Wednesday, March 6, 2013
New Lobbying Group Looks To Help GOP Enact Massive Tax Break For Corporations
New Lobbying Group Looks To Help GOP Enact Massive Tax Break For Corporations: Republicans in Congress have been pushing for the implementation of what’s known as a territorial tax system. Under such a system, the overseas profits of U.S.-based companies would be forever exempt from taxation. And the GOP is going to get a little help soon from a new lobbying entity, according to Politico: The group — [...]/p
Republican Ignorance With President Obama
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Billionaire Spreads His Money Far and Wide to Privatize Social Security | Alternet
Billionaire Spreads His Money Far and Wide to Privatize Social Security | Alternet
"Petersen is a Wall Street billionaire, who, according to The Center for Media and Democracy’s SourceWatch.Org, almost exclusively uses his wealth to back numerous organizations and public relations campaigns whose primary goals are to slash government funding to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid."
"Petersen is a Wall Street billionaire, who, according to The Center for Media and Democracy’s SourceWatch.Org, almost exclusively uses his wealth to back numerous organizations and public relations campaigns whose primary goals are to slash government funding to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid."
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Gov. Corbett Takes Thousands In Gifts From Execs, Lobbyists
Gov. Corbett Takes Thousands In Gifts From Execs, Lobbyists
"My buddy Will Bunch has a piece about our ALEC-dominated governor Tom Corbett and his penchant for taking goodies from lobbyists and special interests who have business before the state. It might not sound like a big deal, but it's typical of the way Corbett operates."
"My buddy Will Bunch has a piece about our ALEC-dominated governor Tom Corbett and his penchant for taking goodies from lobbyists and special interests who have business before the state. It might not sound like a big deal, but it's typical of the way Corbett operates."
Back To The Future With Paul Ryan's Budget Plan
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The Real Mission of Government: Protecting People, Not Banks
The Real Mission of Government: Protecting People, Not Banks
"Neither Republican philosophy about the mission of government will ever become a majority in American politics- the Republicans have to pretend those aren’t their views to have a chance at getting elected."
"Neither Republican philosophy about the mission of government will ever become a majority in American politics- the Republicans have to pretend those aren’t their views to have a chance at getting elected."
Robert Scheer: Whiny Billionaires in Need of Sequestration - Truthdig
Robert Scheer: Whiny Billionaires in Need of Sequestration - Truthdig
"Where is the Occupy movement now that the depravity of the super rich is on full display?
"Where is the Occupy movement now that the depravity of the super rich is on full display?
The suddenly increased national debt is primarily the result of a deep recession caused by the top bankers and hedge fund hustlers of Wall Street, saved from their folly by massive and costly federal intervention. The result has been a season of obscene profit for them, while the rest of the nation has floundered. But instead of making the rich pay, ordinary citizens will be visited with job furloughs and a savaging of public services that often are lifesaving."
More Than One In Five U.S. Workers Is Working Part-Time
More Than One In Five U.S. Workers Is Working Part-Time: American workers are having a harder time finding full-time jobs, as the share of workers in part-time jobs grew to a multi-year high in February, according to a new survey from Gallup. Just 43.3 percent of the workforce is now working in full-time jobs, the survey found, down from February 2012. The share of the [...]/p
GOP Congressman: We’ll Use Comprehensive Tax Reform To Help Defund Obamacare
GOP Congressman: We’ll Use Comprehensive Tax Reform To Help Defund Obamacare: Continuing the Republican propensity to use every single policy and political issue imaginable as an excuse to launch attacks against Obamacare, Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA) — a member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee — asserted on Tuesday that Congressional efforts to comprehensively overhaul America’s tax code would include measures to repeal several [...]/p
GOP Senator Suggests New Way For Republicans To Gum Up Wall Street Reform
GOP Senator Suggests New Way For Republicans To Gum Up Wall Street Reform: Republicans have spent the past two years trying to delay and water down regulations included in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act, the landmark regulatory law passed in the wake of the financial crisis that sparked the Great Recession. Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby (R), who served as the ranking member on the Senate Banking Committee [...]/p
It’s Time to Tax Financial Transactions | Common Dreams
It’s Time to Tax Financial Transactions | Common Dreams
"On Friday at midnight, the sequester kicked in, triggering $85 billion in deep, dumb budget cuts that sent “nonessential personnel”— such as air traffic controllers — packing. Not to worry, though: Wall Street’s day was pretty much like any other. Billions of dollars in profits were made off of trillions of dollars in financial transactions. And the vast majority of those transactions were conducted tax-free.
