www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/07/31/3465941/health-concern-epa-hearings/
"In the five minutes he was allotted, Stanley Sturgill spoke to the EPA about how he now suffers from black lung diseases among other respiratory illnesses and how the pollution from coal plants were adversely affecting not only his health, but the public’s too. His plea: "We’re dying, literally dying for you to help us"."
Thursday, July 31, 2014
One image that shows the South really and truly is the region with the most freedom
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/07/30/1317756/-One-image-that-shows-the-South-is-the-region-with-the-most-freedom
"41.5% of the nation's uninsured lived in the South last fall—before Obamacare kicked in—by June the number had risen to 48.9%. Just under half of all uninsured Americans are Southerners. Those in the South and elsewhere who remain free from the tyranny of health insurance coverage can thank their liberty-loving Republican elected officials for rejecting the expansion of Medicaid offered to their states by Obamacare."
"41.5% of the nation's uninsured lived in the South last fall—before Obamacare kicked in—by June the number had risen to 48.9%. Just under half of all uninsured Americans are Southerners. Those in the South and elsewhere who remain free from the tyranny of health insurance coverage can thank their liberty-loving Republican elected officials for rejecting the expansion of Medicaid offered to their states by Obamacare."
In 2014, Colorado Oil And Gas Spills Are Happening Twice A Day
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/07/29/3465290/colorado-oil-gas-spill/
"A Denver Post analysis of Colorado oil and gas spills so far in 2014 reveals that they are happening twice a day "and usually without anyone telling residents"."
"A Denver Post analysis of Colorado oil and gas spills so far in 2014 reveals that they are happening twice a day "and usually without anyone telling residents"."
Frackers Spill Olympic Pool’s Worth Of Hydrochloric Acid In Oklahoma
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/07/31/3466283/olympic-pool-sized-hydrochloric-acid-spill-oklahoma/
"An acid spill on Monday in rural Kingfisher County northwest of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma could turn out to be the largest spill “in relation to fracking materials” in the state according to an Oklahoma Corporation Commission spokesman."
"An acid spill on Monday in rural Kingfisher County northwest of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma could turn out to be the largest spill “in relation to fracking materials” in the state according to an Oklahoma Corporation Commission spokesman."
Why The Koch Brothers Are So Interested In Who Becomes The Next Attorney General Of Colorado
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/07/31/3466357/colorado-ag-energy-koch/
"Probably not coincidentally, Coffman is a staunch supporter of the oil and gas industry who has vowed to use the position to protect the rights of frackers and drillers."
"Probably not coincidentally, Coffman is a staunch supporter of the oil and gas industry who has vowed to use the position to protect the rights of frackers and drillers."
Obama To Republicans: 'Stop Just Hating All The Time!'
Obama To Republicans: 'Stop Just Hating All The Time!'
"This is such wise advice. It's a pity it will never happen. The best thing to come of this would be a voter surge in November that tosses the Republican obstructionist bums out."
"This is such wise advice. It's a pity it will never happen. The best thing to come of this would be a voter surge in November that tosses the Republican obstructionist bums out."
Connecticut Republican to factory workers: It's your fault this factory is closing
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/07/31/1317833/-Connecticut-gubernatorial-candidate-to-factory-workers-It-s-your-fault-this-factory-is-closing
"And suddenly, without explanation, OpenGate Financial announced the mill would be closing. But, why? Because OpenGate Financial decided to sell all of the equipment to the largest competitor, thereby shrinking the competition. If this all sounds familiar, it is because these are exactly the type of stomach-churning tactics used by Bain Capital and the Mitt Romney's of the world."
"And suddenly, without explanation, OpenGate Financial announced the mill would be closing. But, why? Because OpenGate Financial decided to sell all of the equipment to the largest competitor, thereby shrinking the competition. If this all sounds familiar, it is because these are exactly the type of stomach-churning tactics used by Bain Capital and the Mitt Romney's of the world."
ALEC Offshoot Takes Aim at Local Government
ALEC Offshoot Takes Aim at Local Government
"The creation of ACCE comes as national corporate and ideological interests increasingly try to exert influence over municipal government. For example, over the past year, David Koch's Americans for Prosperity has spent money on the mayoral race in Coralville, Iowa, the Board of Supervisors election in Iron County, Wisconsin, and school board elections in Douglas County, Colorado and Kenosha, Wisconsin."
"The creation of ACCE comes as national corporate and ideological interests increasingly try to exert influence over municipal government. For example, over the past year, David Koch's Americans for Prosperity has spent money on the mayoral race in Coralville, Iowa, the Board of Supervisors election in Iron County, Wisconsin, and school board elections in Douglas County, Colorado and Kenosha, Wisconsin."
Doomsday Trigger for Megadrought?
Doomsday Trigger for Megadrought?
"According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map released on Tuesday, more than 58 percent of California is in an "exceptional drought" stage. That's up a staggering 22 percent from last week's report."
"According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map released on Tuesday, more than 58 percent of California is in an "exceptional drought" stage. That's up a staggering 22 percent from last week's report."
Executive Order Protects Workers and Supports Law-Abiding Contractors
www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/labor/news/2014/07/31/94923/executive-order-protects-workers-and-supports-law-abiding-contractors/
"Today President Barack Obama will sign an executive order to crack down on contractors that don’t comply with workplace laws. The order—based on successful best practices from both the public and private sectors—will help protect the more than one in five Americans who are employed by companies with federal contracts, prevent the waste of taxpayer dollars, and allow law-abiding companies to compete on a fair playing field for government contracts."
"Today President Barack Obama will sign an executive order to crack down on contractors that don’t comply with workplace laws. The order—based on successful best practices from both the public and private sectors—will help protect the more than one in five Americans who are employed by companies with federal contracts, prevent the waste of taxpayer dollars, and allow law-abiding companies to compete on a fair playing field for government contracts."
GOP Self Destructs As Boehner Won’t Let Republicans Leave Until They Pass Border Bill
www.politicususa.com/2014/07/31/gop-destructs-boehner-republicans-leave-pass-border-bill.html
"After trying to blame Obama for their inability to pass legislation, Speaker Boehner and the House Republican leadership moved on to Plan B, which is to not let House Republicans go on vacation until he gets his way. The border bill has turned into yet another Republican caused train wreck.
The Republican Party is not fit to govern. They keep proving this point by failing to complete even the most basic tasks associated with legislating. Lawsuits against the president can’t conceal the fact that this is the worst Congress in modern history."
"After trying to blame Obama for their inability to pass legislation, Speaker Boehner and the House Republican leadership moved on to Plan B, which is to not let House Republicans go on vacation until he gets his way. The border bill has turned into yet another Republican caused train wreck.
The Republican Party is not fit to govern. They keep proving this point by failing to complete even the most basic tasks associated with legislating. Lawsuits against the president can’t conceal the fact that this is the worst Congress in modern history."
House Republicans jam Senate on transportation bill
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/07/31/1318144/-House-Republicans-jam-Senate-on-transportation-nbsp-bill
"House Republicans are just having a bang-up day in spending a lot of time and taxpayer money in hanging around on the House floor and making sure that no governing actually happen before they leave for five weeks for recess. While leadership was first killing and then trying to resurrect its version of a border assistance bill, they also managed to jam up the Senate—also in its last day of work before recess—on the highway trust fund transportation funding bill."
"House Republicans are just having a bang-up day in spending a lot of time and taxpayer money in hanging around on the House floor and making sure that no governing actually happen before they leave for five weeks for recess. While leadership was first killing and then trying to resurrect its version of a border assistance bill, they also managed to jam up the Senate—also in its last day of work before recess—on the highway trust fund transportation funding bill."
Obama to sign executive order requiring federal contractors to obey labor laws
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/07/31/1318015/-Obama-to-sign-executive-order-requiring-federal-contractors-to-obey-labor-laws
"the new executive order will require companies seeking federal contracts of $500,000 or more to disclose their recent violations of a host of labor laws, including minimum wage and overtime, civil rights, safety and health, and other protections. "The most egregious violations," and especially repeat offenders, will then be taken into consideration in awarding contracts."
"the new executive order will require companies seeking federal contracts of $500,000 or more to disclose their recent violations of a host of labor laws, including minimum wage and overtime, civil rights, safety and health, and other protections. "The most egregious violations," and especially repeat offenders, will then be taken into consideration in awarding contracts."
Koch-backed seniors group low-balling election spending?
www.publicintegrity.org/2014/07/30/15163/koch-backed-seniors-group-low-balling-election-spending
"The 60 Plus Association — a nonprofit senior citizen advocacy group funded largely by billionaire businessmen Charles and David Koch’s conservative political network — appears to have vastly understated its level of election spending on federal tax filings, a Center for Public Integrity review of documents indicates."
"The 60 Plus Association — a nonprofit senior citizen advocacy group funded largely by billionaire businessmen Charles and David Koch’s conservative political network — appears to have vastly understated its level of election spending on federal tax filings, a Center for Public Integrity review of documents indicates."
GOP Candidate Michael Peroutka Fails To Shake Extremist Label With ‘Not a Racist’ Press Conference | Right Wing Watch
GOP Candidate Michael Peroutka Fails To Shake Extremist Label With ‘Not a Racist’ Press Conference | Right Wing Watch
"But if the press conference was meant to dispel the notion that Peroutka is an extremist, it failed miserably. Peroutka repeatedly refused to disavow the League of the South, on whose board he has sat. He would not say it was a mistake to have called Dixie the national anthem at a League of the South convention. And he refused, in spite of repeated questions, to disavow the idea that the southern states should secede."
