http://www.southernstudies.org/2014/11/institute-index-tallying-up-returns-on-corporation.html
"A report released this week by the Sunlight Foundation calculated what 200 of America's most politically active corporations invested in federal lobbying and campaign contributions over six years -- and the value of what they got in return: $760 in federal support and contracts for every $1 spent."
Saturday, November 29, 2014
How Wal-Mart stole Christmas — and hijacked American politics
How Wal-Mart stole Christmas — and hijacked American politics
"Wal-Mart in particular is known for its status as a corporate-welfare queen; one study estimates that one 300-person Supercenter costs taxpayers $904,542 to $1,744,590. Another estimates that Wal-Mart and the Walton family pull in $7.8 billion a year in tax breaks and subsidies. Meanwhile, a brand-new report from Americans for Tax Fairness finds that Wal-Mart also avoids taxes on more than $21 billion in offshore profits. In its most recent annual report, Wal-Mart openly admits that changes to government food stamp programs may hurt its financial performance. Hundreds of thousands of Wal-Mart workers make near-poverty wages."
"Wal-Mart in particular is known for its status as a corporate-welfare queen; one study estimates that one 300-person Supercenter costs taxpayers $904,542 to $1,744,590. Another estimates that Wal-Mart and the Walton family pull in $7.8 billion a year in tax breaks and subsidies. Meanwhile, a brand-new report from Americans for Tax Fairness finds that Wal-Mart also avoids taxes on more than $21 billion in offshore profits. In its most recent annual report, Wal-Mart openly admits that changes to government food stamp programs may hurt its financial performance. Hundreds of thousands of Wal-Mart workers make near-poverty wages."
One of Largest Transfers of Public Wealth to Private Hands: Our Staggering War Economy
http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/one-largest-transfers-public-wealth-private-hands-our-staggering-war-economy
"the best figure for money spent on Washington’s war on terror, including the Iraq and Afghan wars, is four trillion dollars. If you add in the bills still to come for the care of American soldiers damaged in that global war, the figure is undoubtedly significantly higher. In the process, an array of warrior corporations were mobilized to go into battle alongside the Pentagon and the country’s intelligence and homeland security outfits. This, in turn, transformed the global struggle into a highly privatized affair and resulted, as Risen vividly documents, in “one of the largest transfers of wealth from public to private hands in American history.” Halliburton offshoot KBR, for instance, took remarkable advantage of the opportunity and became “the largest single Pentagon contractor of the entire war,” more or less monopolizing the Iraq war zone from 2003 to 2011 and “receiving a combined total of $39.5 billion in contracts"."
"the best figure for money spent on Washington’s war on terror, including the Iraq and Afghan wars, is four trillion dollars. If you add in the bills still to come for the care of American soldiers damaged in that global war, the figure is undoubtedly significantly higher. In the process, an array of warrior corporations were mobilized to go into battle alongside the Pentagon and the country’s intelligence and homeland security outfits. This, in turn, transformed the global struggle into a highly privatized affair and resulted, as Risen vividly documents, in “one of the largest transfers of wealth from public to private hands in American history.” Halliburton offshoot KBR, for instance, took remarkable advantage of the opportunity and became “the largest single Pentagon contractor of the entire war,” more or less monopolizing the Iraq war zone from 2003 to 2011 and “receiving a combined total of $39.5 billion in contracts"."
Alan Grayson Warns Corporate Republicans A New Political Movement Is Coming To Take Them Down
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/11/29/alan-grayson-warns-corporate-republicans-political-movement-coming.html
"When the people who have been held down do stand up, it is going to be Republicans and the Koch pro-corporate agenda that will feel their wrath."
"When the people who have been held down do stand up, it is going to be Republicans and the Koch pro-corporate agenda that will feel their wrath."
GOP Staffer Attacks Obama's Daughters As 'Classless' Americans
GOP Staffer Attacks Obama's Daughters As 'Classless' Americans
"Is nothing off-limits for the GOP and their talking heads when it comes to criticizing Barack Obama and his family?"
"Is nothing off-limits for the GOP and their talking heads when it comes to criticizing Barack Obama and his family?"
This week in the war on workers: San Francisco's Retail Worker Bill of Rights should be a model
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/29/1347646/-This-week-in-the-war-on-workers-San-Francisco-s-Retail-Worker-Bill-of-Rights-should-be-a-model
"San Francisco has passed a Retail Workers Bill of Rights that will bring much-needed changes to retail labor practices"
"San Francisco has passed a Retail Workers Bill of Rights that will bring much-needed changes to retail labor practices"
Fox Pundits Opine Over The 'War On Walmart' In The Wake Of Black Friday Protests
Fox Pundits Opine Over The 'War On Walmart' In The Wake Of Black Friday Protests
"The yappers on Fox use the Black Friday Walmart protests as another excuse to participate in one of their favorite activities -- union bashing, and making excuses for Walmart's poverty wages."
"The yappers on Fox use the Black Friday Walmart protests as another excuse to participate in one of their favorite activities -- union bashing, and making excuses for Walmart's poverty wages."
For Alice Walton: What A Lovely Reminder Of The Spirit Of Giving
For Alice Walton: What A Lovely Reminder Of The Spirit Of Giving
"This is not the first time an in-store food donation campaign to benefit Walmart employees has prompted criticism. A similar food drive at an Ohio Walmart in 2013 helped fuel critics’ argument that the retailer’s pay is too low."
"This is not the first time an in-store food donation campaign to benefit Walmart employees has prompted criticism. A similar food drive at an Ohio Walmart in 2013 helped fuel critics’ argument that the retailer’s pay is too low."
Privateers Make a Water Grab
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/27692-privateers-make-a-water-grab
"This well documented report reads like a crime novel. For example, "In East Cleveland, Ohio, a consultant bribed the former mayor's office in order to secure a no-bid contract for CH2M HILL to run the city's water system. The contract eventually paid out $3.9 million to the corporation for services that the city had been providing for less than half of that amount. The former mayor and the consultant have been convicted of racketeering, and the city sued the corporation for $14 million for breach of contract."
This report on global water privatization shows why infrastructure privatization is not just an important topic, but, perhaps, the most important issue of our time."
"This well documented report reads like a crime novel. For example, "In East Cleveland, Ohio, a consultant bribed the former mayor's office in order to secure a no-bid contract for CH2M HILL to run the city's water system. The contract eventually paid out $3.9 million to the corporation for services that the city had been providing for less than half of that amount. The former mayor and the consultant have been convicted of racketeering, and the city sued the corporation for $14 million for breach of contract."
This report on global water privatization shows why infrastructure privatization is not just an important topic, but, perhaps, the most important issue of our time."
Most White People in America Are Completely Oblivious
http://www.alternet.org/most-white-people-america-are-completely-oblivious
"Can we perhaps, just this once, admit our collective blind spot? Admit that there are things going on, and that have been going on a very long time, about which we know nothing? Might we suspend our disbelief, just long enough to gain some much needed insights about the society we share? One wonders what it will take for us to not merely listen but actually to hear the voices of black parents, fearful that the next time their child walks out the door may be the last, and all because someone—an officer or a self-appointed vigilante—sees them as dangerous, as disrespectful, as reaching for their gun? Might we be able to hear that without deftly pivoting to the much more comfortable (for us) topic of black crime or single-parent homes? Without deflecting the real and understandable fear of police abuse with lectures about the danger of having a victim mentality—especially ironic given that such lectures come from a people who apparently see ourselves as the always imminent victims of big black men?"
"Can we perhaps, just this once, admit our collective blind spot? Admit that there are things going on, and that have been going on a very long time, about which we know nothing? Might we suspend our disbelief, just long enough to gain some much needed insights about the society we share? One wonders what it will take for us to not merely listen but actually to hear the voices of black parents, fearful that the next time their child walks out the door may be the last, and all because someone—an officer or a self-appointed vigilante—sees them as dangerous, as disrespectful, as reaching for their gun? Might we be able to hear that without deftly pivoting to the much more comfortable (for us) topic of black crime or single-parent homes? Without deflecting the real and understandable fear of police abuse with lectures about the danger of having a victim mentality—especially ironic given that such lectures come from a people who apparently see ourselves as the always imminent victims of big black men?"
8 Horrible Truths About Police Brutality and Racism in America Laid Bare by Ferguson
http://www.alternet.org/civil-liberties/8-horrible-truths-about-police-brutality-and-racism-america-laid-bare-ferguson
"The militarization of local police has been growing ever since the Pentagon and U.S. Department of Justice decided to give away surplus weaponry from Iraq and Afghanistan."
"The militarization of local police has been growing ever since the Pentagon and U.S. Department of Justice decided to give away surplus weaponry from Iraq and Afghanistan."
GOP 'payback' to white working class that voted them in: Cut earned income tax and child tax credit
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/26/1347681/-GOP-payback-to-white-working-class-who-voted-them-in-cut-earned-income-tax-and-child-tax-credit
"I guess the lesson of the story is: be careful who you vote for. A better lesson of the story is: Republicans are boot-licking corporate sycophants who hate working families."
"I guess the lesson of the story is: be careful who you vote for. A better lesson of the story is: Republicans are boot-licking corporate sycophants who hate working families."
The One Fact About President Obama’s Use of Executive Orders that Debunks Nearly Every Republican Lie
The One Fact About President Obama’s Use of Executive Orders that Debunks Nearly Every Republican Lie
"President Obama is on pace to issue the fewest number of executive orders since Grover Cleveland was president between 1885-1889."
"President Obama is on pace to issue the fewest number of executive orders since Grover Cleveland was president between 1885-1889."
Is He Joking? Rand Paul Claims Nobody ‘Has Been A Bigger Defender of Minority Rights in the Congress Than Myself’
http://aattp.org/is-he-joking-rand-paul-claims-nobody-has-been-a-bigger-defender-of-minority-rights-in-the-congress-than-myself/
"Clearly, Rand is still laboring under the mistaken notion that he can make blatant racially offensive remarks and still convince minorities to vote for him."
"Clearly, Rand is still laboring under the mistaken notion that he can make blatant racially offensive remarks and still convince minorities to vote for him."
WI Republican State Representative Gets Slap On The Wrist For Sexual Assualt
WI Republican State Representative Gets Slap On The Wrist For Sexual Assualt
"Fortunately for Kramer, the Waukesha County District Attorney was fellow Republican Brad Schimel, who was running for Wisconsin Attorney General. Schimel let Kramer off the hook by giving him a generous plea deal"
"Fortunately for Kramer, the Waukesha County District Attorney was fellow Republican Brad Schimel, who was running for Wisconsin Attorney General. Schimel let Kramer off the hook by giving him a generous plea deal"
Pennsylvania GOP official accused of drugging and raping woman multiple times pleads ‘no contest’
Pennsylvania GOP official accused of drugging and raping woman multiple times pleads ‘no contest’
"Kerns allegedly drugged the victim, an employee of his law firm, last year by putting insomnia medication in her drink during a Republican Party dinner, then raped her multiple times when she passed out.
He will serve two years of probation, and is required to register as a sex offender for 15 years."
"Kerns allegedly drugged the victim, an employee of his law firm, last year by putting insomnia medication in her drink during a Republican Party dinner, then raped her multiple times when she passed out.
He will serve two years of probation, and is required to register as a sex offender for 15 years."
12-Year Old Tamir Rice Never Had A Chance To Avoid Execution
12-Year Old Tamir Rice Never Had A Chance To Avoid Execution
"And again, this will be brought to a Grand Jury. Will the prosecutor be as dishonest as Bob McCulloch?"
"And again, this will be brought to a Grand Jury. Will the prosecutor be as dishonest as Bob McCulloch?"
Revenge is a dish best served cold
Revenge is a dish best served cold
"Wilson is now the face of police officers gone bad, acting criminally and then walking away because a badge shields them from any repercussions of criminal activity."
"Wilson is now the face of police officers gone bad, acting criminally and then walking away because a badge shields them from any repercussions of criminal activity."
Photo of cop hugging protester at Ferguson rally in Oregon goes viral
Photo of cop hugging protester at Ferguson rally in Oregon goes viral
"An image of a police officer hugging a tear-streaked black youth at rally protesting the grand jury decision in Ferguson, Missouri has gone viral on Facebook and other social media, generating over 150,000 shares."
"An image of a police officer hugging a tear-streaked black youth at rally protesting the grand jury decision in Ferguson, Missouri has gone viral on Facebook and other social media, generating over 150,000 shares."
‘Fanciful and not credible’: CNN legal analyst destroys Darren Wilson’s testimony
‘Fanciful and not credible’: CNN legal analyst destroys Darren Wilson’s testimony
"Hostin pointed out that Wilson was never required to provide a statement to the police, meaning he had a month to think about his testimony, and prosecutors had nothing to compare it to."
"Hostin pointed out that Wilson was never required to provide a statement to the police, meaning he had a month to think about his testimony, and prosecutors had nothing to compare it to."
Grand Jury Docs: Darren Wilson Told His Sergeant That Mike Brown’s ‘Hands Were Up’
Grand Jury Docs: Darren Wilson Told His Sergeant That Mike Brown’s ‘Hands Were Up’
"It will take a very long time to go through all of the documents, but even from just these two examples, from the first two pieces of testimony I looked at, it is clear that this incident should have been resolved at trial, and that Bob McCulloch made a herculean effort to see that it wouldn’t be."
"It will take a very long time to go through all of the documents, but even from just these two examples, from the first two pieces of testimony I looked at, it is clear that this incident should have been resolved at trial, and that Bob McCulloch made a herculean effort to see that it wouldn’t be."
Bob McCulloch Is A Lying, Slimy, Arrogant Tool Who Gave A Masterful PR Performance
Bob McCulloch Is A Lying, Slimy, Arrogant Tool Who Gave A Masterful PR Performance
"Even inexperienced reporters should know what a crock this grand jury was."
"Even inexperienced reporters should know what a crock this grand jury was."
How Robert McCulloch Hoodwinked The Ferguson Grand Jury
How Robert McCulloch Hoodwinked The Ferguson Grand Jury
"A shocking deception on the part of the St. Louis County Prosecutor taints the entire Grand Jury verdict."
"A shocking deception on the part of the St. Louis County Prosecutor taints the entire Grand Jury verdict."