"On Friday at midnight, the sequester kicked in, triggering $85 billion in deep, dumb budget cuts that sent “nonessential personnel”— such as air traffic controllers — packing. Not to worry, though: Wall Street’s day was pretty much like any other. Billions of dollars in profits were made off of trillions of dollars in financial transactions. And the vast majority of those transactions were conducted tax-free.
Moral of the story: What else is new?
Crash the economy? Free pass. Prevent planes from crashing? Pink slip."
The Once and Future Gov
The Once and Future Gov
"Two years into his second go-round as governor, Jerry Brown has—to the surprise of many—turned California around."
"Two years into his second go-round as governor, Jerry Brown has—to the surprise of many—turned California around."
Number Of Radical Anti-Government Groups ‘Reached An All-Time High’ In 2012, Report Finds
Number Of Radical Anti-Government Groups ‘Reached An All-Time High’ In 2012, Report Finds: The Souther Poverty Law Center released a new report on Tuesday finding that “the number of conspiracy-minded antigovernment ‘Patriot’ groups reached an all-time high of 1,360 in 2012″ and that the number of hate groups has remained at “near record levels” of more than 1,000. The group is calling on the Departments of Justice and [...]/p
Republicans Won’t Say If Voting Rights Act Is Constitutional
Republicans Won’t Say If Voting Rights Act Is Constitutional: As the Supreme Court considers the constitutionality of a key provision in the Voting Rights Act, many on both sides of the aisle are speaking out in defense of the law. But just seven years after joining in the Senate’s 98-0 vote to reauthorize the law, two Senate Republicans are refusing to say whether they [...]/p
Why Are Walmart Billionaires Bankrolling Phony School "Reform" In LA?
Why Are Walmart Billionaires Bankrolling Phony School "Reform" In LA?
"If we are serious about the future of our children, we must ask: why are the Waltons, a largely out-of-state family with no ties to Los Angeles’ children and little background in education, intent on turning our communities’ educational choices into a junior version of the cut-throat, profiteering corporate world? It’s time for us to take a hard look at ideological billionaires who are throwing their wealth into undermining our schools — before our children pay the real price."
"If we are serious about the future of our children, we must ask: why are the Waltons, a largely out-of-state family with no ties to Los Angeles’ children and little background in education, intent on turning our communities’ educational choices into a junior version of the cut-throat, profiteering corporate world? It’s time for us to take a hard look at ideological billionaires who are throwing their wealth into undermining our schools — before our children pay the real price."
Clean Air, Safe Communities, and Good Jobs? It’s Ours If We Want It. | Common Dreams
Clean Air, Safe Communities, and Good Jobs? It’s Ours If We Want It. | Common Dreams
"The challenges our country faces have never been more daunting. With nearly 50 million Americans struggling just to get by, it’s time to take a different economic route. And the way forward begins with finding common ground and a path that will benefit all of us—not just a few.
"The challenges our country faces have never been more daunting. With nearly 50 million Americans struggling just to get by, it’s time to take a different economic route. And the way forward begins with finding common ground and a path that will benefit all of us—not just a few.
We can do it by investing in clean energy innovation, green infrastructure, and community resilience. We can stand up to big polluters—and stand up for our vulnerable neighbors. Together, we can restore American leadership and create a healthier, brighter, more prosperous future for all of our children and grandchildren."
New Report By U.S. PIRG Targets Cash Stashed Overseas
New Report By U.S. PIRG Targets Cash Stashed Overseas
"In our new report on Fix the Debt, CMD reveals that part of the Fix the Debt's hidden corporate agenda is to push for new tax loopholes that would actually add to the deficit. Specifically, many Fix the Debt firms want to exempt money made offshore from taxation in the United States. Opening this new loophole would cost the Treasury some $1 trillion over 10 years according to Citizens for Tax Justice."
