials Stress Pension Cuts Unavoidable While Declining Federal Funds: While Gov. Rick Snyder (R-MI), Detroit Mayor David Bing, and emergency manager Kevyn Orr gave varied takes on the likelihood of a federal bailout for the country’s largest bankrupt city on Sunday, Snyder and Orr agreed that the city’s pensioners are going to see their promised benefits cut. Orr explicitly avoided taking a view on [...]/p
Gov Scott Walker gives leader of jobs agency a 50 percent pay raise after Wisconsin sank to 49th in job growth
www.freakoutnation.com/2013/07/21/gov-scott-walker-gives-leader-of-jobs-agency-a-50-percent-pay-raise-after-wisconsin-sank-to-49th-in-job-growth/
"Wisconsin has plummeted to 49th in job growth under Scott Walker’s (R-Koch) Governorship, so what does Walker do? The Republican Governor gave Reed Hall a 50 percent raise hike. Hall is the CEO of Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, a taxpayer funded entity."
"Wisconsin has plummeted to 49th in job growth under Scott Walker’s (R-Koch) Governorship, so what does Walker do? The Republican Governor gave Reed Hall a 50 percent raise hike. Hall is the CEO of Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, a taxpayer funded entity."
A Shuffle of Aluminum, but to Banks, Pure Gold
www.nytimes.com/2013/07/21/business/a-shuffle-of-aluminum-but-to-banks-pure-gold.html?hp&_r=0
"the efforts by Goldman and other financial players has cost American consumers more than $5 billion over the last three years, say former industry executives, analysts and consultants."
"the efforts by Goldman and other financial players has cost American consumers more than $5 billion over the last three years, say former industry executives, analysts and consultants."
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Goldman Sachs Has 4,000 Separate Corporate Entities and Other Facts About Multinationals You Might Not Want to Know But Probably Should Anyway | Common Dreams
Goldman Sachs Has 4,000 Separate Corporate Entities and Other Facts About Multinationals You Might Not Want to Know But Probably Should Anyway | Common Dreams
"Seeking to follow the oligarchy's money, the London-based Open Data Institute has collected and mapped corporate data, much of it made public for the first time, showing the complex relationships between multinational companies and their global subsidiaries."
"Seeking to follow the oligarchy's money, the London-based Open Data Institute has collected and mapped corporate data, much of it made public for the first time, showing the complex relationships between multinational companies and their global subsidiaries."
Detroit, A Conservative Utopia?
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McDonald’s Accidentally Served Up Minimum Wage 'McManifesto'
McDonald’s Accidentally Served Up Minimum Wage 'McManifesto'
"But it’s time to ditch the resentment and offer McDonald’s a word of thanks. It has just performed an invaluable service for campaigns like Raise the Minimum Wage, anupcoming July 24 campaign to raise the minimum wage, and petitions like this one by serving up a timely and exhaustively researched brief on their behalf. This new website provides invaluable data for a living-wage “McManifesto"."
"But it’s time to ditch the resentment and offer McDonald’s a word of thanks. It has just performed an invaluable service for campaigns like Raise the Minimum Wage, anupcoming July 24 campaign to raise the minimum wage, and petitions like this one by serving up a timely and exhaustively researched brief on their behalf. This new website provides invaluable data for a living-wage “McManifesto"."
Detroit Is Beta-Test of the GOP Plan To Sell The Federal Government to Corporations
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/20/detroit-beta-test-gop-plan-sell-federal-government-corporations.html
"What Detroit suffered is a microcosm of the federal government leveraged with debt from Bush-Republicans’ tax cuts for the rich, bailouts to Wall Street and banks designated as “too big to fail,” a Medicare prescription plan, and two unnecessary wars that were all unfunded and put on the nation’s credit card. To make it nearly impossible for the federal government to meet its debt obligations, Republicans refused to bring in more revenue, and spent four years driving up debt with extensions on tax cuts for the rich, overfunding the already bloated defense budget, and nearly causing the government to default on its debts during the 2011 debt ceiling crisis. Along the way, Republicans have attempted cutting Medicare and Social Security spending they claim is driving the debt and deficit, as well as using the sequester to starve domestic programs into oblivion not unlike Detroit’s city manager withholding funding for education, city maintenance, and social programs as prohibitively expensive while giving tax breaks to the rich."