CNN's Sunny Hostin Eviscerates Darren Wilson's 'Fanciful And Not Credible' Testimony
CNN's Sunny Hostin Eviscerates Darren Wilson's 'Fanciful And Not Credible' Testimony
"CNN legal analyst Sunny Hostin ripped St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch for "softball" questions during the cross examination."
"CNN legal analyst Sunny Hostin ripped St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch for "softball" questions during the cross examination."
CORRECTED - St. Louis Prosecutor's Organization Raised Money For Darren Wilson
CORRECTED - St. Louis Prosecutor's Organization Raised Money For Darren Wilson
"A special prosecutor should have been appointed, if for no other reason than to avoid this kind of crap. Also? McCulloch ought to have a Bar complaint lodged for this."
"A special prosecutor should have been appointed, if for no other reason than to avoid this kind of crap. Also? McCulloch ought to have a Bar complaint lodged for this."
Everything the Darren Wilson grand jury got wrong: The lies, errors and mistruths that let Michael Brown’s killer off the hook
Everything the Darren Wilson grand jury got wrong: The lies, errors and mistruths that let Michael Brown’s killer off the hook
"The prosecutor's document dump was designed for transparency. It shows how transparently flawed the process was"
"The prosecutor's document dump was designed for transparency. It shows how transparently flawed the process was"
Off-Duty Cop Charged With Shooting Woman For Cutting Him Off In Traffic
Off-Duty Cop Charged With Shooting Woman For Cutting Him Off In Traffic
"The victim is understandably concerned that the cop may retaliate against her for reporting him. Silly person! An officer of the law would never dream of such a thing, his job is to protect and serve!"
"The victim is understandably concerned that the cop may retaliate against her for reporting him. Silly person! An officer of the law would never dream of such a thing, his job is to protect and serve!"
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
The Real Benghazi Scandal Is That Media, Republicans Aren't Embarrassed
The Real Benghazi Scandal Is That Media, Republicans Aren't Embarrassed
"This was not the first, or the second, but the sixth Congressional committee to determine that none of the right wing fantasies about the Benghazi attack are remotely true."
"This was not the first, or the second, but the sixth Congressional committee to determine that none of the right wing fantasies about the Benghazi attack are remotely true."
Congress Poised To Eliminate Key Tax Breaks For Middle Class, Provide Permanent Tax Breaks For Corporations
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/11/25/3596971/congress-to-end-tax-breaks-for-middle-class-provide-permanent-relief-to-large-corporations/
"Under the terms of the $444 billion agreement, lawmakers would phase out all tax breaks for clean energy and wind energy but would maintain fossil fuel subsidies."
"Under the terms of the $444 billion agreement, lawmakers would phase out all tax breaks for clean energy and wind energy but would maintain fossil fuel subsidies."
PERRspectives: Paul Ryan's Triple Scam on Tax Reform
PERRspectives: Paul Ryan's Triple Scam on Tax Reform
"His plans to privatize Social Security, shelved due to their consistent unpopularity, will be back on the front burner. Ryan's ploy to ration Medicare by replacing the guaranteed system of government insurance for the elderly with an under-funded voucher scheme that will dramatically shift healthcare costs to seniors will return as well. Despite having repeatedly warned America about "takers" and lazy men "in our inner cities" who are turning "the safety net into a hammock," Chairman Ryan is recasting himself as an anti-poverty crusader. And above all, Paul Ryan wants to use his move from the Budget to the Ways and Means Committee to advance his dream of tax reform that "lowers rates and broadens the base."
But to realize his dream, Congressman Paul Ryan is perpetrating the greatest public policy con game since Arthur Laffer first sketched his laughable curve. Faced with the inescapable historical truth that tax cuts don't pay for themselves but instead have only increased the national debt and income inequality, Ryan turned to a three-part fraud to deceive the American press and the American people. Call it Paul Ryan's triple scam"
"His plans to privatize Social Security, shelved due to their consistent unpopularity, will be back on the front burner. Ryan's ploy to ration Medicare by replacing the guaranteed system of government insurance for the elderly with an under-funded voucher scheme that will dramatically shift healthcare costs to seniors will return as well. Despite having repeatedly warned America about "takers" and lazy men "in our inner cities" who are turning "the safety net into a hammock," Chairman Ryan is recasting himself as an anti-poverty crusader. And above all, Paul Ryan wants to use his move from the Budget to the Ways and Means Committee to advance his dream of tax reform that "lowers rates and broadens the base."
But to realize his dream, Congressman Paul Ryan is perpetrating the greatest public policy con game since Arthur Laffer first sketched his laughable curve. Faced with the inescapable historical truth that tax cuts don't pay for themselves but instead have only increased the national debt and income inequality, Ryan turned to a three-part fraud to deceive the American press and the American people. Call it Paul Ryan's triple scam"
'Let them eat cake': The GOP and its attacks on the middle class
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/23/1345709/--Let-them-eat-cake-The-GOP-and-its-attacks-on-the-middle-class
"We have had our own "Let them eat cake" moments in America. During the gilded age Cornelius Vanderbilt stated, "What do I care about the law? Ain’t I got the power?" His son, William Vanderbilt, once said, "The public be damned!" when he heard of criticism of his railroad monopoly. This is the same man who was poorly treated by his father until he cheated the Army on the price of hay during the Civil War. What a fine family they were.
Jay Gould, another robber baron, once said about striking railroad workers, "I can hire one half of the working class to kill the other half." Republicans of today are obvious disciples of Mr. Gould. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and his "divide and conquer" statements, Mitt Romney with his comments about the 47 percent being dependent on government, Rep. Paul Ryan blaming poverty on lazy inner city men, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie being tired of minimum wage talk, and Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson stating, "I think it’s unrealistic, for public-sector employees to believe that they are immune from modifications to their pay and benefit packages."
These men, doing the work of the robber barons of today—the Koch brothers being the most well know of them—are out of touch with the American middle class."
"We have had our own "Let them eat cake" moments in America. During the gilded age Cornelius Vanderbilt stated, "What do I care about the law? Ain’t I got the power?" His son, William Vanderbilt, once said, "The public be damned!" when he heard of criticism of his railroad monopoly. This is the same man who was poorly treated by his father until he cheated the Army on the price of hay during the Civil War. What a fine family they were.
Jay Gould, another robber baron, once said about striking railroad workers, "I can hire one half of the working class to kill the other half." Republicans of today are obvious disciples of Mr. Gould. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and his "divide and conquer" statements, Mitt Romney with his comments about the 47 percent being dependent on government, Rep. Paul Ryan blaming poverty on lazy inner city men, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie being tired of minimum wage talk, and Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson stating, "I think it’s unrealistic, for public-sector employees to believe that they are immune from modifications to their pay and benefit packages."
These men, doing the work of the robber barons of today—the Koch brothers being the most well know of them—are out of touch with the American middle class."
Grover Norquist Tells Republicans To Get Rid Of CBO Director
Grover Norquist Tells Republicans To Get Rid Of CBO Director
"he is a domestic enemy of this nation and members should be fighting him, not licking his Prada loafers"
"he is a domestic enemy of this nation and members should be fighting him, not licking his Prada loafers"
Paul Ryan Plans A CBO Rubber Stamp For Trickle Down Disaster
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/11/25/paul-ryan-plans-cbo-rubber-stamp-trickle-disaster.html
"For a brief refresher on what “dynamic scoring” wrought on stupid Kansans (they did just re-elect “trickle-down” Brownback), look at what the “experiment in conservative economics” created. Brownback brought in “trickle down” scam artist Arthur Laffer to convince Republicans that giving the wealthy massive tax cuts and cutting education, healthcare, and infrastructure programs to death would be a government revenue bonanza, create a million jobs, and make every Kansan rich beyond their wildest dreams. The results, of course, were precisely the opposite and exactly what “official” incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Brownback Republicans lusted to do in Washington when they controlled both houses of Congress.
Kansas Republicans started with a budget surplus and squandered it on huge tax cuts for the rich that Laffer promised would instantly increase state revenue and a job creation explosion. Kansas is going broke and predicted to be bankrupt within two years, job creation is lagging the entire nation, and it is all down to giving tax cuts to the rich at the expense of the state’s economic life. Trickle down Brownback then signed another trickle down package of $1.1 billion in tax breaks for the rich that promptly created a record revenue shortfall and two more credit downgrades; something the CBO determined Paul Ryan’s budget would do if enacted."
"For a brief refresher on what “dynamic scoring” wrought on stupid Kansans (they did just re-elect “trickle-down” Brownback), look at what the “experiment in conservative economics” created. Brownback brought in “trickle down” scam artist Arthur Laffer to convince Republicans that giving the wealthy massive tax cuts and cutting education, healthcare, and infrastructure programs to death would be a government revenue bonanza, create a million jobs, and make every Kansan rich beyond their wildest dreams. The results, of course, were precisely the opposite and exactly what “official” incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Brownback Republicans lusted to do in Washington when they controlled both houses of Congress.
Kansas Republicans started with a budget surplus and squandered it on huge tax cuts for the rich that Laffer promised would instantly increase state revenue and a job creation explosion. Kansas is going broke and predicted to be bankrupt within two years, job creation is lagging the entire nation, and it is all down to giving tax cuts to the rich at the expense of the state’s economic life. Trickle down Brownback then signed another trickle down package of $1.1 billion in tax breaks for the rich that promptly created a record revenue shortfall and two more credit downgrades; something the CBO determined Paul Ryan’s budget would do if enacted."
Yet Even More Evidence That David Barton's History Cannot Be Trusted | Right Wing Watch
Yet Even More Evidence That David Barton's History Cannot Be Trusted | Right Wing Watch
"Despite the fact that his claims are totally false, Barton will nonetheless continue to make them in future presentations, secure in the knowledge that his Religious Right supporters will never hold him accountable for his misinformation and misrepresentations."
"Despite the fact that his claims are totally false, Barton will nonetheless continue to make them in future presentations, secure in the knowledge that his Religious Right supporters will never hold him accountable for his misinformation and misrepresentations."
The Republican Party and the Rise of the “Christian” Sociopath
The Republican Party and the Rise of the “Christian” Sociopath
"The Republican party has successfully managed to manipulate and con so many Americans into believing their nonsense that they’ve created what I refer to as “the rise of the Christian sociopath.” Millions of supposed “Christians” who’ve conned themselves into believing that they become closer to Jesus Christ – through greed, guns, hate, paranoia and a lack of remorse toward those they oppose. In other words, many conservatives have somehow convinced themselves that they become more “Christ-like” – by acting nothing like him."
"The Republican party has successfully managed to manipulate and con so many Americans into believing their nonsense that they’ve created what I refer to as “the rise of the Christian sociopath.” Millions of supposed “Christians” who’ve conned themselves into believing that they become closer to Jesus Christ – through greed, guns, hate, paranoia and a lack of remorse toward those they oppose. In other words, many conservatives have somehow convinced themselves that they become more “Christ-like” – by acting nothing like him."
The Texas State Board of Education is Wrong: Moses is Not a Founding Father
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/11/25/texas-state-board-education-wrong-moses-founding-father.html
"This means, thanks to the size of the Texas textbook market, that Moses is now a Founding Father to us all. Alongside George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. It means that a figure of myth is now coequal to figures of history."
"This means, thanks to the size of the Texas textbook market, that Moses is now a Founding Father to us all. Alongside George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. It means that a figure of myth is now coequal to figures of history."
Hilarious: 'Atheists, Don't You Understand That Sustained Space Flight Is Impossible?'
Hilarious: 'Atheists, Don't You Understand That Sustained Space Flight Is Impossible?'
"It can sometimes be hard to tell what is real, what is fake, and what is real masquerading as fake (or fake masquerading as real) on the Internet. Between satirists, both inept and adept, and the real thing, it can be challenging to determine the veracity of something. Toss in elected officials who compare a rote immigration executive order to the Nazis, who proclaim that women can't get pregnant from rape because their body "shuts down," and who say that global warming isn't true because it's cold in Verkhoyansk, and you really can't dismiss outrageous statements out-of-hand as "trolling"."
"It can sometimes be hard to tell what is real, what is fake, and what is real masquerading as fake (or fake masquerading as real) on the Internet. Between satirists, both inept and adept, and the real thing, it can be challenging to determine the veracity of something. Toss in elected officials who compare a rote immigration executive order to the Nazis, who proclaim that women can't get pregnant from rape because their body "shuts down," and who say that global warming isn't true because it's cold in Verkhoyansk, and you really can't dismiss outrageous statements out-of-hand as "trolling"."
Monday, November 24, 2014
Paul Ryan's Flabbergasting Hypocrisy
http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/paul-ryans-flabbergasting-hypocrisy
"Aware no doubt of how President Obama’s announcement this week on immigration reform would dominate both the media and the public’s attention, Republicans in the House, led by Rep. Paul Ryan, have been working to make sure the next head of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) — which acts as Congress’s honest broker when it comes to scoring fiscal policy — is not a nonpartisan technocrat, as has usually been the case, but rather a loyal member of the conservative movement."
"Aware no doubt of how President Obama’s announcement this week on immigration reform would dominate both the media and the public’s attention, Republicans in the House, led by Rep. Paul Ryan, have been working to make sure the next head of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) — which acts as Congress’s honest broker when it comes to scoring fiscal policy — is not a nonpartisan technocrat, as has usually been the case, but rather a loyal member of the conservative movement."
3 Republican Lies About Keystone XL
http://samuel-warde.com/2014/11/3-republican-lies-keystone-xl/
"No matter who you are, no matter what your political persuasion, it is important that you understand the ramifications of the Keystone XL. It will not produce any lasting jobs. It will not make us more energy independent. It will not lower fuel prices. It will put our environment, our economy and our security at risk."
"No matter who you are, no matter what your political persuasion, it is important that you understand the ramifications of the Keystone XL. It will not produce any lasting jobs. It will not make us more energy independent. It will not lower fuel prices. It will put our environment, our economy and our security at risk."
The Return Of Voodoo Economics: Paul Ryan Wants To Hide The Real Cost Of Tax Cuts
The Return Of Voodoo Economics: Paul Ryan Wants To Hide The Real Cost Of Tax Cuts
"They want to factor in the "economic growth" that doesn't actually occur as a result of tax breaks for their benefactors."
