Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Millionaire Mitt still whining about how hard it was 'to make ends meet'
Millionaire Mitt still whining about how hard it was 'to make ends meet'
"Clearly, Romneyland believes that if Mitt and Ann insist often enough that they're just regular folks who've had it tough, lived on the edge, struggled to make ends meet, and, of course, pulled themselves up by their bootstraps all on their own with no help from anyone (except for that stock portfolio from Daddy Romney, of course, and that house from Daddy Romney, of course), maybe voters will believe it."
"Clearly, Romneyland believes that if Mitt and Ann insist often enough that they're just regular folks who've had it tough, lived on the edge, struggled to make ends meet, and, of course, pulled themselves up by their bootstraps all on their own with no help from anyone (except for that stock portfolio from Daddy Romney, of course, and that house from Daddy Romney, of course), maybe voters will believe it."
House GOP Tax Plan Raises Taxes On 10 Times As Many People As Democratic Proposal
House GOP Tax Plan Raises Taxes On 10 Times As Many People As Democratic Proposal: Senate Republicans last week proposed a plan that would raise taxes on more than 20 million Americans, while maintaining the high-end Bush tax cuts. Letting those tax cuts on income in excess of $250,000 expire would affect just two million wealthy taxpayers, by comparison. Now, House Republicans have adopted the same plan, and the effect [...]/p
Mitt Romney’s 20th-Century Worldview | Common Dreams
Mitt Romney’s 20th-Century Worldview | Common Dreams
"Like a caveman frozen in a glacier, Mitt Romney is a man trapped in time — from his archaic stance on women’s rights to his belief in Herbert Hoover economics."
"Like a caveman frozen in a glacier, Mitt Romney is a man trapped in time — from his archaic stance on women’s rights to his belief in Herbert Hoover economics."
Wind power gives Romney Iowa problems
Wind power gives Romney Iowa problems
"This has nothing to do with any "level playing fields," obviously, and everything to do with fueling conservative hatred for all things green. Their defense of dirty energy doesn't usually cost them anything. In fact, it helps fill their campaign coffers. But for once, it looks to bite them in the ass."
"This has nothing to do with any "level playing fields," obviously, and everything to do with fueling conservative hatred for all things green. Their defense of dirty energy doesn't usually cost them anything. In fact, it helps fill their campaign coffers. But for once, it looks to bite them in the ass."
GOP Rep. Steve King Defends Dogfighting
GOP Rep. Steve King Defends Dogfighting: If you believe that the United States should legalize dogfighting because we allow humans to fight, fear not. You’ve got an ally in the United States Congress. During a tele-townhall late last week, Rep. Steve King (R-IA) fielded a question about his opposition to animal rights and recently introduced legislation that would undermine local standards [...]/p
Romney on his gaffes: The buck stops with ... the media
Romney on his gaffes: The buck stops with ... the media
"Does the buck ever stop with Mitt Romney? Will he ever take responsibility when something goes wrong? I'm telling you, if Mitt Romney loses this election, it won't be long before he claims he wasn't even the nominee. He'll say he was CEO of Bain or something."
"Does the buck ever stop with Mitt Romney? Will he ever take responsibility when something goes wrong? I'm telling you, if Mitt Romney loses this election, it won't be long before he claims he wasn't even the nominee. He'll say he was CEO of Bain or something."
GOP Report Finds No Connection Between White House And ‘Fast And Furious’
GOP Report Finds No Connection Between White House And ‘Fast And Furious’: Despite insistence from GOP leadership that the White House was behind the so-called “Fast and Furious” gunwalking program, a report from House Republicans released Tuesday names five officials at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms as culprits in the misguided effort. All five were reassigned before the release of the report — the first [...]/p
Meet Mitt Romney’s Economic Advisers
Meet Mitt Romney’s Economic Advisers: Steven Perlberg contributed to this report. In April, a Republican National Committee spokesperson said the Republican Party’s 2012 platform would focus on the same policies pushed by former President George W. Bush, “just updated.” In case anyone needs a reminder, Bush’s policies included massive tax cuts that led to exploding deficits and debt and a [...]/p
California's Prop 32: The Next Big, Deceptive Corporate Attack on Working Families | Alternet
California's Prop 32: The Next Big, Deceptive Corporate Attack on Working Families | Alternet
"Never content with record income inequality and corporate profits, America's billionaires are forging ahead with an attempt to destroy what is left of the labor movement. And they're doing it by attempt to use anti-corporate populism to fool the voters In California, that takes the shape of the odious Proposition 32 in California, which does this:"
"Never content with record income inequality and corporate profits, America's billionaires are forging ahead with an attempt to destroy what is left of the labor movement. And they're doing it by attempt to use anti-corporate populism to fool the voters In California, that takes the shape of the odious Proposition 32 in California, which does this:"
Monday, July 30, 2012
A History Of Paul Ryan’s Attempts To Dismantle Social Security
A History Of Paul Ryan’s Attempts To Dismantle Social Security: That House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) supports the privatization of Social Security is well known. Ryan proposed $1.2 trillion in cuts and the partial privatization of Social Security upon taking control of the Budget Committee in 2011, and he has constantly warned about the supposed doom facing the program if major reforms aren’t [...]/p
REPORT: Ohio Routinely Tosses Thousands Of Votes In Every Election
REPORT: Ohio Routinely Tosses Thousands Of Votes In Every Election: In 2004, 9 votes per precinct pushed George W. Bush ahead of John Kerry in Ohio. But thousands are thrown out each election, according to a new report by the Cincinnati Enquirer. The battleground state, which has predicted the winner of every presidential election since 1944 except Nixon vs. Kennedy in 1960, often comes down [...]/p
Billionaire Mayor Bloomberg Sues to Keep New Yorkers' Wages Low | Alternet
Billionaire Mayor Bloomberg Sues to Keep New Yorkers' Wages Low | Alternet
"The world's 20th richest man declared recently that a living wage bill passed (over his veto) by New York's city council was the next best thing to Communist central planning. Michael Bloomberg, who's also made news recently trying to ban large sodas, today took the next step in proving how serious he is about keeping wages low--I mean, keeping New York City a "business-friendly" climate."
"The world's 20th richest man declared recently that a living wage bill passed (over his veto) by New York's city council was the next best thing to Communist central planning. Michael Bloomberg, who's also made news recently trying to ban large sodas, today took the next step in proving how serious he is about keeping wages low--I mean, keeping New York City a "business-friendly" climate."
As GOP Guts Food Safety Budgets, New Data Show Illnesses On The Rise
As GOP Guts Food Safety Budgets, New Data Show Illnesses On The Rise: House Republicans have gone to great lengths to block implementation of a new food safety law, while also trying to cut the budgets of agencies that oversee food safety. But new data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows just how foolhardy those moves are, as rates of foodborne illnesses are rising: The [...]/p
The Deep, Dark Mysteries of Pennsylvania's Voter ID
The Deep, Dark Mysteries of Pennsylvania's Voter ID
"There is no clear plan to help Pennsylvanians get the ID now required for voting. Does the state want thousands to simply stay home on Election Day?"