"What Detroit suffered is a microcosm of the federal government leveraged with debt from Bush-Republicans’ tax cuts for the rich, bailouts to Wall Street and banks designated as “too big to fail,” a Medicare prescription plan, and two unnecessary wars that were all unfunded and put on the nation’s credit card. To make it nearly impossible for the federal government to meet its debt obligations, Republicans refused to bring in more revenue, and spent four years driving up debt with extensions on tax cuts for the rich, overfunding the already bloated defense budget, and nearly causing the government to default on its debts during the 2011 debt ceiling crisis. Along the way, Republicans have attempted cutting Medicare and Social Security spending they claim is driving the debt and deficit, as well as using the sequester to starve domestic programs into oblivion not unlike Detroit’s city manager withholding funding for education, city maintenance, and social programs as prohibitively expensive while giving tax breaks to the rich."
Something You Can Do Right Now About Global Climate Change
Something You Can Do Right Now About Global Climate Change
"If you live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, DC, Maryland or Delaware, you can become an Ethical Electric member today and power your home with 100% renewable energy.
"If you live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, DC, Maryland or Delaware, you can become an Ethical Electric member today and power your home with 100% renewable energy.
If you live in New York, Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Texas, or Maine, we're on our way and hope to be enrolling customers in these states by the end of the year."
Rand Paul’s Top Aide Attempts To Get Racist Columns Deleted, Claims He’s Racist No More
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/19/rand-pauls-top-aide-attempts-to-get-racist-columns-deleted-claims-hes-racist-no-more/
"Conservatives are, of course, vehemently defending him, apparently concerned that the potential ‘stink’ on Paul’s decision to hire the “Southern Avenger” to work on his emerging campaign may well waft their way. But keep this in mind: as the Tea Party continues to pretend they do not harbor racist members who trade in the words and deeds of bigotry, and their big brother, the GOP, dances through its own version of the same, pay attention. The truth will speak louder than words."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/19/rand-pauls-top-aide-attempts-to-get-racist-columns-deleted-claims-hes-racist-no-more/#ixzz2ZbUGTXqk
"Conservatives are, of course, vehemently defending him, apparently concerned that the potential ‘stink’ on Paul’s decision to hire the “Southern Avenger” to work on his emerging campaign may well waft their way. But keep this in mind: as the Tea Party continues to pretend they do not harbor racist members who trade in the words and deeds of bigotry, and their big brother, the GOP, dances through its own version of the same, pay attention. The truth will speak louder than words."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/07/19/rand-pauls-top-aide-attempts-to-get-racist-columns-deleted-claims-hes-racist-no-more/#ixzz2ZbUGTXqk
"Go Public" — Finally, A Film That Celebrates Public Schools | Alternet
"Go Public" — Finally, A Film That Celebrates Public Schools | Alternet
"In the battle over public education, the corporate foundations and right-wing billionaires who favor privatization, charters, and vouchers have funded and promoted several films, including "Waiting for Superman" and "Won't Back Down," as part of their propaganda campaign. Both view public schools as a total failure, beyond redemption and reform. A new documentary, " Go Public: A Day in the Life of an American School District", is a welcome antidote. "Go Public" celebrates public schools without ignoring their troubles."
"In the battle over public education, the corporate foundations and right-wing billionaires who favor privatization, charters, and vouchers have funded and promoted several films, including "Waiting for Superman" and "Won't Back Down," as part of their propaganda campaign. Both view public schools as a total failure, beyond redemption and reform. A new documentary, " Go Public: A Day in the Life of an American School District", is a welcome antidote. "Go Public" celebrates public schools without ignoring their troubles."
Shocking Things Wall Street Financiers Say Off the Record About Their Bloated, Corrupt Industry | Alternet
Shocking Things Wall Street Financiers Say Off the Record About Their Bloated, Corrupt Industry | Alternet
"Wall Street insiders say that breaking the law, screwing your clients and covering up crimes is a way of life on Wall Street."