"They want to factor in the "economic growth" that doesn't actually occur as a result of tax breaks for their benefactors."
Five Of The Craziest Conservative Reactions To Obama's Immigration Action: Impeachment, Race War & Rebellion | Right Wing Watch
Five Of The Craziest Conservative Reactions To Obama's Immigration Action: Impeachment, Race War & Rebellion | Right Wing Watch
"Schlafly likened Obama’s announcement to the attack on Fort Sumter which triggered the Civil War, while Glenn Beck, making one of his trademark prophetic predictions, feared that the move could launch a race war."
"Schlafly likened Obama’s announcement to the attack on Fort Sumter which triggered the Civil War, while Glenn Beck, making one of his trademark prophetic predictions, feared that the move could launch a race war."
Far-Right Furious After GOP Report Debunks Benghazi Conspiracy Theories | Right Wing Watch
Far-Right Furious After GOP Report Debunks Benghazi Conspiracy Theories | Right Wing Watch
"In fact, the report is the seventh official investigation into Benghazi, all of which cleared the Obama administration of wrongdoing, and follows a report from the GOP-controlled House Armed Services Committee, which also debunked many right-wing Benghazi myths."
"In fact, the report is the seventh official investigation into Benghazi, all of which cleared the Obama administration of wrongdoing, and follows a report from the GOP-controlled House Armed Services Committee, which also debunked many right-wing Benghazi myths."
Seven Candidates for Corporate Rip-Off of the Year
Seven Candidates for Corporate Rip-Off of the Year
"2. Paying Their Employees With Our Tax Money
Walmart made $19 billion in U.S. profits last year, and the four Walton siblings together made about $29 billion from their personal investments. That's about $33,000 per U.S. employee in profits and family stock gains. Yet they pay their 1.4 million American employees so little that the average Walmart worker depends on about $4,000 per year in taxpayer assistance, for food stamps and other safety net programs."
"2. Paying Their Employees With Our Tax Money
Walmart made $19 billion in U.S. profits last year, and the four Walton siblings together made about $29 billion from their personal investments. That's about $33,000 per U.S. employee in profits and family stock gains. Yet they pay their 1.4 million American employees so little that the average Walmart worker depends on about $4,000 per year in taxpayer assistance, for food stamps and other safety net programs."
After Thousands of Hours of Spewing Benghazi Lies, Fox News Gives 30 Seconds to House Report Clearing the Obama Administration
http://aattp.org/after-thousands-of-hours-of-spewing-benghazi-lies-fox-news-gives-30-seconds-to-house-report-clearing-the-obama-administration/
"It’s no secret that Fox anchors get their daily marching orders from a Morning Memo issued by Roger Ailes — a clinical sociopath if ever there was one. Over the last few years, the head lunatic at Fox Asylum has been ramming the Benghazi conspiracy down America’s throats like bleach milkshake through a firehose. Books, thousands of hours of coverage, Karl Rove and Dick Cheney screaming for impeachment, every Teabilly with a length of rope screaming for a tree; two long years, non-stop.
And the culmination of all of that? About thirty seconds of sideways reporting on a recently released House Intelligence Committee report grudgingly clearing the Obama administration of any wrongdoing."
"It’s no secret that Fox anchors get their daily marching orders from a Morning Memo issued by Roger Ailes — a clinical sociopath if ever there was one. Over the last few years, the head lunatic at Fox Asylum has been ramming the Benghazi conspiracy down America’s throats like bleach milkshake through a firehose. Books, thousands of hours of coverage, Karl Rove and Dick Cheney screaming for impeachment, every Teabilly with a length of rope screaming for a tree; two long years, non-stop.
And the culmination of all of that? About thirty seconds of sideways reporting on a recently released House Intelligence Committee report grudgingly clearing the Obama administration of any wrongdoing."
Fox News Sunday Ignored Congressional Report Debunking Benghazi Myths
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/11/23/fox-news-sunday-ignored-congressional-report-de/201680
"Fox has been a tireless promoter of nearly every facet of the Benghazi hoax. In the 20 months following the attacks, Fox ran over 1,100 segments on Benghazi and hosted Republicans at a rate of 30:1 over Democrats to discuss the issue. Meanwhile, the network has routinely ignored and downplayed evidence refuting its conspiracy theories."
"Fox has been a tireless promoter of nearly every facet of the Benghazi hoax. In the 20 months following the attacks, Fox ran over 1,100 segments on Benghazi and hosted Republicans at a rate of 30:1 over Democrats to discuss the issue. Meanwhile, the network has routinely ignored and downplayed evidence refuting its conspiracy theories."
BENGHAZI!!! report by House Republicans debunks House Republicans
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/24/1347084/-BENGHAZI-report-by-House-Republicans-debunks-House-nbsp-Republicans
"The Republican-led House Intelligence Committee had a news dump Friday afternoon, releasing a long-awaited report on Benghazi that confirms the administration's statements about the attacks. The issue that Republicans have been trying to blow up to the thing that brings Hillary Clinton down in 2016 has, well, been blown up. By Republicans."
"The Republican-led House Intelligence Committee had a news dump Friday afternoon, releasing a long-awaited report on Benghazi that confirms the administration's statements about the attacks. The issue that Republicans have been trying to blow up to the thing that brings Hillary Clinton down in 2016 has, well, been blown up. By Republicans."
Lindsey Graham Throws A Hissy Fit After Benghazi Report Debunks GOP Conspiracy Theories (Video)
Lindsey Graham Throws A Hissy Fit After Benghazi Report Debunks GOP Conspiracy Theories (Video)
"this is why I always tell people to never waste their time debating conspiracy theorists – there’s no point. If you debunk their conspiracies, they’ll simply dismiss the evidence that discredits their ridiculous lies as being part of the conspiracy itself. Which is exactly what Graham is doing here."
"this is why I always tell people to never waste their time debating conspiracy theorists – there’s no point. If you debunk their conspiracies, they’ll simply dismiss the evidence that discredits their ridiculous lies as being part of the conspiracy itself. Which is exactly what Graham is doing here."
Fox News story on House Benghazi report ignores the entire report
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/22/1346743/-Fox-News-story-on-House-Benghazi-report-ignores-the-entire-report
"Nowhere in it does it say anything about the report's main findings regarding a lack of wrongdoing by the Administration or the State Department, as reported not only by the AP but by NPR, ("House Panel Finds 'No Intelligence Failure' Before Benghazi Attack"), CNN ("Republican-led report debunks Benghazi theories and accusations"), the Wall Street Journal ("House Report Finds No Attempt to Mislead Public Over Benghazi"), and every other article on the report I could find. Oh, and Fox News' TV coverage of the report also ignored the report, unsurprisingly."
"Nowhere in it does it say anything about the report's main findings regarding a lack of wrongdoing by the Administration or the State Department, as reported not only by the AP but by NPR, ("House Panel Finds 'No Intelligence Failure' Before Benghazi Attack"), CNN ("Republican-led report debunks Benghazi theories and accusations"), the Wall Street Journal ("House Report Finds No Attempt to Mislead Public Over Benghazi"), and every other article on the report I could find. Oh, and Fox News' TV coverage of the report also ignored the report, unsurprisingly."
GOP Led Report Debunks Right-Wing Media's Benghazi Hoax
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/11/21/gop-led-report-debunks-right-wing-medias-bengha/201676
"Conservative media outlets spent more than two years relentlessly promoting these myths, despite being repeatedly debunked. Fox News alone hyped the idea of a "stand-down order" on more than 100 segments."
"Conservative media outlets spent more than two years relentlessly promoting these myths, despite being repeatedly debunked. Fox News alone hyped the idea of a "stand-down order" on more than 100 segments."
Ted Cruz Continues To Prove He’s Delusional During Fox News Interview (Video)
Ted Cruz Continues To Prove He’s Delusional During Fox News Interview (Video)
"Even when it came to hints by Cruz that another government shutdown might be in order, Wallace reminded the senator that the last time he led that charge it didn’t turn out so well for his party."
"Even when it came to hints by Cruz that another government shutdown might be in order, Wallace reminded the senator that the last time he led that charge it didn’t turn out so well for his party."
Fox News' Megyn Kelly admits that the right uses 'amnesty' to 'sort of get people upset'
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/21/1346431/-Fox-News-Megyn-Kelly-admits-that-the-right-uses-amnesty-to-sort-of-get-people-upset
"Kelly, of course, has used amnesty in exactly that way herself, so don't give her too much credit for that little burst of calculated honesty. But it's still a good line to hold in your pocket the next time someone starts talking about amnesty. "Well, actually, Fox News' Megyn Kelly said amnesty is a term the right uses to upset people, but it's not what the president did anyway"."
"Kelly, of course, has used amnesty in exactly that way herself, so don't give her too much credit for that little burst of calculated honesty. But it's still a good line to hold in your pocket the next time someone starts talking about amnesty. "Well, actually, Fox News' Megyn Kelly said amnesty is a term the right uses to upset people, but it's not what the president did anyway"."
Dear Republicans: Your Fake Outrage Over President Obama’s Action on Immigration is Pathetically Laughable
Dear Republicans: Your Fake Outrage Over President Obama’s Action on Immigration is Pathetically Laughable
"Republicans let me warn you, whatever you all do, don’t you dare Google the past executive orders issued on immigration by Saint Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Dubya. If you do, there’s a very high likelihood that you’ll realize they all issued executive orders on immigration as well. Heck, you all might even find out that in 1986, Reagan passed essentially the same immigration bill President Obama wants passed now."
"Republicans let me warn you, whatever you all do, don’t you dare Google the past executive orders issued on immigration by Saint Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Dubya. If you do, there’s a very high likelihood that you’ll realize they all issued executive orders on immigration as well. Heck, you all might even find out that in 1986, Reagan passed essentially the same immigration bill President Obama wants passed now."
PERRspectives: Reagan's Ghost Haunts GOP on Immigration and Torture
PERRspectives: Reagan's Ghost Haunts GOP on Immigration and Torture
"Of course, Republicans don't call Ronald Reagan an "emperor" or a "monarch" for having done pretty much what Barack Obama is about to do now. That's why the GOP and its conservative allies aren't invoking the spirit of Ronald Reagan right now. They know exactly what Reagan would do."
"Of course, Republicans don't call Ronald Reagan an "emperor" or a "monarch" for having done pretty much what Barack Obama is about to do now. That's why the GOP and its conservative allies aren't invoking the spirit of Ronald Reagan right now. They know exactly what Reagan would do."
The dumbest conservative lies about net neutrality
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/21/1346538/-The-dumbest-conservative-lies-about-net-neutrality
"Conservatives are clearly gearing up for a big fight over net neutrality, largely because it's something President Obama has now strongly endorsed. But they're missing the part where big majorities of their base understand this issue, and support net neutrality."
"Conservatives are clearly gearing up for a big fight over net neutrality, largely because it's something President Obama has now strongly endorsed. But they're missing the part where big majorities of their base understand this issue, and support net neutrality."
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Where To Shop To Support Workers This Black Friday
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/11/21/3595568/thanksgiving-guide/
"While 12 brands have decided to open their doors on Thanksgiving Day, requiring millions of workers to miss out on time with friends and family, 18 others have decided to stay closed."
"While 12 brands have decided to open their doors on Thanksgiving Day, requiring millions of workers to miss out on time with friends and family, 18 others have decided to stay closed."
Texas Approves Textbook Teaching Moses As One Of The Founding Fathers
Texas Approves Textbook Teaching Moses As One Of The Founding Fathers
"Texas is leading us all down the path of learned ignorance."
"Texas is leading us all down the path of learned ignorance."
House Intelligence Committee Quietly Releases Embarrassing Benghazi Report Before Running Off For Thanksgiving Recess
House Intelligence Committee Quietly Releases Embarrassing Benghazi Report Before Running Off For Thanksgiving Recess
"You read that right, Republicans very quietly released the report before scurrying out of town for Thanksgiving recess. Not only that, but they also released it right after President Obama’s announcement on executive action on immigration, to make sure their waste of time and taxpayer money was completely buried in the news cycle. Yes, they waited to release the findings that will make the next Benghazi investigation that Senator Lindsey Graham wants to hold in 2015 look even more ridiculous than this one."
"You read that right, Republicans very quietly released the report before scurrying out of town for Thanksgiving recess. Not only that, but they also released it right after President Obama’s announcement on executive action on immigration, to make sure their waste of time and taxpayer money was completely buried in the news cycle. Yes, they waited to release the findings that will make the next Benghazi investigation that Senator Lindsey Graham wants to hold in 2015 look even more ridiculous than this one."
Congressional Report Confirms Benghazi! Was Never A Scandal
Congressional Report Confirms Benghazi! Was Never A Scandal
"It's Friday afternoon and you're about to leave Washington, DC for a three-week vacation after coming back for just a week. What do you do?
Why, you dump The Seventh Benghazi Report, of course! Hey, the election's over, so it's time to clean up for the next term, so Congressional Republicans released the report on Benghazi with the conclusion...wait for it...that there was no wrongdoing on the part of everyone!"
"It's Friday afternoon and you're about to leave Washington, DC for a three-week vacation after coming back for just a week. What do you do?
Why, you dump The Seventh Benghazi Report, of course! Hey, the election's over, so it's time to clean up for the next term, so Congressional Republicans released the report on Benghazi with the conclusion...wait for it...that there was no wrongdoing on the part of everyone!"
We Need to Act Now to Save the Post Office
http://truth-out.org/opinion/item/27554-we-need-to-act-now-to-save-the-post-office#
"On December 20, 2006, right before lawmakers left for the holidays, Republicans in Congress forced through a bill that required the Postal Service to put into a savings account enough money to pay for all of its retired workers' health benefits 75 years into the future. In other words, the Post Office is saving money right now to pay for the health benefits of people who haven't yet even been born!
This is something so massively stupid and destructive that no other business or government agency on earth has ever had to do it or even considered doing it, and it's why the Post Office has been in the red every year since the law was passed in 2006."
"On December 20, 2006, right before lawmakers left for the holidays, Republicans in Congress forced through a bill that required the Postal Service to put into a savings account enough money to pay for all of its retired workers' health benefits 75 years into the future. In other words, the Post Office is saving money right now to pay for the health benefits of people who haven't yet even been born!