"There is no clear plan to help Pennsylvanians get the ID now required for voting. Does the state want thousands to simply stay home on Election Day?"
Happy Birthday to Medicare | Common Dreams
Happy Birthday to Medicare | Common Dreams
"Keep that in mind the next time you hear a politician or pundit argue that the Medicare program should be converted to a private voucher program, where seniors would get a flat amount to buy a health policy from a commercial insurance company. Such schemes are lucrative for the big private insurers but would be bad for most seniors, leaving them with inferior and progressively deteriorating coverage."
"Keep that in mind the next time you hear a politician or pundit argue that the Medicare program should be converted to a private voucher program, where seniors would get a flat amount to buy a health policy from a commercial insurance company. Such schemes are lucrative for the big private insurers but would be bad for most seniors, leaving them with inferior and progressively deteriorating coverage."
Florida Governor Rick Scott Preaches Austerity, Spends Big On Frivolous Lawsuits
Florida Governor Rick Scott Preaches Austerity, Spends Big On Frivolous Lawsuits: Florida Governor Rick Scott has spoken a lot about cutting government spending, lowering taxes for corporations, and removing social safety nets that millions of people rely on. But while he is busy eliminating more than $3 billion from public classrooms, his administration is simultaneously racking up hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars in legal expenses [...]/p
PERRspectives: Mitt Romney's Meth Labs of Democracy
PERRspectives: Mitt Romney's Meth Labs of Democracy
"As it turns out, Mitt Romney finds his inspiration wherever Republicans are experimenting with their junk social science. Romney, who in his run for governor told Planned Parenthood that he supported Roe v. Wade, funding abortion services through Medicaid for low-income women and the "morning after" pill, now proclaims, "Planned Parenthood, we're going to get rid of that." Just like Rick Perry in Texas. As draconian new voter identification laws in states like Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin improve his election chances by keeping minority residents (i.e. Democrats) away from the ballot box, Romney unsurprisingly announced, "I like Voter ID laws by the way... more of them." (Just this week, the Romney campaign demanded a probe of voter registration forms distributed in Bob McDonnell's Virginia.) Even though he once declared his "unwavering" support of Roe v. Wade after thedeath of a "dear, close family relative" from an illegal abortion, Governor Romney now suggests he could "absolutely" support state "personhood" amendments like the one that went down to defeat in Mississippi. And while he "can't have illegals" because he's "running for office, for Pete's sake," Mitt has called Jan Brewer's hard line immigration laws in Arizona a "model"."
"As it turns out, Mitt Romney finds his inspiration wherever Republicans are experimenting with their junk social science. Romney, who in his run for governor told Planned Parenthood that he supported Roe v. Wade, funding abortion services through Medicaid for low-income women and the "morning after" pill, now proclaims, "Planned Parenthood, we're going to get rid of that." Just like Rick Perry in Texas. As draconian new voter identification laws in states like Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin improve his election chances by keeping minority residents (i.e. Democrats) away from the ballot box, Romney unsurprisingly announced, "I like Voter ID laws by the way... more of them." (Just this week, the Romney campaign demanded a probe of voter registration forms distributed in Bob McDonnell's Virginia.) Even though he once declared his "unwavering" support of Roe v. Wade after thedeath of a "dear, close family relative" from an illegal abortion, Governor Romney now suggests he could "absolutely" support state "personhood" amendments like the one that went down to defeat in Mississippi. And while he "can't have illegals" because he's "running for office, for Pete's sake," Mitt has called Jan Brewer's hard line immigration laws in Arizona a "model"."
The CEO Plan to Steal Your Social Security and Medicare
The CEO Plan to Steal Your Social Security and Medicare
"Many of the same folks who brought the economy to ruin just a few years ago are now going to come up with a plan that is supposed to set the budget and the economy on a forward path. At the center of their proposal are big cuts in Social Security and Medicare.
"Many of the same folks who brought the economy to ruin just a few years ago are now going to come up with a plan that is supposed to set the budget and the economy on a forward path. At the center of their proposal are big cuts in Social Security and Medicare.
The most popular Social Security cut among this gang is a reduction in the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) by 0.3 percentage points. They are betting that are ordinary people are too dumb to notice this cut since it is a relatively small amount each year."
Health Care Workers, Patients Lead Fight for Divestment from Corrupt Private Health Insurance Industry | Common Dreams
Health Care Workers, Patients Lead Fight for Divestment from Corrupt Private Health Insurance Industry | Common Dreams
"In the midst of a fierce debate on the national level around the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, the Divestment Campaign for Health Care made its official debut. Its stated mission: “to expose how the health insurance industry puts the need for profit above the needs of patients and to escalate public support for total removal of the private health insurance companies from our nation’s health care"."
"In the midst of a fierce debate on the national level around the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, the Divestment Campaign for Health Care made its official debut. Its stated mission: “to expose how the health insurance industry puts the need for profit above the needs of patients and to escalate public support for total removal of the private health insurance companies from our nation’s health care"."
ALEC: Hawking "Freedom" in Salt Lake City | Common Dreams
ALEC: Hawking "Freedom" in Salt Lake City | Common Dreams
"The average baby in America now enjoys the “freedom” to be born pre-polluted with over 200 chemicals and heavy metals in their blood causing subtle, and sometimes not so subtle damage to virtually every organ and altering their chromosomes leading to a broad range of chronic, debilitating and even fatal diseases later in life. Those chromosomal changes can be passed on to subsequent generations diminishing their health as well. Attempts to reign in pollution, our exposure to pesticides, plasticizers, endocrine disruptors and the 83,000 industrial chemicals that now contaminate every corner of the earth and every living in it, are fought tooth and nail by many of the corporations meeting with legislators across the street."
"The average baby in America now enjoys the “freedom” to be born pre-polluted with over 200 chemicals and heavy metals in their blood causing subtle, and sometimes not so subtle damage to virtually every organ and altering their chromosomes leading to a broad range of chronic, debilitating and even fatal diseases later in life. Those chromosomal changes can be passed on to subsequent generations diminishing their health as well. Attempts to reign in pollution, our exposure to pesticides, plasticizers, endocrine disruptors and the 83,000 industrial chemicals that now contaminate every corner of the earth and every living in it, are fought tooth and nail by many of the corporations meeting with legislators across the street."
At For-Profit Colleges, It's All About Profits, Not Students | Common Dreams
At For-Profit Colleges, It's All About Profits, Not Students | Common Dreams
"For-profit colleges are following a corporate model that puts profits above students, according to the findings of a U.S. Senate report published Sunday."
"For-profit colleges are following a corporate model that puts profits above students, according to the findings of a U.S. Senate report published Sunday."
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Walmart abuses aren't just a problem for workers. They're a problem for the rule of law.
Walmart abuses aren't just a problem for workers. They're a problem for the rule of law.
"Walmart is so big and powerful that it exerts a powerful downward force on wages and working conditions not just in retail but throughout its supply chain of warehouses, manufacturers, and other producers, with other large chains always trying to keep up in the race to the bottom."
"Walmart is so big and powerful that it exerts a powerful downward force on wages and working conditions not just in retail but throughout its supply chain of warehouses, manufacturers, and other producers, with other large chains always trying to keep up in the race to the bottom."