"But if the press conference was meant to dispel the notion that Peroutka is an extremist, it failed miserably. Peroutka repeatedly refused to disavow the League of the South, on whose board he has sat. He would not say it was a mistake to have called Dixie the national anthem at a League of the South convention. And he refused, in spite of repeated questions, to disavow the idea that the southern states should secede."
FreedomWorks Has Millions Of Reasons To Repeal The ACA
FreedomWorks Has Millions Of Reasons To Repeal The ACA
"Hey, Justice Scalia, I'm sure glad money in politics doesn't corrupt people. Oh, wait.
Andy Kroll at Mother Jones has a report on leaked documents showing the cozy relationship between Freedomworks and the owners of Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
Freedomworks, as you might recall, bills themselves as a small donor 'grassroots' organization. They're anything but that."
"Hey, Justice Scalia, I'm sure glad money in politics doesn't corrupt people. Oh, wait.
Andy Kroll at Mother Jones has a report on leaked documents showing the cozy relationship between Freedomworks and the owners of Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
Freedomworks, as you might recall, bills themselves as a small donor 'grassroots' organization. They're anything but that."
Vote Cancelled On Border Crisis Bill; GOP Tells Obama To Act Alone
Vote Cancelled On Border Crisis Bill; GOP Tells Obama To Act Alone
"One day after authorizing a lawsuit against President Obama for taking executive action, Speaker Boehner yanked the border crisis bill from the floor as House Republicans issued a statement calling for the President to act on his own."
"One day after authorizing a lawsuit against President Obama for taking executive action, Speaker Boehner yanked the border crisis bill from the floor as House Republicans issued a statement calling for the President to act on his own."
Does NASA's Data Show Doomsday for New York City?
Does NASA's Data Show Doomsday for New York City?
"Unfortunately, we don't live in a sane world. We live in a world dominated by a fossil fuel industry that owns half of Washington and pretty much the entire Republican Party."
"Unfortunately, we don't live in a sane world. We live in a world dominated by a fossil fuel industry that owns half of Washington and pretty much the entire Republican Party."
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Want to kick Rep. Steve King out of office? Help us elect Jim Mowrer
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/07/29/1317586/-Want-to-kick-Rep-Steve-King-out-of-office-Help-us-elect-Jim-Mowrer
"Iowa would be doing a service to the entire nation to replace King with Jim Mowrer, an Iraq war veteran who returned to work at the Pentagon after his active service in the National Guard. He's an award-winning civil servant, in fact, having received the "Outstanding Civilian Service Award," the third-highest honor a civilian can get for helping increase the efficiency of the Army. Now that's an achievement."
"Iowa would be doing a service to the entire nation to replace King with Jim Mowrer, an Iraq war veteran who returned to work at the Pentagon after his active service in the National Guard. He's an award-winning civil servant, in fact, having received the "Outstanding Civilian Service Award," the third-highest honor a civilian can get for helping increase the efficiency of the Army. Now that's an achievement."
ALEC Agenda: Gutting Medicaid, Privatizing Schools, Exports
ALEC Agenda: Gutting Medicaid, Privatizing Schools, Exports
"At this largest of its three annual national conferences, state legislators from across the country will meet with corporate and special interest lobbyists behind closed doors to vote on "model" legislation to change state laws."
"At this largest of its three annual national conferences, state legislators from across the country will meet with corporate and special interest lobbyists behind closed doors to vote on "model" legislation to change state laws."
Lender That Preyed Upon 17,000 Military Men And Women Must Forgive Debts, Quit Business
www.thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/07/30/3465713/cfpb-military-debt-collectors-settlement/
"A predatory lender that targeted American sailors, soldiers, airmen, and Marines will forgive $92 million in debts thanks to a joint investigation by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and 13 state attorneys general. The company and its founders are banned for life from consumer lending of all kinds."
"A predatory lender that targeted American sailors, soldiers, airmen, and Marines will forgive $92 million in debts thanks to a joint investigation by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and 13 state attorneys general. The company and its founders are banned for life from consumer lending of all kinds."
Senate Republicans Vote Against American Jobs By Blocking Bill To End Outsourcing Tax Breaks
www.politicususa.com/2014/07/30/senate-republicans-vote-american-jobs-blocking-bill-outsourcing-tax-breaks.html
"Senate Republicans blocked a bill today that would potentially bring millions of jobs back to the United States by refusing to end tax breaks for companies who outsource jobs."
"Senate Republicans blocked a bill today that would potentially bring millions of jobs back to the United States by refusing to end tax breaks for companies who outsource jobs."
Republicans Stall On Pope Francis Recognition Because He "Sounds Like Obama"
Republicans Stall On Pope Francis Recognition Because He "Sounds Like Obama"
"Formal recognition by the House has stalled because Republicans worry Pope Francis sounds "too liberal". Yeah. Really."
"Formal recognition by the House has stalled because Republicans worry Pope Francis sounds "too liberal". Yeah. Really."
Utility Trade Group Funds ALEC Attack on Americans Using Solar
Utility Trade Group Funds ALEC Attack on Americans Using Solar
"Through ALEC's bill and campaign, the group has been pushing changes to state laws that would increase costs for homeowners with solar who sell excess energy back to the grid, known as “net metering.”
"Through ALEC's bill and campaign, the group has been pushing changes to state laws that would increase costs for homeowners with solar who sell excess energy back to the grid, known as “net metering.”
Leaked Docs: How a Secret FreedomWorks Donor Sought a Return on Its "Investments"
www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/07/freedomworks-switzerland-richard-stephenson-matt-kibbe
"Richard Stephenson, who founded CTCA in 1988, is a longtime supporter of libertarian causes. Described by a former FreedomWorks employee as "hard core" and a "true believer," Stephenson served on the board of Citizens for a Sound Economy, a corporate-funded advocacy group co-founded by the Koch brothers that fought the Clinton administration's health care reform plan and other initiatives. In 2003, due to internal bickering, Citizens for a Sound Economy split in two. The Kochs broke off to form Americans for Prosperity, and Stephenson, former House majority leader Dick Armey, and the libertarian activist Matt Kibbe launched FreedomWorks."
"Richard Stephenson, who founded CTCA in 1988, is a longtime supporter of libertarian causes. Described by a former FreedomWorks employee as "hard core" and a "true believer," Stephenson served on the board of Citizens for a Sound Economy, a corporate-funded advocacy group co-founded by the Koch brothers that fought the Clinton administration's health care reform plan and other initiatives. In 2003, due to internal bickering, Citizens for a Sound Economy split in two. The Kochs broke off to form Americans for Prosperity, and Stephenson, former House majority leader Dick Armey, and the libertarian activist Matt Kibbe launched FreedomWorks."
Fox Host Claims Conservatives Aren't Talking About Impeachment 12 Days After One Called For Impeachment On His Show
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/07/29/fox-host-claims-conservatives-arent-talking-abo/200235
"Fox & Friends co-host Steve Doocy displayed a striking disregard for reality, claiming that conservatives are "not talking about" impeaching President Obama while failing to note that just days ago, Fox's Andrew Napolitano called for impeachment on the same show."
"Fox & Friends co-host Steve Doocy displayed a striking disregard for reality, claiming that conservatives are "not talking about" impeaching President Obama while failing to note that just days ago, Fox's Andrew Napolitano called for impeachment on the same show."
Fox News’ “War on Christianity”: How right-wing hacks created a sect of victims
Fox News’ “War on Christianity”: How right-wing hacks created a sect of victims
"The claims of religious persecution are laughable even on cursory examination, but this slice of American self-delusion can no longer be ignored. The manufactured war on Christians provides cover for fundamentalist to perpetrate actual discrimination, against gay people, religious minorities and women."
"The claims of religious persecution are laughable even on cursory examination, but this slice of American self-delusion can no longer be ignored. The manufactured war on Christians provides cover for fundamentalist to perpetrate actual discrimination, against gay people, religious minorities and women."
Iowa’s Joni Ernst: The Todd Akin of 2014?
Iowa’s Joni Ernst: The Todd Akin of 2014?
"Bottom line: States can’t nullify federal laws. It’s unconstitutional."
"Bottom line: States can’t nullify federal laws. It’s unconstitutional."
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Alabama state officials: We won’t comply with the EPA because God gave us coal
Alabama state officials: We won’t comply with the EPA because God gave us coal
"Alabama state officials say that EPA carbon standards violate God's law. Seriously."
"Alabama state officials say that EPA carbon standards violate God's law. Seriously."
Texas GOP’s platform is an Ayn Randian fever dream
Texas GOP’s platform is an Ayn Randian fever dream
"we give you the official 2014 platform of the Republican Party of Texas, 40 pages of unrestrained, right-wing bluster against you name it — women, minorities, immigrants, Muslims, gays, Obamacare, the Internal Revenue Service, red light cameras, the EPA, the World Bank, vaccinations — well, you get the picture. In the spirit of the Alamo, this is a work straight out of the 19th century with no option for surrender."
"we give you the official 2014 platform of the Republican Party of Texas, 40 pages of unrestrained, right-wing bluster against you name it — women, minorities, immigrants, Muslims, gays, Obamacare, the Internal Revenue Service, red light cameras, the EPA, the World Bank, vaccinations — well, you get the picture. In the spirit of the Alamo, this is a work straight out of the 19th century with no option for surrender."
Songbirds Dying From DDT in Michigan Yards
Songbirds Dying From DDT in Michigan Yards
"The birds’ brains contained concentrations of DDE, a breakdown product of DDT, from 155 to 1,043 parts per million, with an average of 552. “Thirty in the brain is the threshold for acute death,” Zwiernik said. “All the birds exceeded that by at least two- or three-fold, and many by much more than that.” Twelve of the 29 birds had brain lesions or liver abnormalities."