This is something so massively stupid and destructive that no other business or government agency on earth has ever had to do it or even considered doing it, and it's why the Post Office has been in the red every year since the law was passed in 2006."
Major Figure In Chris Christie's NJ Pension Scandal Resigns
Major Figure In Chris Christie's NJ Pension Scandal Resigns
"I find it bizarre that members of the corporate media still treat him as a viable candidate for president -- I think he'll be lucky to get away without an indictment!"
"I find it bizarre that members of the corporate media still treat him as a viable candidate for president -- I think he'll be lucky to get away without an indictment!"
Rick Santorum Longs For Days Of Racial Uniters Like Jesse Helms, Jerry Falwell
Rick Santorum Longs For Days Of Racial Uniters Like Jesse Helms, Jerry Falwell
"You should read that whole article. It's great insight into the people who call themselves "tea party" types."
"You should read that whole article. It's great insight into the people who call themselves "tea party" types."
Breaking Down the Cowardly and Childish Temper Tantrum Republicans are Throwing Over Immigration
Breaking Down the Cowardly and Childish Temper Tantrum Republicans are Throwing Over Immigration
"About a year and a half ago, Democrats and Republicans in the Senate came together in a rare showing of bipartisanship to pass comprehensive immigration reform by a vote of 68-32. It wasn’t even as if the vote for this bill was close – it overwhelmingly passed the Senate, and it was a bill the president said he would sign. But as most of us know, we never saw comprehensive immigration reform get passed in this country because Speaker of the House John Boehner refused to even let the House vote on it. And I think it’s important to clarify what I mean by that. It’s not that this Senate bill went up for a vote in the House and failed, it’s that Boehner wouldn’t even let them vote on it. And the reason why he didn’t let the House vote on this piece of legislation is because all indicators pointed to it passing. Just think about that for a moment. Two-thirds of our government comes out on the record (one verbally, one via the Senate’s vote) in support of a piece of legislation. Not only that, but all signs point to this legislation passing in the House of Representatives if it were to come up for a vote, meaning that President Obama would have then signed it into law. Except Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner flat-out won’t let the House vote on it."
"About a year and a half ago, Democrats and Republicans in the Senate came together in a rare showing of bipartisanship to pass comprehensive immigration reform by a vote of 68-32. It wasn’t even as if the vote for this bill was close – it overwhelmingly passed the Senate, and it was a bill the president said he would sign. But as most of us know, we never saw comprehensive immigration reform get passed in this country because Speaker of the House John Boehner refused to even let the House vote on it. And I think it’s important to clarify what I mean by that. It’s not that this Senate bill went up for a vote in the House and failed, it’s that Boehner wouldn’t even let them vote on it. And the reason why he didn’t let the House vote on this piece of legislation is because all indicators pointed to it passing. Just think about that for a moment. Two-thirds of our government comes out on the record (one verbally, one via the Senate’s vote) in support of a piece of legislation. Not only that, but all signs point to this legislation passing in the House of Representatives if it were to come up for a vote, meaning that President Obama would have then signed it into law. Except Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner flat-out won’t let the House vote on it."
Texas hospitals desperate to secure Medicaid expansion funds
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/18/1345778/-Texas-hospitals-desperate-to-secure-Medicaid-expansion-nbsp-funds
"Public hospitals in every state that refused Obamacare's Medicaid expansion have suffered, and more than a few have been forced to close. In the state with the highest uninsured rate in the country—Texas—hospitals are sounding an alarm, and are desperately trying to overcome Republican opposition to Obamacare in the state."
"Public hospitals in every state that refused Obamacare's Medicaid expansion have suffered, and more than a few have been forced to close. In the state with the highest uninsured rate in the country—Texas—hospitals are sounding an alarm, and are desperately trying to overcome Republican opposition to Obamacare in the state."
Thursday, November 20, 2014
“Simple-minded darkies”: Meet the white supremacist who’s about to be Nevada’s House speaker
“Simple-minded darkies”: Meet the white supremacist who’s about to be Nevada’s House speaker
"A recent remark is just one in a long line of bigoted and offensive statements from incoming GOP Speaker Ira Hansen"
"A recent remark is just one in a long line of bigoted and offensive statements from incoming GOP Speaker Ira Hansen"
Here are Some Facts About the Keystone XL Pipeline Republicans Really Don’t Want Americans to See
Here are Some Facts About the Keystone XL Pipeline Republicans Really Don’t Want Americans to See
"when all is said and done, the Keystone XL pipeline will only sustain about 50 full-time jobs. That’s it. And let’s just look at a glaring reality that millions of Americans seem to not understand: This is not American oil nor is the Keystone XL an American pipeline. This pipeline will take Canadian oil down to the Gulf of Mexico to be shipped out and sold on the global market at whatever price oil is going for at that particular time.
Let me reiterate this again: The Keystone XL pipeline has nothing to do with American oil, helping America’s energy independence or anything at all to do with anything remotely related to the United States as it relates to satisfying our energy needs and demands. This is a pipeline that will cut straight through the heart of the United States so that TransCanada can sell their oil at the going global market rate… with most of it probably ending up in China. And what will the United States ultimately end up with? About 50 jobs and a massive pipeline over 1,000 miles long that will almost assuredly be responsible for some kind of catastrophic oil spill sometime in the future."
"when all is said and done, the Keystone XL pipeline will only sustain about 50 full-time jobs. That’s it. And let’s just look at a glaring reality that millions of Americans seem to not understand: This is not American oil nor is the Keystone XL an American pipeline. This pipeline will take Canadian oil down to the Gulf of Mexico to be shipped out and sold on the global market at whatever price oil is going for at that particular time.
Let me reiterate this again: The Keystone XL pipeline has nothing to do with American oil, helping America’s energy independence or anything at all to do with anything remotely related to the United States as it relates to satisfying our energy needs and demands. This is a pipeline that will cut straight through the heart of the United States so that TransCanada can sell their oil at the going global market rate… with most of it probably ending up in China. And what will the United States ultimately end up with? About 50 jobs and a massive pipeline over 1,000 miles long that will almost assuredly be responsible for some kind of catastrophic oil spill sometime in the future."
Elizabeth Warren Crushes Republicans For Their Absurd Economic Policies
Elizabeth Warren Crushes Republicans For Their Absurd Economic Policies
"she’s exactly right. We’ve been force-fed trickle-down economics since the early-80′s and it hasn’t worked. The rich are richer than they’ve ever been while the poor and middle class continue to fall further and further behind. After eight years of George W. Bush cutting taxes and deregulating Wall Street, our economy finally hit a breaking point and damn near collapsed. And those are the same failed policies the Republican party wants to return us to. Tax breaks for the rich, less regulation on Wall Street and a guaranteed path to another massive economic breakdown."
"she’s exactly right. We’ve been force-fed trickle-down economics since the early-80′s and it hasn’t worked. The rich are richer than they’ve ever been while the poor and middle class continue to fall further and further behind. After eight years of George W. Bush cutting taxes and deregulating Wall Street, our economy finally hit a breaking point and damn near collapsed. And those are the same failed policies the Republican party wants to return us to. Tax breaks for the rich, less regulation on Wall Street and a guaranteed path to another massive economic breakdown."
Reality Check for Republicans: The GOP Had Over a Year to Act on Immigration, Yet Did Absolutely Nothing
Reality Check for Republicans: The GOP Had Over a Year to Act on Immigration, Yet Did Absolutely Nothing
"In other words, the reason why we don’t have congressional approved immigration reform right now is because John Boehner refused to let the House of Representatives vote on a bipartisan Senate bill that the president would have signed into law – because he knew it would pass if he allowed it to come up for a vote."
"In other words, the reason why we don’t have congressional approved immigration reform right now is because John Boehner refused to let the House of Representatives vote on a bipartisan Senate bill that the president would have signed into law – because he knew it would pass if he allowed it to come up for a vote."
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
GOP Lie Goes Up in Flames: EVERY President Since and Including Eisenhower Used Executive Power on Immigration
http://aattp.org/gop-lie-goes-up-in-flames-every-president-since-and-including-eisenhower-used-executive-power-on-immigration/
"So, given this, if what Obama is doing is impeachment worthy, then why haven’t these dyed-in-the-wool patriots been rushing to impeach every single president since Ike?
If your answer was “because none of those other presidents were black” congratulations, you win a cookie."
"So, given this, if what Obama is doing is impeachment worthy, then why haven’t these dyed-in-the-wool patriots been rushing to impeach every single president since Ike?
If your answer was “because none of those other presidents were black” congratulations, you win a cookie."
PERRspectives: Republicans Use Gruber as Cover for Their Deadly Obamacare Lies
PERRspectives: Republicans Use Gruber as Cover for Their Deadly Obamacare Lies
"perhaps the greatest campaign of political deception in modern American history, one that continues to misinform people about Obamacare while needlessly leaving millions without health insurance in the very states where GOP control is strongest.
All along, Republicans greatest fear hasn't been that the Affordable Care Act would fail, but that it would succeed."
"perhaps the greatest campaign of political deception in modern American history, one that continues to misinform people about Obamacare while needlessly leaving millions without health insurance in the very states where GOP control is strongest.
All along, Republicans greatest fear hasn't been that the Affordable Care Act would fail, but that it would succeed."
Ted Cruz Responds to Al Franken, Continues to Prove He Has No Idea What Net Neutrality Means (Video)
Ted Cruz Responds to Al Franken, Continues to Prove He Has No Idea What Net Neutrality Means (Video)
"What President Obama is proposing is a measure to keep the internet exactly how it has always been. That’s it. He wants to reclassify it as a utility so that these greedy internet service providers like Verizon and Comcast can’t screw over businesses and consumers by charging websites fees so that their content will be delivered to the consumer at the speed for which they’re already paying."
"What President Obama is proposing is a measure to keep the internet exactly how it has always been. That’s it. He wants to reclassify it as a utility so that these greedy internet service providers like Verizon and Comcast can’t screw over businesses and consumers by charging websites fees so that their content will be delivered to the consumer at the speed for which they’re already paying."
House Republicans just passed a bill forbidding scientists from advising the EPA on their own research
House Republicans just passed a bill forbidding scientists from advising the EPA <em>on their own research</em>
"The "reform" measure makes room for industry-funded experts on the EPA's advisory board"
"The "reform" measure makes room for industry-funded experts on the EPA's advisory board"
Erick Erickson’s shutdown fantasy: Have GOP hurt people, then lie about it!
Erick Erickson’s shutdown fantasy: Have GOP hurt people, then lie about it!
"Erick Erickson is explicitly advocating that the Republican Party deliberately cause people real pain, and then lie about it for political benefit."
"Erick Erickson is explicitly advocating that the Republican Party deliberately cause people real pain, and then lie about it for political benefit."
Republicans' New Plan To Rig 2016 Electoral College
Republicans' New Plan To Rig 2016 Electoral College
"As usual, if they can't win outright, they'll just cheat with tactics like voter suppression, outright disenfranchisement, and more. The "more" also means resurrecting the zombie electoral college apportionment that would randomly add electors to Republican candidates in a losing state while not giving Democrats any in states they lose."
"As usual, if they can't win outright, they'll just cheat with tactics like voter suppression, outright disenfranchisement, and more. The "more" also means resurrecting the zombie electoral college apportionment that would randomly add electors to Republican candidates in a losing state while not giving Democrats any in states they lose."
What to Do About Record Low Voter Turnout? Call a Holiday! | The Nation
What to Do About Record Low Voter Turnout? Call a Holiday! | The Nation
"How about making Election Day a holiday? That’s hardly a radical idea. Countries around the world schedule elections on weekends or recognize weekdays when elections are held as a holiday. Louisiana usually votes on Saturdays. And roughly a dozen states and jurisdictions give some recognition to Election Day as a holiday. So why not take the idea national?
That’s what Senator Sanders is proposing. Even before November 4, the independent from Vermont argued that, as part of a broader effort to generate the largest possible turnout, “Election Day should be a national holiday so that everyone has the opportunity to vote"."
"How about making Election Day a holiday? That’s hardly a radical idea. Countries around the world schedule elections on weekends or recognize weekdays when elections are held as a holiday. Louisiana usually votes on Saturdays. And roughly a dozen states and jurisdictions give some recognition to Election Day as a holiday. So why not take the idea national?
That’s what Senator Sanders is proposing. Even before November 4, the independent from Vermont argued that, as part of a broader effort to generate the largest possible turnout, “Election Day should be a national holiday so that everyone has the opportunity to vote"."
Bernie Sanders: Republicans Are Getting Very Nervous About Obamacare’s Success
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/11/17/bernie-sanders-republicans-nervous-obamacare.html
"With two more years of signups and tens of millions of people covered, it will be virtually impossible for Republicans to repeal the law. For this reason, Republicans are getting nervous. None of their dire predictions for year two are coming true. Premium costs have not skyrocketed; people are satisfied with the insurance that they purchased on the exchange, and the vast majority of those people are renewing their plans.
The media coverage and the endless drumbeat of right-wing negativity have combined to obscure the fact that the Affordable Care Act is popular with those who are signing up, and the law is proving that government can respect the marketplace and be a force for positive change. Republicans are nervous because deep down they know that the ACA is here to stay."
"With two more years of signups and tens of millions of people covered, it will be virtually impossible for Republicans to repeal the law. For this reason, Republicans are getting nervous. None of their dire predictions for year two are coming true. Premium costs have not skyrocketed; people are satisfied with the insurance that they purchased on the exchange, and the vast majority of those people are renewing their plans.
The media coverage and the endless drumbeat of right-wing negativity have combined to obscure the fact that the Affordable Care Act is popular with those who are signing up, and the law is proving that government can respect the marketplace and be a force for positive change. Republicans are nervous because deep down they know that the ACA is here to stay."
Bernie Sanders Isn’t Putting Up With Any Of CNN’s Right Wing Talking Points (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2014/11/17/bernie-sanders-isnt-putting-up-with-any-of-cnns-right-wing-talking-points-video/
"Sanders is exactly right and this line of questioning illustrates just how delusional the political narrative in Washington has become. Republicans – by shutting down the government, by filibustering everything, by threatening to impeach – have behaved so incredibly badly that just “working together” seems like a major victory for Democrats. They are behaving like bullies and they want Democrats to just be grateful when they aren’t giving them wet willies. It’s the political ideology of Just be happy we aren’t behaving worse and give us what we want – or maybe we will."
