Corporations Should Pay a Living Wage or Face the Death Penalty | Alternet
"If businesses can't pay a living wage, they should get the corporate death penalty.
Doing business in America – and pretty much every other developed country in the world – is a privilege, not a right."
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Six of the Top Ten US Billionaires Are Kochs and Waltons
Six of the Top Ten US Billionaires Are Kochs and Waltons
"The problem is, of course, not just economics. It’s the way that economics interacts with politics. The Koch brothers have poured some of their combined $72 billion in wealth into conservative and tea party politicians at the governor and state legislature levels.In addition, our economy is marked by stagnating wages, which have sunk to poverty levels for millions of workers. The key driver of our low-wage economy is Walmart, with its 11,000 stores worldwide that pay so little that many of its workers get by on food stamps. The four main heirs to Walmart’s founder, Sam Walton, rank numbers six, seven, eight, and nine on the billionaires list. Three sit on the Walmart board, including Rob Walton, the board chair. (Other U.S. billionaires have made their fortunes in destructive Wall Street financial firms and through the generous government handouts of what President Eisenhower called "the military-industrial complex.")
And, they’ve financed a number of ultra-conservative state ballot initiatives. Scott Walker, for example, the Republican governor of Wisconsin, who gutted the state’s labor laws, is a major Koch client."
"The problem is, of course, not just economics. It’s the way that economics interacts with politics. The Koch brothers have poured some of their combined $72 billion in wealth into conservative and tea party politicians at the governor and state legislature levels.In addition, our economy is marked by stagnating wages, which have sunk to poverty levels for millions of workers. The key driver of our low-wage economy is Walmart, with its 11,000 stores worldwide that pay so little that many of its workers get by on food stamps. The four main heirs to Walmart’s founder, Sam Walton, rank numbers six, seven, eight, and nine on the billionaires list. Three sit on the Walmart board, including Rob Walton, the board chair. (Other U.S. billionaires have made their fortunes in destructive Wall Street financial firms and through the generous government handouts of what President Eisenhower called "the military-industrial complex.")
And, they’ve financed a number of ultra-conservative state ballot initiatives. Scott Walker, for example, the Republican governor of Wisconsin, who gutted the state’s labor laws, is a major Koch client."
Corporate Elites Are Witnessing a Growing Wave of Resistance to the ‘Walmartization’ of Our Economy | Alternet
Corporate Elites Are Witnessing a Growing Wave of Resistance to the ‘Walmartization’ of Our Economy | Alternet
"The struggle of working Americans took center stage as Black Friday protests covered the country. The struggle for wages that do not leave families impoverished is one that affects us all and highlights the unfair economy created by a class war waged by the wealthy for decades. The ‘Walmartization’ of the US economy has created a downward spiral in wages and destroyed small businesses and communities while heightening the wealth divide that is at the root of so many problems. The war on working people is a war on all but the wealthiest Americans."
"The struggle of working Americans took center stage as Black Friday protests covered the country. The struggle for wages that do not leave families impoverished is one that affects us all and highlights the unfair economy created by a class war waged by the wealthy for decades. The ‘Walmartization’ of the US economy has created a downward spiral in wages and destroyed small businesses and communities while heightening the wealth divide that is at the root of so many problems. The war on working people is a war on all but the wealthiest Americans."
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Food Stamps Cut Just in Time for Thanksgiving | Common Dreams
Food Stamps Cut Just in Time for Thanksgiving | Common Dreams
"Corporations can’t cut wages and say to working people, “There are plenty of hungry people just waiting to take your job, so shut up” if there aren’t plenty of hungry people just waiting to take any old nasty, humiliating, low-wage job. So as long as the wealthy few and their giant corporations are able to buy our government we can expect more high unemployment and cuts to programs that help feed people."
"Corporations can’t cut wages and say to working people, “There are plenty of hungry people just waiting to take your job, so shut up” if there aren’t plenty of hungry people just waiting to take any old nasty, humiliating, low-wage job. So as long as the wealthy few and their giant corporations are able to buy our government we can expect more high unemployment and cuts to programs that help feed people."
6 of the Top 10 U.S. Billionaires Are Kochs and Waltons | Alternet
6 of the Top 10 U.S. Billionaires Are Kochs and Waltons | Alternet
"For the first time ever, according to Forbes magazine, the 400 richest Americanshave more than $2 trillion in combined wealth. And, a fifth of that amount is held by just 10 individuals. Of those top 10 richest Americans, six hail from two families—the Kochs and the Waltons—who are destroying our economy and corrupting our politics. We all should be outraged."
"For the first time ever, according to Forbes magazine, the 400 richest Americanshave more than $2 trillion in combined wealth. And, a fifth of that amount is held by just 10 individuals. Of those top 10 richest Americans, six hail from two families—the Kochs and the Waltons—who are destroying our economy and corrupting our politics. We all should be outraged."
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
We’re Not Broke — We’ve Been Robbed | Common Dreams
We’re Not Broke — We’ve Been Robbed | Common Dreams
"One of the biggest common misunderstandings is that governments are like households, which need to tighten their spending when times are tough. Actually, governments and households work in opposite ways.
"One of the biggest common misunderstandings is that governments are like households, which need to tighten their spending when times are tough. Actually, governments and households work in opposite ways.
Governments can and should spend more when times are tough. Government spending makes up for lack of spending by families and businesses, and it helps get the economy moving by getting people back to work, putting money in their pockets, and contracting with businesses."
How Wall Street's New Empire of Rental Homes Could Blow Up the Economy | Alternet
How Wall Street's New Empire of Rental Homes Could Blow Up the Economy | Alternet
"Wall Street is at it again—this time, they're turning rentals into the next get-rich-quick bubble."
"Wall Street is at it again—this time, they're turning rentals into the next get-rich-quick bubble."
This Was One of The Least Productive Years Ever for Congress
This Was One of The Least Productive Years Ever for Congress
"Congress is on track to have one of the least productive years in modern history, having passed only 52 bills since January, just 44 which are considered “substantive”—far below the average of 70 in the years 1990-2012."
"Congress is on track to have one of the least productive years in modern history, having passed only 52 bills since January, just 44 which are considered “substantive”—far below the average of 70 in the years 1990-2012."
The Tea Party gave birth to this: Christian American Patriots Militia calling for Obama’s assassination
www.freakoutnation.com/2013/11/25/the-tea-party-gave-birth-to-this-christian-american-patriots-militia-calling-for-obamas-assassination/
"The Secret Service is aware of the threats. The page has been reported numerous times."
"The Secret Service is aware of the threats. The page has been reported numerous times."
Jim Garrow and Erik Rush Obama Should Be Stood Against Wall and Shot
www.politicususa.com/2013/11/27/jim-garrow-erik-rush-obama-stood-wall-shot.html
"Republicans have become obsessed not with simply impeaching or imprisoning President Obama, but with killing him."
"Republicans have become obsessed not with simply impeaching or imprisoning President Obama, but with killing him."
Pope Francis Attacks 'Idolatry of Money,' Says Inequality 'Kills' | Alternet
Pope Francis Attacks 'Idolatry of Money,' Says Inequality 'Kills' | Alternet
"Pope Francis called on politicians to guarantee “dignified work, education and healthcare” to their citizens."
"Pope Francis called on politicians to guarantee “dignified work, education and healthcare” to their citizens."
Did Karl Rove’s super PAC commit perjury?
Did Karl Rove’s super PAC commit perjury?
"The return, signed under penalty of perjury, specified that the grants would be used for social welfare purposes, “and not for political expenditures, consistent with the organization’s tax-exempt mission.” But that’s not what happened."
"The return, signed under penalty of perjury, specified that the grants would be used for social welfare purposes, “and not for political expenditures, consistent with the organization’s tax-exempt mission.” But that’s not what happened."
Big Retail Is Watching You: Exposing Walmart's Massive Data Collection Schemes | Common Dreams
Big Retail Is Watching You: Exposing Walmart's Massive Data Collection Schemes | Common Dreams
"Outside of its growing reputation for poverty wages, worker intimidation and an overall culture of employee repression, a new report released Wednesday reveals that retail giant Walmart is also throwing its weight behind a massive consumer tracking effort with particular implications for people of color."