"The birds’ brains contained concentrations of DDE, a breakdown product of DDT, from 155 to 1,043 parts per million, with an average of 552. “Thirty in the brain is the threshold for acute death,” Zwiernik said. “All the birds exceeded that by at least two- or three-fold, and many by much more than that.” Twelve of the 29 birds had brain lesions or liver abnormalities."
Is the Future of the Planet in ALEC's Secret Hands?
Is the Future of the Planet in ALEC's Secret Hands?
"If want to have any chance of saving the human race from the greatest threat it has ever faced, then we need to start putting public interests ahead of corporate interests, and the only way we can do that is by getting money out of politics.
We need to amend the Constitution, to say that money is not speech, and that corporations are not people."
"If want to have any chance of saving the human race from the greatest threat it has ever faced, then we need to start putting public interests ahead of corporate interests, and the only way we can do that is by getting money out of politics.
We need to amend the Constitution, to say that money is not speech, and that corporations are not people."
Legislators, Corporations Gather For Secret Meeting Against Clean Energy And You’re Not Invited
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/07/28/3461743/alec-annual-meeting-energy-climate/
"Going into their annual meeting in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday, ALEC — the secretive organization that brings together conservative politicians and major corporate interests — is looking to recalibrate their approach to repealing or obstructing a range of clean energy initiatives after a year of state-level defeats."
"Going into their annual meeting in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday, ALEC — the secretive organization that brings together conservative politicians and major corporate interests — is looking to recalibrate their approach to repealing or obstructing a range of clean energy initiatives after a year of state-level defeats."
People Living In The South Have Shorter, Sicker Life Expectancies Than Other Americans
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/07/28/3464905/disparities-southern-poverty-belt/
"The trend is obvious throughout what has been dubbed the “poverty belt,” where more than one in three people live in high-poverty areas"
"The trend is obvious throughout what has been dubbed the “poverty belt,” where more than one in three people live in high-poverty areas"
Shocker! Koch Youth Group Backs Koch Politician Signing Koch-Approved ALEC Bill
Shocker! Koch Youth Group Backs Koch Politician Signing Koch-Approved ALEC Bill
"In 2012, Gen Opp received $5 million from Freedom Partners, a key part of the Koch political apparatus which raised some $256 million for the 2012 election cycle from deep pocketed donors many of whom have donated a million dollars or more to the Koch network in response to appeals from the Kochs at their donor retreats. It was almost a year after that election that tax filings first revealed the existence of Freedom Partners, which is stocked with Koch operatives, had bankrolled almost the entirety of the "grassroots" opposition to "Obamacare." Gen Opp also received over $2 million from TC4 Trust another Koch-tied conduit in 2012."
"In 2012, Gen Opp received $5 million from Freedom Partners, a key part of the Koch political apparatus which raised some $256 million for the 2012 election cycle from deep pocketed donors many of whom have donated a million dollars or more to the Koch network in response to appeals from the Kochs at their donor retreats. It was almost a year after that election that tax filings first revealed the existence of Freedom Partners, which is stocked with Koch operatives, had bankrolled almost the entirety of the "grassroots" opposition to "Obamacare." Gen Opp also received over $2 million from TC4 Trust another Koch-tied conduit in 2012."
Chris Christie Brags About Being 'The Decider'
Chris Christie Brags About Being 'The Decider'
"Newark voters elected Mayor Ras Baraka knowing full well he is a huge proponent of public education. One might infer that they, too, are supporters of public education.
Chris Christie, on the other hand, has done everything in his power to break the public school systems. From promoting charter schools to vouchers, he walks the typical Republican line when it comes to his vision for schools."
"Newark voters elected Mayor Ras Baraka knowing full well he is a huge proponent of public education. One might infer that they, too, are supporters of public education.
Chris Christie, on the other hand, has done everything in his power to break the public school systems. From promoting charter schools to vouchers, he walks the typical Republican line when it comes to his vision for schools."
Here's what Mitch McConnell wants to repeal from his home state
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/07/28/1317335/-Here-s-what-Mitch-McConnell-wants-to-repeal-from-his-home-state
"take a look at what Kentucky's uninsurance rates looked like before Obamacare—all the red areas are 17 percent or higher"
"take a look at what Kentucky's uninsurance rates looked like before Obamacare—all the red areas are 17 percent or higher"
Stop The Presses, House Republicans Ready To Govern Now!
Stop The Presses, House Republicans Ready To Govern Now!
"Keep in mind, this serious attempt at a week's worth of governing will come in the same week where they authorize Boehner to sue the President for enforcing a law they've voted to repeal over 50 times in the last four years."
"Keep in mind, this serious attempt at a week's worth of governing will come in the same week where they authorize Boehner to sue the President for enforcing a law they've voted to repeal over 50 times in the last four years."
Monday, July 28, 2014
GOP Mayor Walks From North Carolina To Washington, DC To Fight For Medicaid
GOP Mayor Walks From North Carolina To Washington, DC To Fight For Medicaid
"This week we're going to hear a lot about Paul Ryan's sudden conversion from shamer of the poors to pretend advocate for the poors. But he's just window-dressing. The real work is being done in the streets, by a North Carolina mayor."
"This week we're going to hear a lot about Paul Ryan's sudden conversion from shamer of the poors to pretend advocate for the poors. But he's just window-dressing. The real work is being done in the streets, by a North Carolina mayor."
GOPer Asks Secessionists To Rise For 'National Anthem,' And Then Sings 'Dixie' Instead
GOPer Asks Secessionists To Rise For 'National Anthem,' And Then Sings 'Dixie' Instead
"Video has surfaced of a Maryland Republican nominee for Anne Arundel County Council singing "Dixie" as the national anthem at a secession conference in Alabama."
"Video has surfaced of a Maryland Republican nominee for Anne Arundel County Council singing "Dixie" as the national anthem at a secession conference in Alabama."
5 Myths The Koch Brothers Want Millennials To Believe About Obamacare
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/07/28/3464433/koch-carnival-obamacare/
"In order to dissuade young people from participating in Obamacare, the Care-nival was riddled with misleading facts that often cited Freedom Works, another Koch-funded group."
"In order to dissuade young people from participating in Obamacare, the Care-nival was riddled with misleading facts that often cited Freedom Works, another Koch-funded group."
GOP’s 30-year spin job is over: Why we are not a center-right nation
GOP’s 30-year spin job is over: Why we are <em>not</em> a center-right nation
"The tendency of the American public to vote based upon party or cultural identification rather than objective policy preferences creates a situation where almost half of our political representation in the federal government supports policies that are supported by only a tiny minority of the total population; this is what has led Congress to have a 13 percent approval rating, up slightly from when it cratered to 9 percent in late 2013."
"The tendency of the American public to vote based upon party or cultural identification rather than objective policy preferences creates a situation where almost half of our political representation in the federal government supports policies that are supported by only a tiny minority of the total population; this is what has led Congress to have a 13 percent approval rating, up slightly from when it cratered to 9 percent in late 2013."
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Here's What Happened to One State After its Republican Governor Implemented an Extreme Tax Cutting "Experiment"
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/heres-what-happened-one-state-after-its-republican-governor-implemented-extreme
"Today, the fruits of Brownback's experiment include a state budget deficit of nearly $340 million this year; a decision by Moody's to lower the rating on Kansas bonds; a growing gap in education funding at every level, from kindergarten through college; a ruinous reduction in state and local workforces across the state; and a future that promises even larger deficits and service cutbacks to come."
"Today, the fruits of Brownback's experiment include a state budget deficit of nearly $340 million this year; a decision by Moody's to lower the rating on Kansas bonds; a growing gap in education funding at every level, from kindergarten through college; a ruinous reduction in state and local workforces across the state; and a future that promises even larger deficits and service cutbacks to come."
Ethnic Studies is not racist. But guess who is?
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/07/27/1316184/-Ethnic-Studies-is-not-racist-But-guess-who-is
"This guy. John Huppenthal. An elected Republican official, currently running for re-election in Arizona. What's worse than his just being a garden-variety bigot is that he is the Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, who was elected in 2010, and is a former state senator and state representative."
"This guy. John Huppenthal. An elected Republican official, currently running for re-election in Arizona. What's worse than his just being a garden-variety bigot is that he is the Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, who was elected in 2010, and is a former state senator and state representative."
10 Ways Conservatives Don’t Act Anything Like Christians
www.forwardprogressives.com/10-ways-conservatives-dont-act-anything-like-christians/
"I’m not quite sure how you call yourself a “Christian” while supporting a political party that vilifies poor people as lazy moochers seeking a handout."
"I’m not quite sure how you call yourself a “Christian” while supporting a political party that vilifies poor people as lazy moochers seeking a handout."
Saturday, July 26, 2014
The Nation’s Highways Are Shot
www.politicususa.com/2014/07/26/nations-highways-shot.html
"The longer this thing gets politically batted around by the anti-tax, anti-fed, hypnotized, sell-out, pro-billionaire red states, the more it’s going to cost to repair our roads and build new ones in the future. I would guess, and it’s only a guess, that in ten years, the prices of everything included in repair and new highway builds will double. Somewhere, sometime, somebody is going to have to pay the piper.
Loopholes cost America $600 billion in taxes domestically every year. Worldwide, $21 trillion is being hidden offshore. And that number comes from Forbes. In our incentives and no-tax lust to attract lousy paying jobs from anti-union, enormously greedy big name companies, we’re ruining America."
"The longer this thing gets politically batted around by the anti-tax, anti-fed, hypnotized, sell-out, pro-billionaire red states, the more it’s going to cost to repair our roads and build new ones in the future. I would guess, and it’s only a guess, that in ten years, the prices of everything included in repair and new highway builds will double. Somewhere, sometime, somebody is going to have to pay the piper.