"Sanders is exactly right and this line of questioning illustrates just how delusional the political narrative in Washington has become. Republicans – by shutting down the government, by filibustering everything, by threatening to impeach – have behaved so incredibly badly that just “working together” seems like a major victory for Democrats. They are behaving like bullies and they want Democrats to just be grateful when they aren’t giving them wet willies. It’s the political ideology of Just be happy we aren’t behaving worse and give us what we want – or maybe we will."
Ted Cruz Proves Al Franken Right: Texas Senator Doesn’t Know What Net Neutrality Is
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/11/17/ted-cruz-proves-al-franken-right-texas-senator-net-neutrality.html
"Cruz is utterly clueless as to what net neutrality does."
"Cruz is utterly clueless as to what net neutrality does."
Paul Krugman on the Good News the GOP Does Not Want You to Know
http://www.alternet.org/economy/paul-krugman-real-lessons-great-american-ebola-panic-2014
"Leading Republicans suggested ignoring everything we know about disease control and resorting to extreme measures like travel bans, while mocking claims that health officials knew what they were doing.
In just a few short weeks, this despicable, irresponsible fear-mongering has been proven wrong, and surprirse surprise, our health officials actually did know what they were doing. Sometimes, good and responsible public policy based on actual science really works."
"Leading Republicans suggested ignoring everything we know about disease control and resorting to extreme measures like travel bans, while mocking claims that health officials knew what they were doing.
In just a few short weeks, this despicable, irresponsible fear-mongering has been proven wrong, and surprirse surprise, our health officials actually did know what they were doing. Sometimes, good and responsible public policy based on actual science really works."
The Simple Truth: President Obama is Too Intelligent for Republicans to Understand
The Simple Truth: President Obama is Too Intelligent for Republicans to Understand
"But to see all of that requires “big picture” thinking and Republicans seem unable to understand anything beyond the spoon-fed bumper sticker talking points they’re given by the GOP and the conservative media.
Minimum wage is another issue you see this with. Republicans constantly paint it as a “job killer” (it’s not) while also rallying against the millions of people who are on government assistance. Funny thing though, a good portion of the Americans who are on government assistance have jobs. If we made sure that no American working full-time had to rely on government programs just to survive, instantly we would save our country hundreds of billions of dollars over the years. Not only that, but when Americans have more money, they have more to spend. And what’s the biggest driver of economic growth? Consumer spending. More consumer spending means higher profits and higher demand, which means - more jobs. But once again, when it comes to Republicans and explaining job creation, anything outside of “tax cuts create jobs” is often too complex for many of them to understand."
"But to see all of that requires “big picture” thinking and Republicans seem unable to understand anything beyond the spoon-fed bumper sticker talking points they’re given by the GOP and the conservative media.
Minimum wage is another issue you see this with. Republicans constantly paint it as a “job killer” (it’s not) while also rallying against the millions of people who are on government assistance. Funny thing though, a good portion of the Americans who are on government assistance have jobs. If we made sure that no American working full-time had to rely on government programs just to survive, instantly we would save our country hundreds of billions of dollars over the years. Not only that, but when Americans have more money, they have more to spend. And what’s the biggest driver of economic growth? Consumer spending. More consumer spending means higher profits and higher demand, which means - more jobs. But once again, when it comes to Republicans and explaining job creation, anything outside of “tax cuts create jobs” is often too complex for many of them to understand."
Judge Rudolph Randa Asked To Once Again Interfere Into John Doe Laws
Judge Rudolph Randa Asked To Once Again Interfere Into John Doe Laws
"The dark money groups that are supporting Scott Walker and other Teapublicans really want to end any and all campaign regulation laws."
"The dark money groups that are supporting Scott Walker and other Teapublicans really want to end any and all campaign regulation laws."
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Paul Krugman has good news — and the GOP doesn’t want you to hear it
Paul Krugman has good news — and the GOP doesn’t want you to hear it
"Take the Energy Department’s renewable energy loan program. Chances are that if you’ve heard of it, it’s because you’ve read about the failure of Solyndra, a renewable energy company whose failure cost the government more than half a billion dollars. Republicans pounced on Solyndra’s collapse to deride federal subsidies and crony capitalism, but they were mysteriously silent last week when the Energy Department reported that its renewable energy program has actually turned a $5 billion profit overall."
"Take the Energy Department’s renewable energy loan program. Chances are that if you’ve heard of it, it’s because you’ve read about the failure of Solyndra, a renewable energy company whose failure cost the government more than half a billion dollars. Republicans pounced on Solyndra’s collapse to deride federal subsidies and crony capitalism, but they were mysteriously silent last week when the Energy Department reported that its renewable energy program has actually turned a $5 billion profit overall."
The Republican Party is Driven by Two of the Most Destructive Forces in Human History
The Republican Party is Driven by Two of the Most Destructive Forces in Human History
"The Republican party’s economic beliefs are entirely predicated on the belief that 98 percent of Americans will be better off by making the top 2 percent richer. Even now one of the biggest right-wing attacks used against President Obama is wage stagnation. But they’re apparently too ignorant to understand that when they complain about stagnant wages, while taxes are low and the rich are doing better than ever, they’re actually admitting that trickle-down economics doesn’t work. When you get right down to it, the two biggest driving forces behind the Republican party are greed and religion. And those just happen to be two of the most destructive things human beings have endured throughout our history."
"The Republican party’s economic beliefs are entirely predicated on the belief that 98 percent of Americans will be better off by making the top 2 percent richer. Even now one of the biggest right-wing attacks used against President Obama is wage stagnation. But they’re apparently too ignorant to understand that when they complain about stagnant wages, while taxes are low and the rich are doing better than ever, they’re actually admitting that trickle-down economics doesn’t work. When you get right down to it, the two biggest driving forces behind the Republican party are greed and religion. And those just happen to be two of the most destructive things human beings have endured throughout our history."
An Embattled ALEC, Buoyed by Election Results, Lays Blueprint for 2015
An Embattled ALEC, Buoyed by Election Results, Lays Blueprint for 2015
"ALEC has long pushed bills like the “Living Wage Preemption Act" to block city, county, or local governments from enacting progressive economic initiatives like a higher minimum wage. In light of the renewed grassroots push for fair wage laws, this bill to crush a local government's ability to increase wages in their community will likely be a top ALEC priority in 2015."
"ALEC has long pushed bills like the “Living Wage Preemption Act" to block city, county, or local governments from enacting progressive economic initiatives like a higher minimum wage. In light of the renewed grassroots push for fair wage laws, this bill to crush a local government's ability to increase wages in their community will likely be a top ALEC priority in 2015."
When Mega Corporations Get Mega Tax Breaks, We All Pay | The Nation
When Mega Corporations Get Mega Tax Breaks, We All Pay | The Nation
"if seven giant corporations—Boeing, Chevron, Citigroup, Ford, General Motors, JPMorgan Chase, and Verizon—had paid the statutory corporate tax rate of 35 percent, they would have owed $25.9 billion. Instead, the seven companies received a combined $1.9 billion in tax refunds"
"if seven giant corporations—Boeing, Chevron, Citigroup, Ford, General Motors, JPMorgan Chase, and Verizon—had paid the statutory corporate tax rate of 35 percent, they would have owed $25.9 billion. Instead, the seven companies received a combined $1.9 billion in tax refunds"
Drug Warrior Mitch McConnell Tied To Millions In Cocaine
Drug Warrior Mitch McConnell Tied To Millions In Cocaine
"Requests for comment to the McConnell team about the Ping May cocaine incident have gone unanswered.
McConnell has positioned himself over the years as a tough on drugs politician. In 1996, McConnell was the sole sponsor of the Enhanced Marijuana Penalties Act, a bill to increase the mandatory minimum sentencing for those caught with certain amounts of marijuana. A press release noted that his bill would make “penalties for selling marijuana comparable to those for selling heroin and cocaine.”
In recent weeks, McConnell has touted his role in calling for more federal money to be used for drug enforcement."
"Requests for comment to the McConnell team about the Ping May cocaine incident have gone unanswered.
McConnell has positioned himself over the years as a tough on drugs politician. In 1996, McConnell was the sole sponsor of the Enhanced Marijuana Penalties Act, a bill to increase the mandatory minimum sentencing for those caught with certain amounts of marijuana. A press release noted that his bill would make “penalties for selling marijuana comparable to those for selling heroin and cocaine.”
In recent weeks, McConnell has touted his role in calling for more federal money to be used for drug enforcement."
The Disturbing Hypocrisy Among Many Senior Citizens When it Comes to Social Security and Medicare
The Disturbing Hypocrisy Among Many Senior Citizens When it Comes to Social Security and Medicare
"there’s a huge hypocrisy when it comes to the tens of millions of senior citizens who often vote for Republicans who also heavily rely on these programs to survive. The truth of the matter is, Republicans would love to get rid of both Social Security and Medicare. In fact, they’re frequently trying to do just that."
"there’s a huge hypocrisy when it comes to the tens of millions of senior citizens who often vote for Republicans who also heavily rely on these programs to survive. The truth of the matter is, Republicans would love to get rid of both Social Security and Medicare. In fact, they’re frequently trying to do just that."
Americans Must Stop Allowing Themselves to be Distracted by Republican Propaganda
Americans Must Stop Allowing Themselves to be Distracted by Republican Propaganda
"The fiscally conservative party – that hasn’t had a president from their party balance the budget in nearly 60 years."
"The fiscally conservative party – that hasn’t had a president from their party balance the budget in nearly 60 years."
Ted Cruz Can’t Stop Lying About Net Neutrality. And Here’s a Whopper.
Ted Cruz Can’t Stop Lying About Net Neutrality. And Here’s a Whopper.
"Over the weekend, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) continued his crusade against net neutrality, but this time with Carrot Top style props to illustrate his gargantuan lies about the subject."
"Over the weekend, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) continued his crusade against net neutrality, but this time with Carrot Top style props to illustrate his gargantuan lies about the subject."
Kicking Out Corbett Was Good, But Now Wingnut Legislators Are Taking Over PA
Kicking Out Corbett Was Good, But Now Wingnut Legislators Are Taking Over PA
"What happened right after the election is that they booted out the Republican Senate Majority leader for being too "moderate" and installed one of the whack jobs. And guess what they've decided? That blocking the agenda of the new governor, who was elected in a landslide, will be a really good political strategy.
And why wouldn't they think that? It worked in Washington!"
"What happened right after the election is that they booted out the Republican Senate Majority leader for being too "moderate" and installed one of the whack jobs. And guess what they've decided? That blocking the agenda of the new governor, who was elected in a landslide, will be a really good political strategy.
And why wouldn't they think that? It worked in Washington!"
Arizona education update: We've elected 'Evan Mecham on steroids'
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/09/1343423/-Arizona-education-update-We-ve-elected-Evan-Mecham-on-steroids
"Arizona has a billion-dollar deficit and is not attracting quality employers, who complain that we don't produce an educated workforce (graduation rate: 43rd). Over the last decade Arizona's nitwit legislature, whose DNA is very anti-education, has cut school budgets more than any other state, while they increased prison funding 75 percent, to the point we now spend 40 percent more on prisons than schools."
"Arizona has a billion-dollar deficit and is not attracting quality employers, who complain that we don't produce an educated workforce (graduation rate: 43rd). Over the last decade Arizona's nitwit legislature, whose DNA is very anti-education, has cut school budgets more than any other state, while they increased prison funding 75 percent, to the point we now spend 40 percent more on prisons than schools."
Unions Are Among the Very Few Interest Groups that Represent the Middle Class
https://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/labor/news/2014/11/14/101163/unions-are-among-the-very-few-interest-groups-that-represent-the-middle-class-2/
"Buried deep inside Princeton University political scientist Martin Gilens’ research highlighting the excessive influence the rich have on modern U.S. politics, there is a hidden gem exploring which interest groups best represent the priorities of the middle class. Gilens found that, while most powerful interest groups advocate for policies that predominately benefit their narrowly defined members, relatively few focus on policies that the middle class supports. According to Gilens, most of these middle-class oriented groups are unions"
"Buried deep inside Princeton University political scientist Martin Gilens’ research highlighting the excessive influence the rich have on modern U.S. politics, there is a hidden gem exploring which interest groups best represent the priorities of the middle class. Gilens found that, while most powerful interest groups advocate for policies that predominately benefit their narrowly defined members, relatively few focus on policies that the middle class supports. According to Gilens, most of these middle-class oriented groups are unions"
Board appointed by Perry recommends Texas Medicaid expansion
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/13/1344684/-Board-appointed-by-Perry-recommends-Texas-Medicaid-nbsp-expansion
"A board of healthcare experts appointed by Gov. Rick Perry (R) and authorized by the state legislature is recommending that the state expand Medicaid under Obamacare, thereby extending coverage to more than 1 million uninsured Texans. The 15-member Texas Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency board has recommended that the state's health commissioner be given the authority to negotiate with the federal government on an expansion scheme."
"A board of healthcare experts appointed by Gov. Rick Perry (R) and authorized by the state legislature is recommending that the state expand Medicaid under Obamacare, thereby extending coverage to more than 1 million uninsured Texans. The 15-member Texas Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency board has recommended that the state's health commissioner be given the authority to negotiate with the federal government on an expansion scheme."
12 Extremist GOP Cartoon Characters Just Voted into Office
http://www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/12-extremist-gop-cartoon-characters-just-voted-office
"Is there 21st-century Nixon or McCarthy in the next Congress?"
"Is there 21st-century Nixon or McCarthy in the next Congress?"
Bobby Jindal's Sneaky, Smarmy Lie To Chuck Todd About Medicaid Expansion
Bobby Jindal's Sneaky, Smarmy Lie To Chuck Todd About Medicaid Expansion
"Because he refused to expand Medicaid, hospitals are closing emergency rooms around the state. Worse yet, that charity hospital system is being privatized, which means hospitals will not get the benefit of federal dollars to defray the costs of treating the poor.
In other words, that claim of Jindal's that people will leave private insurance is a straight-up lie because all he needed to have done was present a plan simillar to the one his cohorts in Arkansas and Pennsylvania did to allow private carriers to cover Medicaid-eligible residents of Louisiana."