"Outside of its growing reputation for poverty wages, worker intimidation and an overall culture of employee repression, a new report released Wednesday reveals that retail giant Walmart is also throwing its weight behind a massive consumer tracking effort with particular implications for people of color."
Heart of Darkness: Criminal Investigation of WI Recall $
Heart of Darkness: Criminal Investigation of WI Recall $
"The controversy immediately kicked off a struggle for control of the Wisconsin Senate. Between 2011 and 2012 Wisconsin voters across the state knocked on doors, circulated recall petitions, and put an unprecedented number of state officials up for recall. Thirteen state senators eventually faced recall elections. Close to one million people signed recall petitions for the Governor and Lt. Governor, and even before an election was certified, outside money began to saturate the state. $137.5 million is estimated to have been spent on the recalls in total, the vast majority from out-of-state players.
The source of much of that spending remains unknown. Millions were spent by "dark money" nonprofits -- most of them organized under 501(c)(4) of the tax code -- that allow deep pocketed donors to hide their identity."
"The controversy immediately kicked off a struggle for control of the Wisconsin Senate. Between 2011 and 2012 Wisconsin voters across the state knocked on doors, circulated recall petitions, and put an unprecedented number of state officials up for recall. Thirteen state senators eventually faced recall elections. Close to one million people signed recall petitions for the Governor and Lt. Governor, and even before an election was certified, outside money began to saturate the state. $137.5 million is estimated to have been spent on the recalls in total, the vast majority from out-of-state players.
The source of much of that spending remains unknown. Millions were spent by "dark money" nonprofits -- most of them organized under 501(c)(4) of the tax code -- that allow deep pocketed donors to hide their identity."
The 'Ticking Time Bomb' That Could Cause Such Rapid Global Warming We'd Be Unable to Prevent Extinction | Alternet
The 'Ticking Time Bomb' That Could Cause Such Rapid Global Warming We'd Be Unable to Prevent Extinction | Alternet
"Our planet has experienced five major extinctions over the past billion or so years -- do we really want to launch an irreversible 6th?"
"Our planet has experienced five major extinctions over the past billion or so years -- do we really want to launch an irreversible 6th?"
Bernie Sanders: To Defeat Oligarchy, I Would Run for President | Common Dreams
Bernie Sanders: To Defeat Oligarchy, I Would Run for President | Common Dreams
"Senator Bernie Sanders, for the second time in as many weeks, is indicating serious contemplation for a presidential run in 2016 if none of the potential Democratic candidates show the proper urgency when it comes to addressing a key set of issues that he thinks now face the country and the world.
Stressing the overarching crisis of out-of-control income and wealth inequality coupled with the planetary emergencies of global warming and climate change, Sanders' message has been that unless these problems are put at the forefront of the domestic policy agenda he will feel compelled to run."
"Senator Bernie Sanders, for the second time in as many weeks, is indicating serious contemplation for a presidential run in 2016 if none of the potential Democratic candidates show the proper urgency when it comes to addressing a key set of issues that he thinks now face the country and the world.
Stressing the overarching crisis of out-of-control income and wealth inequality coupled with the planetary emergencies of global warming and climate change, Sanders' message has been that unless these problems are put at the forefront of the domestic policy agenda he will feel compelled to run."
The Corporate Bully Whose Front Groups, Willful Distortions and Hate-Mongering Has Poisoned U.S. Politics : Meet Richard Berman | Alternet
The Corporate Bully Whose Front Groups, Willful Distortions and Hate-Mongering Has Poisoned U.S. Politics : Meet Richard Berman | Alternet
"Nestle’s sit-down with Berman’s sponsors reveals why he has had a four-decade run as a corporate hit man. With the backing of tobacco, booze and then Big Food, he has created industry front groups, kept his sponsors’ identities largely hidden, developed a political playbook based on smears, distortions and hate-mongering, and seen the campaign and lobbying profession embrace his poisonous and destructive methodology.
America’s political culture has become uglier and more hate-filled in recent decades, and Richard Berman has played a singular roll in that descent into the gutter."
"Nestle’s sit-down with Berman’s sponsors reveals why he has had a four-decade run as a corporate hit man. With the backing of tobacco, booze and then Big Food, he has created industry front groups, kept his sponsors’ identities largely hidden, developed a political playbook based on smears, distortions and hate-mongering, and seen the campaign and lobbying profession embrace his poisonous and destructive methodology.
America’s political culture has become uglier and more hate-filled in recent decades, and Richard Berman has played a singular roll in that descent into the gutter."
6 Outrageously Greedy Companies That Make Scrooge Look Like a Softie | Alternet
6 Outrageously Greedy Companies That Make Scrooge Look Like a Softie | Alternet
"From paying starvation wages to abandoning victims of factory disasters, there is no action too heartless for some of our best-known companies."
"From paying starvation wages to abandoning victims of factory disasters, there is no action too heartless for some of our best-known companies."
Pope Francis Understands Economics Better Than Most Politicians | Common Dreams
Pope Francis Understands Economics Better Than Most Politicians | Common Dreams
"Pope Francis is a pontiff who has constructively broken all the rules of popery – so far to widespread acclaim. He's faulted the Catholic church for its negative obsession with gays and birth control, and now he has expanded his mandate to economics with a groundbreaking screed denouncing "the new idolatry of money"."
"Pope Francis is a pontiff who has constructively broken all the rules of popery – so far to widespread acclaim. He's faulted the Catholic church for its negative obsession with gays and birth control, and now he has expanded his mandate to economics with a groundbreaking screed denouncing "the new idolatry of money"."
Billionaires' Bad Day: New Rules Would Rein in Nonprofits
Billionaires' Bad Day: New Rules Would Rein in Nonprofits
"The fact that these groups were ever considered "social welfare" groups in the first place is laughable. I'm waiting for them to start screeching on Fox about how they're taking away their "free speech" and how terrible the IRS "thugs" are for finally trying to curb some of this activity."
"The fact that these groups were ever considered "social welfare" groups in the first place is laughable. I'm waiting for them to start screeching on Fox about how they're taking away their "free speech" and how terrible the IRS "thugs" are for finally trying to curb some of this activity."
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Obama Blasts Republicans For Wasting 40+ Votes On Repealing The ACA Instead of Creating Jobs
www.politicususa.com/2013/11/26/obama-blasts-republicans-wasting-40-votes-repealing-aca-creating-jobs.html
"The president was correct that Republicans could be voting on his jobs plans or infrastructure spending, but they choose to continue to waste time on meaningless votes to repeal the ACA. The president made an important point when he said that Republicans are obsessed with taking health insurance away from 40 million people.
It would be nice if the mainstream media would stop obsessing about a website that is performing much better, and start asking Republicans why they want tens of millions of Americans to not have access to affordable healthcare."
"The president was correct that Republicans could be voting on his jobs plans or infrastructure spending, but they choose to continue to waste time on meaningless votes to repeal the ACA. The president made an important point when he said that Republicans are obsessed with taking health insurance away from 40 million people.
It would be nice if the mainstream media would stop obsessing about a website that is performing much better, and start asking Republicans why they want tens of millions of Americans to not have access to affordable healthcare."
You Probably Didn’t Hear About The Most Important Health Care News This Week
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2013/11/22/2983481/media-historic-slowdown-health-spending/
"U.S. health care spending since 2010 has increased by just 1.3 percent — the smallest cost growth over a three-year period in American history — while prices in the health care sector rose by 50-year lows, thanks in part to structural changes made by the Affordable Care Act."
"U.S. health care spending since 2010 has increased by just 1.3 percent — the smallest cost growth over a three-year period in American history — while prices in the health care sector rose by 50-year lows, thanks in part to structural changes made by the Affordable Care Act."