"In our new report on Fix the Debt, CMD reveals that part of the Fix the Debt's hidden corporate agenda is to push for new tax loopholes that would actually add to the deficit. Specifically, many Fix the Debt firms want to exempt money made offshore from taxation in the United States. Opening this new loophole would cost the Treasury some $1 trillion over 10 years according to Citizens for Tax Justice."
A $10.10 minimum wage would give economy (and more low-wage workers) a bigger boost | Economic Policy Institute
A $10.10 minimum wage would give economy (and more low-wage workers) a bigger boost | Economic Policy Institute
"Raising the minimum wage would help reverse the ongoing erosion of wages that has contributed significantly to growing income inequality, while providing a modest stimulus to the entire economy, as increased wages contribute to GDP growth, which in turn leads to modest employment growth."
"Raising the minimum wage would help reverse the ongoing erosion of wages that has contributed significantly to growing income inequality, while providing a modest stimulus to the entire economy, as increased wages contribute to GDP growth, which in turn leads to modest employment growth."
OOPS: Financial Pundits Predicted The Stock Market Would Plunge Under Obama
OOPS: Financial Pundits Predicted The Stock Market Would Plunge Under Obama: The Dow Jones reached an all-time high of 14,200 today, besting the pre-financial crisis record set in 2007. The robust gains may surprise many Wall Street analysts and cable news prognosticators who, just a few months ago, were raising the alarm that an Obama reelection would send the market into a tailspin. During election season, [...]/p
Sh*t CEOs Say: 6 Outrageous Statements from America's Big-Mouthed Overlords | Alternet
Sh*t CEOs Say: 6 Outrageous Statements from America's Big-Mouthed Overlords | Alternet
"When the chiefs of giant corporations are not blaming others for their mismanagement and unscrupulous behavior, they’re explaining why their distorted worldviews are best for the 99 percent. They do this, of course, at a time of declining national median income and huge paydays for executives."
"When the chiefs of giant corporations are not blaming others for their mismanagement and unscrupulous behavior, they’re explaining why their distorted worldviews are best for the 99 percent. They do this, of course, at a time of declining national median income and huge paydays for executives."
Top Republican Blows Off Food Inspection Cuts
Top Republican Blows Off Food Inspection Cuts: On Tuesday morning, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack appeared before the House Committee on Agriculture to testify about the impact of the sequester’s across-the-board cuts on food safety inspections. The mechanism — which went into effect after lawmakers failed to reach a deficit reduction deal that would offset its $1.2 trillion in spending cuts — will [...]/p
Republicans Fulfill Their Cruel Ayn Rand Obsession With the Sequester | Alternet
Republicans Fulfill Their Cruel Ayn Rand Obsession With the Sequester | Alternet
"America has the lowest tax rates of any developed country on the planet and the rich have a greater share of national wealth than at any point in our history. But poverty is stuck at a decades-high level, black and Latino wealth is the lowest ever recorded, and America remains flat on its back after the worst economic downturn in almost a hundred years.
"America has the lowest tax rates of any developed country on the planet and the rich have a greater share of national wealth than at any point in our history. But poverty is stuck at a decades-high level, black and Latino wealth is the lowest ever recorded, and America remains flat on its back after the worst economic downturn in almost a hundred years.
Contrary to the “starve the beast” philosophy, holding up the 1 percent andweakening economic opportunity for the 99 percent has enfeebled America, not strengthened it."
Is Antonin Scalia the Vilest Person in Washington? | Alternet
Is Antonin Scalia the Vilest Person in Washington? | Alternet
"But Scalia isn’t simply another Republican bully; he may be the most venal and fascist Republican of all."
"But Scalia isn’t simply another Republican bully; he may be the most venal and fascist Republican of all."
Monday, March 4, 2013
Lobbyists Targeting Liberal Groups Channeled Chinese Hackers' Strategy | The Nation
Lobbyists Targeting Liberal Groups Channeled Chinese Hackers' Strategy | The Nation
"The revelation, made by The New York Times and a firm called Mandiant last month, that the Chinese military is engaging in a sophisticated campaign of Internet spying and cyber attacks targeting American corporations and government websites provoked widespread alarm. What hasn’t been noted is that the Chinese plot bears much in common with a conspiracy to spy on and sabotage liberal advocacy groups and unions—a plot developed on behalf of none other than the US Chamber of Commerce back in 2011."