Loopholes cost America $600 billion in taxes domestically every year. Worldwide, $21 trillion is being hidden offshore. And that number comes from Forbes. In our incentives and no-tax lust to attract lousy paying jobs from anti-union, enormously greedy big name companies, we’re ruining America."
The Ryan Budget in Sheep’s Clothing?
www.americanprogress.org/issues/poverty/news/2014/07/24/94460/the-ryan-budget-in-sheeps-clothing/
"For the past four years, Rep. Ryan has set forth budgets that get approximately two-thirds of their cuts from programs that help low- and moderate-income families. His most recent iteration, released in April 2014, would turn Medicare into a voucher, cause more than 40 million people to lose their health care coverage, kick up to 10 million people off of nutrition assistance, and starve the part of the budget that funds education, child care, the Head Start program, worker training, and housing. These savings would go toward financing new tax cuts primarily for millionaires and large corporations."
"For the past four years, Rep. Ryan has set forth budgets that get approximately two-thirds of their cuts from programs that help low- and moderate-income families. His most recent iteration, released in April 2014, would turn Medicare into a voucher, cause more than 40 million people to lose their health care coverage, kick up to 10 million people off of nutrition assistance, and starve the part of the budget that funds education, child care, the Head Start program, worker training, and housing. These savings would go toward financing new tax cuts primarily for millionaires and large corporations."
The USAF Prepares to Cry Havoc and Let Slip the Dogs of Fundamentalist Christian Proselytizing War
The USAF Prepares to Cry Havoc and Let Slip the Dogs of Fundamentalist Christian Proselytizing War
"Would the United States Air Force sooner throw the basic religious rights of Air Force personnel into a stinking garbage heap than "court controversy" with Tea Party bigots and religious extremists in the United States Congress and their incestuous gangs of fundamentalist Christian, parasitic parachurch organizations like the Family Research Council (FRC), the American Family Association (AFA), Focus on the Family (FOF) and the Officers Christian Fellowship (OCF) to name only a few of these rapaciously religious extremist entities?
Sadly, telltale signs of dubious, constitutional queasiness and pathetically faux ambivalence by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III have clearly revealed that this may well be the case. The floodgates of state-sponsored evangelizing/proselytizing and fundamentalist Christian supremacy, exceptionalism and primacy by newly emboldened "Hobby Lobby"-style Christian fundamentalists within the Air Force are set to literally fly open, with devastating effect."
"Would the United States Air Force sooner throw the basic religious rights of Air Force personnel into a stinking garbage heap than "court controversy" with Tea Party bigots and religious extremists in the United States Congress and their incestuous gangs of fundamentalist Christian, parasitic parachurch organizations like the Family Research Council (FRC), the American Family Association (AFA), Focus on the Family (FOF) and the Officers Christian Fellowship (OCF) to name only a few of these rapaciously religious extremist entities?
Sadly, telltale signs of dubious, constitutional queasiness and pathetically faux ambivalence by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III have clearly revealed that this may well be the case. The floodgates of state-sponsored evangelizing/proselytizing and fundamentalist Christian supremacy, exceptionalism and primacy by newly emboldened "Hobby Lobby"-style Christian fundamentalists within the Air Force are set to literally fly open, with devastating effect."
Mark Cuban: If You Sell Your Company To Save On Taxes, I'm Selling Your Stock
Mark Cuban: If You Sell Your Company To Save On Taxes, I'm Selling Your Stock
"Good for him. Let's see how many more millionaires and billionaires support him"
"Good for him. Let's see how many more millionaires and billionaires support him"
Bernie Sanders: Paying For Veterans Should Also Be A Cost Of War
Bernie Sanders: Paying For Veterans Should Also Be A Cost Of War
"Rachel Maddow talks to Sen. Bernie Sanders about the House Republicans and their continued obstruction in passing the bipartisan legislation to come out of the Senate addressing the problems with the VA."
"Rachel Maddow talks to Sen. Bernie Sanders about the House Republicans and their continued obstruction in passing the bipartisan legislation to come out of the Senate addressing the problems with the VA."
Paul Ryan Continues To Pretend He Gives A Damn About The Poor
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/07/25/paul-ryan-poverty/
"The idea that Paul Ryan is serious about helping the poor is about as unserious as it gets."
"The idea that Paul Ryan is serious about helping the poor is about as unserious as it gets."
Shocker! Koch Youth Group Backs Koch Politician Signing Koch-Approved ALEC Bill
Shocker! Koch Youth Group Backs Koch Politician Signing Koch-Approved ALEC Bill
"Federal data puts Wisconsin in the 37th spot of all 50 states for new job creation and dead last among its Midwestern neighbors in job creation.
But the facts haven't stopped the Koch spin machine. Koch's American's for Prosperity Group recently spent nearly $900,000 on another round of TV ads sticking to their old mantra regarding the Walker agenda -- "It's Working!" after spending millions on the same message during Walker's 2012 recall election. And, a Koch-controlled foundation helped underwrite ALEC's "Rich States, Poor States" report which pumped up Wisconsin's purported economic grade despite the state's actually dismal economic performance. In 2010, Koch Industries PAC contributed $43,000 to Walker's campaign directly.
Wisconsinites who've had the misfortune of living through Walker's divisive and ineffective economic policies, were quick to respond to the Gen Opp spin with snark, facts and outrage"
"Federal data puts Wisconsin in the 37th spot of all 50 states for new job creation and dead last among its Midwestern neighbors in job creation.
But the facts haven't stopped the Koch spin machine. Koch's American's for Prosperity Group recently spent nearly $900,000 on another round of TV ads sticking to their old mantra regarding the Walker agenda -- "It's Working!" after spending millions on the same message during Walker's 2012 recall election. And, a Koch-controlled foundation helped underwrite ALEC's "Rich States, Poor States" report which pumped up Wisconsin's purported economic grade despite the state's actually dismal economic performance. In 2010, Koch Industries PAC contributed $43,000 to Walker's campaign directly.
Wisconsinites who've had the misfortune of living through Walker's divisive and ineffective economic policies, were quick to respond to the Gen Opp spin with snark, facts and outrage"
Friday, July 25, 2014
GOP Madness Surfaces in Texas
www.consortiumnews.com/2014/07/23/gop-madness-surfaces-in-texas/
"The Tea Party extremism boiling from beneath the Republican Party bubbled to the top in the GOP’s Texas state platform revealing ugly bigotries and a frantic know-nothing-ism"
"The Tea Party extremism boiling from beneath the Republican Party bubbled to the top in the GOP’s Texas state platform revealing ugly bigotries and a frantic know-nothing-ism"
Most Female Voters Say They Won’t Support Politicians Who Back Hobby Lobby
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/07/25/3464343/female-voters-hobby-lobby-candidates/
"Some GOP candidates have already run into tight spots attempting to avoid going on the record as supporting Hobby Lobby. Scott Brown, who is running for a Senate seat in New Hampshire, reportedly “took shelter in the bathroom” last week to avoid answering a reporter’s questions about his opinion on the Supreme Court’s ruling."
"Some GOP candidates have already run into tight spots attempting to avoid going on the record as supporting Hobby Lobby. Scott Brown, who is running for a Senate seat in New Hampshire, reportedly “took shelter in the bathroom” last week to avoid answering a reporter’s questions about his opinion on the Supreme Court’s ruling."
Crazy Bigoted Republican Will Replace Crazy Bigoted GOP Congressman In Georgia
www.politicususa.com/2014/07/23/crazy-bigoted-republican-replace-crazy-bigoted-gop-congressman-georgia.html
"Congratulations, Georgia’s 10th District, for keeping the crazy alive and well in Congress."
"Congratulations, Georgia’s 10th District, for keeping the crazy alive and well in Congress."
Likely Georgia Congressman Thinks Women Should Get Husbands’ Permission Before Entering Politics
www.thinkprogress.org/election/2014/07/23/3463175/georgia-jody-hice/
"Hice argued that women should receive permission from their husband before running for office. “If the woman’s within the authority of her husband, I don’t see a problem,” Hice said."
"Hice argued that women should receive permission from their husband before running for office. “If the woman’s within the authority of her husband, I don’t see a problem,” Hice said."
The World Congress Of Families’ Terrifying Vision For Women, Part One: Rape Is Imaginary?
www.twocare.org/the-world-congress-of-families-terrifying-vision-for-women-part-one-rape-is-imaginary/
"What’s important to note is that the World Congress of Families is a large conglomeration of organizations, with each member bringing its own special brand of wingnuttery to the table."
"What’s important to note is that the World Congress of Families is a large conglomeration of organizations, with each member bringing its own special brand of wingnuttery to the table."
Rifle-toting birthers at JFK murder site rebuke ‘foreigners’ and ‘sexually-charged’ women
www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/07/23/rifle-toting-birthers-at-jfk-murder-site-rebuke-foreigners-and-sexually-charged-women/
"Documents displayed by the demonstrators include information about New York Pastor James David Manning, who has criticized President Barack Obama for releasing “the homo demons,” and who also believes that Jesus would “stone” LGBT people to death."
"Documents displayed by the demonstrators include information about New York Pastor James David Manning, who has criticized President Barack Obama for releasing “the homo demons,” and who also believes that Jesus would “stone” LGBT people to death."
John C. Wright: Women Must ‘Obey’ Their Husbands Because Men Are Christ-Like
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/07/24/john-c-wright-sexism/
"Wright’s Neanderthal view of gender is hardly atypical for conservatives and is the core of the right’s war on women’s rights. The idea that women should be equal to men in our society is terrifying to them. The reasons for this are numerous and a topic for another time but the fact remains that the right, especially the religious right, is openly hostile to progress for women."
