www.politicususa.com/2013/06/30/america-seige-koch-brothers-replace-constitution.html
"The truth is that Republicans have panted to destroy New Deal protections for 80 years, but it was during the Reagan administration they began their siege in earnest and started transferring the nation’s wealth to plutocrats in the banking and financial industry."
Sunday, June 30, 2013
The Architect Of Trickle Down Economics Finally Put In His Place
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/06/30/the-architect-of-trickle-down-economics-finally-put-in-his-place/
"ever since Milton Friedman began pushing his ideas, companies, and our nation, have suffered. While in the short-term, it can look decent, over the longer period, only collapse is shown. If we do not halt this idea, and bury it alongside its creator, then we shall pass as a nation, great no more and just a faded memory."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/06/30/the-architect-of-trickle-down-economics-finally-put-in-his-place/#ixzz2XlIgv4P7
"ever since Milton Friedman began pushing his ideas, companies, and our nation, have suffered. While in the short-term, it can look decent, over the longer period, only collapse is shown. If we do not halt this idea, and bury it alongside its creator, then we shall pass as a nation, great no more and just a faded memory."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/06/30/the-architect-of-trickle-down-economics-finally-put-in-his-place/#ixzz2XlIgv4P7
Rick Perry Uses Personal Attacks To Pick On State Senator
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Bank of America Schemes to Evade Settlement Rules and Pocket Cash - Truthdig
Bank of America Schemes to Evade Settlement Rules and Pocket Cash - Truthdig
"Documents leaked by a bank insider show the company sold servicing rights to more than half a million mortgages to loan servicing companies in order to make a quick profit and avoid settlement requirements, leaving homeowners in the lurch and with fewer protections to avoid foreclosure"
"Documents leaked by a bank insider show the company sold servicing rights to more than half a million mortgages to loan servicing companies in order to make a quick profit and avoid settlement requirements, leaving homeowners in the lurch and with fewer protections to avoid foreclosure"
Low Wages And High Priorities
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Saturday, June 29, 2013
Thirteen Facts About America's Tax-Dodging Corporations
Thirteen Facts About America's Tax-Dodging Corporations
"Abusive offshore tax havens cost the US $150 billion in lost tax revenue every year (via FACT Coalition). That’s $1.5 trillion over the next ten years."
"Abusive offshore tax havens cost the US $150 billion in lost tax revenue every year (via FACT Coalition). That’s $1.5 trillion over the next ten years."
Corporate Profits Soar As Americans Struggle To Get By
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/06/29/corporate-profits-soar-as-americans-struggle-to-get-by/
"One thing Americans need to understand: corporations aren’t job creators. They are wealth usurpers. Corporations’ sole motive is to create profits; if they could do so without hiring a single person they would."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/06/29/corporate-profits-soar-as-americans-struggle-to-get-by/#ixzz2Xd4YxLYf
"One thing Americans need to understand: corporations aren’t job creators. They are wealth usurpers. Corporations’ sole motive is to create profits; if they could do so without hiring a single person they would."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/06/29/corporate-profits-soar-as-americans-struggle-to-get-by/#ixzz2Xd4YxLYf
Friday, June 28, 2013
The 5 Biggest Stories from the Fight for the Survival of Public Education | Alternet
The 5 Biggest Stories from the Fight for the Survival of Public Education | Alternet
"The 2012-2013 school year saw the fight over public education reach a new pitch, ending with mass layoffs in Philadelphia, and other large school districts, and a cadre of parents and workers who began a hunger strike in protest."
"The 2012-2013 school year saw the fight over public education reach a new pitch, ending with mass layoffs in Philadelphia, and other large school districts, and a cadre of parents and workers who began a hunger strike in protest."
This Week's Killer Heat Wave Threatens To Cause Earth’s Hottest Temps Ever | Alternet
This Week's Killer Heat Wave Threatens To Cause Earth’s Hottest Temps Ever | Alternet
"The Southwest may experience the hottest weather in recorded history. Still don't believe in global warming?"
"The Southwest may experience the hottest weather in recorded history. Still don't believe in global warming?"
Chronicling The Fracking Revolution
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Comment Period Closing On Bristol Bay Mining, One Of The Most Important Environmental Issues “You’ve Never Heard Of”
Comment Period Closing On Bristol Bay Mining, One Of The Most Important Environmental Issues “You’ve Never Heard Of”: An important chapter in one of “America’s largest natural-resources fights in decades” is coming to a close. The comment period on the Environmental Protection Agency’s draft “watershed assessment” of the potential impacts on mining in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska ends on Sunday. At issue is the Pebble Project, a proposed copper and gold [...]/p
North Carolina Becomes First State to Disqualify Itself for Federal Jobless Benefits
North Carolina Becomes First State to Disqualify Itself for Federal Jobless Benefits
"The wingnuts are really running wild in North Carolina. A new law taking effect over the weekend will cut unemployment benefits for new claims and disqualify the state from receiving federal funds for the long-term jobless."
"The wingnuts are really running wild in North Carolina. A new law taking effect over the weekend will cut unemployment benefits for new claims and disqualify the state from receiving federal funds for the long-term jobless."
Rep. Duckworth Blasts Businessman For Seeking Disability Status
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In California, Even Workers Who Prove Wage Theft Don’t Get Their Money
In California, Even Workers Who Prove Wage Theft Don’t Get Their Money: Wage theft isn’t just rampant in America’s most populous state, according to a new report. It’s also nearly impossible for California workers to fight, because even those cheated employees who take the time and risk to pursue their legal rights and win a judgment from the state government rarely receive the pay they’re owed. Workers [...]/p
Ohio Lawmakers Slide Stealth Draconian Abortion Laws Into Budget
Ohio Lawmakers Slide Stealth Draconian Abortion Laws Into Budget
"Texas. Ohio. North Carolina. Mississippi. Virginia. They're all on the women-hating train, barreling down the tracks at breakneck speed, racing to see who gets to the Supreme Court first."