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Bombshell: Koch-Funded Study Finds ‘Global Warming Is Real’, ‘On The High End’ And ‘Essentially All’ Due To Carbon Pollution
Bombshell: Koch-Funded Study Finds ‘Global Warming Is Real’, ‘On The High End’ And ‘Essentially All’ Due To Carbon Pollution: “The decadal land-surface average temperature using a 10-year moving average of surface temperatures over land. Anomalies are relative to the Jan 1950 – December 1979 mean. The grey band indicates 95% statistical and spatial uncertainty interval.” A Koch-funded reanalysis of 1.6 billion temperature reports finds that “essentially all of this increase results from the human emission [...]/p
Friday, July 27, 2012
Detroit Teachers to Emergency Manager: We Will Fight!
Detroit Teachers to Emergency Manager: We Will Fight!
"If Detroit Emergency Manager and Rick Snyder appointee Roy Roberts thought it was a good idea to pink slip all of Detroit's teachers, gut funding for schools and then force a contract on those teachers who were returning, he hasn't come face to face with AFT President Randi Weingarten recently. She and over 500 angry teachers had a message for Roberts: You had better sit down at the table and start negotiating rather than dictating."
"If Detroit Emergency Manager and Rick Snyder appointee Roy Roberts thought it was a good idea to pink slip all of Detroit's teachers, gut funding for schools and then force a contract on those teachers who were returning, he hasn't come face to face with AFT President Randi Weingarten recently. She and over 500 angry teachers had a message for Roberts: You had better sit down at the table and start negotiating rather than dictating."
Hey pundits, here's why Romney can't 'define himself'
Hey pundits, here's why Romney can't 'define himself'
"omney's only hope to win this election is the hope that people will reject the incumbent based on perceptions of the economy. Romney can't win the election on "positive personal feelings" because he doesn't have any towards the public. The feelings are mutual."
"omney's only hope to win this election is the hope that people will reject the incumbent based on perceptions of the economy. Romney can't win the election on "positive personal feelings" because he doesn't have any towards the public. The feelings are mutual."
Democrats introduce bill to raise minimum wage to $9.80
Democrats introduce bill to raise minimum wage to $9.80
"More than 100 House Democrats introduced a bill Thursday to raise the minimum wage. Rep. George Miller's proposed legislation would raise the minimum wage to $9.80 over three years, 85 cents per year, then link it to inflation, so that raising it wouldn't have to be a giant political fight every few years."
"More than 100 House Democrats introduced a bill Thursday to raise the minimum wage. Rep. George Miller's proposed legislation would raise the minimum wage to $9.80 over three years, 85 cents per year, then link it to inflation, so that raising it wouldn't have to be a giant political fight every few years."
Caterpillar Strike: In the US, It's Open Season on Unions | Common Dreams
Caterpillar Strike: In the US, It's Open Season on Unions | Common Dreams
"Caterpillar understands this. Its corporate culture may be more predisposed than most to punishing uppity workers. But for it to do so without even the flimsiest appeal to economic necessity is truly a milestone. And in today's atomised America, it isn't just good business. It's good politics."
"Caterpillar understands this. Its corporate culture may be more predisposed than most to punishing uppity workers. But for it to do so without even the flimsiest appeal to economic necessity is truly a milestone. And in today's atomised America, it isn't just good business. It's good politics."
It's Official: The NYPD Does Not Like Occupy Wall Street
It's Official: The NYPD Does Not Like Occupy Wall Street
"A new report by the Protest and Assembly Rights Project, which includes civil liberties experts from law clinics at NYU, Fordham, Harvard, and Stanford, has determined what anyone paying attention already knows: The NYPD went way overboard with seemingly random protesters, and media personnel (Even innocent bystanders in multiple instances) during Occupy Wall Street. But the group's findings, compiled inSuppressing Protest: Human Rights Violations in the U.S. Response to Occupy Wall Street, detail many incidents beyond the extreme few that got the most media play, counting 130 examples of extreme force in all, on top of "a complex mapping of protest suppression"."
"A new report by the Protest and Assembly Rights Project, which includes civil liberties experts from law clinics at NYU, Fordham, Harvard, and Stanford, has determined what anyone paying attention already knows: The NYPD went way overboard with seemingly random protesters, and media personnel (Even innocent bystanders in multiple instances) during Occupy Wall Street. But the group's findings, compiled inSuppressing Protest: Human Rights Violations in the U.S. Response to Occupy Wall Street, detail many incidents beyond the extreme few that got the most media play, counting 130 examples of extreme force in all, on top of "a complex mapping of protest suppression"."
Former Florida Republican Party Chair Says Republicans Actively Suppressed The Black Vote
Former Florida Republican Party Chair Says Republicans Actively Suppressed The Black Vote: In a 630-page deposition, released to the press yesterday, former Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer described a systemic effort by Republicans to suppress the black vote. Referring to a 2009 meeting with party officials, Greer said “I was upset because the political consultants and staff were talking about voter suppression and keeping blacks from voting.” [...]/p
Repeatedly debunked lies still front and center in Romney campaign ad blasting Obama stimulus
Repeatedly debunked lies still front and center in Romney campaign ad blasting Obama stimulus
"Even revealed, lies help shape a narrative as surely as does the truth. Individual lies may be exposed as frauds from time to time, but the big picture built out of a welter of lies gets absorbed unconsciously. You can be pretty sure that the ad twisting the record of the stimulus money is designed to achieve exactly that purpose. Approved by Mendacious Mitt."
"Even revealed, lies help shape a narrative as surely as does the truth. Individual lies may be exposed as frauds from time to time, but the big picture built out of a welter of lies gets absorbed unconsciously. You can be pretty sure that the ad twisting the record of the stimulus money is designed to achieve exactly that purpose. Approved by Mendacious Mitt."
Phil Gramm: Repealing Glass-Steagall Didn't Cause Crash
Phil Gramm: Repealing Glass-Steagall Didn't Cause Crash
"Pause here for belly laughs. Okay, I'll give him this: The Commodity Futures Modernization Act he rammed through in the 2000 budget showdown between Congress and Clinton was much worse. In fact, it had even more to do with the 2008 crash. It made sure that the credit swaps market was unregulated, and that banks and hedge funds didn't need a minimum reserve to back their casino bets."
"Pause here for belly laughs. Okay, I'll give him this: The Commodity Futures Modernization Act he rammed through in the 2000 budget showdown between Congress and Clinton was much worse. In fact, it had even more to do with the 2008 crash. It made sure that the credit swaps market was unregulated, and that banks and hedge funds didn't need a minimum reserve to back their casino bets."