"The revelation, made by The New York Times and a firm called Mandiant last month, that the Chinese military is engaging in a sophisticated campaign of Internet spying and cyber attacks targeting American corporations and government websites provoked widespread alarm. What hasn’t been noted is that the Chinese plot bears much in common with a conspiracy to spy on and sabotage liberal advocacy groups and unions—a plot developed on behalf of none other than the US Chamber of Commerce back in 2011."
What it Means that Monsanto Holds the Patents on Life | Alternet
What it Means that Monsanto Holds the Patents on Life | Alternet
"The real issue is this: Why have we surrendered control over something so basic to human survival as seeds? Why have we bought into the biotech industry’s program, which pushes a few monoculture commodity crops, when history and science have proven that seed biodiversity is essential for growing crops capable of surviving severe climate conditions, such as drought and floods?"
"The real issue is this: Why have we surrendered control over something so basic to human survival as seeds? Why have we bought into the biotech industry’s program, which pushes a few monoculture commodity crops, when history and science have proven that seed biodiversity is essential for growing crops capable of surviving severe climate conditions, such as drought and floods?"
Keystone: Exporting Canadian Oil Across America’s Backyard
Keystone: Exporting Canadian Oil Across America’s Backyard: Cross-posted from Huffington Post Given the relentless “all of the above” energy strategy pursued by the Obama Administration, the release this past Friday of a positive environmental impact report for the proposed Keystone oil pipeline was no big surprise. The U.S. State Department essentially declared that since the extra-dirty tar sands oil designated for the [...]/p
We Are Bradley Manning | Common Dreams
We Are Bradley Manning | Common Dreams
"This trial is not simply the prosecution of a 25-year-old soldier who had the temerity to report to the outside world the indiscriminate slaughter, war crimes, torture and abuse that are carried out by our government and our occupation forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a concerted effort by the security and surveillance state to extinguish what is left of a free press, one that has the constitutional right to expose crimes by those in power."
"This trial is not simply the prosecution of a 25-year-old soldier who had the temerity to report to the outside world the indiscriminate slaughter, war crimes, torture and abuse that are carried out by our government and our occupation forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a concerted effort by the security and surveillance state to extinguish what is left of a free press, one that has the constitutional right to expose crimes by those in power."
Wenohah Hauter, Author of "Foodopoly," Discusses Why Corporate Control of America's Food System Affects YOU
Wenohah Hauter, Author of "Foodopoly," Discusses Why Corporate Control of America's Food System Affects YOU
"Since 2005, Food and Water Watch has lead the fight against corporate control of the U.S. food system, against the privatization of the U.S. water supply and against water contamination by hydraulic fracturing or fracking."
"Since 2005, Food and Water Watch has lead the fight against corporate control of the U.S. food system, against the privatization of the U.S. water supply and against water contamination by hydraulic fracturing or fracking."
Horror Care: How Private Health Care Is Shortening Our Lives | Common Dreams
Horror Care: How Private Health Care Is Shortening Our Lives | Common Dreams
"Our private health care system has indeed failed us. We have by far the most expensive system in the developed world. The cost of common surgeries is anywhere from three to ten times higher in the U.S. than in Great Britain, Canada, France, or Germany.
Everyone has their hand in the money pot: insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms, physicians, hospitals, equipment suppliers, the AMA. Steven Brill notes that the medical industry has spent $5.36 billion on lobbying in the past 15 years, compared to $1.53 billion spent by the defense/aerospace industry and $1.3 billion spent by oil and gas interests."
"Our private health care system has indeed failed us. We have by far the most expensive system in the developed world. The cost of common surgeries is anywhere from three to ten times higher in the U.S. than in Great Britain, Canada, France, or Germany.
Everyone has their hand in the money pot: insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms, physicians, hospitals, equipment suppliers, the AMA. Steven Brill notes that the medical industry has spent $5.36 billion on lobbying in the past 15 years, compared to $1.53 billion spent by the defense/aerospace industry and $1.3 billion spent by oil and gas interests."
Billionaire Speculators' Greed Makes Life Hard For Renters and Would-Be Homebuyers | Alternet
Billionaire Speculators' Greed Makes Life Hard For Renters and Would-Be Homebuyers | Alternet
"The foreclosure crisis in America has had many unexpected twists. But none may be as striking as the latest development: real estate speculators, with billions in ready cash, are swooping into hard-hit locales and buying foreclosed and low-end homes with the same vehemence that created the housing market bubble."