"Texas. Ohio. North Carolina. Mississippi. Virginia. They're all on the women-hating train, barreling down the tracks at breakneck speed, racing to see who gets to the Supreme Court first."
How Sequestration Is Hampering The Justice System
How Sequestration Is Hampering The Justice System: On Thursday, the Federal Bar Council, an organization of attorneys who practice before federal courts in New York, Connecticut, and Vermont, sent a letter to President Obama and members of Congress expressing concern about the impact of sequestration on federal courts and, in particular, the Second Circuit. In the letter, the council’s president, Robert J. [...]/p
Renewable Energy Closing In On Natural Gas As Second-Largest Source Of Electricity Worldwide
Renewable Energy Closing In On Natural Gas As Second-Largest Source Of Electricity Worldwide: Renewable energy will soon beat out natural gas as the second-largest source of electricity worldwide, according to projections from the International Energy Agency. Electricity from solar, wind, hydropower and other renewable sources will increase by 40 percent in the next five years, making up about 25 percent of the world’s energy sources by 2018. Renewables [...]/p
Small Words, Small Guys | Common Dreams
Small Words, Small Guys | Common Dreams
"Ha. Rick 'Foot-in-the-Mouth' Perry was stupid, arrogant and contemptible enough to sound off at a right-to-life cabal on heroic filibuster Wendy Davis not learning from her own life experience as a teen mom, after which he got what was coming to him. Davis called his statement "without dignity..."
"Ha. Rick 'Foot-in-the-Mouth' Perry was stupid, arrogant and contemptible enough to sound off at a right-to-life cabal on heroic filibuster Wendy Davis not learning from her own life experience as a teen mom, after which he got what was coming to him. Davis called his statement "without dignity..."
Sen. Lamar Alexander Calls for Eliminating the Minimum Wage
Sen. Lamar Alexander Calls for Eliminating the Minimum Wage
"Republicans complain about welfare benefits for the poor, but they sure don't mind that corporate welfare one bit."
"Republicans complain about welfare benefits for the poor, but they sure don't mind that corporate welfare one bit."
North Carolina Republicans Drastically Cut Benefits For Job Seekers
North Carolina Republicans Drastically Cut Benefits For Job Seekers: Life gets tougher as of Sunday for over 400,000 out of work Tarheels as a set of unprecedented cuts to jobless benefits passed by North Carolina Republicans in February take effect. The bill didn’t just shorten the length of state-funded unemployment insurance, as several states have done. It also cut the level of weekly benefit [...]/p
Legislator Blocks Openly Gay Colleague From Speaking About DOMA, Cites ‘God’s Law’
Legislator Blocks Openly Gay Colleague From Speaking About DOMA, Cites ‘God’s Law’: Openly gay Pennsylvania state Representative Brian Sims (D) planned to speak on the legislature floor on Wednesday about the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act — but he was blocked from talking by a Republican colleague who said his comments would be “open rebellion against God’s law.” Now, Sims is asking [...]/p
Inequality is worse than you think
www.inequality.is/
"A new project from the Economic Policy Institute will show you income inequality—what it means for working people, how it was created and how, together, we can fix it."
"A new project from the Economic Policy Institute will show you income inequality—what it means for working people, how it was created and how, together, we can fix it."
How the Supreme Court's Outrageous Assault on Our Lives Might Be Used to Knock Republicans Out of Power in Congress | Alternet
How the Supreme Court's Outrageous Assault on Our Lives Might Be Used to Knock Republicans Out of Power in Congress | Alternet
"The damage to this country that the Supreme Court's right-wing majority has done could be employed by Dems to destroy House Republican majority."
"The damage to this country that the Supreme Court's right-wing majority has done could be employed by Dems to destroy House Republican majority."
Rush To Implement Previously-Too-Racist Policies Follows SCOTUS Ruling
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Deception, Misinformation Distinguish Anti-Abortion Bills In Ohio, N.C.
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Thursday, June 27, 2013
The Senate Passes Bernie Sanders’ Plan to Create 400,000 New Jobs
www.politicususa.com/2013/06/27/senate-passes-bernie-sanders-plan-create-400000-jobs.html
"In reality, there was little for Republicans to complain about in the Sanders plan. It is not a government mandate. Funding for the Youth Jobs Plan will come in the form of grants that will allow states and localities to create jobs or design their own job training programs. The irony is that a senator who the right mocks as communists/Marxist/socialist just got a jobs plan passed that puts states first."
"In reality, there was little for Republicans to complain about in the Sanders plan. It is not a government mandate. Funding for the Youth Jobs Plan will come in the form of grants that will allow states and localities to create jobs or design their own job training programs. The irony is that a senator who the right mocks as communists/Marxist/socialist just got a jobs plan passed that puts states first."
Wisconsin Budget Includes $1 Million Taxpayer Giveaway for Well-Funded Teach for America
Wisconsin Budget Includes $1 Million Taxpayer Giveaway for Well-Funded Teach for America
"Teach for America is a non-profit whose stated mission is to "eliminate educational inequity by enlisting high-achieving recent college graduates and professionals to teach," but the organization is backed by a number of right-wing interests that have bankrolled the conservative push to privatize, voucherize, and generally dismantle free and universal public education in America."
"Teach for America is a non-profit whose stated mission is to "eliminate educational inequity by enlisting high-achieving recent college graduates and professionals to teach," but the organization is backed by a number of right-wing interests that have bankrolled the conservative push to privatize, voucherize, and generally dismantle free and universal public education in America."
Bernie Sanders Gets Republican Leader To Admit He Wants To Abolish The Minimum Wage
www.politicususa.com/2013/06/27/bernie-sanders-republican-leader-admit-abolish-minimum-wage.html
"During a hearing on raising the minimum wage, Sen. Bernie Sanders got the ranking Republican on the committee to admit that he wants to abolish the minimum wage."
"During a hearing on raising the minimum wage, Sen. Bernie Sanders got the ranking Republican on the committee to admit that he wants to abolish the minimum wage."