"Wall Street insiders say that breaking the law, screwing your clients and covering up crimes is a way of life on Wall Street."
Friday, July 19, 2013
Deadly Heat Waves Are Sending Americans To The ER This Week
Deadly Heat Waves Are Sending Americans To The ER This Week: This June was one of the hottest on record — and this month, the high temperatures show no signs of abating in the East and Midwest. The current heat wave is beginning to send some Americans to the emergency room, and medics expert numbers of people seeking treatment for heat-related illness to rise this weekend. [...]/p
Again, House GOP Rejects Ban On Gun Sales To ... Terrorists
Again, House GOP Rejects Ban On Gun Sales To ... Terrorists
"A proposal to ban the sale of firearms to individuals on the FBI’s terrorist watch list was defeated by House Republicans on Wednesday."
"A proposal to ban the sale of firearms to individuals on the FBI’s terrorist watch list was defeated by House Republicans on Wednesday."
The Women’s Economic Agenda: A Path to Increased Opportunity and Stronger Economic Growth | Common Dreams
The Women’s Economic Agenda: A Path to Increased Opportunity and Stronger Economic Growth | Common Dreams
"Corporate profits have done well in the lopsided recovery and the stock market is hovering near record highs. Working women and men have been left behind, however, as companies have failed to translate these improvements into robust job growth, rising wages or improvements in the quality of jobs. Income gains since the economy bottomed out in July 2009 have all gone to the top 1 percent of households."
"Corporate profits have done well in the lopsided recovery and the stock market is hovering near record highs. Working women and men have been left behind, however, as companies have failed to translate these improvements into robust job growth, rising wages or improvements in the quality of jobs. Income gains since the economy bottomed out in July 2009 have all gone to the top 1 percent of households."
Don’t Fall for Wal-Mart’s Latest Hypocrisy | Alternet
Don’t Fall for Wal-Mart’s Latest Hypocrisy | Alternet
"While Wal-Mart claims the hike in minimum wage would compromise its ability to create 1,200 D.C. jobs, its competitor Costco disproves the theory that corporations cannot pay livable wages and earn profits. Wal-Mart workers typically earn $8.81 per hour in contrast to the average Costco worker’s $21.96 an hour and most are eligible for benefits."
"While Wal-Mart claims the hike in minimum wage would compromise its ability to create 1,200 D.C. jobs, its competitor Costco disproves the theory that corporations cannot pay livable wages and earn profits. Wal-Mart workers typically earn $8.81 per hour in contrast to the average Costco worker’s $21.96 an hour and most are eligible for benefits."
Two Ways North Carolina Republicans Plan To Keep College Students From Voting
Two Ways North Carolina Republicans Plan To Keep College Students From Voting: Two months after the Republican-led North Carolina House approved a voter ID bill, a common tactic used to reduce turnout among low-income, student and minority voters, Republicans in the state senate, however, apparently believe this bill does not go far enough in making it difficult for college students, who tend to vote for Democrats, to [...]/p
Report: Grand Jury Convened in California "Campaign Money Laundering" Investigation
www.motherjones.com/mojo/2013/07/grand-jury-california-campaign-money-laundering-schwab
"If prosecutors do move forward, their investigation could shine light on parts of the burgeoning network of conservative "social welfare" outfits that spent hundreds of millions in the last two elections. Under IRS rules, social-welfare groups can engage in political activities so long as that work is not their primary purpose, a loosely enforced rule often interpreted to mean that 49 percent of a group’s spending can go toward political work."
"If prosecutors do move forward, their investigation could shine light on parts of the burgeoning network of conservative "social welfare" outfits that spent hundreds of millions in the last two elections. Under IRS rules, social-welfare groups can engage in political activities so long as that work is not their primary purpose, a loosely enforced rule often interpreted to mean that 49 percent of a group’s spending can go toward political work."
Rep. Darrell Issa Tries (And Fails) To Rewrite Himself At IRS Hearing
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8 Stark Realities of America's Dysfunctional New Economy | Alternet
8 Stark Realities of America's Dysfunctional New Economy | Alternet
"Americans think they are to blame for their economic predicament, but the game is rigged against them."