Pope Francis Says Trickle-Down Economics ‘Has Never Been Confirmed By The Facts’
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/11/26/2997451/pope-francis-trickle/
"Pope Francis condemned trickle-down economics and the world of inequality and exclusion it fosters in the first apostolic exhortation of his papacy"
"Pope Francis condemned trickle-down economics and the world of inequality and exclusion it fosters in the first apostolic exhortation of his papacy"
Republicans continue efforts to suppress the vote in places where it will do them the most good
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/11/26/1258522/-Republicans-continue-efforts-to-suppress-the-vote-in-places-where-it-will-do-them-the-most-good
"Shaming the GOP for its determination to shave a few points off Democratic election turnout obviously hasn't had an impact. Unblushable, the party is still at it. Instead of doing all they can to encourage every eligible person to vote, Republicans have been relentlessly imposing new restrictions to make it harder"
"Shaming the GOP for its determination to shave a few points off Democratic election turnout obviously hasn't had an impact. Unblushable, the party is still at it. Instead of doing all they can to encourage every eligible person to vote, Republicans have been relentlessly imposing new restrictions to make it harder"
Some Florida Election Supervisors Stunned By New Voter Restrictions
www.thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/11/26/2995801/florida-election-supervisors-stunned-voter-restrictions/
"Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s (R) chief election official issued new rules Monday night that could hamper absentee voting, just months before Floridians in the state’s 13th Congressional district take part in a special election to replace the late Rep. C.W. Bill Young (R). The seat was held by Republicans for decades, but is now considered a tossup."
"Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s (R) chief election official issued new rules Monday night that could hamper absentee voting, just months before Floridians in the state’s 13th Congressional district take part in a special election to replace the late Rep. C.W. Bill Young (R). The seat was held by Republicans for decades, but is now considered a tossup."
Right-Wing Militia Leader Says Constitution Gives Him The Right To Assassinate President Obama (IMAGE)
www.addictinginfo.org/2013/11/24/right-wing-assassinate-obama/
"These threats justify why the Department of Homeland Security and a West Point think-tank classified right-wing extremists as a dangerous threat to the country. Ever since Obama took office, the right has gone completely crazy with hate. They have zero ideas and are incapable of winning elections by making a reasonable case to voters. They can’t even bring themselves to compromise on anything. So they threaten the nation with guns and violent revolution in order to scare Americans and get their way."
"These threats justify why the Department of Homeland Security and a West Point think-tank classified right-wing extremists as a dangerous threat to the country. Ever since Obama took office, the right has gone completely crazy with hate. They have zero ideas and are incapable of winning elections by making a reasonable case to voters. They can’t even bring themselves to compromise on anything. So they threaten the nation with guns and violent revolution in order to scare Americans and get their way."
Bernie Sanders Explains How Democrats Will Win in 2014
www.politicususa.com/2013/11/26/bernie-sanders-explains-democrats-win-2014.html
"Contrary to what the media is saying, the ACA website drama will pass. President Obama discussed the economy today in similar terms that Bernie Sanders used, and what the Republicans don’t get is that people care more about having a job than they do a health insurance website."
"Contrary to what the media is saying, the ACA website drama will pass. President Obama discussed the economy today in similar terms that Bernie Sanders used, and what the Republicans don’t get is that people care more about having a job than they do a health insurance website."
4 Ways the Koch Brothers' Wealth Is Beyond Comprehension | Alternet
4 Ways the Koch Brothers' Wealth Is Beyond Comprehension | Alternet
"Charles and David Koch are both members of the .00001%. That's a group of twenty individuals who have a total net worth of over a half-trillion dollars , about $26 billion each."
"Charles and David Koch are both members of the .00001%. That's a group of twenty individuals who have a total net worth of over a half-trillion dollars , about $26 billion each."
Good-bye Milton Friedman, Hello Joseph Stiglitz! Progressive Economists Can Help Save Working America | Alternet
Good-bye Milton Friedman, Hello Joseph Stiglitz! Progressive Economists Can Help Save Working America | Alternet
"For more than four decades the debate on economic policy has been dominated by an ideologically driven theory originating in economics departments of several major universities, most notably the University of Chicago. This simplistic neoliberal economic philosophy relentlessly taught that there was no problem that could not be solved by a reliance on market forces. All that was needed was for the government to get out of the way. President Reagan summed it up with the mantra: "government is not the solution; government is the problem."
This neoliberal economic philosophy has dominated the debate on economic policy. It has limited the very language in which our political debates have been conducted. The simplistic model of the perfectly competitive market has been the standard against which all public policies have been measured."
"For more than four decades the debate on economic policy has been dominated by an ideologically driven theory originating in economics departments of several major universities, most notably the University of Chicago. This simplistic neoliberal economic philosophy relentlessly taught that there was no problem that could not be solved by a reliance on market forces. All that was needed was for the government to get out of the way. President Reagan summed it up with the mantra: "government is not the solution; government is the problem."
This neoliberal economic philosophy has dominated the debate on economic policy. It has limited the very language in which our political debates have been conducted. The simplistic model of the perfectly competitive market has been the standard against which all public policies have been measured."
Darrell Issa's Traveling Obamacare Hearings Exclude ACA Supporters
Darrell Issa's Traveling Obamacare Hearings Exclude ACA Supporters
"In his traveling road show of “hearings” on the Affordable Care Act rollout, Darrell Issa has hand-picked the people testifying, and has excluded those who want to speak in favor of the ACA."
"In his traveling road show of “hearings” on the Affordable Care Act rollout, Darrell Issa has hand-picked the people testifying, and has excluded those who want to speak in favor of the ACA."
Wealthy Libertarians Are Driving Poverty, Unemployment, and Anti-Government Discontent
www.politicususa.com/2013/11/24/wealthy-libertarians-driving-poverty-unemployment-anti-government-discontent.html
"There is a reason the Koch brothers and their cohort ALEC are funneling millions to anti-government teabaggers and religious right anti-choice activists, and it is part of their plan to stir up opposition to equal rights, religious freedom, and particularly the federal government and social programs. Inciting discontent and division among the population, coupled with their job-killing austerity economics, stagnating wages, and domestic spending cuts is the recipe for the growth of fascism and at some point the people will look to a champion who will promise a path to economic prosperity if they are given authority to transform America according to the Koch brothers’ libertarian vision of no federal government, no regulations, no taxation, a return to Christian moral values, and free market capitalism that is code for corporate owned-and-operated government."
"There is a reason the Koch brothers and their cohort ALEC are funneling millions to anti-government teabaggers and religious right anti-choice activists, and it is part of their plan to stir up opposition to equal rights, religious freedom, and particularly the federal government and social programs. Inciting discontent and division among the population, coupled with their job-killing austerity economics, stagnating wages, and domestic spending cuts is the recipe for the growth of fascism and at some point the people will look to a champion who will promise a path to economic prosperity if they are given authority to transform America according to the Koch brothers’ libertarian vision of no federal government, no regulations, no taxation, a return to Christian moral values, and free market capitalism that is code for corporate owned-and-operated government."
How Wall Street Turned America Into Incarceration Nation | Alternet
How Wall Street Turned America Into Incarceration Nation | Alternet
"The U.S. leads the world in prisoners with 2.27 million in jail and more than 4.8 million on parole. Minorities have been especially hard hit, forming 39.4% of the prison population, with one in three black men expected to serve time during their lifetimes.
"The U.S. leads the world in prisoners with 2.27 million in jail and more than 4.8 million on parole. Minorities have been especially hard hit, forming 39.4% of the prison population, with one in three black men expected to serve time during their lifetimes.
How is it that our land, supposedly the beacon of freedom and democracy for the rest of the world, puts so many of its own people into prison?"
Monday, November 25, 2013
New Tax Return Shows Karl Rove's Group Spent Even More On Politics Than It Said
New Tax Return Shows Karl Rove's Group Spent Even More On Politics Than It Said
"Social welfare nonprofits, also known as dark money groups because they don't have to report their donors, are allowed to spend money on politics as long as their primary purpose is social welfare. The groups often count so-called issue ads that stop short of advocating for or against a candidate and grants toward that social welfare mission. Since the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision allowed corporations and unions to spend directly on election ads, these nonprofits have turned into the vehicle of choice for anonymous spending, dumping more than $254 million into the 2012 elections.