'Democracy Has Been Stolen And We Have To Take It Back'
'Democracy Has Been Stolen And We Have To Take It Back'
"It is not right that anyone is able to just keep our government from operating, for any reason. It is time to end the filibuster. Visit Fix the Senate Now."
"It is not right that anyone is able to just keep our government from operating, for any reason. It is time to end the filibuster. Visit Fix the Senate Now."
Mayors Vote Unanimously to End Federal Marijuana Crackdown
Mayors Vote Unanimously to End Federal Marijuana Crackdown: While the U.S. Supreme Court was handing down its string of blockbuster rulings this week on the scope of federal laws, the nation’s mayors were developing their own guidance for the feds. During the annual convening of city mayors, hundreds of city leaders unanimously endorsed a resolution calling on the federal government to back off [...]/p
Rick Perry’s Cheap Shot at Wendy Davis - Truthdig
Rick Perry’s Cheap Shot at Wendy Davis - Truthdig
"Davis, meantime, took the high road in responding to the governor’s remarks. “Rick Perry’s statement is without dignity and tarnishes the high office he holds,” she said."
"Davis, meantime, took the high road in responding to the governor’s remarks. “Rick Perry’s statement is without dignity and tarnishes the high office he holds,” she said."
BREAKING: Senate Passes Historic Immigration Reform
BREAKING: Senate Passes Historic Immigration Reform: On Thursday afternoon, an immigration reform bill that would affect millions of undocumented immigrants was approved by a final vote of 68 to 32 in the Senate. The bill puts up to 11 million undocumented immigrants on a pathway to citizenship and enforces tough border security measures. Vice President Joe Biden presided over the historic [...]/p
SCOTUS Delivers Landmark Victories On Same-Sex Marriage
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How Congress Can Undo The Supreme Court’s Attack On Workers’ Rights
How Congress Can Undo The Supreme Court’s Attack On Workers’ Rights: On Tuesday, the Supreme Court handed down decisions in two little-watched cases: Vance v. Ball State University and University of Texas Southwestern Center v. Nassar. Both cases erected new hurdles for those who experience workplace harassment or discrimination. In the Vance case, the Court decided that when it comes to sexual harassment, someone is only [...]/p
Time To Move Away from the Reagan Revolution
Time To Move Away from the Reagan Revolution
"From devastating the economy, to gutting social welfare programs, and helping to send thousands of Americans to the streets, the Reagan Revolution was a complete disaster for this nation, no matter what Conservatives will try to tell you."
"From devastating the economy, to gutting social welfare programs, and helping to send thousands of Americans to the streets, the Reagan Revolution was a complete disaster for this nation, no matter what Conservatives will try to tell you."
For Bradley Foundation, Challenging Affirmative Action & Voting Rights is Part of Long-Term Crusade
For Bradley Foundation, Challenging Affirmative Action & Voting Rights is Part of Long-Term Crusade
"Which means the Bradley Foundation is not going anywhere anytime soon -- and battles over racial equity, voting rights, affirmative action and a range of other issues will continue to be funded and fought for years to come."
"Which means the Bradley Foundation is not going anywhere anytime soon -- and battles over racial equity, voting rights, affirmative action and a range of other issues will continue to be funded and fought for years to come."
92-Year-Old Rosanell Eaton And Others Explain Why They’ll Go To Jail Protesting Conservative Policies In North Carolina
92-Year-Old Rosanell Eaton And Others Explain Why They’ll Go To Jail Protesting Conservative Policies In North Carolina: RALEIGH, North Carolina — Over 3,000 people turned out this week for the growing Moral Monday movement in North Carolina, where faith leaders are organizing weekly protests against the state’s sharply-conservative policies that would hurt the poor, women, minorities, and the environment. Among the crowd were 120 people who were willing to face arrest in [...]/p
Texas Shaping Up To Be Huge Battleground in 2014
Texas Shaping Up To Be Huge Battleground in 2014
"Wendy Davis' Democratic victory on Tuesday in Texas was a shot across the bow to the Texas Republican Party. In short, it sent a message that Democrats are organized, energized and working to turn Texas blue after too many years of Republican dominance. Sen. Wendy Davis was just what the doctor ordered to light up Texas women on both sides of the aisle and set their resolve to oust the old white men who want to put Big Government in their lady parts."
"Wendy Davis' Democratic victory on Tuesday in Texas was a shot across the bow to the Texas Republican Party. In short, it sent a message that Democrats are organized, energized and working to turn Texas blue after too many years of Republican dominance. Sen. Wendy Davis was just what the doctor ordered to light up Texas women on both sides of the aisle and set their resolve to oust the old white men who want to put Big Government in their lady parts."
Man Chalks Pro-Health Care Message On Sidewalk, Gets Arrested For Writing ‘Derogatory Remark’
Man Chalks Pro-Health Care Message On Sidewalk, Gets Arrested For Writing ‘Derogatory Remark’: A health care activist in Pennsylvania was arrested Wednesday night for writing a message in sidewalk chalk protesting the governor’s decision to block health care for 700,000 residents in the state. Like many Republican governors around the country, Gov. Tom Corbett (R-PA) has opposed expanding Medicaid in Pennsylvania, even though the federal government would fully [...]/p
Ten Reasons No One Should Lionize Justice Kennedy
Ten Reasons No One Should Lionize Justice Kennedy: Wednesday morning, Justice Anthony Kennedy joined his four more liberal colleagues to strike down the unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act — thus continuing his solid, if not entirely unbroken, pro-gay record on the Supreme Court. Gay rights, however, is one of just a few areas where Kennedy does not behave like a loyal conservative. Here [...]/p
New York Now Largest City With Paid Sick Days
New York Now Largest City With Paid Sick Days: In an early morning session on Thursday, the New York City Council voted to override a veto from Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I) on paid sick days legislation. The bill, which now becomes law, requires any company with more than 15 employees to provide five days of paid leave a year and any company with fewer [...]/p
Six States Already Moving Forward With Voting Restrictions After Supreme Court Decision
Six States Already Moving Forward With Voting Restrictions After Supreme Court Decision: Less than 48 hours after the Supreme Court struck down Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, six of the nine states that had been covered in their entirety under the law’s “preclearance” formula have already taken steps toward restricting voting. In a 5-4 decision, the Court’s five conservative justices ruled Tuesday that [...]/p
Wendy Davis Says She Has Aspirations To Run For State-Wide Office
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Supreme Court Activists Conspired With Republicans and ALEC To Kill Democracy
www.politicususa.com/2013/06/26/supreme-court-activists-conspired-republicans-alec-kill-democracy.html
"What the conservative court accomplished besides handing ALEC the right to restrict minority voters in the South is effectively abolishing the 15th Amendment. Remember, none of ALEC’s voter suppression laws are worded to restrict minority voting, but they do specifically target minorities who are most adversely affected by Republican policies."