"Because he refused to expand Medicaid, hospitals are closing emergency rooms around the state. Worse yet, that charity hospital system is being privatized, which means hospitals will not get the benefit of federal dollars to defray the costs of treating the poor.
In other words, that claim of Jindal's that people will leave private insurance is a straight-up lie because all he needed to have done was present a plan simillar to the one his cohorts in Arkansas and Pennsylvania did to allow private carriers to cover Medicaid-eligible residents of Louisiana."
5 Egregious Right-Wing Moments This Week: Fox News Impeachment Follies
http://www.alternet.org/tea-party-and-right/5-egregious-right-wing-moments-week-fox-news-impeachment-follies
"Texas Tea Partier Ted Cruz does not understand neutrality. What he does understand is that now that President Obama has come out strongly in favor of not selling the Internet out to the highest corporate bidder, Cruz is against it."
"Texas Tea Partier Ted Cruz does not understand neutrality. What he does understand is that now that President Obama has come out strongly in favor of not selling the Internet out to the highest corporate bidder, Cruz is against it."
Compassionate Conservatism Version 2016
Compassionate Conservatism Version 2016
"George Bush not only made the term "compassionate conservatism" a common phrase but also showed what a joke it is."
"George Bush not only made the term "compassionate conservatism" a common phrase but also showed what a joke it is."
If Presidential Action on Immigration Is Impeachable, Reagan and Bush Should Have Been Axed
http://www.alternet.org/immigration/if-presidential-action-immigration-impeachable-reagan-and-bush-should-have-been-axed
"As Republicans in Congress and right-wing columnists bellow that President Obama should be impeached if he issues an executive order to overhaul the nation’s immigration policies, it’s important to note that a long line of Republican presidents have done exactly the same thing for decades."
"As Republicans in Congress and right-wing columnists bellow that President Obama should be impeached if he issues an executive order to overhaul the nation’s immigration policies, it’s important to note that a long line of Republican presidents have done exactly the same thing for decades."
GOP's Impeachment Insanity Exposed at the Slightest Mention of the Word "Immigration"
http://www.alternet.org/immigration/gops-impeachment-insanity-exposed-slightest-mention-word-immigration
"Republicans in the Senate and House have rejected every legislative opportunity on immigration, including measures to strengthen border security. That's because they prefer partisan confrontation -- and that is what they will get. The consequences for their party promise to be politically devastating -- and still worse if they are foolish enough to believe their own rhetoric about impeachment."
"Republicans in the Senate and House have rejected every legislative opportunity on immigration, including measures to strengthen border security. That's because they prefer partisan confrontation -- and that is what they will get. The consequences for their party promise to be politically devastating -- and still worse if they are foolish enough to believe their own rhetoric about impeachment."
GOP Lie Debunked: Every President Since Eisenhower Used Executive Authority On Immigration
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/11/16/unprecedented-president-eisenhower-exercised-executive-authority-immigration.html
"It is noteworthy that every president since and including Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower has taken executive action on immigration without facing threats of lawsuits, government shutdowns, impeachment, or loss of executive authority; because they were white. No American dare ever say the current crop of Republicans, teabaggers, conservative pundits, and conservative media are not inherently racist, hypocritical, and living representations of vile inhumanity. Fortunately, history will portray them for exactly what they are; hypocritical and inhumane racists who hate immigrants just as much as they hate the African American man occupying the White House."
"It is noteworthy that every president since and including Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower has taken executive action on immigration without facing threats of lawsuits, government shutdowns, impeachment, or loss of executive authority; because they were white. No American dare ever say the current crop of Republicans, teabaggers, conservative pundits, and conservative media are not inherently racist, hypocritical, and living representations of vile inhumanity. Fortunately, history will portray them for exactly what they are; hypocritical and inhumane racists who hate immigrants just as much as they hate the African American man occupying the White House."
Right-Wing Media Revive Myth That Immigration Hurts American Workers
http://mediamatters.org/research/2014/11/14/right-wing-media-revive-myth-that-immigration-h/201584
"Right-wing media resurrected the myth that increased immigration hurts American workers in response to President Obama's plans for executive action on immigration. In fact, studies consistently find that immigration does not lead to higher unemployment or lower American wages and that it actually helps the economy."
"Right-wing media resurrected the myth that increased immigration hurts American workers in response to President Obama's plans for executive action on immigration. In fact, studies consistently find that immigration does not lead to higher unemployment or lower American wages and that it actually helps the economy."
Two Republican Presidents Used Executive Orders To Protect Immigrants
Two Republican Presidents Used Executive Orders To Protect Immigrants
"There was no political explosion then comparable to the one Republicans are threatening now."
"There was no political explosion then comparable to the one Republicans are threatening now."
Watch This Wingnut Do The Immigration Reform Two-Step
Watch This Wingnut Do The Immigration Reform Two-Step
"Rep. Tim Huelskamp couldn't answer the question, because we all know there is no plan. Republicans don't have a plan for immigration they can agree on because the nativists running their party have absolutely no intention of dealing with the actual problem.
If they actually wanted to stop President Obama from issuing that executive order, all they would have to do is have a vote in the House on the already-passed Senate bill. It was bipartisan, it passed with 68 votes, and could pass the House of Representatives"
"Rep. Tim Huelskamp couldn't answer the question, because we all know there is no plan. Republicans don't have a plan for immigration they can agree on because the nativists running their party have absolutely no intention of dealing with the actual problem.
If they actually wanted to stop President Obama from issuing that executive order, all they would have to do is have a vote in the House on the already-passed Senate bill. It was bipartisan, it passed with 68 votes, and could pass the House of Representatives"
Twitter Accounts Used By GOPers To Evade Campaign Coordination Laws
Twitter Accounts Used By GOPers To Evade Campaign Coordination Laws
"Man, we really need to get all this money out of campaigns! The Twitter accounts were deleted as soon as CNN contacted the NRCC and asked about them. Nothing to hide there, right, boys?"
"Man, we really need to get all this money out of campaigns! The Twitter accounts were deleted as soon as CNN contacted the NRCC and asked about them. Nothing to hide there, right, boys?"
Monday, November 17, 2014
Health Insurance Marketplace: Enroll for 2015 Healthcare Coverage
https://www.healthcare.gov
"The official site of Health Insurance Marketplace. See your health coverage choices, get ready to enroll."
"The official site of Health Insurance Marketplace. See your health coverage choices, get ready to enroll."
Obamacare Started Accepting New Signups Again — And Four Good Things Happened
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/11/17/3592865/good-news-obamacare-enrollment-period/
"Shoppers have significantly more plans to choose from.
After a successful enrollment push last year, more insurance companies are now interested in offering their plans in the new marketplaces. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 77 new insurers are selling plans in the marketplaces in 2015 — a 25 percent increase from last year."
"Shoppers have significantly more plans to choose from.
After a successful enrollment push last year, more insurance companies are now interested in offering their plans in the new marketplaces. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 77 new insurers are selling plans in the marketplaces in 2015 — a 25 percent increase from last year."
Obamacare enrollees overwhelmingly approve of quality and affordability of their new insurance
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/14/1344969/-Obamacare-enrollees-overwhelming-approve-of-quality-and-affordability-of-their-new-nbsp-insurance
"With open enrollment in Obamacare for 2015 upon us, Gallup decided to survey what 2014 customers think about their insurance. Bottom line, they're pretty darned happy with it."
"With open enrollment in Obamacare for 2015 upon us, Gallup decided to survey what 2014 customers think about their insurance. Bottom line, they're pretty darned happy with it."
Gov. Scott Walker: Refusing health care to low-income Americans helps them 'live the American dream'
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/14/1344926/-Gov-Scott-Walker-Refusing-health-care-to-low-income-Americans-helps-them-live-the-American-dream
"Denying health coverage to any low-income American would run afoul of living the American Dream primarily because of the living part, of course."
"Denying health coverage to any low-income American would run afoul of living the American Dream primarily because of the living part, of course."
Chris Christie To Bring Michigan’s Fascist Emergency Manager Law To New Jersey (VIDEO)
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2014/11/14/chris-christie-brings-emergency-manager-to-atlantic-city/
"On November 12, 2014, New Jersey governor Chris Christie announced his intention to bring Michigan-style emergency management laws to the state. Much like Michigan governor Rick Snyder did when imposing the law on residents of that state, Christie is using the excuse of a “financial emergency” in Atlantic City as justification for eliminating democracy and disenfranchising thousands of citizens."
"On November 12, 2014, New Jersey governor Chris Christie announced his intention to bring Michigan-style emergency management laws to the state. Much like Michigan governor Rick Snyder did when imposing the law on residents of that state, Christie is using the excuse of a “financial emergency” in Atlantic City as justification for eliminating democracy and disenfranchising thousands of citizens."
Catholic Bishops Expanding the Scope of the Hobby Lobby Ruling
http://www.politicususa.com/2014/11/14/catholic-bishops-expanding-scope-hobby-lobby-ruling.html
"It is important to reiterate that it was the United States Council of Catholic Bishops that masterminded the Hobby Lobby decision, personhood movement, and convinced evangelicals their religious liberty was under siege."
"It is important to reiterate that it was the United States Council of Catholic Bishops that masterminded the Hobby Lobby decision, personhood movement, and convinced evangelicals their religious liberty was under siege."
The Real Winner of the Midterms: Wall Street
http://inthesetimes.com/article/17360/the_real_winner_of_the_midterms_wall_street
"The election results affirmed that Wall Street firms' massive campaign contributions were money well spent: More public pension money will now likely be entrusted to the financial services industry."
"The election results affirmed that Wall Street firms' massive campaign contributions were money well spent: More public pension money will now likely be entrusted to the financial services industry."
The American Ebola panic is over, everyone. Great job.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/14/1344972/-The-American-Ebola-panic-is-over-everyone-Great-job
"Ebola has become a non-issue now that the midterm elections are over. And that is how we get Fox News pivoting from OMG Ebola to stories about how fighting Ebola in all those other countries is an inexcusable waste of money. Election's over, everyone. Problem solved."
"Ebola has become a non-issue now that the midterm elections are over. And that is how we get Fox News pivoting from OMG Ebola to stories about how fighting Ebola in all those other countries is an inexcusable waste of money. Election's over, everyone. Problem solved."
Nevada's Republican Legislature: Now With More Scientology!
Nevada's Republican Legislature: Now With More Scientology!
"It figures Jones is a Republican, as they always act contrary to their stated values."
"It figures Jones is a Republican, as they always act contrary to their stated values."
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Friday, November 14, 2014
Elizabeth Warren: Corporations Are Taking Over the Courts with the GOP’s Help
http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/elizabeth-warren-corporations-are-taking-over-courts-gops-help
"The same corporate interests who have taken over control of Congress are now gaining control of U.S. courts, warned Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)."
"The same corporate interests who have taken over control of Congress are now gaining control of U.S. courts, warned Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)."
Solyndra Scandal-Mongering Hasn't Stopped The Energy Dept's Loan Program From Turning A Profit
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/11/13/solyndra-scandal-mongering-hasnt-stopped-the-en/201551
"The U.S Department of Energy's (DOE) renewable energy loan guarantee program is turning a profit after weathering years of media attacks and misinformation that attempted to paint the now defunct solar energy firm Solyndra as representative of the program's failure."
"The U.S Department of Energy's (DOE) renewable energy loan guarantee program is turning a profit after weathering years of media attacks and misinformation that attempted to paint the now defunct solar energy firm Solyndra as representative of the program's failure."
GOPers Wrong Again: Solyndra-Type Loans Made Billions
GOPers Wrong Again: Solyndra-Type Loans Made Billions
"The much-maligned government program that funded the failed solar tech company Solyndra is expected to make taxpayers a $5 to $6 billion return, Bloomberg Businessweek reported on Wednesday.The loan program is run out of the Department of Energy (DOE), and covers a large umbrella of investments to encourage green energy and low-carbon technologies.
According to Businessweek, the expected positive returns on those investments are detailed in a new report DOE will be releasing, perhaps as early as Thursday, on the loan program’s performance — the first such estimate the agency has made of the fruits of its efforts."
"The much-maligned government program that funded the failed solar tech company Solyndra is expected to make taxpayers a $5 to $6 billion return, Bloomberg Businessweek reported on Wednesday.The loan program is run out of the Department of Energy (DOE), and covers a large umbrella of investments to encourage green energy and low-carbon technologies.
According to Businessweek, the expected positive returns on those investments are detailed in a new report DOE will be releasing, perhaps as early as Thursday, on the loan program’s performance — the first such estimate the agency has made of the fruits of its efforts."
CEO of Coal Mine Where 29 Workers Died Is Indicted
http://www.alternet.org/ceo-coal-mine-where-29-workers-died-indicted
"Don Blankenship, the CEO of the Massey Energy coal mine that exploded and killed 29 workers in 2010 has been indicted on charges that he conspired to violate federal mine safety and health standards.
The indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury in Charleston, West Virginia, says that Blankenship hid safety violations at the West Virginia mine between January 2008 and April 2010, when the disaster took place. The suppressing of the safety violations impeded a federal mine safety investigation following the blast, the indictment alleges.
Blankenship can face 31 years in prison if convicted."
"Don Blankenship, the CEO of the Massey Energy coal mine that exploded and killed 29 workers in 2010 has been indicted on charges that he conspired to violate federal mine safety and health standards.
The indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury in Charleston, West Virginia, says that Blankenship hid safety violations at the West Virginia mine between January 2008 and April 2010, when the disaster took place. The suppressing of the safety violations impeded a federal mine safety investigation following the blast, the indictment alleges.
Blankenship can face 31 years in prison if convicted."
Thanks To ALEC, Arizona To Roll Back Efficiency Standards
Thanks To ALEC, Arizona To Roll Back Efficiency Standards
"The Koch brothers strike again! Model legislation written by ALEC is calling a halt to the remarkable progress in energy efficiency made by the state of Arizona and replacing it with "free market principles" -- i.e. Kochs buying legislators in order to increase their personal fortunes."
"The Koch brothers strike again! Model legislation written by ALEC is calling a halt to the remarkable progress in energy efficiency made by the state of Arizona and replacing it with "free market principles" -- i.e. Kochs buying legislators in order to increase their personal fortunes."