"Social welfare nonprofits, also known as dark money groups because they don't have to report their donors, are allowed to spend money on politics as long as their primary purpose is social welfare. The groups often count so-called issue ads that stop short of advocating for or against a candidate and grants toward that social welfare mission. Since the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision allowed corporations and unions to spend directly on election ads, these nonprofits have turned into the vehicle of choice for anonymous spending, dumping more than $254 million into the 2012 elections.
Of the 150 or so social welfare nonprofits that reported spending to the Federal Election Commission during the 2012 election cycle, Crossroads was king, the biggest anonymous spender by far. Americans for Tax Reform came in fourth, with $15.8 million."
The Corporate Bully Whose Front Groups, Willful Distortions and Hate-Mongering Has Poisoned U.S. Politics : Meet Richard Berman | Alternet
The Corporate Bully Whose Front Groups, Willful Distortions and Hate-Mongering Has Poisoned U.S. Politics : Meet Richard Berman | Alternet
"Big Food’s top flack has pioneered the worst in our political culture."
"Big Food’s top flack has pioneered the worst in our political culture."
Sunday, November 24, 2013
10 Acts of Madness By Right Wingers This Week -- Limbaugh's Rape Fantasies Edition | Alternet
10 Acts of Madness By Right Wingers This Week -- Limbaugh's Rape Fantasies Edition | Alternet
"There were lots of right-wing lunacies tossed around throughout the Conservoverse this week, but first on that filibuster thing"
"There were lots of right-wing lunacies tossed around throughout the Conservoverse this week, but first on that filibuster thing"
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Obamacare Is a Great Deal for Stressed Out 64-Year Old Smoker John Boehner, Who's Leading the Sabotage Campaign Against It | Alternet
Obamacare Is a Great Deal for Stressed Out 64-Year Old Smoker John Boehner, Who's Leading the Sabotage Campaign Against It | Alternet
"As a 64-year-old heavy smoker, it’s a marvel Boehner will be able to purchase individual market coverage at all. I wonder what crazy law guarantees that he can?"
"As a 64-year-old heavy smoker, it’s a marvel Boehner will be able to purchase individual market coverage at all. I wonder what crazy law guarantees that he can?"
Say What? Civil Rights Act Critic Rand Paul Tapped to Launch African American Outreach Project in Michigan | Alternet
Say What? Civil Rights Act Critic Rand Paul Tapped to Launch African American Outreach Project in Michigan | Alternet
"The Michigan Republican Party will launch its new African American Engagement Office in Detroit next month, aiming to improve on the mere two percent of the vote their presidential nominee received in the city last year. To headline this event, the party has enlisted Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) — though Paul has been an outspoken critic of the 1964 Civil Rights Act."
"The Michigan Republican Party will launch its new African American Engagement Office in Detroit next month, aiming to improve on the mere two percent of the vote their presidential nominee received in the city last year. To headline this event, the party has enlisted Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) — though Paul has been an outspoken critic of the 1964 Civil Rights Act."
Grayson: GOP Solution For Health Care is Still to 'Die Quickly'
Grayson: GOP Solution For Health Care is Still to 'Die Quickly'
"Rep. Alan Grayson joined Ed Schultz this Friday to discuss Rep. Darrell Issa's latest stunt, where he's traveling around the country looking to generate more negative press for the Affordable Care Act, but as Grayson reminded Schultz during the interview, the Republicans' supposed "solutions" for Americans to have access to health care are the same as they've always been. Don't get sick and if you get sick, die quickly."
"Rep. Alan Grayson joined Ed Schultz this Friday to discuss Rep. Darrell Issa's latest stunt, where he's traveling around the country looking to generate more negative press for the Affordable Care Act, but as Grayson reminded Schultz during the interview, the Republicans' supposed "solutions" for Americans to have access to health care are the same as they've always been. Don't get sick and if you get sick, die quickly."
Friday, November 22, 2013
How the Republican Tempest Over the Affordable Care Act Diverts Attention from Three Large Truths | Common Dreams
How the Republican Tempest Over the Affordable Care Act Diverts Attention from Three Large Truths | Common Dreams
"Having failed to defeat the Affordable Care Act in Congress, to beat it back in the last election, to repeal it despite more than eighty votes in the House, to stop it in the federal courts, to get enough votes in the Supreme Court to overrule it, and to gut it with outright extortion (closing the government and threatening to default on the nation’s debts unless it was repealed), Republicans are now down to their last ploy."
"Having failed to defeat the Affordable Care Act in Congress, to beat it back in the last election, to repeal it despite more than eighty votes in the House, to stop it in the federal courts, to get enough votes in the Supreme Court to overrule it, and to gut it with outright extortion (closing the government and threatening to default on the nation’s debts unless it was repealed), Republicans are now down to their last ploy."
Surprise! GOP Following Scripted Plan To Attack Obamacare
Surprise! GOP Following Scripted Plan To Attack Obamacare
"I know you are shocked -- SHOCKED -- to discover that all the Obamacare noise over the last month is the product of a very carefully orchestrated public relations campaign."
"I know you are shocked -- SHOCKED -- to discover that all the Obamacare noise over the last month is the product of a very carefully orchestrated public relations campaign."
Conservatives Trying to Resurface Compassionate Conservative Bunk | Alternet
Conservatives Trying to Resurface Compassionate Conservative Bunk | Alternet
"Paul Ryan, whose policy ideas are disastrous for the poor, is cynically trotting out the old "compassionate-conservative" canard."
"Paul Ryan, whose policy ideas are disastrous for the poor, is cynically trotting out the old "compassionate-conservative" canard."
Thursday, November 21, 2013
More Heartless Advice from McDonald's to Employees: Sell Your Christmas Gifts | Alternet
More Heartless Advice from McDonald's to Employees: Sell Your Christmas Gifts | Alternet
"The fast-food conglomerate would do just about anything to avoid paying a living wage."
"The fast-food conglomerate would do just about anything to avoid paying a living wage."
Corporate Espionage and the Secret War Against Citizen Activism | Common Dreams
Corporate Espionage and the Secret War Against Citizen Activism | Common Dreams
"A chilling report released Wednesday unveils the well-funded and shadowy world of corporate espionage of social justice organizations, through infiltration, intrusion, spying, wiretaps and more."
"A chilling report released Wednesday unveils the well-funded and shadowy world of corporate espionage of social justice organizations, through infiltration, intrusion, spying, wiretaps and more."
An Economic Cancer: The Top 1% Earns More Than the Bottom 50%
An Economic Cancer: The Top 1% Earns More Than the Bottom 50%
"In America today, the top 1 percent owns 38 percent of our country's financial wealth. The bottom 60 percent owns 2.3 percent. The increasing wealth inequality in the United States has become the great moral issue of our time.
In America today, one family, the Walton family of Wal-Mart, owns more wealth than the bottom 40 percent, and the top 400 individuals have more wealth than the bottom half of our country -- over 150 million people."
"In America today, the top 1 percent owns 38 percent of our country's financial wealth. The bottom 60 percent owns 2.3 percent. The increasing wealth inequality in the United States has become the great moral issue of our time.
In America today, one family, the Walton family of Wal-Mart, owns more wealth than the bottom 40 percent, and the top 400 individuals have more wealth than the bottom half of our country -- over 150 million people."
The Senate GOP's Unprecedented Obstruction In Five Charts | Right Wing Watch
The Senate GOP's Unprecedented Obstruction In Five Charts | Right Wing Watch
"And the blanket filibuster of D.C. Circuit nominees is just the latest in the GOP’s onslaught of unprecedented obstruction under President Obama. Here are four charts showing just how far Republican obstruction has gone in the Obama administration."
"And the blanket filibuster of D.C. Circuit nominees is just the latest in the GOP’s onslaught of unprecedented obstruction under President Obama. Here are four charts showing just how far Republican obstruction has gone in the Obama administration."
GOP Obamacare Attack Will Only Work With A Complicit Media
GOP Obamacare Attack Will Only Work With A Complicit Media
"Maybe Republicans should just start issuing paychecks to the news networks."
"Maybe Republicans should just start issuing paychecks to the news networks."