"The foreclosure crisis in America has had many unexpected twists. But none may be as striking as the latest development: real estate speculators, with billions in ready cash, are swooping into hard-hit locales and buying foreclosed and low-end homes with the same vehemence that created the housing market bubble."
The Environmental Impact of the Sequester Cuts | Common Dreams
The Environmental Impact of the Sequester Cuts | Common Dreams
"Environmental programs within the United States – everything from wildlife refuges to clean air and water programs – have already been grossly underfunded for years, and the sequester cuts are only going to make things much, much worse for our environment."
"Environmental programs within the United States – everything from wildlife refuges to clean air and water programs – have already been grossly underfunded for years, and the sequester cuts are only going to make things much, much worse for our environment."
"Golden Age for Corporate Profits" As Workers Get Whacked | Common Dreams
"Golden Age for Corporate Profits" As Workers Get Whacked | Common Dreams
"As across-the-board federal budget cuts go into effect and the "real pain" predicted by economists and policy experts begins to creep into the lives of everyday people—namely US workers—investors on Wall Street are saying: "bring it on"."
"As across-the-board federal budget cuts go into effect and the "real pain" predicted by economists and policy experts begins to creep into the lives of everyday people—namely US workers—investors on Wall Street are saying: "bring it on"."
Corporate Profits Have Risen Almost 20 Times Faster Than Workers’ Incomes Since 2008
Corporate Profits Have Risen Almost 20 Times Faster Than Workers’ Incomes Since 2008: Corporate profits hit record highs in the second half of 2012, but that prosperity hasn’t led to the creation of jobs, since America’s biggest firms are sitting on stocks of cash instead of investing them back into the economy. At the same time, wages hit record lows, and corporate earnings are rising nearly 20 times [...]/p
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Even Republicans Want Progressive Economic Policies | Alternet
Even Republicans Want Progressive Economic Policies | Alternet
"Business Insider magazine recently polled a group of registered voters, asking them for their preferences on three different Congressional plans that have been floated to help the nation avoid damage from the looming sequester.
"Business Insider magazine recently polled a group of registered voters, asking them for their preferences on three different Congressional plans that have been floated to help the nation avoid damage from the looming sequester.
The poll found that when the voters didn't know which plan was whose, the policies that most voters preferred were those offered up by the Progressives Caucus in the House of Representatives."
How the Coop Movement Can Help Us Win Together | Common Dreams
How the Coop Movement Can Help Us Win Together | Common Dreams
"Workers at the former Republic Windows & Doors have been much celebrated in the pressfor their victory over Bank of America. Their story is an inspiration, and a precious victory that we will continue to cheer."
"Workers at the former Republic Windows & Doors have been much celebrated in the pressfor their victory over Bank of America. Their story is an inspiration, and a precious victory that we will continue to cheer."
Who Are the Billionaires Trying to Defeat Steve Zimmer? | Common Dreams
Who Are the Billionaires Trying to Defeat Steve Zimmer? | Common Dreams
"Some of America's most powerful corporate plutocrats -- including Bill Gates, Michael Bloomberg, Eli Broad, and the Walton family (heirs to the Walmart fortune) -- want to take over the Los Angeles school system and Steve Zimmer, a former teacher and feisty school board member, is in their way. So they've hired Kate Anderson to get rid of him. No, she's not a hired assassin like the kind on The Sopranos. She's a lawyer and school parent who the billionaires picked to run against Zimmer. As a result, the race for the District 4 seat -- which stretches from the Westside to the West San Fernando Valley -- is ground zero in this battle over the corporate take-over of public education."
"Some of America's most powerful corporate plutocrats -- including Bill Gates, Michael Bloomberg, Eli Broad, and the Walton family (heirs to the Walmart fortune) -- want to take over the Los Angeles school system and Steve Zimmer, a former teacher and feisty school board member, is in their way. So they've hired Kate Anderson to get rid of him. No, she's not a hired assassin like the kind on The Sopranos. She's a lawyer and school parent who the billionaires picked to run against Zimmer. As a result, the race for the District 4 seat -- which stretches from the Westside to the West San Fernando Valley -- is ground zero in this battle over the corporate take-over of public education."