"What the conservative court accomplished besides handing ALEC the right to restrict minority voters in the South is effectively abolishing the 15th Amendment. Remember, none of ALEC’s voter suppression laws are worded to restrict minority voting, but they do specifically target minorities who are most adversely affected by Republican policies."
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
The IRS “Scandal” Was A Set-Up | Common Dreams
The IRS “Scandal” Was A Set-Up | Common Dreams
"Got that? Republicans told the IG to limit it to conservaitve sounding names, and then when the IG report only mentioned conservative-sounding names, they blasted out this “scandal” to the media.
It was a set-up from the start. And the media completely fell for it. If you hear anyone say that “the IRS targeted conservatives” please let them know this is not what happened — not at all."
"Got that? Republicans told the IG to limit it to conservaitve sounding names, and then when the IG report only mentioned conservative-sounding names, they blasted out this “scandal” to the media.
It was a set-up from the start. And the media completely fell for it. If you hear anyone say that “the IRS targeted conservatives” please let them know this is not what happened — not at all."
The Texas-Oklahoma Red River Smackdown Foreshadows Water Fights To Come
The Texas-Oklahoma Red River Smackdown Foreshadows Water Fights To Come: Here’s a preview of the way climate change and human-driven global warming could upend our society, in the form of a recently decided Supreme Court case. Over the last few years, a dispute between Texas and Oklahoma over the 35-year old Red River Compact has been winding its way through the court system. The compact [...]/p
Three Of Every Four Americans Are Living Paycheck-To-Paycheck
Three Of Every Four Americans Are Living Paycheck-To-Paycheck: According to a new survey, more than three-quarters of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck in order to make ends meet. The study, conducted by Bankrate.com, found that 76 percent of citizens had less than six months’ worth of savings to their name. Half of Americans had less than three months emergency savings and more than a [...]/p
Top Senate Republican Hints Voting Rights Act May Be Held Hostage In Exchange For Voter Suppression
Top Senate Republican Hints Voting Rights Act May Be Held Hostage In Exchange For Voter Suppression: Tuesday’s decision neutering a key prong of the Voting Rights Act leaves supporters of voting rights in a difficult position. If they do nothing, voter suppression laws can go into effect, and may not be struck down by the courts until after they have succeeded in disenfranchising many voters. Yet the Roberts Court’s decision to [...]/p
Supreme Court’s War on Democracy
www.consortiumnews.com/2013/06/25/supreme-courts-war-on-democracy/
"After the Voting Rights Act was gutted on Tuesday, some officials from the Old Confederacy immediately rubbed their hands with glee, anticipating how they could minimize the number of black and brown voters in future elections and maximize the number of white Republican members of Congress."
"After the Voting Rights Act was gutted on Tuesday, some officials from the Old Confederacy immediately rubbed their hands with glee, anticipating how they could minimize the number of black and brown voters in future elections and maximize the number of white Republican members of Congress."
CEOs Made 273 Times What Workers Did In 2012
CEOs Made 273 Times What Workers Did In 2012: Wages have been stagnant or falling for American workers throughout the recovery, but their bosses’ pay has rebounded dramatically. Average CEO compensation hit $14.1 million in 2012, up more than a third from 2009, and the ratio of CEO pay to worker pay hit a staggering 272.9-to-1, according to new research from the Economic Policy [...]/p
Supreme Court Rules DOMA Is Unconstitutional
Supreme Court Rules DOMA Is Unconstitutional: The Supreme Court just handed down a 5-4 decision striking the unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act. According to Justice Anthony Kennedy’s opinion for the Court, “[t]he federal statute is invalid, for no legitimate purpose overcomes the purpose and effect to disparage and to injure those whom the State, by its marriage laws, sought to protect [...]/p
TX Senate Erupts Into Chaos As GOP Tries to Cheat Their Way To Abortion Ban
TX Senate Erupts Into Chaos As GOP Tries to Cheat Their Way To Abortion Ban
"Because of Republicans' behavior in front of Texas and the rest of America, it's quite likely Texas really will turn blue, and sooner rather than later. Stay tuned, this is just the beginning."
"Because of Republicans' behavior in front of Texas and the rest of America, it's quite likely Texas really will turn blue, and sooner rather than later. Stay tuned, this is just the beginning."
Republican Senator Calls For Abolishing The Minimum Wage
Republican Senator Calls For Abolishing The Minimum Wage: On the 75th anniversary of the landmark bill that established a minimum wage, Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) called for abolishing it completely, the Huffington Post reports. At a Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee meeting to mark 75 years since the signing of the Federal Labor Standards Act, which set a minimum wage and mandated [...]/p
The Court, The Corporate Coup, And The Call To Struggle
The Court, The Corporate Coup, And The Call To Struggle
"Our democracy was under siege even before the Supreme Court's ruling on the Voting Rights Act. This decision caps the Court's clean sweep on behalf of the United States Chamber of Commerce and is part of a concerted effort to seize democracy on behalf of moneyed interests."
"Our democracy was under siege even before the Supreme Court's ruling on the Voting Rights Act. This decision caps the Court's clean sweep on behalf of the United States Chamber of Commerce and is part of a concerted effort to seize democracy on behalf of moneyed interests."