12 Ways JP Morgan Admitted It Ripped Off Americans to the Tune of Billions | Alternet
12 Ways JP Morgan Admitted It Ripped Off Americans to the Tune of Billions | Alternet
"Wall Street’s latest chapter in corporate accountability is hardly satisfying, even if it is a rare admission of wrongdoing from a major bank. On Tuesday, the Justice Department announced a $13 billion settlement with J.P. Morgan for its rapacious role in the housing market bubble and collapse."
"Wall Street’s latest chapter in corporate accountability is hardly satisfying, even if it is a rare admission of wrongdoing from a major bank. On Tuesday, the Justice Department announced a $13 billion settlement with J.P. Morgan for its rapacious role in the housing market bubble and collapse."
How the GOP Is Literally Killing Its Voters | Alternet
How the GOP Is Literally Killing Its Voters | Alternet
"In the past, there were many Republicans who saw the value of having a social safety net. Today’s Tea Party Republicans, however, believe in assaulting the poor and the middle class at every turn—and the older whites who vote for them are not exempt. Between butchering the food stamp program, opposing healthcare reform, trying to turn Social Security over to the whims of Wall Street, and going out of their way to eliminate what’s left of the New Deal, modern-day Republicans are no friends of older Americans—including their older white male rural base."
"In the past, there were many Republicans who saw the value of having a social safety net. Today’s Tea Party Republicans, however, believe in assaulting the poor and the middle class at every turn—and the older whites who vote for them are not exempt. Between butchering the food stamp program, opposing healthcare reform, trying to turn Social Security over to the whims of Wall Street, and going out of their way to eliminate what’s left of the New Deal, modern-day Republicans are no friends of older Americans—including their older white male rural base."
I Watched My Patients Die of Treatable Diseases Because They Were Poor | Alternet
I Watched My Patients Die of Treatable Diseases Because They Were Poor | Alternet
"A Galveston medical student describes life and death in the non-existent Texas safety net."
"A Galveston medical student describes life and death in the non-existent Texas safety net."
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Elizabeth Warren Nails It: We Shouldn’t Be Fighting Each Other for a Handful of Crumbs
Elizabeth Warren Nails It: We Shouldn’t Be Fighting Each Other for a Handful of Crumbs
"Elizabeth Warren showed again yesterday how she has become our country’s leading fighter for the middle class and those in poverty."
"Elizabeth Warren showed again yesterday how she has become our country’s leading fighter for the middle class and those in poverty."
Growing Movement: Expand Social Security or 'Pay a Price' | Common Dreams
Growing Movement: Expand Social Security or 'Pay a Price' | Common Dreams
"With Social Security cuts once again on the table in closed-door congressional budget negotiations, a growing movement has taken the offensive, demanding that lawmakers strengthen, rather than stranglehold, our social safety net."
"With Social Security cuts once again on the table in closed-door congressional budget negotiations, a growing movement has taken the offensive, demanding that lawmakers strengthen, rather than stranglehold, our social safety net."
Facebook: Assassination Threats Stay, Pregnant Bellies Go
Facebook: Assassination Threats Stay, Pregnant Bellies Go
"This isn't the first assassination threat posted on social media and it won't be the last. Mr. Wilhelmsen is a militia man, a self-proclaimed good Christian who is standing up for his country while he calls for the assassination of our President just days ahead of the 50-year observance of the anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination."
"This isn't the first assassination threat posted on social media and it won't be the last. Mr. Wilhelmsen is a militia man, a self-proclaimed good Christian who is standing up for his country while he calls for the assassination of our President just days ahead of the 50-year observance of the anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination."
CEOs With Massive Retirement Fortunes Push Social Security Cuts | The Nation
CEOs With Massive Retirement Fortunes Push Social Security Cuts | The Nation
"These CEOs aren’t just trying to short the average American retiree; they’re throwing their own under the bus. While raising alarm about the federal debt, Business Roundtable CEOs have run up massive deficits in their employees’ pension funds."
"These CEOs aren’t just trying to short the average American retiree; they’re throwing their own under the bus. While raising alarm about the federal debt, Business Roundtable CEOs have run up massive deficits in their employees’ pension funds."
Fact Check: Social Security Does Not Increase the Deficit | Alternet
Fact Check: Social Security Does Not Increase the Deficit | Alternet
"There are basically two categories of people who want to see Social Security cut: 1) financiers who wish to move us toward privatized retirement accounts so that they can charge us fees; and 2) rich people who do not like to pay taxes. Their main champions are conservatives at the Heritage Foundation, libertarians at the Cato Institute and Wall Street financier Pete Peterson."
"There are basically two categories of people who want to see Social Security cut: 1) financiers who wish to move us toward privatized retirement accounts so that they can charge us fees; and 2) rich people who do not like to pay taxes. Their main champions are conservatives at the Heritage Foundation, libertarians at the Cato Institute and Wall Street financier Pete Peterson."
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Walmart Intimidation, Firings an 'Illegal' Attack on Workers: NLRB | Common Dreams
Walmart Intimidation, Firings an 'Illegal' Attack on Workers: NLRB | Common Dreams
"Walmart's intimidation and firing of employees who participated in strikes and protests against the retail giant were illegal, the National Labor Relations Board announced on Monday."
"Walmart's intimidation and firing of employees who participated in strikes and protests against the retail giant were illegal, the National Labor Relations Board announced on Monday."
Republicans love Batkid, but they don't want him to have health care coverage
www.dailykos.com/story/2013/11/19/1256738/-Republicans-love-Batkid-but-want-to-let-insurers-refuse-to-provide-him-health-coverage
"Before insurers were prohibited from denying coverage to kids with pre-existing conditions, it was common for them to do just that. Not only that, treatment for a disease like leukemia could have taken a child to a lifetime insurance cap—caps that have now been lifted by Obamacare."
"Before insurers were prohibited from denying coverage to kids with pre-existing conditions, it was common for them to do just that. Not only that, treatment for a disease like leukemia could have taken a child to a lifetime insurance cap—caps that have now been lifted by Obamacare."
Feds Announce $13 Billion Settlement from JPMorgan
Feds Announce $13 Billion Settlement from JPMorgan
"JPMorgan Chase and the Justice Department finalized a $13 billion settlement on Tuesday, punctuating a long legal battle over the risky mortgage practices that became synonymous with the financial crisis."
"JPMorgan Chase and the Justice Department finalized a $13 billion settlement on Tuesday, punctuating a long legal battle over the risky mortgage practices that became synonymous with the financial crisis."
Fox's Charles Payne: 'Maybe Walmart is Supplementing the U.S. Taxpayer'
Fox's Charles Payne: 'Maybe Walmart is Supplementing the U.S. Taxpayer'
"While news such as Walmart doing canned food drives for their own employees and the NLRB deciding to pursue charges against Walmart for violating labor laws are making their way into the headlines this week, what are the talking heads over at Fox doing? You guessed it... damage control."
"While news such as Walmart doing canned food drives for their own employees and the NLRB deciding to pursue charges against Walmart for violating labor laws are making their way into the headlines this week, what are the talking heads over at Fox doing? You guessed it... damage control."
State Policy Network: The Straw That Stirs the Conservative Movement
State Policy Network: The Straw That Stirs the Conservative Movement
"As might be expected the Koch Brothers have their imprint writ large over the SPN: The September event was attended by "representatives from Koch Industries, the Charles Koch Institute, and Charles Koch Foundation, and other the Koch-funded groups such as David Koch's Americans for Prosperity, Generation Opportunity, and the Association for American Innovation, which is now called 'Freedom Partners' and is funded to an unknown extent by the fortunes of the billionaire Koch brothers, housed in the same building as other Koch front groups, staffed by Koch operatives, and stacked with a board full of Koch insiders"."
"As might be expected the Koch Brothers have their imprint writ large over the SPN: The September event was attended by "representatives from Koch Industries, the Charles Koch Institute, and Charles Koch Foundation, and other the Koch-funded groups such as David Koch's Americans for Prosperity, Generation Opportunity, and the Association for American Innovation, which is now called 'Freedom Partners' and is funded to an unknown extent by the fortunes of the billionaire Koch brothers, housed in the same building as other Koch front groups, staffed by Koch operatives, and stacked with a board full of Koch insiders"."