After Stonewalling Obama’s Jobs Package, Republicans Complain About GDP Growth
After Stonewalling Obama’s Jobs Package, Republicans Complain About GDP Growth: New data released today shows that the U.S. economy grew by 1.5 percent last quarter, following a revised increase of 2 percent in the first quarter. Republicans, of course, leaped on the middling number, with Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) calling it “a troubling sign for the future of our economy.” But GOP’ers [...]/p
EXCLUSIVE: GOP Senate Nominee Shorting U.S. Treasury Bonds, Would Profit From Government Default
EXCLUSIVE: GOP Senate Nominee Shorting U.S. Treasury Bonds, Would Profit From Government Default: The Republican nominee in Ohio’s Senate race stands to reap a significant financial windfall if the government defaults by not raising the debt ceiling, a move he opposed last year and has indicated he would vote against if elected to the Senate. According to personal financial disclosure documents examined by ThinkProgress, Josh Mandel’s wife owns [...]/p
Capital One Forced To Pay $12 Million To Military Members Over Abusive Financial Practices
Capital One Forced To Pay $12 Million To Military Members Over Abusive Financial Practices: Just a week after it was ordered to pay $165 million in refunds and penalties for wrongful credit card practices, Capital One reached a settlement with the Department of Justice over charges that it financially abused active military members. Under the terms of the settlement, the bank will pay $12 million to American military members [...]/p
Are We Headed Back to the Dust Bowl? Blame the Banks | Alternet
Are We Headed Back to the Dust Bowl? Blame the Banks | Alternet
"Uncertainty is profitable. The Food and Agriculture Organisation is worried about price swings, even though prices are far from their 2011 peaks . Volatile prices create markets for hedge funds to trade and gamble on future trends. Traders, enabled by lax futures regulations, are perhaps the only people to see the bright side of the beating sun.
"Uncertainty is profitable. The Food and Agriculture Organisation is worried about price swings, even though prices are far from their 2011 peaks . Volatile prices create markets for hedge funds to trade and gamble on future trends. Traders, enabled by lax futures regulations, are perhaps the only people to see the bright side of the beating sun.
Which is why it's worth looking to history. Record-breaking weather, farmers losing crops, banks repossessing land from the poor, a president scorned by his opponents for socialism. We've seen this before. Such were the conditions of the dust bowl in the 1930s. Then, the drought stretched across most of the decade.By 1938, 80% of the Great Plains had been damaged by wind erosion . In large part, it was because farmers on small farms weren't taking care of the soil. What would bring farmers to the point of destroying the soil on which they depended? Most of them were deeply indebted to banks, and hanging on by their fingernails. Environmental destruction staved off financial oblivion."
How Will the 99% Deal with the Psychopaths in the 1%? | Alternet
How Will the 99% Deal with the Psychopaths in the 1%? | Alternet
"Did you know that roughly one person in a hundred is clinically a psychopath? These individuals are either born with an emotional deficiency that keeps them from feeling bad about hurting others, or they are traumatized early in life in a manner that causes them to become this way. With more than 7 billion people on the planet that means there are as many as 70,000,000 psychopaths alive today. These people are more likely to be risk takers, opportunists motivated by self-interest and greed, and inclined to dominate or subjugate those around them through manipulative means."
"Did you know that roughly one person in a hundred is clinically a psychopath? These individuals are either born with an emotional deficiency that keeps them from feeling bad about hurting others, or they are traumatized early in life in a manner that causes them to become this way. With more than 7 billion people on the planet that means there are as many as 70,000,000 psychopaths alive today. These people are more likely to be risk takers, opportunists motivated by self-interest and greed, and inclined to dominate or subjugate those around them through manipulative means."
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Rupert Murdoch's Reputation Is Shattered in UK -- Meanwhile He's Still Embraced as GOP Kingmaker in the U.S. | Alternet
Rupert Murdoch's Reputation Is Shattered in UK -- Meanwhile He's Still Embraced as GOP Kingmaker in the U.S. | Alternet
"Yet at the same time Murdoch is forced to withdrawal from Britain's political life, his profile is rapidly rising in the United States thanks to the unprecedented role News Corp's Fox News is playing this election cycle as it openly, and forcefully, campaigns against President Obama. The dichotomy between Murdoch's standing in Britain and America is striking, for rarely has a media mogul had his fortunes sink so low on one continent, while simultaneously rise so high on another."
"Yet at the same time Murdoch is forced to withdrawal from Britain's political life, his profile is rapidly rising in the United States thanks to the unprecedented role News Corp's Fox News is playing this election cycle as it openly, and forcefully, campaigns against President Obama. The dichotomy between Murdoch's standing in Britain and America is striking, for rarely has a media mogul had his fortunes sink so low on one continent, while simultaneously rise so high on another."
Watch How British Television Covered Romney’s Visit
Watch How British Television Covered Romney’s Visit: Mitt Romney’s criticism of the London Olympics in Great Britain led the nightly news show ‘BBC London’ on Thursday. The program reported on Romney’s uncomfortable visit with Prime Minister David Cameron after suggesting that the nation was unprepared to host the games, mocked his efforts to backpaddel those remarks and showed footage of London Mayor [...]/p
Drought in US Intensifying to 'Historic Proportions' | Common Dreams
Drought in US Intensifying to 'Historic Proportions' | Common Dreams
"The drought in the U.S. is intensifying and shows little signs of abating, according the most recent Drought Monitor issued Thursday."
"The drought in the U.S. is intensifying and shows little signs of abating, according the most recent Drought Monitor issued Thursday."
Hide the Ball: Romney's Long History of Hiding His Exorbitant, but Questionable, Business Practices
Hide the Ball: Romney's Long History of Hiding His Exorbitant, but Questionable, Business Practices
"How is it possible that, for two decades now, Mitt Romney has successfully avoided revealing any details about his vast wealth, has been able to manipulate and stash wealth overseas with no public accountability, has not been held to account for his complete lack of transparency, has painted himself as a creator of thousands of jobs even though the public record shows business decisions he presided over resulted in the loss of jobs because of mass wealth being scooped out of the assets of these same companies?"
"How is it possible that, for two decades now, Mitt Romney has successfully avoided revealing any details about his vast wealth, has been able to manipulate and stash wealth overseas with no public accountability, has not been held to account for his complete lack of transparency, has painted himself as a creator of thousands of jobs even though the public record shows business decisions he presided over resulted in the loss of jobs because of mass wealth being scooped out of the assets of these same companies?"
Worst. Congress. Ever.
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
The damage the 112th Congress is doing to America, the media's complicity by letting them off the hook, and voters' disgust with the whole process
Stephen Colbert Makes a Mockery of Romney's Deceptive Campaign Ad
Stephen Colbert Makes a Mockery of Romney's Deceptive Campaign Ad
"Gotta' love it. It's a sad day when our comedians have to be the ones pointing out how utterly ridiculous the Romney campaign attacks are with the whole it takes a village and no one made it on their own nonsense and the right's pathetic response to someone saying something that is actually true."
"Gotta' love it. It's a sad day when our comedians have to be the ones pointing out how utterly ridiculous the Romney campaign attacks are with the whole it takes a village and no one made it on their own nonsense and the right's pathetic response to someone saying something that is actually true."
The World is Closer to a Food Crisis Than Most People Realize | Common Dreams
The World is Closer to a Food Crisis Than Most People Realize | Common Dreams
"The world is in serious trouble on the food front. But there is little evidence that political leaders have yet grasped the magnitude of what is happening. The progress in reducing hunger in recent decades has been reversed. Unless we move quickly to adopt newpopulation, energy, and water policies, the goal of eradicating hunger will remain just that.