"Wright’s Neanderthal view of gender is hardly atypical for conservatives and is the core of the right’s war on women’s rights. The idea that women should be equal to men in our society is terrifying to them. The reasons for this are numerous and a topic for another time but the fact remains that the right, especially the religious right, is openly hostile to progress for women."
Republican Accused of Sexually Assaulting Aide, Pays Lawyers With Campaign Funds
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/07/24/republican-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-aide-pays-lawyers-with-campaign-funds/
"Campaign finance reports from have revealed that campaign donations to Republican State Legislator Bill Kramer of Wisconsin have been siphoned into a legal fund to battle sexual assault charges made against him."
"Campaign finance reports from have revealed that campaign donations to Republican State Legislator Bill Kramer of Wisconsin have been siphoned into a legal fund to battle sexual assault charges made against him."
House Republican Hearing On The Harmful Impact of Obamacare Completely Backfires
www.politicususa.com/2014/07/24/house-republican-hearing-harmful-impact-obamacare-completely-backfires.html
"Republicans repeatedly called Obamacare a raid on Medicare despite the fact that their own experts, who were sitting right in front of them, disagreed. The scene was surreal. Republicans kept discussing how Obamacare is destroying Medicare while ignoring the facts that were being presented to them at their own hearing.
The hearing itself was another waste of time and money as House Republicans continue to try to convince the American people that affordable access to healthcare is a bad thing.
Republicans may have lost the battle and the war, but they are never going to stop lying about Obamacare."
"Republicans repeatedly called Obamacare a raid on Medicare despite the fact that their own experts, who were sitting right in front of them, disagreed. The scene was surreal. Republicans kept discussing how Obamacare is destroying Medicare while ignoring the facts that were being presented to them at their own hearing.
The hearing itself was another waste of time and money as House Republicans continue to try to convince the American people that affordable access to healthcare is a bad thing.
Republicans may have lost the battle and the war, but they are never going to stop lying about Obamacare."
Arkansas Senate Nominee Touts Emergency Funds He Voted Against
www.thinkprogress.org/election/2014/07/25/3464146/tom-cotton-emergency-aid/
"Rep. Tom Cotton (R-AR) has repeatedly voted against emergency funding for disaster relief, but attempted to take credit on Wednesday for the Obama administration’s approval of aid for 23 counties in Arkansas."
"Rep. Tom Cotton (R-AR) has repeatedly voted against emergency funding for disaster relief, but attempted to take credit on Wednesday for the Obama administration’s approval of aid for 23 counties in Arkansas."
Paul Ryan’s Faux Populism Isn’t Going to End Poverty or Reduce Inequality | The Nation
Paul Ryan’s Faux Populism Isn’t Going to End Poverty or Reduce Inequality | The Nation
"He is rebranding himself.
He has downloaded some populist rhetoric to go with his “kinder, gentler” talk about poverty.
But Paul Ryan’s populism is not the real thing. It’s the Koch-tested, Koch-approved version."
"He is rebranding himself.
He has downloaded some populist rhetoric to go with his “kinder, gentler” talk about poverty.
But Paul Ryan’s populism is not the real thing. It’s the Koch-tested, Koch-approved version."
House Republicans Behave Like Criminals While Advancing Obama Lawsuit
www.politicususa.com/2014/07/24/house-republicans-behave-criminals-advancing-obama-lawsuit-legislation.html
"This is the House Republican way. They voted to move forward with a lawsuit against President Obama while rejecting any attempt to keep taxpayers informed about the cost. The Boehner lawsuit is already turning into an anchor around the necks of House Republicans. What began as a cheap gimmick to get out the Republican vote has turned into a Democratic agenda setting multi-million dollar boondoggle for taxpayers"
"This is the House Republican way. They voted to move forward with a lawsuit against President Obama while rejecting any attempt to keep taxpayers informed about the cost. The Boehner lawsuit is already turning into an anchor around the necks of House Republicans. What began as a cheap gimmick to get out the Republican vote has turned into a Democratic agenda setting multi-million dollar boondoggle for taxpayers"
Thursday News Roundup Of Stories You Might Have Missed
Thursday News Roundup Of Stories You Might Have Missed
"Here are some of the best reports, investigations, exposées, and debunkery of the wingnutosphere this week"
"Here are some of the best reports, investigations, exposées, and debunkery of the wingnutosphere this week"
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Even After Open Enrollment, Activity Remains Unexpectedly High On ACA Exchange
Even After Open Enrollment, Activity Remains Unexpectedly High On ACA Exchange
"But perhaps more surprising is that, according to federal data released Wednesday to ProPublica, there have been nearly 1 million transactions on the exchange since then. People are allowed to sign up and switch plans after certain life events, such as job changes, moves, the birth of a baby, marriages and divorces."
"But perhaps more surprising is that, according to federal data released Wednesday to ProPublica, there have been nearly 1 million transactions on the exchange since then. People are allowed to sign up and switch plans after certain life events, such as job changes, moves, the birth of a baby, marriages and divorces."
Ugly Right-Wing Underbelly of the Libertarian Cause on Display at Silicon Valley Conference
www.alternet.org/election-2014/ugly-right-wing-underbelly-libertarian-cause-display-silicon-valley-conference?page=0%2C0
"Start with the “two libertarianisms, the hick fascism version owned by the Koch brothers, essentially rebranding Joe McCarthy with a pot leaf and a ponytail; and Silicon Valley’s emerging brand of optimistic, half-understood libertarianism, part hippie cybernetics, part hot-tub-Hayek,” he writes, referring to Friedrich Hayek, the Austrian economist worshipped by Libertarians. But there’s more."
"Start with the “two libertarianisms, the hick fascism version owned by the Koch brothers, essentially rebranding Joe McCarthy with a pot leaf and a ponytail; and Silicon Valley’s emerging brand of optimistic, half-understood libertarianism, part hippie cybernetics, part hot-tub-Hayek,” he writes, referring to Friedrich Hayek, the Austrian economist worshipped by Libertarians. But there’s more."
Thanks To Obamacare, You Might Be Getting An Insurance Refund
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/07/24/thanks-to-obamacare-you-might-be-getting-an-insurance-refund/
"A generally ignored by Fox News part of the Affordable Care Act (aka, Obamacare) mandates that insurance companies spend at least $.80 of every dollar on *gulp* healthcare. The other $.20 can go toward administrative costs and all the other perks that CEOs of giant insurance companies enjoy. The law is even stricter when the policy is sold to a large employer, with a full 85 percent needing to go to healthcare."
"A generally ignored by Fox News part of the Affordable Care Act (aka, Obamacare) mandates that insurance companies spend at least $.80 of every dollar on *gulp* healthcare. The other $.20 can go toward administrative costs and all the other perks that CEOs of giant insurance companies enjoy. The law is even stricter when the policy is sold to a large employer, with a full 85 percent needing to go to healthcare."
Meet the New GOP Prototype for Enriching Local Elites While Enacting Christian Right Dogma
www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/meet-new-gop-prototype-enriching-local-elites-while-enacting-christian-right-dogma?page=0%2C0
"Today, Kansas is in fiscal ruin. The Wall Street Journal reported that tax revenues fell by $685 million in the first 11 months of the fiscal year, putting Kansas on track to blow through its $700 million reserve fund by the middle of next year. With 40 percent of state revenue traditionally coming from those taxes and no specific plan to make up the shortfall, Moody’s Investor Service recently downgraded the state’s debt rating."
"Today, Kansas is in fiscal ruin. The Wall Street Journal reported that tax revenues fell by $685 million in the first 11 months of the fiscal year, putting Kansas on track to blow through its $700 million reserve fund by the middle of next year. With 40 percent of state revenue traditionally coming from those taxes and no specific plan to make up the shortfall, Moody’s Investor Service recently downgraded the state’s debt rating."
Obamacare Has Helped Americans Save Nearly $2 Billion On Their Insurance Premiums
www.thinkprogress.org/health/2014/07/24/3463602/obamacare-premium-savings/
"Millions of Americans can expect to get a refund from their insurance companies this year, at an average of about $80 dollars per family, thanks to a little-known Obamacare provision that’s helping people save money on their premiums. According to a new report released by the Health and Human Services Department on Thursday, Americans across the country have received a total of $1.9 billion dollars in rebates since this provision first took effect in 2011."
"Millions of Americans can expect to get a refund from their insurance companies this year, at an average of about $80 dollars per family, thanks to a little-known Obamacare provision that’s helping people save money on their premiums. According to a new report released by the Health and Human Services Department on Thursday, Americans across the country have received a total of $1.9 billion dollars in rebates since this provision first took effect in 2011."
These Top 10 Food Companies Control Nearly Everything We Eat
www.alternet.org/food/food-brands-climate-change
"A new map published on Business Insider shows the top 10 food companies and what they own, and not surprisingly, they own almost everything."
"A new map published on Business Insider shows the top 10 food companies and what they own, and not surprisingly, they own almost everything."
Clueless Rich Kids on the Rise: How Millennial Aristocrats Will Destroy Our Future
www.alternet.org/clueless-rich-kids-rise-how-millennial-aristocrats-will-destroy-our-future
"Today's wealthy are far more likely to have inherited their fortunes. Here's why that's going to doom our politics."
"Today's wealthy are far more likely to have inherited their fortunes. Here's why that's going to doom our politics."
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
California Voters Afforded Opportunity This November to Weigh-In on 'Corporate Personhood'
California Voters Afforded Opportunity This November to Weigh-In on 'Corporate Personhood'
"The measure not only calls upon Congress to "propose an amendment...to the United States Constitution" to overturn the infamous Citizens United decision and its progeny, but "to make clear that the rights protected by the United States Constitution are the rights of natural persons only"."