Republican Admits She Doesn’t Care About Democracy, Plans to Ignore Fracking Ban Approved by Voters
Republican Admits She Doesn’t Care About Democracy, Plans to Ignore Fracking Ban Approved by Voters
"the Republican love for big government is now playing out in Denton, Texas where citizens recently voted 59-41 percent to ban fracking, yet Texas Railroad Commission Chairwoman Christi Craddick (a Republican) has pretty much said she doesn’t care what voters want, she’s going to continue to issue permits for fracking anyway."
"the Republican love for big government is now playing out in Denton, Texas where citizens recently voted 59-41 percent to ban fracking, yet Texas Railroad Commission Chairwoman Christi Craddick (a Republican) has pretty much said she doesn’t care what voters want, she’s going to continue to issue permits for fracking anyway."
AT&T: Nice internet you got there, it'd be a shame if anything happened to it…
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/12/1344385/-AT-T-Nice-internet-you-got-there-it-d-be-a-shame-if-anything-happened-nbsp-to-nbsp-it
"AT&T, though, is just flexing their muscles now, to prove to the FCC and Chairman Wheeler that they will be massive ass***** over net neutrality, and they'll do it by screwing over their customers. The company's willingness to do so should be ample justification for the FCC to do the right thing and reclassify internet access."
"AT&T, though, is just flexing their muscles now, to prove to the FCC and Chairman Wheeler that they will be massive ass***** over net neutrality, and they'll do it by screwing over their customers. The company's willingness to do so should be ample justification for the FCC to do the right thing and reclassify internet access."
Freedomworks Spokesperson Attacks Net Neutrality, Has No Idea What It Means
Freedomworks Spokesperson Attacks Net Neutrality, Has No Idea What It Means
"Republicans have also strongly denounced Net Neutrality, just in case you thought FreedumbWorks was somehow alone. And given the fallout from earlier this month, I wouldn't be surprised if this was the year that we buried Net Neutrality. Great job, America. Your choice continues to impress me."
"Republicans have also strongly denounced Net Neutrality, just in case you thought FreedumbWorks was somehow alone. And given the fallout from earlier this month, I wouldn't be surprised if this was the year that we buried Net Neutrality. Great job, America. Your choice continues to impress me."
Five Conservatives Who Don't Understand Net Neutrality…But Are Definitely Against It! | Right Wing Watch
Five Conservatives Who Don't Understand Net Neutrality…But Are Definitely Against It! | Right Wing Watch
"something many of them did not seem to understand. But luckily, many conservative politicians and pundits have an easy way of deciding where to stand on an issue: if Obama is for it, it will destroy America and they are against it!"
"something many of them did not seem to understand. But luckily, many conservative politicians and pundits have an easy way of deciding where to stand on an issue: if Obama is for it, it will destroy America and they are against it!"
Finally a Member of the Oligarchy Is Indicted for Culpability in Worker Deaths: 29 Coal Miners Killed
http://www.truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/finally-a-member-of-the-oligarchy-is-indicted-for-culpability-in-the-death-of-workers-29-coal-miners-killed
"Blankenship is a nasty piece of work, even in the pitiless exploitative business of coal mining, but his outlook on profits before lives is not uncommon in the extraction industry and in corporations in general."
"Blankenship is a nasty piece of work, even in the pitiless exploitative business of coal mining, but his outlook on profits before lives is not uncommon in the extraction industry and in corporations in general."
Massey Energy CEO Indicted In Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster
Massey Energy CEO Indicted In Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster
"Don Blankenship, the longtime chief executive of Massey Energy, was indicted today on charges that he violated federal mine safety laws at the company’s Upper Big Branch Mine prior to an April 2010 explosion that killed 29 miners."
"Don Blankenship, the longtime chief executive of Massey Energy, was indicted today on charges that he violated federal mine safety laws at the company’s Upper Big Branch Mine prior to an April 2010 explosion that killed 29 miners."
Fox revs up impeachment lunacy, with Krauthammer at the wheel
Fox revs up impeachment lunacy, with Krauthammer at the wheel
"Fox will play both sides of the fence as long as it entertains its Obama-hating audience. Krauthammer will try to steer the impeachment clown car, but he may find it takes him over a cliff."
"Fox will play both sides of the fence as long as it entertains its Obama-hating audience. Krauthammer will try to steer the impeachment clown car, but he may find it takes him over a cliff."
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Fox News Host Embarrassed After Blatant Lie About Keystone XL Pipeline Gets Debunked
Fox News Host Embarrassed After Blatant Lie About Keystone XL Pipeline Gets Debunked
"The reality of the Keystone XL pipeline and job creation is that when all is said and done, it’ll create somewhere between 35-50 permanent jobs. Yeah, that’s the “big job creator” Republicans have been harping on about for years. Heck, you could create more permanent jobs than that by just opening one Applebees. As we all know, this isn’t about creating jobs, it’s about the GOP kissing up to big oil just like they always do. But being that Republicans are masters at propaganda, they’ve somehow convinced tens of millions of conservatives that Canadian oil will help America become more energy independent and a single pipeline will somehow magically create tens of thousands of jobs – even though the reason why oil companies build these pipelines is because they don’t require many people to operate them. It’s a good thing for Republicans that conservatives are often so gullible, because it takes a truly naive person to believe the total nonsense they’ve been pushing about this pipeline these last few years."
"The reality of the Keystone XL pipeline and job creation is that when all is said and done, it’ll create somewhere between 35-50 permanent jobs. Yeah, that’s the “big job creator” Republicans have been harping on about for years. Heck, you could create more permanent jobs than that by just opening one Applebees. As we all know, this isn’t about creating jobs, it’s about the GOP kissing up to big oil just like they always do. But being that Republicans are masters at propaganda, they’ve somehow convinced tens of millions of conservatives that Canadian oil will help America become more energy independent and a single pipeline will somehow magically create tens of thousands of jobs – even though the reason why oil companies build these pipelines is because they don’t require many people to operate them. It’s a good thing for Republicans that conservatives are often so gullible, because it takes a truly naive person to believe the total nonsense they’ve been pushing about this pipeline these last few years."
Elizabeth Warren Gets Senate Leadership Post
Elizabeth Warren Gets Senate Leadership Post
"Warren's new role, which was created specifically for her, will be strategic policy adviser to the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee."
"Warren's new role, which was created specifically for her, will be strategic policy adviser to the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee."
AT&T Holds Broadband Expansion Hostage Over Obama's Call For Net Neutrality
AT&T Holds Broadband Expansion Hostage Over Obama's Call For Net Neutrality
"Here's a memo for FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, too. You will not and you cannot please everybody. You will either go down in history as the regulator who killed the Internet or the one who saved it. Make a decision. The right decision."
"Here's a memo for FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, too. You will not and you cannot please everybody. You will either go down in history as the regulator who killed the Internet or the one who saved it. Make a decision. The right decision."
Tea Party Group Releases Ad So Ridiculous You’d Think It Was Rejected from ‘The Onion’ (Video)
Tea Party Group Releases Ad So Ridiculous You’d Think It Was Rejected from ‘The Onion’ (Video)
"And if these disgusting, bottom-feeding vile propagandists get their way, the Internet will be destroyed. Ending net neutrality takes the control out of your hands and puts it in the hands of companies like Comcast, and whatever big corporations decide to pay those companies for premium access to deliver their sites at faster speeds while throttling the competition that can’t afford to do so."
"And if these disgusting, bottom-feeding vile propagandists get their way, the Internet will be destroyed. Ending net neutrality takes the control out of your hands and puts it in the hands of companies like Comcast, and whatever big corporations decide to pay those companies for premium access to deliver their sites at faster speeds while throttling the competition that can’t afford to do so."
Fox hosts befuddled by ‘Fortunate Son’ lyrics, claim Springsteen ‘bashes soldiers’ on Veteran’s Day
Fox hosts befuddled by ‘Fortunate Son’ lyrics, claim Springsteen ‘bashes soldiers’ on Veteran’s Day
"Fox News on Wednesday suggested that a song protesting the Vietnam war draft and elitism in Washington was performed by Bruce Springsteen on Veteran’s Day because he was “taking shots at the red, white and blue.”
During a Tuesday HBO “Concert for Valor” on the National Mall, Springsteen, Zac Brown and Dave Grohl performed Creedence Clearwater Revival’s song “Fortunate Son.”
According to songwriter John Fogerty, the song was written to speak “more to the unfairness of class than war itself.” It talks about militant patriotism, and how the “senator’s son” is able to avoid the Vietnam draft.
“Yeah, some folks inherit star-spangled eyes / They send you down to war / And when you ask them, ‘How much should we give?’ / They only answer, more, more, more,” Fogerty’s lyrics say. “It ain’t me, it ain’t me / I ain’t no Senator’s son / It ain’t me, it ain’t me / I ain’t no fortunate one.”
But the message turned out to be too complex for some conservatives, who interpreted the song to be an insult to veterans."
"Fox News on Wednesday suggested that a song protesting the Vietnam war draft and elitism in Washington was performed by Bruce Springsteen on Veteran’s Day because he was “taking shots at the red, white and blue.”
During a Tuesday HBO “Concert for Valor” on the National Mall, Springsteen, Zac Brown and Dave Grohl performed Creedence Clearwater Revival’s song “Fortunate Son.”
According to songwriter John Fogerty, the song was written to speak “more to the unfairness of class than war itself.” It talks about militant patriotism, and how the “senator’s son” is able to avoid the Vietnam draft.
“Yeah, some folks inherit star-spangled eyes / They send you down to war / And when you ask them, ‘How much should we give?’ / They only answer, more, more, more,” Fogerty’s lyrics say. “It ain’t me, it ain’t me / I ain’t no Senator’s son / It ain’t me, it ain’t me / I ain’t no fortunate one.”
But the message turned out to be too complex for some conservatives, who interpreted the song to be an insult to veterans."
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
House Republicans have just the budget for a new Republican Senate
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/12/1344305/-House-Republicans-have-just-the-budget-for-a-new-Republican-nbsp-Senate
"That means the Medicaid block grant scheme that will ultimately kill the program and the scheme to turn Medicare into a voucher system that will cost seniors more and more out of pocket, and drastically undermine the system. This despite the fact that the "deficit has fallen from $1.4 trillion in 2009—or nearly 10 percent of the economy then—to $483 billion, or 2.8 percent of the economy." Which makes it below the average for the last forty years."
"That means the Medicaid block grant scheme that will ultimately kill the program and the scheme to turn Medicare into a voucher system that will cost seniors more and more out of pocket, and drastically undermine the system. This despite the fact that the "deficit has fallen from $1.4 trillion in 2009—or nearly 10 percent of the economy then—to $483 billion, or 2.8 percent of the economy." Which makes it below the average for the last forty years."
Get ready for Ryancare, America! Why GOP’s all set to end Medicare as we know it
Get ready for Ryancare, America! Why GOP’s all set to end Medicare as we know it
"GOP Congressional leaders are promising to act immediately on their budget-slashing ideas when 2015 begins. High on their list, according to the New York Times, is implementing Rep. Paul Ryan’s plan to “overhaul” Medicare by replacing it with “premium support” vouchers designed to privatize the system over the coming decades. They will also form a commission to examine “options” for Social Security, which Ryan has also long favored privatizing."
"GOP Congressional leaders are promising to act immediately on their budget-slashing ideas when 2015 begins. High on their list, according to the New York Times, is implementing Rep. Paul Ryan’s plan to “overhaul” Medicare by replacing it with “premium support” vouchers designed to privatize the system over the coming decades. They will also form a commission to examine “options” for Social Security, which Ryan has also long favored privatizing."
False Robocalls That Wreaked Havoc On Chicago Elections Linked To GOP Activists
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2014/11/12/3591417/chicago-robocalls/
"Chicago election judges received misleading and factually incorrect robocalls before the midterm, causing close to 2,000 of them to not show up on Election Day. As a criminal investigation gets underway, the Chicago Sun-Times has tied the calls to two Republican activists while the Republican Party has denied involvement and distanced itself from the party members who it claims acted alone."
"Chicago election judges received misleading and factually incorrect robocalls before the midterm, causing close to 2,000 of them to not show up on Election Day. As a criminal investigation gets underway, the Chicago Sun-Times has tied the calls to two Republican activists while the Republican Party has denied involvement and distanced itself from the party members who it claims acted alone."
The Humiliating Statistic From This Year’s Elections That Republicans Don’t Want to Talk About
The Humiliating Statistic From This Year’s Elections That Republicans Don’t Want to Talk About
"How bad was it? Well, we just experienced the worst voter turnout in this country since 1942. You know, right in the middle of WWII."
"How bad was it? Well, we just experienced the worst voter turnout in this country since 1942. You know, right in the middle of WWII."
After Gutting the Voting Rights Act, Alabama Cites It As an Excuse for Racial Gerrymandering
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/11/alabama-supreme-court-racial-gerrymandering
"Last year, the state's Shelby County persuaded the US Supreme Court to find unconstitutional part of the Voting Rights Act that required certain states with histories of discriminatory election laws to get permission from the federal government before changing their voting practices. On Wednesday, Alabama will argue before the court that the same provision it helped decimate compelled lawmakers to racially gerrymander the entire state."
"Last year, the state's Shelby County persuaded the US Supreme Court to find unconstitutional part of the Voting Rights Act that required certain states with histories of discriminatory election laws to get permission from the federal government before changing their voting practices. On Wednesday, Alabama will argue before the court that the same provision it helped decimate compelled lawmakers to racially gerrymander the entire state."
GOP already in lame excuse mode: Republicans can’t pass an immigration bill, and somehow that’s Obama’s fault
GOP already in lame excuse mode: Republicans can’t pass an immigration bill, and somehow that’s Obama’s fault
"Republicans and conservatives recognize the danger here. Blaming Obama works only to a certain point, and eventually they’ll have to kick in with immigration reform legislation if they ever hope to broaden the party’s appeal to emerging demographics. But their internal divisions make that an uncertain prospect at best. So instead they just fall back on what they know and preemptively blame the president for their failure to act."