WI Club for Growth, Target of Walker Recall Probe, at Center of Dark Money Web
WI Club for Growth, Target of Walker Recall Probe, at Center of Dark Money Web
"Governor Scott Walker's campaign and dozens of Republican-aligned political groups have been subpoenaed in a wide-ranging probe into potential campaign finance violations during Wisconsin's contentious 2011 and 2012 recall elections, and a group at the center of the storm appears to be Wisconsin Club for Growth, one of the top spenders during the recalls and whose leaders have close ties to Governor Walker and national donors, including the Koch brothers."
"Governor Scott Walker's campaign and dozens of Republican-aligned political groups have been subpoenaed in a wide-ranging probe into potential campaign finance violations during Wisconsin's contentious 2011 and 2012 recall elections, and a group at the center of the storm appears to be Wisconsin Club for Growth, one of the top spenders during the recalls and whose leaders have close ties to Governor Walker and national donors, including the Koch brothers."
WSJ: Scott Walker's Campaign is Target of Extensive Investigation
WSJ: Scott Walker's Campaign is Target of Extensive Investigation
"Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's campaign office and about 30 conservative groups have been subpoenaed by a special prosecutor, and the homes of at least three people connected to the campaign have been raided, according to The Wall Street Journal. Among the groups subpoenaed were the Wisconsin Club for Growth; Karl Rove’s American Crossroads; the Republican Governors Association; and the state’s largest business lobbying group, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. The subpoenas came out of a secret John Doe investigation of Walker’s campaign and allies."
"Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's campaign office and about 30 conservative groups have been subpoenaed by a special prosecutor, and the homes of at least three people connected to the campaign have been raided, according to The Wall Street Journal. Among the groups subpoenaed were the Wisconsin Club for Growth; Karl Rove’s American Crossroads; the Republican Governors Association; and the state’s largest business lobbying group, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce. The subpoenas came out of a secret John Doe investigation of Walker’s campaign and allies."
CEOs with Platinum Plated Pensions Want to Raise Social Security Eligibility to 70
CEOs with Platinum Plated Pensions Want to Raise Social Security Eligibility to 70
"According to a new report, CEOs at the forefront of the drive to “fix the debt” by slashing Social Security and Medicare, possess personal retirement funds worth an average of $14.5 million, and three have retirement nest eggs worth more than $100 million. The average Social Security check is $1,308 per month."
"According to a new report, CEOs at the forefront of the drive to “fix the debt” by slashing Social Security and Medicare, possess personal retirement funds worth an average of $14.5 million, and three have retirement nest eggs worth more than $100 million. The average Social Security check is $1,308 per month."
CEOs Against Grandmas | Common Dreams
CEOs Against Grandmas | Common Dreams
"David Cote, the CEO of Honeywell, has more than $134 million in his personal retirement fund. If I were sitting on a nest egg that big, I might feel a bit sheepish about telling ordinary grandmas and grandpas to take a cut in their Social Security payments. But Cote — and leaders of many other large corporations — don’t see it that way. In fact, as Congress prepares for yet another budget showdown at the end of the year, the loudest calls for Social Security cuts are coming from CEOs who will never have to worry about their own retirement security.
Two lobby groups have organized CEOs into an austerity army."
"David Cote, the CEO of Honeywell, has more than $134 million in his personal retirement fund. If I were sitting on a nest egg that big, I might feel a bit sheepish about telling ordinary grandmas and grandpas to take a cut in their Social Security payments. But Cote — and leaders of many other large corporations — don’t see it that way. In fact, as Congress prepares for yet another budget showdown at the end of the year, the loudest calls for Social Security cuts are coming from CEOs who will never have to worry about their own retirement security.
Two lobby groups have organized CEOs into an austerity army."
On Social Security: “It’s Values, Not Math” | Common Dreams
On Social Security: “It’s Values, Not Math” | Common Dreams
"The fight to provide retirement security for all Americans has an eloquent advocate in Sen. Elizabeth Warren, as the following speech demonstrates."
"The fight to provide retirement security for all Americans has an eloquent advocate in Sen. Elizabeth Warren, as the following speech demonstrates."
Into Eternal Light and Love | Common Dreams
Into Eternal Light and Love | Common Dreams
"Stephanie Sautter, the subject of this iconic photo for Occupy, has died. During the three months it took her to get insurance for treatment, her aggressive breast cancer spread to her lymph nodes."
"Stephanie Sautter, the subject of this iconic photo for Occupy, has died. During the three months it took her to get insurance for treatment, her aggressive breast cancer spread to her lymph nodes."
Boston’s New Labor Mayor: Could His Win Be Progressive Blueprint for America? | Alternet
Boston’s New Labor Mayor: Could His Win Be Progressive Blueprint for America? | Alternet
"Last week, following the midterm elections, pundits burned up the airwaves discussing the implications of Chris Christie’s landslide reelection as governor of New Jersey, Terry McAuliffe’s narrow win in the Virginia gubernatorial race and Bill de Blasio’s capture of City Hall in New York.
"Last week, following the midterm elections, pundits burned up the airwaves discussing the implications of Chris Christie’s landslide reelection as governor of New Jersey, Terry McAuliffe’s narrow win in the Virginia gubernatorial race and Bill de Blasio’s capture of City Hall in New York.
But what happened in Boston was as important as any of these."
Monday, November 18, 2013
Crowley Repeats GOP Talking Points on Obamacare Rollout and Immigration
Crowley Repeats GOP Talking Points on Obamacare Rollout and Immigration
"Note to Candy Crowley. The reason President Obama can't get anything passed through the House, such as immigration reform has nothing to do with whether anyone "trusts him" or not. It's because Republicans have been obstructing everything he's tried to get passed since the day he got elected. Pretending they have an excuse now won't change that fact."
"Note to Candy Crowley. The reason President Obama can't get anything passed through the House, such as immigration reform has nothing to do with whether anyone "trusts him" or not. It's because Republicans have been obstructing everything he's tried to get passed since the day he got elected. Pretending they have an excuse now won't change that fact."
4.8 Million To Lose Jobless Benefits on Dec. 31st
4.8 Million To Lose Jobless Benefits on Dec. 31st
"I know so many people living in quiet despair now, ashamed to even talk about it when other people have jobs. And the few things that give them some sense of hope and dignity -- food stamps, unemployment benefits -- are just pieces on a political chess board."
"I know so many people living in quiet despair now, ashamed to even talk about it when other people have jobs. And the few things that give them some sense of hope and dignity -- food stamps, unemployment benefits -- are just pieces on a political chess board."
PERRspectives: GOP Commits Double Fraud with Obamacare Navigator Smear Campaign
PERRspectives: GOP Commits Double Fraud with Obamacare Navigator Smear Campaign
"To put it another way, Bush's Medicare drug plan navigators helped the government "reach people where they live, work, pray and play." But with the White House currently occupied by a Democrat and the nation's first African-American president, Republicans now pretend, those navigators aren't partners but the equivalent of Nigerian identity thieves."
"To put it another way, Bush's Medicare drug plan navigators helped the government "reach people where they live, work, pray and play." But with the White House currently occupied by a Democrat and the nation's first African-American president, Republicans now pretend, those navigators aren't partners but the equivalent of Nigerian identity thieves."
Elizabeth Warren Stands Up For Expansion Of Social Security
Elizabeth Warren Stands Up For Expansion Of Social Security
"Elizabeth Warren is taking the bull by the horns, becoming a true leader of the progressive movement in the Democratic Party. It's refreshing to hear a sitting senator discuss the problems of working-class Americans as if she truly wants to help them. Today, she delivered a powerful speech on the floor of the Senate in which she believes that the push to expand Social Security instead of cutting it will be a defining moment in the Democratic Party as we move forward."
"Elizabeth Warren is taking the bull by the horns, becoming a true leader of the progressive movement in the Democratic Party. It's refreshing to hear a sitting senator discuss the problems of working-class Americans as if she truly wants to help them. Today, she delivered a powerful speech on the floor of the Senate in which she believes that the push to expand Social Security instead of cutting it will be a defining moment in the Democratic Party as we move forward."