"The measure not only calls upon Congress to "propose an amendment...to the United States Constitution" to overturn the infamous Citizens United decision and its progeny, but "to make clear that the rights protected by the United States Constitution are the rights of natural persons only"."
Pennsylvania Fracking Regulators 'Woefully' Unprepared, Says State Audit
Pennsylvania Fracking Regulators 'Woefully' Unprepared, Says State Audit
"Placing the health and wellbeing of Pennsylvania residents at great risk, the state’s environmental regulatory body is "woefully" unprepared to monitor and regulate the shale oil and gas drilling boom, charged a report released by the state’s Inspector General on Tuesday."
"Placing the health and wellbeing of Pennsylvania residents at great risk, the state’s environmental regulatory body is "woefully" unprepared to monitor and regulate the shale oil and gas drilling boom, charged a report released by the state’s Inspector General on Tuesday."
CDC Head: Age of Antibiotic Resistance Is Nigh
CDC Head: Age of Antibiotic Resistance Is Nigh
"The growing threat of antibiotic resistance requires imminent action, the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned Tuesday."
"The growing threat of antibiotic resistance requires imminent action, the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned Tuesday."
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Legalized Bribery Has Allowed Sheldon Adelson to Buy and Sell Politicians
Legalized Bribery Has Allowed Sheldon Adelson to Buy and Sell Politicians
"Shelley Adelson dumping $100 million into our democracy and Wall Street executives having a change of heart and trying to buy up seats in the Senate are just two examples of the rampant bribery that's taken over American politics, which is considered both immoral and illegal in virtually every other developed country in the world."
"Shelley Adelson dumping $100 million into our democracy and Wall Street executives having a change of heart and trying to buy up seats in the Senate are just two examples of the rampant bribery that's taken over American politics, which is considered both immoral and illegal in virtually every other developed country in the world."
Backed by Big Telecom, GOP Takes Aim at Net Neutrality and Community Broadband
Backed by Big Telecom, GOP Takes Aim at Net Neutrality and Community Broadband
"Why are members of Congress trying to derail popular efforts at the FCC to establish meaningful net neutrality rules? The answer is easy: just follow the money."
"Why are members of Congress trying to derail popular efforts at the FCC to establish meaningful net neutrality rules? The answer is easy: just follow the money."
PERRspectives: The Pro-Tax Evasion, Pro-Deficits GOP Strikes Again
PERRspectives: The Pro-Tax Evasion, Pro-Deficits GOP Strikes Again
"By severely limiting the ability of the IRS to audit, identify and prosecute tax cheats, Republicans will once again cost the United States Treasury billions more in lost revenue. And if you feel like you've seen this movie before, that's because you have."
"By severely limiting the ability of the IRS to audit, identify and prosecute tax cheats, Republicans will once again cost the United States Treasury billions more in lost revenue. And if you feel like you've seen this movie before, that's because you have."
Fox News Chief Political Correspondent Fundraising For A GOP And Koch-Linked Group
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/07/22/fox-news-chief-political-correspondent-fundrais/200162
"Fox News chief political correspondent Carl Cameron will speak at a fundraiser benefiting a group run by former Republican Party officials and linked to controversial industrialists Charles and David Koch."
"Fox News chief political correspondent Carl Cameron will speak at a fundraiser benefiting a group run by former Republican Party officials and linked to controversial industrialists Charles and David Koch."
The Gathering: The Religious Right’s Cash Cow
www.twocare.org/the-gathering-the-religious-rights-cash-cow/
"a disturbing portion finances infrastructure of the dominionist evangelical right, which seeks control of all major societal institutions, and goes to spread The Gathering’s politicized, bigoted version of Christianity to the ends of the Earth."
"a disturbing portion finances infrastructure of the dominionist evangelical right, which seeks control of all major societal institutions, and goes to spread The Gathering’s politicized, bigoted version of Christianity to the ends of the Earth."
Secretive National Prayer Breakfast Group, "The Family" Linked to Hobby Lobby Case
www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/secretive-national-prayer-breakfast-group-family-linked-hobby-lobby-case
"Last year, from September 12-15, 2013 at the plush Phoenician Hotel in Scottsdale - a Versailles of the desert which bills itself as "Arizona's premier luxury resort destination", leading American evangelicals on the hard religious and political right, members of multimillionaire and billionaire clans - including owners of the Hobby Lobby chain - who represent some of the world's biggest fortunes gathered, socialized, dined and, as they do every year at The Gathering, laid plans for the slow motion religious, cultural, legal, and governmental re-engineering of, and Christian supremacist hegemony over, America and the world."
"Last year, from September 12-15, 2013 at the plush Phoenician Hotel in Scottsdale - a Versailles of the desert which bills itself as "Arizona's premier luxury resort destination", leading American evangelicals on the hard religious and political right, members of multimillionaire and billionaire clans - including owners of the Hobby Lobby chain - who represent some of the world's biggest fortunes gathered, socialized, dined and, as they do every year at The Gathering, laid plans for the slow motion religious, cultural, legal, and governmental re-engineering of, and Christian supremacist hegemony over, America and the world."
Rick Perry's Defense Attorney Once Tried To Turn Him In To The FBI
Rick Perry's Defense Attorney Once Tried To Turn Him In To The FBI
"The lawyer now entrusted with preventing a grand jury from bringing criminal charges against Gov. Rick Perry once tried to put Perry in jail."
"The lawyer now entrusted with preventing a grand jury from bringing criminal charges against Gov. Rick Perry once tried to put Perry in jail."
Rubio’s desperate immigration lie: Rewriting his own record to appease the Tea Party
Rubio’s desperate immigration lie: Rewriting his own record to appease the Tea Party
"Rubio says he warned the immigration bill wasn't tough enough, but that's not what he argued when he voted for it"
"Rubio says he warned the immigration bill wasn't tough enough, but that's not what he argued when he voted for it"
Fox's Starnes Attacks Michelle Obama Over Bogus Chick Fil-A 'Ban'
Fox's Starnes Attacks Michelle Obama Over Bogus Chick Fil-A 'Ban'
"Any attempt to interfere with that freedom is downright treason to Starnes, such as the recent removal of Chick Fil-A sandwiches from the vending machines of a South Carolina high school. For Starnes, this is an egregious offense linked directly to the evil machinations of our First Lady who has "declared war" on America's (and Jesus') favorite chicken! Starnes allegation is, as usual, just another southern fried lie and baseless personal attack. But he loves Jesus (and Chick fil-A) and Jesus loves fat kids, so it's all good..."
"Any attempt to interfere with that freedom is downright treason to Starnes, such as the recent removal of Chick Fil-A sandwiches from the vending machines of a South Carolina high school. For Starnes, this is an egregious offense linked directly to the evil machinations of our First Lady who has "declared war" on America's (and Jesus') favorite chicken! Starnes allegation is, as usual, just another southern fried lie and baseless personal attack. But he loves Jesus (and Chick fil-A) and Jesus loves fat kids, so it's all good..."
Fox News Correspondent Has A Meltdown Over Obama's LGBT Non-Discrimination Order
www.mediamatters.org/blog/2014/07/21/fox-news-correspondent-has-a-meltdown-over-obam/200157
"Starnes' commentary is typical of the Fox News personality, who's made a career acting as the network's mouthpiece for some of the country's most extreme anti-LGBT hate groups."
"Starnes' commentary is typical of the Fox News personality, who's made a career acting as the network's mouthpiece for some of the country's most extreme anti-LGBT hate groups."
Monday, July 21, 2014
Conservative ‘Christian’ Says President Obama’s Execution Should Be Worse Than Being Drawn And Quartered (VIDEO)
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/07/21/conservative-christian-says-president-obamas-execution-should-be-worse-than-being-drawn-and-quartered-video/
"It’s especially disturbing since these people have the gall to say these things and call themselves “Christians” at the same time. This madness will not end unless authorities or voters start taking this kind of talk more seriously. Everytime a conservative talks about killing the president, it’s a threat to national security and the political discourse. It’s the way conservatives stoke rage in the hope that one of their own will actually follow through and carry out the crime. It’s their way of trying to provoke fellow conservatives into overthrowing the government with a bloody coup just because they want their own way. It’s dangerous and shouldn’t be tolerated in a civilized society by anyone. Law enforcement authorities shouldn’t tolerate it and voters shouldn’t tolerate it either. Forget impeachment. THIS is what should really inspire Democrats to vote in 2014."
"It’s especially disturbing since these people have the gall to say these things and call themselves “Christians” at the same time. This madness will not end unless authorities or voters start taking this kind of talk more seriously. Everytime a conservative talks about killing the president, it’s a threat to national security and the political discourse. It’s the way conservatives stoke rage in the hope that one of their own will actually follow through and carry out the crime. It’s their way of trying to provoke fellow conservatives into overthrowing the government with a bloody coup just because they want their own way. It’s dangerous and shouldn’t be tolerated in a civilized society by anyone. Law enforcement authorities shouldn’t tolerate it and voters shouldn’t tolerate it either. Forget impeachment. THIS is what should really inspire Democrats to vote in 2014."
Iowa Goes Bananas for GMOs | Common Dreams
Iowa Goes Bananas for GMOs | Common Dreams
"Despite what Iowa State University and the Iowa Farm Bureau might think about the need for GMO labels, one thing is for sure: consumers want the right to know what’s in their food and will continue to fight for mandatory GMO labeling."
"Despite what Iowa State University and the Iowa Farm Bureau might think about the need for GMO labels, one thing is for sure: consumers want the right to know what’s in their food and will continue to fight for mandatory GMO labeling."