"The world is in serious trouble on the food front. But there is little evidence that political leaders have yet grasped the magnitude of what is happening. The progress in reducing hunger in recent decades has been reversed. Unless we move quickly to adopt newpopulation, energy, and water policies, the goal of eradicating hunger will remain just that.
Time is running out. The world may be much closer to an unmanageable food shortage – replete with soaring food prices, spreading food unrest, and ultimately political instability– than most people realise."
Top Three Myths Conservatives Use To Oppose Increasing The Minimum Wage
Top Three Myths Conservatives Use To Oppose Increasing The Minimum Wage: House Democrats have introduced a bill in the House — bound to go nowhere due to the Republican majority — that would increase the minimum wage to $10. This would give the wage the purchasing power that it had in the 1960s. Republicans have publicly met the idea of raising the minimum wage with contempt, [...]/p
Top Two Oil Companies Earn $160,000 Per Minute, Paid Low Tax Rate
Top Two Oil Companies Earn $160,000 Per Minute, Paid Low Tax Rate: The top two corporations on the Fortune 500 Global ranking, Royal Dutch Shell and ExxonMobil, announced their 2012 second-quarter earnings today, bringing the total profits for three Big Oil companies to $44 billion for 2012 or $250,000 every day this year. Exxon profited by $16 billion this quarter, bringing its earnings for 2012 to $25 [...]/p
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Romney Struggles To Distinguish His Economic Policies From Bush’s
Romney Struggles To Distinguish His Economic Policies From Bush’s: Mitt Romney couldn’t substantially distinguish his economic policies from former President George W. Bush’s during an interview with NBC’s Brian Williams on Wednesday, saying only that he would “take action to get America on track to have a balanced budget.” Bush increased the national debt by trillions of dollars. Rather than detailing specific differences with [...]/p
40 Economists Say The GOP Has Abandoned Economic Reality
40 Economists Say The GOP Has Abandoned Economic Reality: A survey of forty economists from across the ideological and partisan spectrum has concluded that on some of its most cherished issues, the Republican Party has simply taken leave of economic reality. For instance, economists Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers noted that one of the results from the survey — run by the University of [...]/p
Voter Suppression: Up to 43% of Philly Voters May Not Have Newly-Required ID | AlterNet
Voter Suppression: Up to 43% of Philly Voters May Not Have Newly-Required ID | AlterNet
"And two weeks ago, I broke the news that the Corbett administration had awarded a $250,000 voter ID PR contract to the Bravo Group, a firm run by Mitt Romney fundraiser and longtime state GOP leader Chris Bravacos. On Friday, Talking Points Memo described how six people working on that contract all have GOP ties."
"And two weeks ago, I broke the news that the Corbett administration had awarded a $250,000 voter ID PR contract to the Bravo Group, a firm run by Mitt Romney fundraiser and longtime state GOP leader Chris Bravacos. On Friday, Talking Points Memo described how six people working on that contract all have GOP ties."
5 Reasons the Super-Rich Need Government More Than the Rest of Us | | AlterNet
5 Reasons the Super-Rich Need Government More Than the Rest of Us | | AlterNet
"Wealthy individuals and corporations want us to believe they've made it on their own, without the help of government or the American people. Billionaire financier Sanford Weill blustered, "We didn't rely on somebody else to build what we built." He was echoing the words of his famous predecessor, the formidable financier J. P. Morgan, who spouted, "I owe the public nothing."
"Wealthy individuals and corporations want us to believe they've made it on their own, without the help of government or the American people. Billionaire financier Sanford Weill blustered, "We didn't rely on somebody else to build what we built." He was echoing the words of his famous predecessor, the formidable financier J. P. Morgan, who spouted, "I owe the public nothing."
That's the bull of Wall Street. There are at least five good reasons why the wealthiest Americans need government as much as the rest of us, and probably more."
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
PERRspectives: Romney Doubly Embarrassed by Carr Talk
PERRspectives: Romney Doubly Embarrassed by Carr Talk
"When it comes to touting bogus presidential endorsements by foreign leaders, candidate George W. Bush is in a class by himself. But while Governor Bush was (easily) duped by a Canadian comedy show into proudly accepting the backing ofmythical Prime Minister Jean Poutine, Mitt Romney's misrepresentation of his private conversation with actual Australian foreign minister Bob Carr was willful. Willful, that is, doubly embarrassing. After all, Australian officials didn't merely reject Romney's boasting that Carr endorsed his critique of President Obama. As it turns out, Mitt Romney has consistently opposed that "one budget deal" which would supposedly end "all talk of America being in decline"."
"When it comes to touting bogus presidential endorsements by foreign leaders, candidate George W. Bush is in a class by himself. But while Governor Bush was (easily) duped by a Canadian comedy show into proudly accepting the backing ofmythical Prime Minister Jean Poutine, Mitt Romney's misrepresentation of his private conversation with actual Australian foreign minister Bob Carr was willful. Willful, that is, doubly embarrassing. After all, Australian officials didn't merely reject Romney's boasting that Carr endorsed his critique of President Obama. As it turns out, Mitt Romney has consistently opposed that "one budget deal" which would supposedly end "all talk of America being in decline"."
Republican debt ceiling fight cost taxpayers at least $1.3 billion
Republican debt ceiling fight cost taxpayers at least $1.3 billion
"Hey, thanks Republicans! Your fight last year over raising the debt ceiling didn't just result in the first time in history the nation's credit rating was downgraded. It didn't just hurt the economy or disrupt the economic recovery, halt job growth, and wreck consumer confidence. It also cost taxpayers $1.3 billion and counting, according to the Government Accountability Office."
"Hey, thanks Republicans! Your fight last year over raising the debt ceiling didn't just result in the first time in history the nation's credit rating was downgraded. It didn't just hurt the economy or disrupt the economic recovery, halt job growth, and wreck consumer confidence. It also cost taxpayers $1.3 billion and counting, according to the Government Accountability Office."
Bernie Sanders Versus the Billionaires | Common Dreams
Bernie Sanders Versus the Billionaires | Common Dreams
"If two dozen billionaire families were combining their wealth to effectively buy the 2012 election, it would be time for patriots to mount a bold response on behalf of democracy itself.
"If two dozen billionaire families were combining their wealth to effectively buy the 2012 election, it would be time for patriots to mount a bold response on behalf of democracy itself.
Well, that time has come."
Verizon Will Cut Off DSL To Up Prices, Kill Their Unions
Verizon Will Cut Off DSL To Up Prices, Kill Their Unions
"Verizon stopped selling standalone DSL back in April, so they could force you to buy a landline. That change is part of a strategic plan that will ultimately screw consumers - and the FCC seems just fine with that."
"Verizon stopped selling standalone DSL back in April, so they could force you to buy a landline. That change is part of a strategic plan that will ultimately screw consumers - and the FCC seems just fine with that."