Boehner Pretends He's Not Sure if Sequester Will Cause Economic Damage
Boehner Pretends He's Not Sure if Sequester Will Cause Economic Damage
"After previously giving dire warnings about the sequester in a recent op-ed he penned for The Wall Street Journal, House Speaker John Boehner did an about face and told Meet the Press' David Gregory that he wasn't sure if it was going to hurt the economy or not and he told Gregory “I don't think anyone quite understands how it gets resolved." If he really wants to get the country out of this self-inflicted mess, there's a pretty simple way, which is to pass the bill introduced by Rep. John Conyers this week, entitled the Cancel the Sequester Act of 2013."
"After previously giving dire warnings about the sequester in a recent op-ed he penned for The Wall Street Journal, House Speaker John Boehner did an about face and told Meet the Press' David Gregory that he wasn't sure if it was going to hurt the economy or not and he told Gregory “I don't think anyone quite understands how it gets resolved." If he really wants to get the country out of this self-inflicted mess, there's a pretty simple way, which is to pass the bill introduced by Rep. John Conyers this week, entitled the Cancel the Sequester Act of 2013."
GOP’s Largest Campaign Contributor Admits To Bribing Foreign Officials
GOP’s Largest Campaign Contributor Admits To Bribing Foreign Officials: Casino mogul Sheldon Adelson, who spent as much as $150 million on independent expenditures to bolster Republicans in the 2012 election, has informed the Securities and Exchange Commission that his Las Vegas Sands Corporation “likely violated a federal law against bribing foreign officials.” “[T]here were likely violations of the books and records and internal controls [...]/p
Atmospheric Warming Altering Ocean Salinity And The Water Cycle
Atmospheric Warming Altering Ocean Salinity And The Water Cycle: Taking the opportunity I'm in the hospital to clear out some old unpublished posts -- JR.] Lawrence Livermore Lab News Release A clear change in salinity has been detected in the world’s oceans, signaling shifts and acceleration in the global rainfall and evaporation cycle tied directly to climate change. In a paper published … in [...]/p
Sorting Out Sequestration Victims
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10 Stunning Things You Should Know About the Environmental Movement -- 'A Fierce Green Fire' Film Inspires | Alternet
10 Stunning Things You Should Know About the Environmental Movement -- 'A Fierce Green Fire' Film Inspires | Alternet
"With runaway global warming threatening to annihilate climate stability and perhaps life on Earth as we know it, there's no bigger issue on humanity's crowded docket and no better time to catch up on the history of the environmental movement. So let's give thanks that writer, producer and director Mark Kitchell's A Fierce Green Fire has arrived to exhaustively school us all. Especially since the Obama administration has gone long on rhetoric but short on activism, and practically begged to be pushed into action by the American people."
"With runaway global warming threatening to annihilate climate stability and perhaps life on Earth as we know it, there's no bigger issue on humanity's crowded docket and no better time to catch up on the history of the environmental movement. So let's give thanks that writer, producer and director Mark Kitchell's A Fierce Green Fire has arrived to exhaustively school us all. Especially since the Obama administration has gone long on rhetoric but short on activism, and practically begged to be pushed into action by the American people."
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Student Debt Tripled in Eight Years | Alternet
Student Debt Tripled in Eight Years | Alternet
"A new report from the New York Federal Reserve further confirms what many commentators have been long saying — student debt is the bubble that just keeps expanding. Total student debt has nearly tripled in the past three years."
"A new report from the New York Federal Reserve further confirms what many commentators have been long saying — student debt is the bubble that just keeps expanding. Total student debt has nearly tripled in the past three years."
The 32 Dumbest And Most Devastating Sequester Cuts
The 32 Dumbest And Most Devastating Sequester Cuts: With Congress unable to reach a deal to avert the indiscriminate spending cuts put in place in the Budget Control Act of 2011, President Obama on Friday signed an order authorizing the government to begin canceling $85 billion from federal accounts for this fiscal year. As Obama said during a press conference yesterday, “This is [...]/p
Private Jet as Security Write-Off? 10 Most Insane Tax Loopholes | Alternet
Private Jet as Security Write-Off? 10 Most Insane Tax Loopholes | Alternet
"For corporations and the 1 percent, tax season offers plenty of ways to dodge Uncle Sam."