The Brink of Mass Extinction
The Brink of Mass Extinction
"In the last decade alone, record high temperatures across the United States have outnumbered record low temperatures two to one, and the trend is both continuing and escalating."
"In the last decade alone, record high temperatures across the United States have outnumbered record low temperatures two to one, and the trend is both continuing and escalating."
Blockade at First Tar Sands Site in US Challenges 'Brazen Disregard for Climate Crisis' | Common Dreams
Blockade at First Tar Sands Site in US Challenges 'Brazen Disregard for Climate Crisis' | Common Dreams
"Happening now: Activists target construction at PR Spring tar sands site in Utah"
"Happening now: Activists target construction at PR Spring tar sands site in Utah"
Journalistic Malpractice: The Media Enables the Right-Wing Politicization of Science
www.alternet.org/environment/journalistic-malpractice-media-enables-right-wing-politicization-science
"a broader, cautionary tale about how poorly the mainstream media holds conservatives accountable for their often specious scientific claims. Facts are the most precious currency of journalists, but if they aren’t willing to speak scientific truth to power—whether it’s on reproductive rights or evolution or climate change—it’s not just the press’s reputation that suffers. We all do."
"a broader, cautionary tale about how poorly the mainstream media holds conservatives accountable for their often specious scientific claims. Facts are the most precious currency of journalists, but if they aren’t willing to speak scientific truth to power—whether it’s on reproductive rights or evolution or climate change—it’s not just the press’s reputation that suffers. We all do."
Renewables Account for More Than Half of 2014's New US Energy Capacity
Renewables Account for More Than Half of 2014's New US Energy Capacity
"According to the latest Energy Infrastructure Update from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, solar and wind energy constituted more than half of the new generating capacity in the country for the first half of 2014."
"According to the latest Energy Infrastructure Update from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, solar and wind energy constituted more than half of the new generating capacity in the country for the first half of 2014."
Hospitals In Medicaid Opt-Out States Are Beginning To Face Money Problems
Hospitals In Medicaid Opt-Out States Are Beginning To Face Money Problems
"The contrast between Democratic and Republican states on health care continues to grow, according to a recent report from the Department of Health and Human Services. Among the 26 states and the District of Columbia joining the federal expansion of Medicaid, enrollment in the health plan for the poor rose 27 percent. By contrast, Medicaid enrollment rose just three percent in the two dozen states opting-out of the expansion, according to Forbes."
"The contrast between Democratic and Republican states on health care continues to grow, according to a recent report from the Department of Health and Human Services. Among the 26 states and the District of Columbia joining the federal expansion of Medicaid, enrollment in the health plan for the poor rose 27 percent. By contrast, Medicaid enrollment rose just three percent in the two dozen states opting-out of the expansion, according to Forbes."
GOP’s highway robbery: How self-styled patriots choke future growth, ensure American decline
GOP’s highway robbery: How self-styled patriots choke future growth, ensure American decline
"by turning their backs on infrastructure spending, today’s GOP is turning its back on a key aspect of its own identity "
"by turning their backs on infrastructure spending, today’s GOP is turning its back on a key aspect of its own identity "
GOP’s highway robbery: How self-styled patriots choke future growth, ensure American decline
GOP’s highway robbery: How self-styled patriots choke future growth, ensure American decline
"by turning their backs on infrastructure spending, today’s GOP is turning its back on a key aspect of its own identity "
"by turning their backs on infrastructure spending, today’s GOP is turning its back on a key aspect of its own identity "
Sen. Elizabeth Warren Tells Netroots: 'Push Back And Fight Hard'
Sen. Elizabeth Warren Tells Netroots: 'Push Back And Fight Hard'
"Fighting back against a rigged system was the theme of Elizabeth Warren's rousing speech to Netroots Nation."
"Fighting back against a rigged system was the theme of Elizabeth Warren's rousing speech to Netroots Nation."
Koch Political Universe Vaster than Previously Known
Koch Political Universe Vaster than Previously Known
"In January, the Washington Post and Center for Responsive Politics followed the $400 million money trail flowing from two Koch-connected funding vehicles, the 501(c)(6) Freedom Partners and 501(c)(4) Center to Protect Patient Rights (now called "American Encore"), to other politically active nonprofits, like David Koch's Americans for Prosperity and the American Future Fund. Many of the recipients of that funding spent money influencing elections, only a fraction of which was reported to the Federal Elections Commission."
"In January, the Washington Post and Center for Responsive Politics followed the $400 million money trail flowing from two Koch-connected funding vehicles, the 501(c)(6) Freedom Partners and 501(c)(4) Center to Protect Patient Rights (now called "American Encore"), to other politically active nonprofits, like David Koch's Americans for Prosperity and the American Future Fund. Many of the recipients of that funding spent money influencing elections, only a fraction of which was reported to the Federal Elections Commission."
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Watch: Elizabeth Warren Slams Republicans on Birth Control, Supreme Court On Corporate Favortism
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/07/18/watch-elizabeth-warren-slams-republicans-on-birth-control-supreme-court-on-corporate-favortism/
"Then, after blasting the GOP and their conservative cronies in the Supreme Court for their disastrous support for Hobby Lobby instead of the women of America, Warren decided to give SCOTUS a taste of her wrath by calling them out on their repeated attacks against the working class and over their obsessive attachment to “too big to fail"."
"Then, after blasting the GOP and their conservative cronies in the Supreme Court for their disastrous support for Hobby Lobby instead of the women of America, Warren decided to give SCOTUS a taste of her wrath by calling them out on their repeated attacks against the working class and over their obsessive attachment to “too big to fail"."
Equal Pay for Women Would Mean a More Secure Retirement for All
Equal Pay for Women Would Mean a More Secure Retirement for All
"The link is simple and clear: Women earn less than men in the workplace – almost $450 billion less in total each year nationwide – resulting in lower Social Security payments after retirement. The pay discrimination against women not only hurts their current well-being and future security, but also means tens of billions less in revenues to fund Social Security."
"The link is simple and clear: Women earn less than men in the workplace – almost $450 billion less in total each year nationwide – resulting in lower Social Security payments after retirement. The pay discrimination against women not only hurts their current well-being and future security, but also means tens of billions less in revenues to fund Social Security."
Friday, July 18, 2014
Progressive Values Are America's Values, Sen. Elizabeth Warren Tells Netroots Nation In Keynote Speech
www.alternet.org/activism/progressive-values-are-americas-values-sen-elizabeth-warren-tells-netroots-nation-keynote
"We believe that Wall Street needs stronger rules and tougher enforcement and we are willing to fight for it. We are willing to fight for it. We believe in science… and we are willing to fight for it. We believe that the Internet shouldn’t be rigged to benefit big corporations… and we will fight for it. We believe that no one should work fulltime and still live in poverty… and we are willing to fight for it. We will fight for it. Let me add to that we believe that fast food workers deserve a livable wage and when they take to picket lines we are proud to fight along side of them."
"We believe that Wall Street needs stronger rules and tougher enforcement and we are willing to fight for it. We are willing to fight for it. We believe in science… and we are willing to fight for it. We believe that the Internet shouldn’t be rigged to benefit big corporations… and we will fight for it. We believe that no one should work fulltime and still live in poverty… and we are willing to fight for it. We will fight for it. Let me add to that we believe that fast food workers deserve a livable wage and when they take to picket lines we are proud to fight along side of them."
When the US Welched on Its NATO Promise | Common Dreams
When the US Welched on Its NATO Promise | Common Dreams
"Mr. Baker keeps repeating that the Cold War "could not have ended peacefully without Shevardnadze." But he and others are silent on the quid pro quo. The quid was Moscow's agreement to swallow the bitter pill of a reunited Germany in NATO; the quo was a U.S. promise not to "leapfrog" NATO over Germany farther East. Washington welched on the deal."
"Mr. Baker keeps repeating that the Cold War "could not have ended peacefully without Shevardnadze." But he and others are silent on the quid pro quo. The quid was Moscow's agreement to swallow the bitter pill of a reunited Germany in NATO; the quo was a U.S. promise not to "leapfrog" NATO over Germany farther East. Washington welched on the deal."
Illinois Becomes The First State To Sue Over Student Loan Scams
www.thinkprogress.org/education/2014/07/15/3460160/illinois-student-loan-scams/
"Illinois is suing a pair of companies that promised to rescue struggling student loan borrowers in exchange for a few hundred dollars in up-front charges. The lawsuits charge these companies were running a scam that targeted indebted students and failed to deliver the promised assistance while further damaging borrowers’ financial outlook."
"Illinois is suing a pair of companies that promised to rescue struggling student loan borrowers in exchange for a few hundred dollars in up-front charges. The lawsuits charge these companies were running a scam that targeted indebted students and failed to deliver the promised assistance while further damaging borrowers’ financial outlook."
NOAA State Of The Climate In 2013: ‘Our Planet Is Becoming A Warmer Place’
www.thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/07/18/3461677/noaa-state-of-the-climate-warmer/
"The planet kept warming at an unhealthy pace last year, according to a report by hundreds of the world’s top scientists led by researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)."
"The planet kept warming at an unhealthy pace last year, according to a report by hundreds of the world’s top scientists led by researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)."
US Lags Behind on Energy Efficiency, Study Shows | Common Dreams
US Lags Behind on Energy Efficiency, Study Shows | Common Dreams
"The U.S. ranks near the bottom of the second annual International Energy Efficiency Scorecard, released Thursday by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy."
"The U.S. ranks near the bottom of the second annual International Energy Efficiency Scorecard, released Thursday by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy."