"Americans think they are to blame for their economic predicament, but the game is rigged against them."
There's Nothing About Abortion in the Bible -- So How Do Right-Wing Christians Justify Their Crusade Against Women? | Alternet
There's Nothing About Abortion in the Bible -- So How Do Right-Wing Christians Justify Their Crusade Against Women? | Alternet
"The modern religious right is trying to bring back the Bible's teaching that women are inferior and should be the possessions of men."
"The modern religious right is trying to bring back the Bible's teaching that women are inferior and should be the possessions of men."
E-Mail Show McDonnell Helping Gift Giver Make Health Secretary Meeting
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Thursday, July 18, 2013
God’s Foreign Policy: Christian Zionism
God’s Foreign Policy: Christian Zionism
"when John Hagee, Sarah Palin or Mike Huckabee talk about the “ingathering,” they are speaking a coded language that refers not just to the return of the Jews to Israel, but also to the Christian Zionist yearning for the battle they believe it prefigures. Within their eschatological vision lies the very potential for Israel’s undoing, for it is a vision fueled by a deliberate intent to incite sufficient hatred to set the Muslim, and ultimately the entire world on fire. And thanks to the efforts of John Hagee, the founder of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas and of his million-member Christian Zionist lobby (CUFI), the final battle may well come in the form of a nuclear holocaust that Christian Zionists both desire and encourage."
"when John Hagee, Sarah Palin or Mike Huckabee talk about the “ingathering,” they are speaking a coded language that refers not just to the return of the Jews to Israel, but also to the Christian Zionist yearning for the battle they believe it prefigures. Within their eschatological vision lies the very potential for Israel’s undoing, for it is a vision fueled by a deliberate intent to incite sufficient hatred to set the Muslim, and ultimately the entire world on fire. And thanks to the efforts of John Hagee, the founder of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas and of his million-member Christian Zionist lobby (CUFI), the final battle may well come in the form of a nuclear holocaust that Christian Zionists both desire and encourage."
Clinic Closures Likely As Perry Signs Anti-Abortion Law
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HHS: Obamacare premiums coming in lower than expected
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/07/18/1224747/-HHS-Obamacare-premiums-coming-in-lower-than-nbsp-expected
"The new report shows that so far, proposed premiums in the health insurance exchanges are coming in lower than expected in HHS's and CBO's projections. So far, data is available for 11 states, and in those state the lowest cost "silver" plan, essentially the median plan, is 18 percent cheaper than HHS predicted. That cost is averaged at $321 for that plan, compared with a current cost of $450 a month for comparable plans."
"The new report shows that so far, proposed premiums in the health insurance exchanges are coming in lower than expected in HHS's and CBO's projections. So far, data is available for 11 states, and in those state the lowest cost "silver" plan, essentially the median plan, is 18 percent cheaper than HHS predicted. That cost is averaged at $321 for that plan, compared with a current cost of $450 a month for comparable plans."
'Shame!': Texas Codifies Attack on Reproductive Rights | Common Dreams
'Shame!': Texas Codifies Attack on Reproductive Rights | Common Dreams
"Texas Governor Rick Perry signed into law Thursday morning a drastic anti-abortion bill that will decimate abortion access, ban the procedure after 20 weeks, shutter clinics, and erode women's health services—including life-saving cancer screenings—across the state."
"Texas Governor Rick Perry signed into law Thursday morning a drastic anti-abortion bill that will decimate abortion access, ban the procedure after 20 weeks, shutter clinics, and erode women's health services—including life-saving cancer screenings—across the state."
President Obama highlights middle class savings under Obamacare
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/07/18/1224703/-President-Obama-highlights-middle-class-savings-under-nbsp-Obamacare
"About 8.5 million people are going to get a check from their insurance company this summer. Yes, you read that right: Health insurance companies are actually sending money to subscribers. That's because of a provision in the Affordable Care Act that insurance companies hate more than just about any other: the medical loss ratio. That just means that there is a cap on how much of your premium dollars the insurance companies can spend on administrative costs and keep as profits. Under Obamacare, 80 percent of your payment has to go to your care."