STUDY: Minorities, Young Voters Waited Longer To Vote In 2012, Enduring ‘Time Tax’
STUDY: Minorities, Young Voters Waited Longer To Vote In 2012, Enduring ‘Time Tax’
"Virginia and Florida made headlines last November for their Election Day lines. In these and other swing-states, some voters had to wait upwards of five-to-seven hours to cast their ballots due to insufficient staffing and artificially long ballots."
"Virginia and Florida made headlines last November for their Election Day lines. In these and other swing-states, some voters had to wait upwards of five-to-seven hours to cast their ballots due to insufficient staffing and artificially long ballots."
Wal-Mart Asks Workers To Donate Food To Its Needy Employees | Alternet
Wal-Mart Asks Workers To Donate Food To Its Needy Employees | Alternet
"Wal-Mart doesn’t pay its employees enough of a wage so that they can afford to buy quality food for Thanksgiving."
"Wal-Mart doesn’t pay its employees enough of a wage so that they can afford to buy quality food for Thanksgiving."
Walmart Employers Asked To Donate To Needy Co-Workers
Walmart Employers Asked To Donate To Needy Co-Workers
"When your family is one of the richest in the country, and your workers are so broke they can't afford Thanksgiving dinner, that's bad enough. But then you expect the other workers to chip in to help the people you're paying poverty wages to? Major FAIL."
"When your family is one of the richest in the country, and your workers are so broke they can't afford Thanksgiving dinner, that's bad enough. But then you expect the other workers to chip in to help the people you're paying poverty wages to? Major FAIL."
National Labor Relations Board To Prosecute Walmart For Violating Workers’ Rights
National Labor Relations Board To Prosecute Walmart For Violating Workers’ Rights: Walmart will be prosecuted for firing, disciplining, and threatening workers who go on strike or attempt to unionize.
Huckabee Conflates Medical Insurance With 'Obamaburgers'
Huckabee Conflates Medical Insurance With 'Obamaburgers'
"It's more of the same we always see on Fox, where their favorite sport is bashing the poor. Not very Christ-like of the former governor, is it? Sadly, I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more segments like this from Fox in the coming months and beyond."
"It's more of the same we always see on Fox, where their favorite sport is bashing the poor. Not very Christ-like of the former governor, is it? Sadly, I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more segments like this from Fox in the coming months and beyond."
Robert Reich: Walmart Sales Dropping Thanks to Low Walmart Wages | Alternet
Robert Reich: Walmart Sales Dropping Thanks to Low Walmart Wages | Alternet
"But what Walmart’s CEO doesn’t get is that a large portion of Walmart’s customers are lower-wage workers who are working at places like … Walmart. And Walmart, not incidentally, refuses to raise its median wage (including its army of part-timers) of $8.80 an hour.
Walmart isn’t your average mom-and-pop operation. It’s the largest employer in America. As such, it’s the trendsetter for millions of other employers of low-wage workers."
"But what Walmart’s CEO doesn’t get is that a large portion of Walmart’s customers are lower-wage workers who are working at places like … Walmart. And Walmart, not incidentally, refuses to raise its median wage (including its army of part-timers) of $8.80 an hour.
Walmart isn’t your average mom-and-pop operation. It’s the largest employer in America. As such, it’s the trendsetter for millions of other employers of low-wage workers."
The Middle Class Is Disappearing Despite The Economic Recovery
The Middle Class Is Disappearing Despite The Economic Recovery: There were almost 700,000 fewer middle-income families in the country over the past three years than there were from 2007-2009.
The Terrifying Future Envisioned By Libertarians | Alternet
The Terrifying Future Envisioned By Libertarians | Alternet
"The future will belong to those who prepare public policy for that eventuality, and who work to put politicians in power who are ready to enact that policy when the time comes, and when the demographics of the nation have altered enough to make it possible.
Whatever happens, the libertarian fairy dreams of men like Tyler Cowen must not be allowed to become realities."
"The future will belong to those who prepare public policy for that eventuality, and who work to put politicians in power who are ready to enact that policy when the time comes, and when the demographics of the nation have altered enough to make it possible.
Whatever happens, the libertarian fairy dreams of men like Tyler Cowen must not be allowed to become realities."
Tea Party Group Wants Disclosure Exemption On Grounds That The Movement Is Small, Powerless, And Harassed
Tea Party Group Wants Disclosure Exemption On Grounds That The Movement Is Small, Powerless, And Harassed: The Federal Election Commission is scheduled to vote Thursday on a request by the Tea Party Leadership Fund to be exempted from campaign disclosure laws, based on alleged "sustain harassment and severe hostility" to Tea Party activists by the federal government and the general public.
Wisconsin Republicans Roll Anti-Democratic Measures Through Assembly
Wisconsin Republicans Roll Anti-Democratic Measures Through Assembly
"Wisconsin Republicans rolled a raft of anti-democrat measures through the legislature late Thursday night, ranging from additional restrictions on voting to new limits on the right to recall elected officials, following a recall effort against Governor Scott Walker last year."
"Wisconsin Republicans rolled a raft of anti-democrat measures through the legislature late Thursday night, ranging from additional restrictions on voting to new limits on the right to recall elected officials, following a recall effort against Governor Scott Walker last year."
ALEC Mulls Assault On Constitution’s 17th Amendment — The Direct Election Of Senators
ALEC Mulls Assault On Constitution’s 17th Amendment — The Direct Election Of Senators: Say goodbye to voting for Senators by popular vote?
Prozac, Arsenic and Beer in Your Turkey? 9 Creepy Things To Know About Your Holiday Meal | Alternet
Prozac, Arsenic and Beer in Your Turkey? 9 Creepy Things To Know About Your Holiday Meal | Alternet
"The extreme production methods used to deliver plump turkeys in time for Thanksgiving are enough to make you lose your appetite."
"The extreme production methods used to deliver plump turkeys in time for Thanksgiving are enough to make you lose your appetite."
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Highly Dangerous Fukushima 4 Fuel Removal Begins Monday | Common Dreams
Highly Dangerous Fukushima 4 Fuel Removal Begins Monday | Common Dreams
"The 1,331 used fuel rod assemblies contain radiation equivalent to 14,000 times the amount released in the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima.
“Full release from the Unit-4 spent fuel pool, without any containment or control, could cause by far the most serious radiological disaster to date,” say independent consultants Mycle Schneider and Antony Froggatt in a recent World Nuclear Industry Status Report."
"The 1,331 used fuel rod assemblies contain radiation equivalent to 14,000 times the amount released in the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima.
“Full release from the Unit-4 spent fuel pool, without any containment or control, could cause by far the most serious radiological disaster to date,” say independent consultants Mycle Schneider and Antony Froggatt in a recent World Nuclear Industry Status Report."
10 Deranged Dispatches From the Right-Wing Wackosphere This Week | Alternet
10 Deranged Dispatches From the Right-Wing Wackosphere This Week | Alternet
"It’s been a busy week for all manner of charlatans, religious and otherwise."
"It’s been a busy week for all manner of charlatans, religious and otherwise."
How Ayn Rand's Idiotic Worldview Makes the Wealthy Feel Good About Themselves | Alternet
How Ayn Rand's Idiotic Worldview Makes the Wealthy Feel Good About Themselves | Alternet
"The appeal of the Randian vision to today’s wealthy is obvious: it puts them back at the center of economic life. They long ago realized that rather than being the beneficent “makers” they had always imagined themselves to be, they were the parasitical “takers” they so despised."
"The appeal of the Randian vision to today’s wealthy is obvious: it puts them back at the center of economic life. They long ago realized that rather than being the beneficent “makers” they had always imagined themselves to be, they were the parasitical “takers” they so despised."
Saturday, November 16, 2013
It's Official: Seattle Elects Socialist to City Council | Common Dreams
It's Official: Seattle Elects Socialist to City Council | Common Dreams
"It's now official: Seattle voters have now elected a socialist and member of the Occupy Seattle movement to the Seattle City Council, favoring a champion of a $15 minimum wage and tax on millionaires over a long-term Democrat incumbent.