Thank To Uncle Rupey, Now Two Continents Are Denying Climate Change
Thank To Uncle Rupey, Now Two Continents Are Denying Climate Change
"Australia and the US have a common enemy."
"Australia and the US have a common enemy."
America's Dumbest Congressman: 'Our continued existence is at risk' from refugee children
www.dailykos.com/story/2014/07/16/1314402/-America-s-Dumbest-Congressman-Our-continued-existence-is-at-risk-from-refugee-children
"Are these people ... stupid? Well, I know Louie Gohmert is, because he isn't America's Dumbest Congressman just for show."
"Are these people ... stupid? Well, I know Louie Gohmert is, because he isn't America's Dumbest Congressman just for show."
Top 10 Most Horrible Right Wing Reactions To The Border Crisis
www.addictinginfo.org/2014/07/18/border-crisis-right-wing-reactions/
"Angry white bigots drove away the black vote from the GOP for over half a century and they’ve learned absolutely nothing since then."
"Angry white bigots drove away the black vote from the GOP for over half a century and they’ve learned absolutely nothing since then."
Tony Perkins Fears Obama Will Start Putting Christians In Jail Any Day Now | Right Wing Watch
Tony Perkins Fears Obama Will Start Putting Christians In Jail Any Day Now | Right Wing Watch
"Tony Perkins invited Fox News’ go-to-Christian-persecution-commentator Todd Starnes to join him on the weekend edition of “Washington Watch,” where Starnes pointed to recent remarks by Rick Warren and Russell Moore warning of the imminent imprisonment of Christians in America as proof that Christians will indeed soon face jail sentences.
Perkins, who recently warned that gay rights advocates are about to launch an anti-Christian Holocaust, naturally agreed that such arrests are going to “play out very quickly in our day"."
"Tony Perkins invited Fox News’ go-to-Christian-persecution-commentator Todd Starnes to join him on the weekend edition of “Washington Watch,” where Starnes pointed to recent remarks by Rick Warren and Russell Moore warning of the imminent imprisonment of Christians in America as proof that Christians will indeed soon face jail sentences.
Perkins, who recently warned that gay rights advocates are about to launch an anti-Christian Holocaust, naturally agreed that such arrests are going to “play out very quickly in our day"."
Five States Gunning to Make Their Kids as Scientifically Illiterate as Possible by Teaching Creationism
Five States Gunning to Make Their Kids as Scientifically Illiterate as Possible by Teaching Creationism
"The states fighting to pass these laws are predictable if you pay attention to any national politics, the more red a state votes, the more it fights to remove science education from its schools or at the very least, replace science classes with a form of Bible study."
"The states fighting to pass these laws are predictable if you pay attention to any national politics, the more red a state votes, the more it fights to remove science education from its schools or at the very least, replace science classes with a form of Bible study."
9 sinister things the Christian right does in the name of God
9 sinister things the Christian right does in the name of God
"The Christian persecution complex is absurd. Modern American Christians are not persecuted or under attack. But for Christians who are truly concerned about hostility toward their faith, I have a bit of advice: Don’t be evil. And don’t let your co-religionists get away with being evil either.
No, really."
"The Christian persecution complex is absurd. Modern American Christians are not persecuted or under attack. But for Christians who are truly concerned about hostility toward their faith, I have a bit of advice: Don’t be evil. And don’t let your co-religionists get away with being evil either.
No, really."
Jon Stewart rips into GOP’s impeachment fervor: “All this talk of tyranny is bullsh*t”
Jon Stewart rips into GOP’s impeachment fervor: “All this talk of tyranny is bullsh*t”
"Jon Stewart Thursday night ripped into Republican lawmakers’ disingenuous calls to impeach President Obama, or, as they like to call him, "King Obama"."
"Jon Stewart Thursday night ripped into Republican lawmakers’ disingenuous calls to impeach President Obama, or, as they like to call him, "King Obama"."
Koch Brothers Pay Greg Abbott to Play Chemical Russian Roulette With Texas Residents
www.politicususa.com/2014/07/17/koch-brothers-pay-greg-abbott-play-chemical-russian-roulette-texas-residents.html
"The bottom line is Greg Abbott doesn’t want Texans to know if there are hazardous substances in their neighborhoods because his donors paid him off to keep that information secret."
"The bottom line is Greg Abbott doesn’t want Texans to know if there are hazardous substances in their neighborhoods because his donors paid him off to keep that information secret."
Americans Are Leaving Religion Behind and It Scares the Hell Out of the Christian Right
www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/americans-are-leaving-religion-behind-and-it-scares-hell-out-christian-right
"That’s the idea that’s animating the Christian right: They really do believe that everyone else owes them, that we are obligated to tithe to their churches and pray to their God and if we don’t want to do that, we should somehow be treated as less than fully American. You may think you’re just exercising personal choice when you get married in a park or choose not to hang Christmas decorations, but as Carlson’s interview demonstrates, conservative Christians see this as an attack on their “right” to live in a society that flatters their beliefs everywhere they go."
"That’s the idea that’s animating the Christian right: They really do believe that everyone else owes them, that we are obligated to tithe to their churches and pray to their God and if we don’t want to do that, we should somehow be treated as less than fully American. You may think you’re just exercising personal choice when you get married in a park or choose not to hang Christmas decorations, but as Carlson’s interview demonstrates, conservative Christians see this as an attack on their “right” to live in a society that flatters their beliefs everywhere they go."
Conservative media hysteria explodes: Muslims! Ebola! A xenophobic fiasco
Conservative media hysteria explodes: Muslims! Ebola! A xenophobic fiasco
"The conservative media are getting in on the act as well. The buzzing, angry, pulsating hub of anti-immigrant sentiment in the conservative media is Fox Nation."
"The conservative media are getting in on the act as well. The buzzing, angry, pulsating hub of anti-immigrant sentiment in the conservative media is Fox Nation."
The truth about Rupert Murdoch’s new plot for world domination
The truth about Rupert Murdoch’s new plot for world domination
"The ongoing consolidation of media content and distribution markets in the U.S. is nothing short of astonishing, as described by Crawford. In 1983, 50 companies ran 90 percent of American media; today, just five mega-entities control 90 percent of what we read, watch and listen to,” she writes."
"The ongoing consolidation of media content and distribution markets in the U.S. is nothing short of astonishing, as described by Crawford. In 1983, 50 companies ran 90 percent of American media; today, just five mega-entities control 90 percent of what we read, watch and listen to,” she writes."
Thursday, July 17, 2014
What Do the Recent Supreme Court Decisions Mean for Women’s Economic Security? | The Nation
What Do the Recent Supreme Court Decisions Mean for Women’s Economic Security? | The Nation
"In the final days of its 2013–14 term, the Supreme Court handed down three rulings of major consequence for women."
"In the final days of its 2013–14 term, the Supreme Court handed down three rulings of major consequence for women."
Disabled Americans: Pawns in a Larger Social Security Game? | Common Dreams
Disabled Americans: Pawns in a Larger Social Security Game? | Common Dreams
"In other words, Hatch wants to prevent a temporary reallocation of funds from other programs – which Democratic and Republican Congresses alike have done in the past – in order to force a “broader discussion” of across-the-board cut in benefits for Social Security, and perhaps privatization as well."
"In other words, Hatch wants to prevent a temporary reallocation of funds from other programs – which Democratic and Republican Congresses alike have done in the past – in order to force a “broader discussion” of across-the-board cut in benefits for Social Security, and perhaps privatization as well."
Corporate Greed Exacerbates Drought: Nestle Believes Water Is Not a Basic Human Right
www.politicususa.com/2014/07/16/corporate-greed-exacerbates-drought-nestle-believes-water-basic-human.html
"Although the extreme California drought is just one reason to take action against Nestle, the point is the giant corporation is pillaging a basic necessity for human life all over the world with little opposition and relative impunity. The company touts job creation as validation for draining the water supply dry and selling it back to thirsty Americans, but when they have exhausted the water supply, no amount of jobs or money will sustain life devoid of water."
"Although the extreme California drought is just one reason to take action against Nestle, the point is the giant corporation is pillaging a basic necessity for human life all over the world with little opposition and relative impunity. The company touts job creation as validation for draining the water supply dry and selling it back to thirsty Americans, but when they have exhausted the water supply, no amount of jobs or money will sustain life devoid of water."
Water Wars and Creeping Privatization
Water Wars and Creeping Privatization
"The newly enacted Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act holds promise for life in a world shaped by climate change. However, privatization proponents are working hard to privatize ownership and control our water infrastructure."
"The newly enacted Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act holds promise for life in a world shaped by climate change. However, privatization proponents are working hard to privatize ownership and control our water infrastructure."
Danger Zone: Major Nuclear Waste Dump Continues to Emit Dangerous Levels of Radiation
www.alternet.org/environment/danger-zone-major-nuclear-waste-dump-continues-emit-dangerous-levels-radiation
"Environmental radiation releases spiked again in mid-June around the surface site of the only U.S. underground, nuclear weapons waste storage facility near Carlsbad, New Mexico."
"Environmental radiation releases spiked again in mid-June around the surface site of the only U.S. underground, nuclear weapons waste storage facility near Carlsbad, New Mexico."
With Nuclear Weapons and Climate Change, Things Could Get Worse | Common Dreams
With Nuclear Weapons and Climate Change, Things Could Get Worse | Common Dreams
"There’s more bad news from the climate scientists. Not about global warming, where the news is never good, but about the impact nuclear weapons would have on the atmosphere, our climate, and food production if even a very small number were used in a limited, regional conflict."
"There’s more bad news from the climate scientists. Not about global warming, where the news is never good, but about the impact nuclear weapons would have on the atmosphere, our climate, and food production if even a very small number were used in a limited, regional conflict."
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