Sick? The GOP Wants You to Come to Work Anyway | Alternet
Sick? The GOP Wants You to Come to Work Anyway | Alternet
"Florida Governor Rick Scott is latest Republican to block paid sick leave."
"Florida Governor Rick Scott is latest Republican to block paid sick leave."
Thanks To The Supreme Court, Wendy Davis Will Probably Lose Her Senate Seat
Thanks To The Supreme Court, Wendy Davis Will Probably Lose Her Senate Seat: On the very same day that Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis (D) drew national attention for stopping a bill that would have closed every abortion clinic in the state and outlawed abortion after 20 weeks, the Supreme Court gutted the law that kept her in office in the first place. In fact, just an hour [...]/p
Rep. Lewis: 'Sad To Have To Fight This Fight All Over Again'
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PERRspectives: John Roberts Completes 30 Year Mission to Kill Voting Rights Act
PERRspectives: John Roberts Completes 30 Year Mission to Kill Voting Rights Act
"To put it another way, the conservative majority on the Roberts' Court called a foul ball fair. Apparently, that's what Reagan staffer turned Chief Umpire John Roberts meant to do all along."
"To put it another way, the conservative majority on the Roberts' Court called a foul ball fair. Apparently, that's what Reagan staffer turned Chief Umpire John Roberts meant to do all along."
Killing The Voting Rights Act
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Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Virginia Attorney General Complained Voting Rights Act Required ‘Running To Mommy’
Virginia Attorney General Complained Voting Rights Act Required ‘Running To Mommy’: By paralyzing the federal government’s power to guard against implementation of laws with a discriminatory effect — even in places like Virginia with a history of voter suppression— it will be much harder for citizens to cast their votes, regardless of the stated intent of the suppression.
Sen. Murray Blasts Republicans For ‘Governing By Crisis’
Sen. Murray Blasts Republicans For ‘Governing By Crisis’: In an interview with ThinkProgress on Tuesday, Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-WA) blasted the pattern of manufactured legislative crises that’s prevailed in Congress since 2011. Murray, who was at Center for American Progress to give a speech on early childhood education, argued that Republican obstructionism has prevented the government from effectively planning for [...]/p
Two Hours After The Supreme Court Gutted The Voting Rights Act, Texas AG Suppresses Minority Voters
Two Hours After The Supreme Court Gutted The Voting Rights Act, Texas AG Suppresses Minority Voters: Just two hours after the Supreme Court reasoned that discrimination is not rampant enough in Southern states to warrant restrictions under the Voting Rights Act, Texas is already advancing a voter ID law and a redistricting map blocked last year for discriminating against black and Latino residents. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott issued a statement [...]/p
Ku Klux Kourt Kills King's Dream Law, Replaces Voting Rights Act With Katherine Harris Acts
Ku Klux Kourt Kills King's Dream Law, Replaces Voting Rights Act With Katherine Harris Acts
"The Jim Crow majority on the Supreme Court just took away the vote of millions of Hispanic and African-American voters by wiping away Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965."
"The Jim Crow majority on the Supreme Court just took away the vote of millions of Hispanic and African-American voters by wiping away Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965."
Cable News Virtually Ignores Obama’s Major Climate Speech
Cable News Virtually Ignores Obama’s Major Climate Speech: While the lack of coverage is shocking enough, perhaps the most astounding media failure of the day was by FOX News, who broke from Obama’s climate speech to interview climate denier Chris Horner. Horner works for the conservative Competitive Enterprise Institute, and is largely funded by the oil money, including the Koch Brothers and Exxon-Mobil.
The Supreme Court's War on the Great Society
The Supreme Court's War on the Great Society
"The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) is arguably the most important and successful civil rights legislation passed by the United States Congress. Today, without remotely adequate justification, a bare majority of the Supreme Court cut the heart out of the centerpiece of the Great Society."
"The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) is arguably the most important and successful civil rights legislation passed by the United States Congress. Today, without remotely adequate justification, a bare majority of the Supreme Court cut the heart out of the centerpiece of the Great Society."
Supreme Court's Right-Wing Clique Guts the Voting Rights Act -- After Five Decades of Protecting Minorities, Suddenly, It's 'Unconstitutional' | Alternet
Supreme Court's Right-Wing Clique Guts the Voting Rights Act -- After Five Decades of Protecting Minorities, Suddenly, It's 'Unconstitutional' | Alternet
"The ruling means that the Department of Justice will no longer be able to stop many of the most abusive election practices seen in the 2012 presidential election cycle where Republicans sought to change voting rules to advantage their party. The DOJ used the law to reject racially biased congressional district lines in Texas, to reject Florida’s efforts to curtail early voting and voter registration drives, and to reject new and tougher voter ID laws in other states."
"The ruling means that the Department of Justice will no longer be able to stop many of the most abusive election practices seen in the 2012 presidential election cycle where Republicans sought to change voting rules to advantage their party. The DOJ used the law to reject racially biased congressional district lines in Texas, to reject Florida’s efforts to curtail early voting and voter registration drives, and to reject new and tougher voter ID laws in other states."
Congressional Progressive Caucus Launches Campaign To Expose ‘The Scandal Of Low Wages’
Congressional Progressive Caucus Launches Campaign To Expose ‘The Scandal Of Low Wages’: SAN JOSE, CA — As fast food workers strike across the country and hourly wages hit new lows, the Congressional Progressive Caucus launched the Raise Up America campaign, a multi-city tour to raise awareness of the crises facing low-wage workers. The campaign, helmed by Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), will advocate for increases to federal and [...]/p
What the Supreme Court Doesn’t Understand About the Voting Rights Act | The Nation
What the Supreme Court Doesn’t Understand About the Voting Rights Act | The Nation
"Today’s 5-4 decision by the Roberts Court gutting the VRA was the result of three factors, as I wrote in February: “a whiter, more Southern, more conservative GOP that has responded to demographic change by trying to suppress an increasingly diverse electorate; a twenty-five-year effort to gut the VRA by conservative intellectuals, who in recent years have received millions of dollars from top right-wing funders, including Charles Koch; and a reactionary Supreme Court that does not support remedies to racial discrimination"."