"For corporations and the 1 percent, tax season offers plenty of ways to dodge Uncle Sam."
Friday, March 1, 2013
Economist Paul Krugman Reacts To Sequester Madness
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Hawkish Senators Ready Backdoor To War With Iran
Hawkish Senators Ready Backdoor To War With Iran: Two hawkish Senators want to set U.S. policy in favor of prematurely pulling the “military option” trigger against Iran, pledging American backing of absolutely any strike by Israel against Iran and its nuclear program. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) in the coming days plan to unveil a new joint resolution to “strongly [...]/p
Senator Ron Johnson Puts His Inner Pig on Public Display
Senator Ron Johnson Puts His Inner Pig on Public Display
"This is the whole video, but if you go to about the 16 minute mark you'll get treated to the full version of Senator Ron Johnson's inner loathing for women, poor women in particular."
"This is the whole video, but if you go to about the 16 minute mark you'll get treated to the full version of Senator Ron Johnson's inner loathing for women, poor women in particular."
The Average ER Trip Costs 40 Percent More Than What Most Americans Spend On Monthly Rent
The Average ER Trip Costs 40 Percent More Than What Most Americans Spend On Monthly Rent: The rising cost of medical services is driving up the price of health care throughout the industry. There’s perhaps no better illustration of that phenomenon than hospitals’ emergency departments, since ER trips are the most expensive type of health care delivery. In fact, a new NIH-funded study finds the average cost for an ER visit [...]/p
The Federal Government Robbed 19 Million Meals From Senior Citizens | Alternet
The Federal Government Robbed 19 Million Meals From Senior Citizens | Alternet
"Across-the-board budget cuts scheduled to kick in today will eliminate 19 million meals for low-income seniors, according to the Meals on Wheels Association of America. In other words, the federal government’s incompetence will come at the cost of senior citizens nutritional wellbeing."
"Across-the-board budget cuts scheduled to kick in today will eliminate 19 million meals for low-income seniors, according to the Meals on Wheels Association of America. In other words, the federal government’s incompetence will come at the cost of senior citizens nutritional wellbeing."
4 Ways the Sequester Worsens the Inequality that Is Killing the Economy | Alternet
4 Ways the Sequester Worsens the Inequality that Is Killing the Economy | Alternet
"Welcome to the vast inane. Today the “sequester” -- mindless, across-the-board cuts of military and domestic spending designed to be abhorrent -- will go into effect. Republicans claimed a “big victory” as House Speaker John Boehner shut down any negotiations and sent the House home. The cuts will cost jobs and add to the headwinds facing the economy. The sequester will be followed by operatic melodrama over keeping the government open after the end of March and keeping the government from defaulting on its debt beginning in the middle of May.
"Welcome to the vast inane. Today the “sequester” -- mindless, across-the-board cuts of military and domestic spending designed to be abhorrent -- will go into effect. Republicans claimed a “big victory” as House Speaker John Boehner shut down any negotiations and sent the House home. The cuts will cost jobs and add to the headwinds facing the economy. The sequester will be followed by operatic melodrama over keeping the government open after the end of March and keeping the government from defaulting on its debt beginning in the middle of May.
The deficit is falling faster than any time since the demobilization after World War II, Americans are afflicted with mass unemployment and falling wages, but Washington will be traveling into the vast inane for the foreseeable future."
Contrary To GOP Rhetoric, Low-Tax States Have Worse Economic Growth
Contrary To GOP Rhetoric, Low-Tax States Have Worse Economic Growth: Republicans love to claim that low-tax states such as Texas enjoy a disproportionate amount of economic success, while higher-tax states like California are economic basket cases. Republican governors in several states are using that rationale to propose gutting their state income taxes (and, in many instances, replacing them with regressive sales taxes). But a new [...]/p
ALEC Sham Chemical Disclosure Model Tucked Into Illinois Fracking Bill | Common Dreams
ALEC Sham Chemical Disclosure Model Tucked Into Illinois Fracking Bill | Common Dreams
"Illinois is the next state on the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)'s target list for putting the oil industry's interests ahead of the public interest."
"Illinois is the next state on the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)'s target list for putting the oil industry's interests ahead of the public interest."