"About 8.5 million people are going to get a check from their insurance company this summer. Yes, you read that right: Health insurance companies are actually sending money to subscribers. That's because of a provision in the Affordable Care Act that insurance companies hate more than just about any other: the medical loss ratio. That just means that there is a cap on how much of your premium dollars the insurance companies can spend on administrative costs and keep as profits. Under Obamacare, 80 percent of your payment has to go to your care."
The Top One Percent Take Home 20 Percent of America’s Income | Economic Policy Institute
The Top One Percent Take Home 20 Percent of America’s Income | Economic Policy Institute
"Economic inequality is one of the most serious challenges we face, and it’s getting worse. As CEOs, executives, financial professionals and others take home more and more, ordinary Americans are taking home less. Today, the top one percent of earners are taking home 20 percent of America’s income."
"Economic inequality is one of the most serious challenges we face, and it’s getting worse. As CEOs, executives, financial professionals and others take home more and more, ordinary Americans are taking home less. Today, the top one percent of earners are taking home 20 percent of America’s income."
California Digging Deeper Into Election Money Laundering
California Digging Deeper Into Election Money Laundering
"Here's an update on the investigation into how right-wing groups laundered $11 million to funnel it into California ballot initiatives that involved taxes and unions. In a nutshell, Koch-fueled nonprofits moved $11 million through a few different 501(c)(4) organizations into California in order to defeat a tax increase Governor Brown put on the ballot, and to weaken unions in the state."
"Here's an update on the investigation into how right-wing groups laundered $11 million to funnel it into California ballot initiatives that involved taxes and unions. In a nutshell, Koch-fueled nonprofits moved $11 million through a few different 501(c)(4) organizations into California in order to defeat a tax increase Governor Brown put on the ballot, and to weaken unions in the state."
Republican Black Thursday: Stocks Are Up 110% Under Obama, Closing in On Reagan’s 116%
www.politicususa.com/2013/07/18/economic-analyst-stocks-110-obama-closing-regans-116.html
"It was just seven days ago that the Obama economy shattered records with a huge budget surplus in June. So what we have here is a Democratic president whose economic and financial record is that of a fiscally responsible President, what some might label a “fiscal conservative”, only a real one- one who pays for programs he enacts and doesn’t just borrow like a drunken frat boy from the taxpayers"
"It was just seven days ago that the Obama economy shattered records with a huge budget surplus in June. So what we have here is a Democratic president whose economic and financial record is that of a fiscally responsible President, what some might label a “fiscal conservative”, only a real one- one who pays for programs he enacts and doesn’t just borrow like a drunken frat boy from the taxpayers"
Three Reasons The House Republican Education Bill Should Scare You
Three Reasons The House Republican Education Bill Should Scare You: While both parties in Congress agree it is imperative to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, currently known as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), that’s where agreement ends. The House Republicans, led by Chairman John Kline (R-MN) and Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), have introduced a reauthorization bill that fails to provide [...]/p
Now Issa’s on the hot seat
Now Issa’s on the hot seat
"It’s a familiar place for Issa — blowing desperately on the last smoldering embers of what once promised to be a towering conflagration of a scandal — and after overplaying his hand in Fast and Furious, Solyndra, Benghazi and even the Joe Sestak affair, among many others, whatever credibility Issa has left may die with the IRS controversy."
"It’s a familiar place for Issa — blowing desperately on the last smoldering embers of what once promised to be a towering conflagration of a scandal — and after overplaying his hand in Fast and Furious, Solyndra, Benghazi and even the Joe Sestak affair, among many others, whatever credibility Issa has left may die with the IRS controversy."