"Today’s 5-4 decision by the Roberts Court gutting the VRA was the result of three factors, as I wrote in February: “a whiter, more Southern, more conservative GOP that has responded to demographic change by trying to suppress an increasingly diverse electorate; a twenty-five-year effort to gut the VRA by conservative intellectuals, who in recent years have received millions of dollars from top right-wing funders, including Charles Koch; and a reactionary Supreme Court that does not support remedies to racial discrimination"."
Ignoring Facts SCOTUS Strikes Down Key Provisions in the VRA
www.politicususa.com/2013/06/25/ignoring-facts-scotus-strikes-key-provisions-vra.html
"This ruling also gives us a lesson in political reality. Republican governors and Republican controlled state legislatures will suppress the vote. Voting Republican means endorsing vote suppression. We see that in the fact that all voter suppression programs, be they subtle or blatant were passed by Republican controlled state legislatures and signed by Republican governors. It is that simple and will be that simple for several election cycles."
"This ruling also gives us a lesson in political reality. Republican governors and Republican controlled state legislatures will suppress the vote. Voting Republican means endorsing vote suppression. We see that in the fact that all voter suppression programs, be they subtle or blatant were passed by Republican controlled state legislatures and signed by Republican governors. It is that simple and will be that simple for several election cycles."
Civil Rights Icon John Lewis Tears Into Supreme Court For Gutting Voting Rights
Civil Rights Icon John Lewis Tears Into Supreme Court For Gutting Voting Rights: Civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) urged Congress to enact legislation that would protect the freedom to vote on Tuesday, just hours after the Supreme Court struck down a portion of the Voting Rights Act that stopped discriminatory voting laws from going into effect in areas of the country with histories of disenfranchisement. In [...]/p
Election day in Massachusetts: Go vote, then GOTV!
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/06/25/1218735/-Election-day-in-Massachusetts-Go-vote-then-GOTV
"Low turnout is the only thing that could stand in the way of Ed Markey becoming the junior senator from Massachusetts tonight. Markey's lead in the polling is safely in the double digits, with an average of a 12 point lead. The key for Markey will be getting out all those voters who support him, because turn-out is expected to be low, very low."
"Low turnout is the only thing that could stand in the way of Ed Markey becoming the junior senator from Massachusetts tonight. Markey's lead in the polling is safely in the double digits, with an average of a 12 point lead. The key for Markey will be getting out all those voters who support him, because turn-out is expected to be low, very low."
Celebrating 75 Years of the Fair Labor Standards Act | Economic Policy Institute
Celebrating 75 Years of the Fair Labor Standards Act | Economic Policy Institute
"The Fair Labor Standards Act succeeded in improving labor standards and actual working conditions, a result that continues to better the daily lives of millions of working Americans."
"The Fair Labor Standards Act succeeded in improving labor standards and actual working conditions, a result that continues to better the daily lives of millions of working Americans."
Conservatives Celebrate Gutting Of Voting Rights Act
Conservatives Celebrate Gutting Of Voting Rights Act: After the Supreme Court struck down a critical provision of the Voting Rights Act this morning, several prominent conservative groups and writers tap-danced on the historic civil rights legislation’s grave. Writing at National Review, a magazine that defended segregation and has more recently published pieces by white nationalists and “race realists,” John Fund suggested that [...]/p
Get Angry: The Arrogant Activist Supreme Court Majority Demolished Your Right To Vote
www.politicususa.com/2013/06/25/angry-arrogant-activist-supreme-court-majority-demolished-vote.html
"Their reasoning was deeply flawed, and their motives were laughably transparent. This was the conservative justices’ attempt to put a Republican back in the White House. Through this decision, they opened the door to all sorts of voter suppression laws that will largely target two key pieces of the new Democratic coalition that has grown up during the Obama years, Hispanics and African Americans."
"Their reasoning was deeply flawed, and their motives were laughably transparent. This was the conservative justices’ attempt to put a Republican back in the White House. Through this decision, they opened the door to all sorts of voter suppression laws that will largely target two key pieces of the new Democratic coalition that has grown up during the Obama years, Hispanics and African Americans."
Poor Darrell Issa! Turns Out IRS Also Targeted Groups With 'Progressive' Or 'Occupy' In Title
Poor Darrell Issa! Turns Out IRS Also Targeted Groups With 'Progressive' Or 'Occupy' In Title
"That hissing sound you hear is the last of the so-called IRS scandal melting away forever. Like every right-wing faux outrage, it's yet another example of how effortlessly they light up our ADHD media, creating smoke but no fire. First it was Benghazi and now it's the IRS non-scandal which is now an embarrassment for Darrell Issa in a very, very big way."
"That hissing sound you hear is the last of the so-called IRS scandal melting away forever. Like every right-wing faux outrage, it's yet another example of how effortlessly they light up our ADHD media, creating smoke but no fire. First it was Benghazi and now it's the IRS non-scandal which is now an embarrassment for Darrell Issa in a very, very big way."
Why the U.S. Is Becoming Ground Zero For the Dirtiest Energy [With Slideshow] | Alternet
Why the U.S. Is Becoming Ground Zero For the Dirtiest Energy [With Slideshow] | Alternet
"The practice that has devastated parts of Canada is already underway in the U.S. and things could get a lot worse."
"The practice that has devastated parts of Canada is already underway in the U.S. and things could get a lot worse."
Three Ways The Supreme Court Gutted Voting Rights Today
Three Ways The Supreme Court Gutted Voting Rights Today: The Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling striking down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, for the moment at least, eliminated the requirement that jurisdictions with a history of discrimination pre-clear election and voting law changes to ensure they do not disenfranchise minority voters. While the remaining provisions will still ban outright racial discrimination, those states [...]/p
The Last Mystery of the Financial Crisis
www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-last-mystery-of-the-financial-crisis-20130619
"Thanks to a mountain of evidence gathered for a pair of major lawsuits by the San Diego-based law firm Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd, documents that for the most part have never been seen by the general public, we now know that the nation's two top ratings companies, Moody's and S&P, have for many years been shameless tools for the banks, willing to give just about anything a high rating in exchange for cash."
Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-last-mystery-of-the-financial-crisis-20130619#ixzz2XF49zpgO
Follow us: @rollingstone on Twitter | RollingStone on Facebook
"Thanks to a mountain of evidence gathered for a pair of major lawsuits by the San Diego-based law firm Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd, documents that for the most part have never been seen by the general public, we now know that the nation's two top ratings companies, Moody's and S&P, have for many years been shameless tools for the banks, willing to give just about anything a high rating in exchange for cash."
Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-last-mystery-of-the-financial-crisis-20130619#ixzz2XF49zpgO
Follow us: @rollingstone on Twitter | RollingStone on Facebook
Matt Taibbi's Blockbuster Cover Story Exposes Key Culprits in Financial Crash | Alternet
Matt Taibbi's Blockbuster Cover Story Exposes Key Culprits in Financial Crash | Alternet
"Despite the implosion of the U.S. economy due to the top grades these bad deals got, the system remains much the same."
"Despite the implosion of the U.S. economy due to the top grades these bad deals got, the system remains much the same."
Monday, June 24, 2013
SCOTUS Dances to US Chamber of Commerce Tune In Today's Decisions
SCOTUS Dances to US Chamber of Commerce Tune In Today's Decisions
"Today's opinions, however, can only be seen as a complete bow to the United States Chamber of Commerce, who was the beneficiary of 3 out of 4 of their decisions. The 4th, on affirmative action, was a punt back to the circuit court by all of the justices but Justice Ginsberg."
"Today's opinions, however, can only be seen as a complete bow to the United States Chamber of Commerce, who was the beneficiary of 3 out of 4 of their decisions. The 4th, on affirmative action, was a punt back to the circuit court by all of the justices but Justice Ginsberg."
Massachusetts, help elect Ed Markey as your new senator
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/06/24/1218423/-Massachusetts-help-elect-Ed-Markey-your-new-senator
"The only shot at this Gomez has now is in massively depressed Democratic turnout. If you're in Massachusetts, don't let that happen. Get in touch with the Markey campaign or call them at (617) 286-4147, or contact the Massachusetts Democratic Party and volunteer to help get out the vote."
"The only shot at this Gomez has now is in massively depressed Democratic turnout. If you're in Massachusetts, don't let that happen. Get in touch with the Markey campaign or call them at (617) 286-4147, or contact the Massachusetts Democratic Party and volunteer to help get out the vote."
102 Things NOT To Do If You Hate Taxes
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/06/22/102-things-not-to-do/
"The Republicans are lying when they say that we pay the highest taxes in the world and are only attacking taxes to reward corporations and the wealthy and to weaken our infrastructure and way of life."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/06/22/102-things-not-to-do/#ixzz2XAuV6n52
"The Republicans are lying when they say that we pay the highest taxes in the world and are only attacking taxes to reward corporations and the wealthy and to weaken our infrastructure and way of life."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/06/22/102-things-not-to-do/#ixzz2XAuV6n52
Supreme Court Ruled In Favor Of America’s Top Corporate Lobbying Group In 13 of 16 Cases This Term
Supreme Court Ruled In Favor Of America’s Top Corporate Lobbying Group In 13 of 16 Cases This Term: Earlier today, the Supreme Court handed three big victories to big corporations seeking immunity from the law, and equally substantial defeats to American workers and consumers. In a pair of workplace civil rights decisions, the Court made it easier for many bosses to get away with sexual or racial harassment, and it eased the path [...]/p
PERRspectives: Health Insurers to Skip Half of Mississippi Counties
PERRspectives: Health Insurers to Skip Half of Mississippi Counties
"As the New York Times documented last week, the choices and pricing of private health insurance will vary widely from state to state when the Affordable Care Act's exchanges launch this fall. In state-run marketplaces in California, Colorado and Oregon, residents will have a wide array of providers and plans to choose from. But in many poorer, often Republican led states, consumers may have few alternatives. And in some part of Mississippi, the state with the very worst health care system in the nation, there will be no choices at all."
"As the New York Times documented last week, the choices and pricing of private health insurance will vary widely from state to state when the Affordable Care Act's exchanges launch this fall. In state-run marketplaces in California, Colorado and Oregon, residents will have a wide array of providers and plans to choose from. But in many poorer, often Republican led states, consumers may have few alternatives. And in some part of Mississippi, the state with the very worst health care system in the nation, there will be no choices at all."
'A Slow-Motion Train Wreck': The Real Consequences of the Sequester | The Nation
'A Slow-Motion Train Wreck': The Real Consequences of the Sequester | The Nation
"The Republican-led House voted to eliminate $1.5 trillion in discretionary spending through 2022 during the much-publicized sequester, causing widespread pain and havoc through American communities, the effects of which we’re starting to see. In some cases, these cuts are literally stripping the clothes from children’s backs and taking food and shelter from the needy."
"The Republican-led House voted to eliminate $1.5 trillion in discretionary spending through 2022 during the much-publicized sequester, causing widespread pain and havoc through American communities, the effects of which we’re starting to see. In some cases, these cuts are literally stripping the clothes from children’s backs and taking food and shelter from the needy."