Bradley Manning: The Face of Heroism | Common Dreams
Bradley Manning: The Face of Heroism | Common Dreams
"Heroism is a slippery and ambiguous concept. But whatever it means, it is embodied by Bradley Manning and the acts which he unflinchingly acknowledged today he chose to undertake. The combination of extreme government secrecy, a supine media (see the prior two columns), and a disgracefully subservient judiciary means that the only way we really learn about what our government does is when the Daniel Ellsbergs - and Bradley Mannings - of the world risk their own personal interest and liberty to alert us. Daniel Ellberg is now widely viewed as heroic and noble, and Bradley Manning (as Ellsberg himself hasrepeatedly said) merits that praise and gratitude every bit as much."
"Heroism is a slippery and ambiguous concept. But whatever it means, it is embodied by Bradley Manning and the acts which he unflinchingly acknowledged today he chose to undertake. The combination of extreme government secrecy, a supine media (see the prior two columns), and a disgracefully subservient judiciary means that the only way we really learn about what our government does is when the Daniel Ellsbergs - and Bradley Mannings - of the world risk their own personal interest and liberty to alert us. Daniel Ellberg is now widely viewed as heroic and noble, and Bradley Manning (as Ellsberg himself hasrepeatedly said) merits that praise and gratitude every bit as much."
Happy 100th Birthday, Big Oil Tax Breaks
Happy 100th Birthday, Big Oil Tax Breaks: Automatic across-the-board budget cuts will take hold on Friday, affecting job growth, state education programs, environmental agencies, and women’s health programs. The sequester actually shares an important anniversary — with Big Oil tax breaks. It is not as well-known a date, but one type of deduction, the percentage depletion allowance, celebrates its 100-year anniversary today. [...]/p
VIDEO: How The GOP Constantly Pretends Spending Cuts Haven’t Happened
VIDEO: How The GOP Constantly Pretends Spending Cuts Haven’t Happened: Barring a miracle of bipartisan cooperation over the next 12 hours, the sequester — a series of across-the-board spending cuts — will kick in tonight. Part of the Budget Control Act of 2011, the sequester will likely shave 700,000 jobs and 0.6 percent worth of growth off the economy. Its cuts were designed to be [...]/p
How the Economic Quacks Promoting Austerity Will Increase the Deficit | Alternet
How the Economic Quacks Promoting Austerity Will Increase the Deficit | Alternet
"There isn’t, in fact, a “long-term deficit problem.” So long as interest rates stay below the growth rate, as they are, debt-to-GDP levels eventually stabilize and even decline. But if we start reintroducing cutbacks just as the US economy is beginning to show faltering signs of recovery, all of the recent gains on the budget deficit will go by the wayside. Why? Because fiscal austerity deflates economic activity, causing tax revenues to plunge and social welfare payments – unemployment insurance, welfare, food stamps – to explode. The perverse impact, then, is that deficits get larger – precisely the opposite of what the “austerian” brigade desires, but which is happening in earnest in places like Greece and Spain."
"There isn’t, in fact, a “long-term deficit problem.” So long as interest rates stay below the growth rate, as they are, debt-to-GDP levels eventually stabilize and even decline. But if we start reintroducing cutbacks just as the US economy is beginning to show faltering signs of recovery, all of the recent gains on the budget deficit will go by the wayside. Why? Because fiscal austerity deflates economic activity, causing tax revenues to plunge and social welfare payments – unemployment insurance, welfare, food stamps – to explode. The perverse impact, then, is that deficits get larger – precisely the opposite of what the “austerian” brigade desires, but which is happening in earnest in places like Greece and Spain."
Democrats' New Plan To Tax Wall Street
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The Sequester and the Tea Party Plot | Common Dreams
The Sequester and the Tea Party Plot | Common Dreams
"Imagine a plot to undermine the government of the United States, to destroy much of its capacity to do the public’s business, and to sow distrust among the population. Imagine further that the plotters infiltrate Congress and state governments, reshape their districts to give them disproportionate influence in Washington, and use the media to spread big lies about the government."
"Imagine a plot to undermine the government of the United States, to destroy much of its capacity to do the public’s business, and to sow distrust among the population. Imagine further that the plotters infiltrate Congress and state governments, reshape their districts to give them disproportionate influence in Washington, and use the media to spread big lies about the government."
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