"Republicans and conservatives recognize the danger here. Blaming Obama works only to a certain point, and eventually they’ll have to kick in with immigration reform legislation if they ever hope to broaden the party’s appeal to emerging demographics. But their internal divisions make that an uncertain prospect at best. So instead they just fall back on what they know and preemptively blame the president for their failure to act."
Hightower: Why Corporations Are Doing Everything They Can to Destroy Net Neutrality
http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/hightower-why-corporations-are-doing-everything-they-can-destroy-net-neutrality
"The biggest loser though, would be the Internet itself, which would be made to surrender its determinedly democratic ethic to the plutocratic rule of corporate profiteers."
"The biggest loser though, would be the Internet itself, which would be made to surrender its determinedly democratic ethic to the plutocratic rule of corporate profiteers."
The President Might Have Just Saved the Internet
The President Might Have Just Saved the Internet
"We still need to keep the pressure on the FCC unless and until Wheeler follows the president's lead and crafts strong rules under Title II. (A statement Wheeler put out in response to the president indicates the FCC may take more time to write new rules, which could push an expected December vote into early 2015.) Until the full Commission passes real Net Neutrality protections, we can't let up.
And we need to get ready for a backlash. Because powerful companies like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon will attack the president's move. They will unleash their legions of high-priced lobbyists and misinformation-spreading flacks. These companies aren't used to losing in Washington."
"We still need to keep the pressure on the FCC unless and until Wheeler follows the president's lead and crafts strong rules under Title II. (A statement Wheeler put out in response to the president indicates the FCC may take more time to write new rules, which could push an expected December vote into early 2015.) Until the full Commission passes real Net Neutrality protections, we can't let up.
And we need to get ready for a backlash. Because powerful companies like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon will attack the president's move. They will unleash their legions of high-priced lobbyists and misinformation-spreading flacks. These companies aren't used to losing in Washington."
The Horrors of an Ayn Rand World: Why We Must Fight for America's Soul
http://www.alternet.org/books/horrors-ayn-rand-world-why-we-must-fight-americas-soul
"All laws protecting consumers would be erased from the statute books.
Mass transit would grind to a halt in the big cities as municipal subsidies come to an end.
Corporations would no longer be enslaved by antitrust laws, so monopolies and globe-spanning, price-fixing cartels would flourish. The number of publicly held corporations would be reduced to a manageable, noncompetitive few. Big Pharma would manufacture drugs without adequate testing for safety and efficacy—deterred only by concern for their reputation, as described by Greenspan in 1963. Except that with competition reduced by mergers and legal price-fixing, the market would be a feeble substitute for even the FDA.
Securities laws and stock market regulations would be eliminated.
Corporations would operate in secret if they so desired, or with only selective, cursory disclosures to their investors and customers. Only outright fraud would be prosecuted; otherwise the public— a concept no longer recognized as valid— would be on its own.
Insider trading, now legal, would become the norm. Wall Street now would truly be a sucker’s game. “Let the buyer beware” would replace the fifty state regulators and the SEC."
"All laws protecting consumers would be erased from the statute books.
Mass transit would grind to a halt in the big cities as municipal subsidies come to an end.
Corporations would no longer be enslaved by antitrust laws, so monopolies and globe-spanning, price-fixing cartels would flourish. The number of publicly held corporations would be reduced to a manageable, noncompetitive few. Big Pharma would manufacture drugs without adequate testing for safety and efficacy—deterred only by concern for their reputation, as described by Greenspan in 1963. Except that with competition reduced by mergers and legal price-fixing, the market would be a feeble substitute for even the FDA.
Securities laws and stock market regulations would be eliminated.
Corporations would operate in secret if they so desired, or with only selective, cursory disclosures to their investors and customers. Only outright fraud would be prosecuted; otherwise the public— a concept no longer recognized as valid— would be on its own.
Insider trading, now legal, would become the norm. Wall Street now would truly be a sucker’s game. “Let the buyer beware” would replace the fifty state regulators and the SEC."
Texas Oil Regulator Says It Will Not Honor Town’s Vote To Ban Fracking
http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/11/10/3590690/texas-fracking-ban-denton/
"On Tuesday, the town of Denton, Texas, voted by a wide margin to ban fracking within the city limits. Two days later, the chairwoman of Texas’ oil and gas regulator said she would not honor the ban."
"On Tuesday, the town of Denton, Texas, voted by a wide margin to ban fracking within the city limits. Two days later, the chairwoman of Texas’ oil and gas regulator said she would not honor the ban."
Swift-Boating Obama: A Conservative Obsession
Swift-Boating Obama: A Conservative Obsession
"From the time Barack Obama defeated Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic Party primaries, and began his journey to the White House, an assortment of conservative activists, Christian Right groups, Republican Party regulars, right wing think tanks, Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and numerous right wing pundits and radio talk-show hosts, launched what is now one of the longest-running smear campaigns in history; think of it as comparable the Broadway run of Cats."
"From the time Barack Obama defeated Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic Party primaries, and began his journey to the White House, an assortment of conservative activists, Christian Right groups, Republican Party regulars, right wing think tanks, Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and numerous right wing pundits and radio talk-show hosts, launched what is now one of the longest-running smear campaigns in history; think of it as comparable the Broadway run of Cats."
Rig the vote! The right resurrects a shady plan to skew 2016 in the GOP’s favor
Rig the vote! The right resurrects a shady plan to skew 2016 in the GOP’s favor
"Republicans and conservatives are looking to the future and trying to figure out how they can repeat this year’s success in the 2016 presidential race. It’s going to require some big ideas and some bold thinking. First out of the box is National Review’s Jim Geraghty, who believes it’s time for Republicans to seriously consider a plan to straight-up rig the Electoral College in such a way that it makes it impossible for the GOP to lose"
"Republicans and conservatives are looking to the future and trying to figure out how they can repeat this year’s success in the 2016 presidential race. It’s going to require some big ideas and some bold thinking. First out of the box is National Review’s Jim Geraghty, who believes it’s time for Republicans to seriously consider a plan to straight-up rig the Electoral College in such a way that it makes it impossible for the GOP to lose"
Ted Cruz gets even more annoying: Why he wants to make the Internet worse
Ted Cruz gets even more annoying: Why he wants to make the Internet worse
"Cruz is claiming to stand up for free-market principles against big-government, but he’s actually poisoning a conversation about increasing competition among broadband providers that most conservatives would probably like to have."
"Cruz is claiming to stand up for free-market principles against big-government, but he’s actually poisoning a conversation about increasing competition among broadband providers that most conservatives would probably like to have."
Ted Cruz Completely Embarrasses Himself After Making Asinine Comment About Net Neutrality
Ted Cruz Completely Embarrasses Himself After Making Asinine Comment About Net Neutrality
"But what Cruz is really doing is trying to use the hatred conservatives have for “Obamacare” to channel that toward net neutrality, because I can pretty much guarantee that the vast majority of people who read that tweet and agree with it have no damn clue what net neutrality is."
"But what Cruz is really doing is trying to use the hatred conservatives have for “Obamacare” to channel that toward net neutrality, because I can pretty much guarantee that the vast majority of people who read that tweet and agree with it have no damn clue what net neutrality is."
Koch Party Wins Big, Planet in Peril
Koch Party Wins Big, Planet in Peril
"The Koch's Americans for Prosperity, a nonprofit dark money group that does not disclose its donors, is reported to have spent some $77 million on competitive Senate and House races, says a spokesman. The Koch's new Freedom Partners Action Fund, a super PAC that discloses some of its donors, spent some $25 million. Not all Koch candidates won their races, but the Koch were ranked big winners in the Sunlight Foundations post-election "return on investment" analysis.
This $100 million does not count all the Koch-tied groups, their personal contributions or all contributions of the Koch network of funders which may top the $300 million Washington Post estimate. As a point of comparison, the DNC and the RNC combined spent $300 million this election cycle."
"The Koch's Americans for Prosperity, a nonprofit dark money group that does not disclose its donors, is reported to have spent some $77 million on competitive Senate and House races, says a spokesman. The Koch's new Freedom Partners Action Fund, a super PAC that discloses some of its donors, spent some $25 million. Not all Koch candidates won their races, but the Koch were ranked big winners in the Sunlight Foundations post-election "return on investment" analysis.
This $100 million does not count all the Koch-tied groups, their personal contributions or all contributions of the Koch network of funders which may top the $300 million Washington Post estimate. As a point of comparison, the DNC and the RNC combined spent $300 million this election cycle."
Update from Brownbackistan: New numbers show Kansas’ budget woes are even worse than initially realized
Update from Brownbackistan: New numbers show Kansas’ budget woes are even worse than initially realized
"Less than one week after Kansas voters narrowly reelected Gov. Sam Brownback despite the disastrous budgetary consequences of his massive tax cuts for the wealthy, state analysts announced Monday that the state’s fiscal outlook is even more dire than initially realized.
We’ve known for some time that Brownback’s supply-side experiment has been a big budget-buster. Thanks to the governor’s tax cuts, Kansas collected $330 million less revenue than expected for fiscal year 2014 — $700 million below revenue for fiscal 2013. Despite the Brownback administration’s assurances that the state’s fiscal picture would improve — any day now! — the state’s revenue from July to September came up an astonishing 10 percent short of expectations.
The numbers released yesterday are even worse."
"Less than one week after Kansas voters narrowly reelected Gov. Sam Brownback despite the disastrous budgetary consequences of his massive tax cuts for the wealthy, state analysts announced Monday that the state’s fiscal outlook is even more dire than initially realized.
We’ve known for some time that Brownback’s supply-side experiment has been a big budget-buster. Thanks to the governor’s tax cuts, Kansas collected $330 million less revenue than expected for fiscal year 2014 — $700 million below revenue for fiscal 2013. Despite the Brownback administration’s assurances that the state’s fiscal picture would improve — any day now! — the state’s revenue from July to September came up an astonishing 10 percent short of expectations.
The numbers released yesterday are even worse."
A Tale Of Two Countries: The Haves and the Leftovers
A Tale Of Two Countries: The Haves and the Leftovers
"Observe any post-election geographical map of the United States whether it is in a presidential election year or a midterm election and close to 90% of the country is red. Red states dictate the direction our country takes like it or not.
But, they fall short in representing anything close to 90% of the population. Add the combined total population of a dozen red states and they barely equal the size of one city in a blue state like California or New York.
Why does this matter? Because each state receives two U.S. Senators you will always see an imbalance in how citizens are represented in our congress. Also, red state voters, even those with low populations, vote in Republican House members almost by default regardless of that politician's qualifications or lack thereof."
"Observe any post-election geographical map of the United States whether it is in a presidential election year or a midterm election and close to 90% of the country is red. Red states dictate the direction our country takes like it or not.
But, they fall short in representing anything close to 90% of the population. Add the combined total population of a dozen red states and they barely equal the size of one city in a blue state like California or New York.
Why does this matter? Because each state receives two U.S. Senators you will always see an imbalance in how citizens are represented in our congress. Also, red state voters, even those with low populations, vote in Republican House members almost by default regardless of that politician's qualifications or lack thereof."
Who Won in 2014 Election? Those Who Received the Most Campaign Money
Who Won in 2014 Election? Those Who Received the Most Campaign Money
"big money contributors, including corporations, are influencing the outcome of elections more than ever before - often with their anonymity intact."
"big money contributors, including corporations, are influencing the outcome of elections more than ever before - often with their anonymity intact."
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Honoring veterans while leaving them uninsured
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/11/11/1344141/-Honoring-veterans-while-leaving-them-nbsp-uninsured
"Across the nation today, parades and concerts and assemblies honor the nation's veterans and politicians make grand speeches about the sacrifices of our brave men and women who served our country. But in 23 states the Republican politicians making those speeches are withholding health care from tens of thousands of those brave men and women.
Last year, the Pew Trusts analyzed data from the Urban Institute and determined that more than 258,000 veterans—along with tens of thousands of their spouses—weren't eligible for VA health care and lived in states where lawmakers were refusing to expand Medicaid. Since then, Pennsylvania adopted the expansion and extended Medicaid to over 19,000 veterans, as did Michigan with over 20,000 uninsured veterans. Which still leaves over 200,000 veterans in the cold.
Many vets didn't serve long enough to meet the service requirements to qualify for care through the VA. Plenty more live in rural states or far away from VA medical facilities, so getting care there isn't feasible. Veteran populations are highly concentrated in Florida and Texas as well as other Republican states."
"Across the nation today, parades and concerts and assemblies honor the nation's veterans and politicians make grand speeches about the sacrifices of our brave men and women who served our country. But in 23 states the Republican politicians making those speeches are withholding health care from tens of thousands of those brave men and women.
Last year, the Pew Trusts analyzed data from the Urban Institute and determined that more than 258,000 veterans—along with tens of thousands of their spouses—weren't eligible for VA health care and lived in states where lawmakers were refusing to expand Medicaid. Since then, Pennsylvania adopted the expansion and extended Medicaid to over 19,000 veterans, as did Michigan with over 20,000 uninsured veterans. Which still leaves over 200,000 veterans in the cold.
Many vets didn't serve long enough to meet the service requirements to qualify for care through the VA. Plenty more live in rural states or far away from VA medical facilities, so getting care there isn't feasible. Veteran populations are highly concentrated in Florida and Texas as well as other Republican states."
Iraq War Veteran, Outspoken War Critic Tomas Young Dead at 34
Iraq War Veteran, Outspoken War Critic Tomas Young Dead at 34
"In 2013 Young wrote "The Last Letter: A Message to George W. Bush and Dick Cheney From a Dying Veteran." From the letter:
You may evade justice but in our eyes you are each guilty of egregious war crimes, of plunder and, finally, of murder, including the murder of thousands of young Americans—my fellow veterans—whose future you stole."
"In 2013 Young wrote "The Last Letter: A Message to George W. Bush and Dick Cheney From a Dying Veteran." From the letter:
You may evade justice but in our eyes you are each guilty of egregious war crimes, of plunder and, finally, of murder, including the murder of thousands of young Americans—my fellow veterans—whose future you stole."
The Last Letter: A Message to George W. Bush and Dick Cheney From a Dying Veteran
http://www.truthdig.com/dig/item/the_last_letter_20130318
In memory of Tomas Young. Rest In Peace
In memory of Tomas Young. Rest In Peace
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