Senate GOP Provides $1.1 Million Tax Cut To Wealthy Estates While Raising Taxes On 20 Million Working Families
Senate GOP Provides $1.1 Million Tax Cut To Wealthy Estates While Raising Taxes On 20 Million Working Families: The Senate GOP plan to preserve the Bush tax cuts on incomes above $250,000 already amounts to a budget-busting tax cut for the rich, and in addition to it, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) also added another tax cut that benefits only the super-wealthy. The Hatch-McConnell plan effectively eliminates the [...]/p
Women for Paid Sick Days | Common Dreams
Women for Paid Sick Days | Common Dreams
"Some policy questions are difficult. Here are a few easy ones: Should people who handle food for a living have to work while contagious? Should sick kids be stuck at school because their parents are stuck at work? Should coming down with something cost you your job?
"Some policy questions are difficult. Here are a few easy ones: Should people who handle food for a living have to work while contagious? Should sick kids be stuck at school because their parents are stuck at work? Should coming down with something cost you your job?
Most Americans say: No, no and no. Politicians are catching up with them, but not fast enough."
Senior Economists Feel That GOP Jobs Package Is More Likely To Make People Sick Than Create Jobs
Senior Economists Feel That GOP Jobs Package Is More Likely To Make People Sick Than Create Jobs: House Speaker John Boehner and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor have taken every opportunity to tout the work that the GOP has done on jobs. From carrying around cards that lists the “more than 30 jobs bills” to bringing it up in every press conference or campaign ad, Republicans have been keen to publicize their [...]/p
What Five Oil Companies Did With $375 Million Profits Per Day In 2011
What Five Oil Companies Did With $375 Million Profits Per Day In 2011: The Big Five oil companies – BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil and Shell – are slated to announce their 2012 second-quarter profits later this week. We can expect these companies, all of which rank in the top 10 of the “Fortune 500 Global Ranking,” to announce billions of dollars more in profits, after earning $375 million [...]/p
Pennsylvania admits there has been no voter fraud
Pennsylvania admits there has been no voter fraud
"More than a million Pennsylvania citizens—including registered, active voters—disenfranchised not because of the problem of voter fraud, but to win the state for Mitt Romney."
"More than a million Pennsylvania citizens—including registered, active voters—disenfranchised not because of the problem of voter fraud, but to win the state for Mitt Romney."
GOP Senate Candidate Paid 15 Percent Tax Rate On $30.6 Million Income
GOP Senate Candidate Paid 15 Percent Tax Rate On $30.6 Million Income: Pressure mounted in recent days on Linda McMahon, a candidate in the Republican primary for Connecticut’s open U.S. Senate seat, to release her tax returns from the last two years, as former Rep. Chris Shays (R), her opponent in August’s primary, raised the issue as a matter of transparency. McMahon, who co-founded World Wrestling Entertainment [...]/p
Economists and Workers Both Say: Raise the Minimum Wage | Common Dreams
Economists and Workers Both Say: Raise the Minimum Wage | Common Dreams
"Marches and rallies are planned,according to McClatchy, at congressional district offices and at businesses that pay low wages. In Chicago, protesters will hold a trolley tour of low-wage employers, while activists in Pittsburgh will rally for higher wages outside City Hall. Similar events are planned in dozens of cities, including New York, Washington, Miami, Kansas City, Mo., Sacramento, Calif., and Philadelphia"
"Marches and rallies are planned,according to McClatchy, at congressional district offices and at businesses that pay low wages. In Chicago, protesters will hold a trolley tour of low-wage employers, while activists in Pittsburgh will rally for higher wages outside City Hall. Similar events are planned in dozens of cities, including New York, Washington, Miami, Kansas City, Mo., Sacramento, Calif., and Philadelphia"
Two Years After Financial Reform, Republicans Rake In Wall Street Fundraising Dollars
Two Years After Financial Reform, Republicans Rake In Wall Street Fundraising Dollars: It’s been two years since the passage of Dodd-Frank, and the finance industry is still doing its best to completely gut the reforms meant to prevent another financial crisis. Republicans have spent the last two years trying to water down Dodd-Frank, and data suggests they have been solidly rewarded for their efforts. The finance, insurance, [...]/p
Wisconsin Republican Senator Believes Voter ID Will Help Romney ‘In A Close Race’
Wisconsin Republican Senator Believes Voter ID Will Help Romney ‘In A Close Race’: SLINGER, Wisconsin — With polls showing a surprisingly tight presidential race in Wisconsin, the state’s new voter ID law could make the difference for Mitt Romney, according to the State Senate Assistant Leader Glenn Grothman (R). Grothman helped pass voter ID in Wisconsin last year, which disenfranchises citizens who don’t bring a certain form of [...]/p
PERRspectives: Foreign Policy Extraordinarily Foreign to Romney
PERRspectives: Foreign Policy Extraordinarily Foreign to Romney
"Regardless, Mitt Romney may well get a bump in the polls after his new overseas journeysare complete. But his bellicose rhetoric towards Tehran, his incendiary words for Moscow and campaign cash from the LIBOR rate-riggers in London may sound very strange--and very disturbing--to Americans' ears. Or as Mitt Romney might describe his extraordinarily foreign policy, "so foreign to us we simply can't understand it"."
"Regardless, Mitt Romney may well get a bump in the polls after his new overseas journeysare complete. But his bellicose rhetoric towards Tehran, his incendiary words for Moscow and campaign cash from the LIBOR rate-riggers in London may sound very strange--and very disturbing--to Americans' ears. Or as Mitt Romney might describe his extraordinarily foreign policy, "so foreign to us we simply can't understand it"."
Monday, July 23, 2012
GOP Senator Blasts Obama For Talking ‘Incessantly’ About The Middle Class
GOP Senator Blasts Obama For Talking ‘Incessantly’ About The Middle Class: President Obama’s plan to allow the Bush tax cuts for incomes above $250,000 to expire at the end of the year has revived the Republican talking point that he is waging “class warfare” against the wealthy, a point Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl (R) drove home in an entirely new fashion today. Speaking on the Senate [...]/p Dishonest and corrupt Jon Kyl is back at it.
Don't Regulate the Banks, Nationalize Them | Common Dreams
Don't Regulate the Banks, Nationalize Them | Common Dreams
"The Barclays interest-rate scandal, HSBC’s openness to money laundering by Mexican drug traffickers, the epic blunders at JPMorgan Chase — at this point, four years after Wall Street wrecked the global economy, does anyone really believe we can regulate the big banks? And if we broke them up, would they really stay broken up?"
"The Barclays interest-rate scandal, HSBC’s openness to money laundering by Mexican drug traffickers, the epic blunders at JPMorgan Chase — at this point, four years after Wall Street wrecked the global economy, does anyone really believe we can regulate the big banks? And if we broke them up, would they really stay broken up?"
REPORT: Debt Limit Fight Cost Government $1.3 Billion In 2011
REPORT: Debt Limit Fight Cost Government $1.3 Billion In 2011: Republican opposition to raising the debt ceiling increased the government’s borrowing costs by $1.3 billion in fiscal year 2011, and costs will continue to rise in the future, a report from the Government Accountability Office found. The U.S. Treasury was forced to take varying actions to avoid hitting the debt limit before Congress raised it [...]/p
PERRspectives: Democrats Crush Republicans as Capitalists in the White House
PERRspectives: Democrats Crush Republicans as Capitalists in the White House
"As the historical record shows, from economic growth and job creation to stock market performance and just about every other indicator of the health of American capitalism, the modern U.S. economy has almost always done better under Democratic presidents. Despite GOP mythology to the contrary, America generally gained more jobs and grew faster when taxes were higher (even much higher) and income inequality lower. While the U.S. recovery from the crippling Bush recession has been painfully slow, most economists - including the nonpartisan CBO and some of John McCain's own 2008 advisers - believe President Obama saved the American free-enterprise system from the abyss. And many economists are increasingly worried that businessman-turned-President Romney would lead the United States back into recession."