Kshama Sawant, a 41-year-old college economics professor and a champion of a $15 minimum wage and tax on millionaires, took a 50.3 percent lead over 16-year incumbent Richard Conlin's 49.4 percent."
"It's now official: Seattle voters have now elected a socialist and member of the Occupy Seattle movement to the Seattle City Council, favoring a champion of a $15 minimum wage and tax on millionaires over a long-term Democrat incumbent.
Kshama Sawant, a 41-year-old college economics professor and a champion of a $15 minimum wage and tax on millionaires, took a 50.3 percent lead over 16-year incumbent Richard Conlin's 49.4 percent."
Boosting Adult Educational Skills Can Grow the Middle Class
www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/news/2013/11/12/79280/boosting-adult-educational-skills-can-grow-the-middle-class/
"An educated workforce is one of the bedrocks of not only the American middle class but also the U.S. economy as a whole."
"An educated workforce is one of the bedrocks of not only the American middle class but also the U.S. economy as a whole."
Bernie Sanders: Republicans Are Making Veterans Go Hungry to Give Tax Cuts to the Rich
www.politicususa.com/2013/11/13/bernie-sanders-republicans-making-veterans-hungry-cutting-food-stamps.html
"With no one else to speak for them, it is up to every American citizen to hold Republicans accountable for their disgraceful treatment of our children, seniors, citizens with disabilities, and our veterans. America’s veterans deserve more, even if Republicans refuse to give it to them."
"With no one else to speak for them, it is up to every American citizen to hold Republicans accountable for their disgraceful treatment of our children, seniors, citizens with disabilities, and our veterans. America’s veterans deserve more, even if Republicans refuse to give it to them."
JP Morgan Chase Learns A Lesson About Twitter
JP Morgan Chase Learns A Lesson About Twitter
"Only on Wall Street would a bank that's about to pay out the biggest settlement in the history of settlements unironically engage the public, expecting ordinary people to sincerely ask one of their top-decision makers for career advice. The notion that this was their idea of reaching out to the public in a moment of public relations crisis – we'll take questions now on how you can become just as successful as us! – was doomed to be hilarious, and it turned out to be that and more."
"Only on Wall Street would a bank that's about to pay out the biggest settlement in the history of settlements unironically engage the public, expecting ordinary people to sincerely ask one of their top-decision makers for career advice. The notion that this was their idea of reaching out to the public in a moment of public relations crisis – we'll take questions now on how you can become just as successful as us! – was doomed to be hilarious, and it turned out to be that and more."
Friday, November 15, 2013
FEC Poised To Give Tea Party Group Disclosure Exemption
FEC Poised To Give Tea Party Group Disclosure Exemption
"Anyone who thinks the Kochs and their compatriots wouldn't use this as their primary avenue for buying elections hasn't been paying close attention to much of anything."
"Anyone who thinks the Kochs and their compatriots wouldn't use this as their primary avenue for buying elections hasn't been paying close attention to much of anything."
Justice Clarence Thomas' Newest Ethics Breach
Justice Clarence Thomas' Newest Ethics Breach
"Justice Thomas has once again graced the Federalist Society with his presence for their annual fundraiser, without shame or apology, along with fellow justices Alito and Scalia. In their minds, this is perfectly fine for them to do because they have cheerfully waived the ethics rules other judges must abide by."
"Justice Thomas has once again graced the Federalist Society with his presence for their annual fundraiser, without shame or apology, along with fellow justices Alito and Scalia. In their minds, this is perfectly fine for them to do because they have cheerfully waived the ethics rules other judges must abide by."
Michele Bachmann Lies, Obamacare Edition
Michele Bachmann Lies, Obamacare Edition
"Just in case there was any doubt, this is really just another day, another Bachmann lie."
"Just in case there was any doubt, this is really just another day, another Bachmann lie."
The 10 Giant Corporations That Have Taken Over Much of Our Economy | Alternet
The 10 Giant Corporations That Have Taken Over Much of Our Economy | Alternet
"There was a time when there was competition in the American marketplace, when one corporation didn't own 200 other companies -- that time is long gone."
"There was a time when there was competition in the American marketplace, when one corporation didn't own 200 other companies -- that time is long gone."
Why A Credit Downgrade For The Biggest Banks Is Great News For Taxpayers
Why A Credit Downgrade For The Biggest Banks Is Great News For Taxpayers: Moody's indicated that big banks have become less safe investments because bailouts are becoming a thing of the past.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Fears Confirmed: Offshore Fracking a Toxic Mess | Common Dreams
Fears Confirmed: Offshore Fracking a Toxic Mess | Common Dreams
"Offshore hydraulic fracturing operations off the coast of California use highly toxic chemicals that are often released directly into water along the state's coast, the Center for Biological Diversity revealed today, calling on the state's Coastal Commission to halt fracking for oil and gas in state waters."
"Offshore hydraulic fracturing operations off the coast of California use highly toxic chemicals that are often released directly into water along the state's coast, the Center for Biological Diversity revealed today, calling on the state's Coastal Commission to halt fracking for oil and gas in state waters."
Koch Brothers’ Americans for Prosperity Spent Record $122 Million In 2012
Koch Brothers’ Americans for Prosperity Spent Record $122 Million In 2012: Americans for Prosperity, the tax-exempt conservative political organization created by oil billionaires David and Charles Koch, spent more in 2012 than in all previous years combined.
Today’s Republicans Really Are More Radical Than Ever
Today’s Republicans Really Are More Radical Than Ever: American reactionaries are more powerful today than they ever have been before. But the true history of their rise also points to their undoing.
CHART: Americans Pay Way More For Health Care Than People In Any Other Affluent Nation
CHART: Americans Pay Way More For Health Care Than People In Any Other Affluent Nation: About 37 percent of Americans didn't see a doctor or fill a prescription because it was too expensive in 2013 -- a significantly higher number than for other well-to-do countries.
Ask J.P. Morgan: When Will You All Go To Jail? | Common Dreams
Ask J.P. Morgan: When Will You All Go To Jail? | Common Dreams
"Annals of Obliviousness: The brilliant minds at J.P. Morgan came up with the idea of a question-and-answer session on Twitter using the hashtag #AskJPM, evidently unaware that everybody hates them."
"Annals of Obliviousness: The brilliant minds at J.P. Morgan came up with the idea of a question-and-answer session on Twitter using the hashtag #AskJPM, evidently unaware that everybody hates them."
Federal Judge Slams DoJ for Not Prosecuting Wall Street Execs | Common Dreams
Federal Judge Slams DoJ for Not Prosecuting Wall Street Execs | Common Dreams
"A federal judge with a history of slamming the regulatory system issued scathing remarks against the Department of Justice on Tuesday for allowing Wall Street executives to escape criminal prosecutions."
"A federal judge with a history of slamming the regulatory system issued scathing remarks against the Department of Justice on Tuesday for allowing Wall Street executives to escape criminal prosecutions."
Career Training For The Unemployed Is Getting Suffocated By Sequestration
Career Training For The Unemployed Is Getting Suffocated By Sequestration: Sequestration means that career training programs can't supply businesses with the skilled workers they need.
The Progressive Electoral Wave of 2013 | The Nation
The Progressive Electoral Wave of 2013 | The Nation
"Americans are sick of balancing budgets on the backs of working people. They’re ready for a more humane politics that insists the wealthiest must pay their fair share, that no one who works full time should live in poverty, and that public services and schools are assets to be protected—not targets ripe for privatization."
"Americans are sick of balancing budgets on the backs of working people. They’re ready for a more humane politics that insists the wealthiest must pay their fair share, that no one who works full time should live in poverty, and that public services and schools are assets to be protected—not targets ripe for privatization."
How One State Protects Taxpayers From Privatization Pitfalls
How One State Protects Taxpayers From Privatization Pitfalls
"This December, Massachusetts can celebrate the 20th anniversary of another important sunshine law - the Pacheco-Menard Law. This law protects the state treasury and infrastructure - and the people of Massachusetts - from looting."
"This December, Massachusetts can celebrate the 20th anniversary of another important sunshine law - the Pacheco-Menard Law. This law protects the state treasury and infrastructure - and the people of Massachusetts - from looting."
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