How The Supreme Court Stomped On Workers’ Rights Today
How The Supreme Court Stomped On Workers’ Rights Today: Monday was a great day for sexual harassers and for bosses who retaliate against workers claiming discrimination. The rest of us did not fare so well in the Supreme Court. While most Court watchers will likely focus on the narrower-than-expected decision in the Fisher affirmative action case, the most lasting impact of today’s decisions likely [...]/p
Republican Strategy For 2016: Change Nothing, Piss Everyone Off
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/06/23/shannons-failing-gop-piece/
"Republicans will once again lose the popular vote in the 2016 election, just as they have the last five of six presidential elections unless they put their listening caps on and and pay attention to what they are being taught. It does not matter how they convey their message if their message is: We hate poor people, we hate minorities, we hate women. Hate is no way to win an election and there isn’t a nice enough way in the world to sugarcoat it."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/06/23/shannons-failing-gop-piece/#ixzz2X9WKuDxS
"Republicans will once again lose the popular vote in the 2016 election, just as they have the last five of six presidential elections unless they put their listening caps on and and pay attention to what they are being taught. It does not matter how they convey their message if their message is: We hate poor people, we hate minorities, we hate women. Hate is no way to win an election and there isn’t a nice enough way in the world to sugarcoat it."
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2013/06/23/shannons-failing-gop-piece/#ixzz2X9WKuDxS
A Congress Only CEOs Could Love | Common Dreams
A Congress Only CEOs Could Love | Common Dreams
"Only 10 percent of Americans now have confidence in Congress, Gallup has just informed us. No other major institution in American life today has this low an approval rating. In fact, adds Gallup, no major American institution has ever had an approval rating this low."
"Only 10 percent of Americans now have confidence in Congress, Gallup has just informed us. No other major institution in American life today has this low an approval rating. In fact, adds Gallup, no major American institution has ever had an approval rating this low."
Americans Support Job Creation To Fix Crumbling Infrastructure
Americans Support Job Creation To Fix Crumbling Infrastructure: Seventy-two percent of Americans say they support spending government money to put people to work on urgent infrastructure repairs, according to a new survey by Gallup. The same number say they would support a law that would spend government money to create 1 million new jobs. Over 90 percent of Democrats, about 70 percent of [...]/p
The Scariest Pending Supreme Court Case That You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
The Scariest Pending Supreme Court Case That You’ve Probably Never Heard Of: When the Supreme Court starts handing down decisions just one hour from now, most Court watchers will be awaiting four high profile cases — the two race cases that will decide the fate of affirmative action and the Voting Rights Act, and the two marriage equality cases. A fifth case, however, could prove just as [...]/p
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Bill Moyers: The American Legislative Exchange Council Is Hard at Work Privatizing America, One Statehouse at a Time | Alternet
Bill Moyers: The American Legislative Exchange Council Is Hard at Work Privatizing America, One Statehouse at a Time | Alternet
"A national consortium of state politicians and powerful corporations, ALEC — the American Legislative Exchange Council — presents itself as a “nonpartisan public-private partnership”. But behind that mantra lies a vast network of corporate lobbying and political action aimed to increase corporate profits at public expense without public knowledge."
"A national consortium of state politicians and powerful corporations, ALEC — the American Legislative Exchange Council — presents itself as a “nonpartisan public-private partnership”. But behind that mantra lies a vast network of corporate lobbying and political action aimed to increase corporate profits at public expense without public knowledge."
Under GOP Plan, States Would Be Free To Take Money Away From Poorest Schools
Under GOP Plan, States Would Be Free To Take Money Away From Poorest Schools: Republicans are reintroducing a bill to allow states to redistribute federal education dollars currently targeted at the country’s poorest school districts. The A-PLUS Act, originally crafted by the arch-conservative Heritage Foundation, was first introduced in 2007, and Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) have revived it for 2013. The measure represents the [...]/p
Minimum Wage Workers Should Get a Raise | Economic Policy Institute
Minimum Wage Workers Should Get a Raise | Economic Policy Institute
"Finally, it’s worth noting that if the minimum wage had kept up with productivity growth over the last 45 years, it would now be around $19 per hour. That sounds outrageously high; it’s higher than the median wage, which is currently around $16.30 per hour. But we should be clear about why a $19 minimum wage sounds outrageous – in particular, why it is higher than the median wage—it is because the median wage is so low."
"Finally, it’s worth noting that if the minimum wage had kept up with productivity growth over the last 45 years, it would now be around $19 per hour. That sounds outrageously high; it’s higher than the median wage, which is currently around $16.30 per hour. But we should be clear about why a $19 minimum wage sounds outrageous – in particular, why it is higher than the median wage—it is because the median wage is so low."
The Alarming Science Behind Climate Change’s Increasingly Wild Weather: Ostro And Francis On Video
The Alarming Science Behind Climate Change’s Increasingly Wild Weather: Ostro And Francis On Video: Earlier this month, Chris Mooney moderated a terrific Climate Desk event featuring top climate researcher Jennifer Francis along with senior Weather Channel meteorologist (and former skeptic) Stu Ostro. Climate Desk summarizes their findings: Ostro’s observations suggest that global warming is increasing the atmosphere’s thickness, leading to stronger and more persistent ridges of high pressure, which [...]/p
Scientist: ‘Miami, As We Know It Today, Is Doomed. It’s Not A Question Of If. It’s A Question Of When.’
Scientist: ‘Miami, As We Know It Today, Is Doomed. It’s Not A Question Of If. It’s A Question Of When.’: pJeff Goodell has a must-read piece in Rolling Stone, “Goodbye, Miami: By century’s end, rising sea levels will turn the nation’s urban fantasyland into an American Atlantis. But long before the city is completely underwater, chaos will begin.” Goodell has talked to many of the leading experts on Miami including Harold Wanless, chair of University [...]/p
Surviving in a Nuclear Armed World: An Unexamined Assumption | Common Dreams
Surviving in a Nuclear Armed World: An Unexamined Assumption | Common Dreams
"As long as nuclear weapons exist we face a real and imminent danger of catastrophe either by design or accident. It is a matter of shear luck that we survive. Luck is not a viable security policy. We owe it to our children and future generations to abolish all nuclear weapons. The time to act is now."
"As long as nuclear weapons exist we face a real and imminent danger of catastrophe either by design or accident. It is a matter of shear luck that we survive. Luck is not a viable security policy. We owe it to our children and future generations to abolish all nuclear weapons. The time to act is now."
Saturday, June 22, 2013
GOP Governors In Deep Trouble In 2014
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