"As the historical record shows, from economic growth and job creation to stock market performance and just about every other indicator of the health of American capitalism, the modern U.S. economy has almost always done better under Democratic presidents. Despite GOP mythology to the contrary, America generally gained more jobs and grew faster when taxes were higher (even much higher) and income inequality lower. While the U.S. recovery from the crippling Bush recession has been painfully slow, most economists - including the nonpartisan CBO and some of John McCain's own 2008 advisers - believe President Obama saved the American free-enterprise system from the abyss. And many economists are increasingly worried that businessman-turned-President Romney would lead the United States back into recession."
PERRspectives: Romney Will Put Walmart in the White House
PERRspectives: Romney Will Put Walmart in the White House
"Even at a time of record income inequality, the lowest federal tax burden in 60 years and plummeting effective tax rates for the top one percent of earners, it is often difficult to put a face on the yawning chasm between the super-rich and everyone else. But now we have six. New data from the Federal Reserve reveal that the heirs of Walmart founders Sam and James "Bud" Walton now possess total wealth equivalent to 49 million American families, 42 percent of the total. As it turns out, that shocking number will grow much larger if Mitt Romney wins in November. After all, would-be President Romney not only wants to deliver another massive tax cut windfall for the wealthy, but wants to eliminate the estate tax altogether, a move that on paper would divert over $30 billion from the U.S. Treasury into the vaults of the Walton family."
"Even at a time of record income inequality, the lowest federal tax burden in 60 years and plummeting effective tax rates for the top one percent of earners, it is often difficult to put a face on the yawning chasm between the super-rich and everyone else. But now we have six. New data from the Federal Reserve reveal that the heirs of Walmart founders Sam and James "Bud" Walton now possess total wealth equivalent to 49 million American families, 42 percent of the total. As it turns out, that shocking number will grow much larger if Mitt Romney wins in November. After all, would-be President Romney not only wants to deliver another massive tax cut windfall for the wealthy, but wants to eliminate the estate tax altogether, a move that on paper would divert over $30 billion from the U.S. Treasury into the vaults of the Walton family."
Corporation Pushes Six-Year Pay Freeze On Workers While Making Record Profits, Paying CEO $17 Million
Corporation Pushes Six-Year Pay Freeze On Workers While Making Record Profits, Paying CEO $17 Million: Back in June, ThinkProgress noted that the manufacturing giant Caterpillar was seeking major concessions during contract negotiations with striking workers, even as it was making billions in profits and giving its CEO a 60 percent pay boost. The New York Times’ Steven Greenhouse added more details today, noting that the company wants to implement a [...]/p
Sunday, July 22, 2012
From an Unlikely Source, a Serious Challenge to Wall Street
From an Unlikely Source, a Serious Challenge to Wall Street
"There’s been so much corruption on Wall Street in recent years, and the federal government has appeared to be so deeply complicit in many of the problems, that many people have experienced something very like despair over the question of what to do about it all."
"There’s been so much corruption on Wall Street in recent years, and the federal government has appeared to be so deeply complicit in many of the problems, that many people have experienced something very like despair over the question of what to do about it all."
Mitt Romney's Olympics Bailed Out by Tax Payers
Mitt Romney's Olympics Bailed Out by Tax Payers
"As they noted, there are more questions which might be answered by Mitt Romney releasing his tax returns, which it seems more obvious day by day that he is never going to release. Romney seems to love that government "free stuff" when it benefits himself and his business buddies, but not so much for the working class and the poor."
"As they noted, there are more questions which might be answered by Mitt Romney releasing his tax returns, which it seems more obvious day by day that he is never going to release. Romney seems to love that government "free stuff" when it benefits himself and his business buddies, but not so much for the working class and the poor."
Saturday, July 21, 2012
It's All About the 'Other': Romney's Dog-Whistle Attack Ad
It's All About the 'Other': Romney's Dog-Whistle Attack Ad
"If there was any lingering doubt about whether Mitt Romney intended to run a campaign that resorted to all the usual right-wing racial dog whistles -- almost fully settled, really, by the way he handled his NAACP speech and afterward, nattering on about howyou black people Obama voters just want "free stuff" -- then his most recent attack should lay any doubts to rest."
"If there was any lingering doubt about whether Mitt Romney intended to run a campaign that resorted to all the usual right-wing racial dog whistles -- almost fully settled, really, by the way he handled his NAACP speech and afterward, nattering on about how
Is Mitt Romney Buying Phony Twitter Followers?
Is Mitt Romney Buying Phony Twitter Followers?: Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign may be buying up Twitter followers to pad the former Massachusetts governor’s online presence. @MittRomney has already attracted more than 100,000 new followers on Saturday, far more than his average 1,000 – 6,000 per day, and the new followers “seem to have major trouble with spelling simple English words, have names [...]/p
Farm Bill Budget Cuts Will Mean Millions of Americans Go Hungry | Common Dreams
Farm Bill Budget Cuts Will Mean Millions of Americans Go Hungry | Common Dreams
"More seniors will be forced to choose between medical care and food, or utilities and food. Many families receiving Snap benefits are also eligible for free and reduced lunch. The proposed cuts could also mean lost lunches for hundreds of thousands of children, exacerbating an already intolerable situation."
"More seniors will be forced to choose between medical care and food, or utilities and food. Many families receiving Snap benefits are also eligible for free and reduced lunch. The proposed cuts could also mean lost lunches for hundreds of thousands of children, exacerbating an already intolerable situation."
From an Unlikely Source, a Serious Challenge to Wall Street | Common Dreams
From an Unlikely Source, a Serious Challenge to Wall Street | Common Dreams
"Something very interesting is happening.
"Something very interesting is happening.
There’s been so much corruption on Wall Street in recent years, and the federal government has appeared to be so deeply complicit in many of the problems, that many people have experienced something very like despair over the question of what to do about it all."
Here's an update on what we know about the Colorado theater shootings
Here's an update on what we know about the Colorado theater shootings
"olice are holding James Eagan Holmes in the killing of 12 and injuring of 59 in a movie multiplex in Aurora, Colorado, a suburb of 325,000 east of Denver. Patrons were in the packed theater for a midnight premiere of the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises. A 6-year-old girl was among the dead and nine of the injured were in critical condition. Holmes is said not to be cooperating with authorities. He was arrestedin behind the theater just a couple of minutes after a 911 call was answered. Authorities say he will be arraigned on Monday."