Gamechanger: Next Generation Wind Turbines With Storage Are Cheap, Reliable And Brilliant
Gamechanger: Next Generation Wind Turbines With Storage Are Cheap, Reliable And Brilliant: What makes a new wind turbine exciting? Wind companies are always trying to making their next turbine spin more efficiently and generate more power than the last, just as car companies are looking for better fuel efficiency and engine power. Advances usually come in small jumps in both cases, with a single percentage improvement cause [...]/p
NASA: Globally, June Was Second Warmest On Record
NASA: Globally, June Was Second Warmest On Record: How hot was it in June? So hot that NASA reports the only warmer June in the global temperature record was 1998, a year juiced by both global warming and a super El Niño. By contrast, 2013 has been hovering between a weak La Niña and ENSO-neutral conditions, which would normally mean below-average global average [...]/p
Like Father, Like Daughter: Science Denier Liz Cheney To Run For Senate In Warming-Threatened Wyoming
Like Father, Like Daughter: Science Denier Liz Cheney To Run For Senate In Warming-Threatened Wyoming: Former Vice President Dick Cheney’s daughter Elizabeth (Liz) Cheney has announced she will run for U.S. Senate in Wyoming. This could mean a brutal primary with the current sitting Senator, Mike Enzi. Enzi is no climate warrior, even though the state faces a doubling or tripling of wildfires if we don’t slash carbon pollution soon. [...]/p
AP: Former Indiana Governor Sought to Ban Howard Zinn's Works From Classrooms | Common Dreams
AP: Former Indiana Governor Sought to Ban Howard Zinn's Works From Classrooms | Common Dreams
"Former Governor of Indiana Mitch Daniels sought to ban the works of Howard Zinn from Indiana classrooms, the Associated Press revealed this week."
"Former Governor of Indiana Mitch Daniels sought to ban the works of Howard Zinn from Indiana classrooms, the Associated Press revealed this week."
Most Media Coverage Ignores Premium Drop, Focuses On GOP Effort To Undermine Obamacare
Most Media Coverage Ignores Premium Drop, Focuses On GOP Effort To Undermine Obamacare: Early on Wednesday, as House Republicans prepared to vote for a delay of the Affordable Care Act’s employer and individual mandates, New York state officials announced that health care premiums in the new exchange will plummet by at least 50 percent as a result of the law. For reform advocates, the story represented a reprieve [...]/p
Obama Administration: Premiums Under Obamacare Will Be Even Lower Than Originally Predicted
Obama Administration: Premiums Under Obamacare Will Be Even Lower Than Originally Predicted: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to release a report on Thursday morning that analyzes the 2014 premiums in the Obamacare insurance marketplaces in 11 different states, including Virginia, Colorado, Ohio, and Oregon. Officials said that the data will show that the weighted average of the least expensive mid-level health plans [...]/p
How a Libertarian Used Ayn Rand's Crazy Philosophy to Drive Sears Into the Ground | Alternet
How a Libertarian Used Ayn Rand's Crazy Philosophy to Drive Sears Into the Ground | Alternet
"America now avoids Sears at all costs, thanks largely to Mr. Lampert and his love of twisted economic logic."
"America now avoids Sears at all costs, thanks largely to Mr. Lampert and his love of twisted economic logic."
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Prices Drop as the Affordable Care Act is Implemented | Economic Policy Institute
Prices Drop as the Affordable Care Act is Implemented | Economic Policy Institute
"The health insurance premiums announced today for the new health insurance exchanges for New York were far lower than their current individual health insurance market. This is great news for the thousands of New Yorkers who will see their premiums fall, and for the many more thousands who will be able to find affordable coverage when they couldn’t before."
"The health insurance premiums announced today for the new health insurance exchanges for New York were far lower than their current individual health insurance market. This is great news for the thousands of New Yorkers who will see their premiums fall, and for the many more thousands who will be able to find affordable coverage when they couldn’t before."
Why Latinos Are Democrats (And Why They’re Likely To Stay That Way)
Why Latinos Are Democrats (And Why They’re Likely To Stay That Way): Gallup has just released data showing Democrats with huge leads in party identification among all age groups of Hispanics. Why is this? One theory, as summarized by John Sides in a recent post on Monkey Cage, is “that people identify with the party that they associate with social groups they like or belong to. So [...]/p
How Climate Change Is Fueling A Rise In Deadly Diseases
How Climate Change Is Fueling A Rise In Deadly Diseases: In the summer of 2012, the mosquito-borne West Nile virus made a surprising comeback in America. In Dallas, the most affected region, 400 people contracted the disease and 19 of them died. That came as a shock to public health officials, since West Nile virus was thought to be in such precipitous decline that it [...]/p
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