"olice are holding James Eagan Holmes in the killing of 12 and injuring of 59 in a movie multiplex in Aurora, Colorado, a suburb of 325,000 east of Denver. Patrons were in the packed theater for a midnight premiere of the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises. A 6-year-old girl was among the dead and nine of the injured were in critical condition. Holmes is said not to be cooperating with authorities. He was arrested
Friday, July 20, 2012
Santorum Backer The Latest Millionaire Donor To Abandon Campaign Finance Disclosure
Santorum Backer The Latest Millionaire Donor To Abandon Campaign Finance Disclosure: During the Republican primaries, millionaire Foster Friess became a household name for his more than $2 million in donations to the pro-Rick Santorum Red, White & Blue Super PAC. At that time, he told ThinkProgress that he would like to see more flexibility for big donors like himself to give directly to the candidates and [...]/p
Boston Globe: Bain insiders say Romney 'was not merely an absentee owner'
Boston Globe: Bain insiders say Romney 'was not merely an absentee owner'
"Again, none of that is surprising. What's surprising is that the Boston Globe had to do so much digging in order to put the pieces of the story together. And the reason they had to do so much digging is that Mitt Romney has staked his personal narrative on the clearly false claim that after Feb. 11, 1999 he had nothing to do with running Bain Capital. Clearly, however, he did. The question is: Why did he lie?"
"Again, none of that is surprising. What's surprising is that the Boston Globe had to do so much digging in order to put the pieces of the story together. And the reason they had to do so much digging is that Mitt Romney has staked his personal narrative on the clearly false claim that after Feb. 11, 1999 he had nothing to do with running Bain Capital. Clearly, however, he did. The question is: Why did he lie?"
Senate GOP Tax Plan Would Raise Taxes On 20 Million Working Families
Senate GOP Tax Plan Would Raise Taxes On 20 Million Working Families: Republicans have consistently denounced President Obama’s plan to allow the Bush tax cuts on income over $250,000 to expire at the end of the year. “We ought not raise taxes on anyone at the end of the year,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has said of the Obama plan, which would raise taxes on [...]/p
The Elites Are Unanimous: Lower Everyone's Wages and Standard of Living -- Except They Don't Say it Out Loud | Economy | AlterNet
The Elites Are Unanimous: Lower Everyone's Wages and Standard of Living -- Except They Don't Say it Out Loud | Economy | AlterNet
"All of which leaves the American middle class on a badly listing, although not yet sinking, economic ship. Even before the financial crash, real wages for the typical American worker had been stagnant for 30 years as a result of: 1) trade and investment deregulation that shoved American workers into a brutally competitive global labor market for which they were unprepared; 2) the relentless war on unions that began with the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980; and 3) more recently, the erosion of the social safety net for low wage workers and the unemployed."
"All of which leaves the American middle class on a badly listing, although not yet sinking, economic ship. Even before the financial crash, real wages for the typical American worker had been stagnant for 30 years as a result of: 1) trade and investment deregulation that shoved American workers into a brutally competitive global labor market for which they were unprepared; 2) the relentless war on unions that began with the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980; and 3) more recently, the erosion of the social safety net for low wage workers and the unemployed."
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Republicans block Bring Jobs Home Act, protecting companies that outsource jobs
Republicans block Bring Jobs Home Act, protecting companies that outsource jobs
" As Reid pointed out, "It's no surprise Republicans are on the side of corporations making big bucks sending American jobs to China and India. After all, their presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, made a fortune outsourcing jobs, too"."
" As Reid pointed out, "It's no surprise Republicans are on the side of corporations making big bucks sending American jobs to China and India. After all, their presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, made a fortune outsourcing jobs, too"."
Report: Big Corporations Are Making Huge Profits While Keeping Their Employees Stuck At Minimum Wage
Report: Big Corporations Are Making Huge Profits While Keeping Their Employees Stuck At Minimum Wage: The popular conservative response to those who want to increase the nation’s minimum wage, which currently stands at $7.25 per hour, is that doing so will inevitably kill jobs at small businesses. However, studies have shown that raising the minimum wage does not kill jobs, but most certainly helps workers at the low end of [...]/p
Demonizing the Poor | Common Dreams
Demonizing the Poor | Common Dreams
"It is sad and, frankly, frightening when Americans explain away the harshness and lack of compassion in their country by vilifying individuals who manage to survive in difficult circumstances. A lack of class consciousness, racism, puritanism, and pure delusion about America’s purported superiority result in nonsense being passed off as social science and matters which should be political being made personal."
"It is sad and, frankly, frightening when Americans explain away the harshness and lack of compassion in their country by vilifying individuals who manage to survive in difficult circumstances. A lack of class consciousness, racism, puritanism, and pure delusion about America’s purported superiority result in nonsense being passed off as social science and matters which should be political being made personal."
A Guide To Consumer Brands Helping Bankroll Right-Wing Attack Ads
A Guide To Consumer Brands Helping Bankroll Right-Wing Attack Ads: Have you eaten at White Castle recently? Or caught a movie at Regal Cinemas? If so, you may be unwittingly helping finance right-wing attack ads. That’s because many of the country’s most common brands are run by rich conservatives who are using their personal wealth to bankroll outside spending groups that are running attack ads [...]/p
The Republican Lie about the Self-Made Myth
"From the smallest of small businesses - to the largest of corporations - success is not achieved alone - but with help from society and from the government. Why are Republicans so afraid to admit this - and why can't they give up on the self-made myth? So here's the simple reality. None of us made it on our own. And those of us who have been successful in business have made it because we can use the infrastructure of our court system to enforce our contracts, have workers who had good public educations, and are protected by our fire and police departments, among others. For Takers like Romney to claim that he's a completely self-made man and government had nothing to do with his success is, quite simply, another one of his lies."
Postal Service Set To Default On Pension Payment For First Time, But Congress Could Easily Fix The Problem
Postal Service Set To Default On Pension Payment For First Time, But Congress Could Easily Fix The Problem: In 2006, the Republican-led Congress passed an unnecessary law requiring the United States Postal Service to prefund its pension benefits for 75 years through a $5.5 billion annual payment. The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006 (PAEA) is the only one of its kind for a government agency. On August 1st of this year, [...]/p
Wall Street's Biggest Heist Yet? How the High Wizards of Finance Gutted Our Schools and Cities | Economy | AlterNet
Wall Street's Biggest Heist Yet? How the High Wizards of Finance Gutted Our Schools and Cities | Economy | AlterNet
"When much of Wall Street collapsed in 2008 as a direct result of their corrupt business model, their pals in Washington used the public purse to resuscitate the same corrupt financial model – allowing even greater depositor concentration at JPMorgan and Bank of America through acquisitions of crippled firms. And now, Wall Street may get away with the biggest heist of the public purse in the history of the world. You know it’s an unprecedented crime when the conservative Economist magazine sums up the situation with a one word headline: “Banksters"."
"When much of Wall Street collapsed in 2008 as a direct result of their corrupt business model, their pals in Washington used the public purse to resuscitate the same corrupt financial model – allowing even greater depositor concentration at JPMorgan and Bank of America through acquisitions of crippled firms. And now, Wall Street may get away with the biggest heist of the public purse in the history of the world. You know it’s an unprecedented crime when the conservative Economist magazine sums up the situation with a one word headline: “Banksters"."
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